Latest news with #Amston
Otago Daily Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Amston freezes out doubters
When you ask SkyCity Stampede defenceman Stefan Amston how he honestly rates his team's chances coming to the skinny end of the New Zealand Ice Hockey League season, he doesn't pull any punches. "I really feel we've played as bad as we could, and it can only get better." So far this season, the nine-time national champions have only had two back-to-back wins — both times against fifth-placed Canterbury Red Devils. Yet, the Stampede are still second on the table, with just two rounds left in the regular season, including this weekend's Battle of the Titans in Auckland, against top-of-the-table Botany Swarm. Amston, 31, Queenstown council's facilities and fleet manager, is in his 10th season for the Stampede, initially intending to play just one. He and his sister, former Wakatipu Wild women's ice hockey player Kimberley Helmersson, were both born in Christchurch, though his dad's from Sweden and his mum's from the UK. His parents met backpacking in Australia, went back to Sweden, and applied for residency to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. "Whoever replied first they went to — which was NZ." When Amston was about 6 the family relocated to Sweden — he'd already had his first crack at skating by then, but wasn't a fan. "There is a video of me crying, profusely, on skates when I'm, like, 3, and [I] pretty much say, 'take them off'," he laughs. In Sweden, though, he frothed for it, and played for about 16 years, including for a Division 1 pro team the year before he moved to Queenstown, at 21, just three months after meeting his now-wife, Felicia. "The intention was always to move back at some stage, and it just got expedited when I met her. "I thought she took a right gamble on me, but it worked out." As to why they picked Queenstown, it came down to Amston's desire to play that 'one' season of hockey. Wanting to play for the best team, he Googled who won the 2015 NZIHL championship, "and it just happened to be the Stampede". "So I emailed Ross Burns — he actually declined me to come and play until I told him I was a NZ citizen," he laughs. "I came down here, really loved it, and just stuck around." Despite the rocky road to the finals so far, Amston believes the Stampede has a great chance of lifting the Birgel Cup for the 10th time. He notes between injuries, illness, the birth of some future Stampede players, work and personal commitments, "I don't think we've actually played with a full team a single weekend". "We still have a great chance. "I'd be surprised if we weren't the top contender this year as well and, hopefully, we'll show that this weekend — that we can actually play quite well, and we do deserve to be the no.1 seed."
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Diana Morales' Book Rise Above The Noise Hits Amazon Bestseller List, Offering a Message of Resilience and Leadership
AMSTON, CT, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2025 / / -- Diana Morales, founder of DM Consulting and a respected voice in strategic leadership and professional development, has officially launched her debut book, " Rise Above The Noise: How to Cut Distractions, Build Meaningful Connections & Influence, and Have Lasting Impact.' Published by Game Changer Publishing, this bestseller is resonating with readers across the globe for its raw storytelling, practical insights, and timely message of resilience. Drawing from her personal journey and professional experience, Morales presents a deeply reflective and empowering narrative that explores how individuals can navigate life's challenges while rising above societal expectations that often limit potential. The book offers both a personal story and a broader framework for those seeking clarity, connection, and purpose in an increasingly noisy and distracted world. The Amazon bestseller recognition highlights the book's widespread impact and growing relevance in today's culture. 'Rise Above' speaks to professionals, emerging leaders, and anyone navigating personal or professional transformation. Rather than offering prescriptive advice, Morales provides thoughtful reflection and encouragement, grounded in lived experience and applicable insight. 'Every chapter is a reminder that leadership begins from within,' Morales said in a recent statement. 'No one has ever lived life fully or achieved lasting success by staying comfortable. This book invites readers to examine how they respond to adversity, how they lead, and how they connect with themselves and others in a meaningful way.' The release of Rise Above contributes to Morales' expanding body of work as a leadership consultant and keynote speaker. Through her company, DM Consulting, she assists biotech clients in aligning leadership strategies, commercial operations, with organizational goals while fostering a culture of integrity, impact, and connection. Diana's voice and vision provide both inspiration and strategy for navigating real-world challenges and creating meaningful success on one's own terms. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her official websites at: Diana Morales DM Consulting LLC +1 860-912-2406 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
