Few Embody Adelaide Hockey More Than Zach Boyle

When talking about Adelaide ice hockey legends, Adrenaline fans will forever reminisce watching the famous names play… Oddy, Harding, Huxley, Rezek… the list goes on.

While these names will always be legendary to Adelaide hockey, there’s a new wave of players who’ve quietly been creating a long-lasting legacy within the community.

One that’s impossible to ignore is Adrenaline defenseman Zach Boyle.

As the club prepares for the first game of the 2024 season, Zach is also quietly preparing for a major milestone in his AIHL career, 200 games.

We caught up with Zach at the local hockey shop, Skaters Network, to talk about his career so far and season ahead.

Zach made his debut on the 26th April 2014 in a game which Adrenaline beat Newcastle on the road, a shutout win which featured 88 penalty minutes.

He’s since played 193 games for 3 teams, the Adrenaline, Canberra Brave and Melbourne Ice, scoring 18 goals and 47 assists. In addition to being a key figure in the Adrenaline for many years, there’s a lot more to Zach Boyle than the numbers might suggest.

“It doesn’t feel real saying that I’ll have played 200 games in this league. I’ve always just enjoyed going out there and giving it 100% alongside my friends and teammates. Every chance I get to do that is something I don’t want to take for granted.”



In a city where hockey is considered a second or maybe third tier sport, Zach has done what almost none have been able to do in Australia… make a living out of hockey.

For over 8 years Zach has been a friendly face at the local hockey shop. He’s been the “go to guy” for kids buying their first pair of skates, the experienced answer to gear/skate repairs or a trusted answer to recommend which stick to buy.

There are not many people that wouldn’t have crossed path with Zach throughout the years.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for hockey. To be able to go to work every day and in some way help people to share the love of hockey and ice sports that I have, is something that I am grateful for”.

Looking ahead at the 2024 season, Zach is optimistic that the fans have something to look forward to this winter.

“We have worked hard this off season. We finished 2023 with an against the odds win against the Mustangs in a sold-out IceArena. The whole team got a taste of what it takes to be a good team, we want to go out and do that every game. I’m confident with some of our recent signings, and the commitment that our team has, that we will be a team that Adelaide can be proud of.”

In between sharpening a pair of skates, we asked Zach about his proudest achievement to date. As is trademark Zach Boyle, he was humble and remained focused on the task ahead.

“I’ve been lucky enough to represent Australia and travel around the country playing the sport I love. What I really want though is to bring the Goodall Cup back to South Australia. I want to be there on the ice and hoist the cup in front of the loyal hockey fans who have supported us through thick and thin. That’ll be my proudest achievement”.

Zach Boyle and the rest of the Adrenaline team return to the ice against Sydney Bears this Saturday at 4:45PM. Tickets are available on our website.