Ice mates on world stage | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Mates since they were seven, Ryan Paskell and Hayden Argyle will also be team mates for New Zealand in the world division three ice hockey championship in Ireland next month.

The 20-year-olds are new caps for the Ice Blacks, but have been team mates in national age group teams.

They were mates at Shirley Primary and Intermediate, with Paskell starting ice sport as a youngster because his friend Argyle, who's family had moved here from Gore, loved it.

Paskell went to Shirley Boys' High and Argyle to Aranui High, but they continued to play ice hockey together. Now both will line up in the Ice Blacks defence on the world stage. Canterbury has also contributed goalkeeper Gareth Livingstone of Ashburton to the team.

"It's going to be extremely exciting playing at the world championships, and good to play at the highest level competition," said Paskell.

At Dundalk the Ice Blacks play Armenia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mongolia, and South Africa for the title. The Kiwis are ranked No.1 and are seeking promotion back to world division two after relegation last year.

"I reckon we can win it," said Paskell.

"Before the world championships we are flying to Italy for 15 days, and we've got five games there."

Each player has had to raise about $2500 to fund the trip.