Bendigo Raiders Ice Hockey Club. (Dragon City Ice Hockey Association)

The Bendigo Rink in Hattam St Golden Square was built in 1985 and was modified by increasing the height of the boards in 1987 to accommodate the Oceanic Tournament that year. Change rooms were constructed by members of the Raiders club and a communal multipurpose room was also constructed at the rink with the combined efforts of the Raiders and the Figure Skating club.

 The Bendigo Raiders are members of Ice Hockey Victoria and as such are also members of Ice Hockey Australia

 The season is conducted over the winter months and the Raiders compete in all five levels of competition within the IHV league. The Raiders have successfully won premierships in the Junior B level and Senior B levels in the past and over recent years as membership has increased; the Raiders are strong competitors in the Senior A level of the competition.

The club is often successful in attracting international players of a high quality, usually from Canada to play in seniors every year. The Raiders have significant relationships with many past Canadian players and look forward to new visiting players each year.

The Raiders are consistently well represented at the National Competition level, representing Victoria at state tournaments and on several occasions over our history have seen a number of Raiders players represent Australia.

Over 35yrs hockey is supported by the Raiders during the annual ‘Old Timers” tournament held in Bendigo over the Queens Birthday weekend and a Bendigo representative team often competes in the weekend.

The Raiders are attempting to establish a stronger base of female players and are looking at establishing a team of “Sled Hockey” players to enable access to the sport for disabled athletes.

Development of junior and new players to ice hockey is provided every week at the rink. The Raiders provide coaching in basic knowledge and skills around hockey with many participants moving up to the skill level required to play for the Raiders. We provide a supportive environment for all those new to the sport and we are strongly supported and assisted by the Bendigo YMCA  with the program.

The club celebrates the achievements of all players and their efforts over the season and special recognition is given to those who have played exceptionally well and have contributed to the improvement of their team and sport with MVP Awards every year. Awards are recognized via the player only voting system at each game and two of the awards are named after people who have contributed much to the sport,

The John McCracken and Dave Riggall Awards.