The king of southern ice hockey is now the emperor of the national competition.
Dunedin Thunder great and Dunedin Ice Stadium manager Paris Heyd has been named the new general manager of the New Zealand Ice Hockey League.
Heyd replaces Andreas Kaisser, whose long tenure in the role ended after the 2023 season.
The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation said Kaisser left "an incredible legacy in the league" and his long service had "left a remarkable impact that will be difficult to surpass".
They shape as big skates to fill, but Heyd will not be intimidated by that.
He has been there and done that in every area of the sport since strapping on his skates as a youngster.
Heyd first made his mark as part of championship-winning Canterbury Red Devils squads, before becoming an integral part of the Dunedin Thunder.
He was named the NZIHL most valuable player in 2011 and 2018, and also won five world championship silver medals with the Ice Blacks.
Heyd technically retired in 2021 but dusted off his skates for home Thunder games last year.
He told the NZIHL website he was looking forward to working with the teams to grow the league and the sport.
"The NZIHL, along with the NZWIHL, are the showcases of our sport and a key element to growing awareness and participation in ice hockey in New Zealand.
"The intriguing challenge to me is how we leverage the league to achieve these outcomes."
Heyd said it was business as usual for now but hinted at something new in the wings.
"The league is in a good space, which is a testament to the great work Kaisser and others have done beforehand.
"In saying that, we do have a few ideas we want to explore and there is an exciting announcement coming.
"We are going to be introducing a new event this year that I believe will be a great experience for both fans and players. Details are still being finalised, but watch this space."
The schedule for the 2024 season has been released, starting with games between the Auckland teams on May 4-5.
The Thunder begin their campaign with a home doubleheader against the Mako on May 17-18, while the Stampede are at home to the West Auckland Admirals on May 24-25.
