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News 13 September 2014

All the news for Saturday 13 September 2014


Kumar cool as the only goalie in Asiad hockey team

By S. Ramaguru


S. Kumar is the only goalkeeper in the Malaysia hockey team to the Incheon Asian Games. - Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: S. Kumar believes that there is no problem with having just one goalkeeper for the Asian Games hockey challenge.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) had, on Thursday, named Kumar as the only goalkeeper for the Sept 19-Oct 4 Asiad challenge. This, they argued, was to allow the team to take an extra outfield player.

“The playing format in Incheon will be four halves of 15 minutes each, so this will actually allow us to catch a breather after each half,” he explained.

“I am used to this format as it was used in the India Hockey League. It has its benefits ... it will also allow me to rest a bit, unlike playing in the old format of 35 minutes each half.

“So, I do not see this (having just one goalkeeper) being an issue at all.”

But Kumar admitted that it was still a risk.

“This is the first time we’re taking such a risk. But I believe that the team management is fully aware of this. I will do my best to stay fit and injury-free. That will be crucial,” said Kumar as he prepares to feature in his fourth Asian Games.

“All the players know that we have only one goalkeeper, so I’m sure they will do their part to make sure we are well-balanced in our defensive play.”

Malaysia had two goalkeepers when they won the silver medal in Guangzhou four years ago, with Roslan Jamaluddin deputising for Kumar.

The 35-year-old Kumar made his Asiad debut in South Korea when the Games were held in Busan in 2002. He has since featured in two other Asian Games – Doha 2006 and Guangzhou 2010.

Malaysia will start their Group A campaign in Incheon against Singapore on Sept 20 before playing Bangladesh the next day. They will then face their main rivals South Korea (Sept 25) and Japan (Sept 26).

Group B comprises defending champions Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, China and Oman.

The national team will leave for Incheon on Wednesday.

The Star of Malaysia



Dropped Baljit picked for Germany stint

By Aftar Singh


Baljit Singh has been dropped from the national hockey team to the Incheon Asian Games but got himself a place to paly in the German Hockey League. - Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: When one door closes, another usually opens. And that is the case with national hockey defender Baljit Singh Charun.

Axed from the Incheon Asian Games squad, Baljit can at least take comfort from knowing that he has been offered to play in the German Hockey League.

The Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) employee will play alongside national forward S. Selvaraju for Division Two outfit Wespen club, the same side he featured for in 2008.

The 28-year-old Baljit, a member of the Malaysian team who won the silver medal in the 2010 Asiad in Guangzhou, is annoyed with himself for failing to make the cut for the Incheon Games.

It’s the fourth time that his services have not been required by the national team.

He featured in last month’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games but the team came under fire after losing 4-2 to minnows Trinidad and Tobago en route to finishing seventh.

“It hasn’t been a good year for me, especially with the national team not requiring my services for the most important assignment of the year – the Asian Games (where the gold medallists will gain an automatic berth for 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics),” said Baljit, who will leave for Germany next week.

“Although this is the fourth time that I’ve been dropped, I’m not about to quit the national team.

Baljit said that he’ll be in Germany for a month and probably play seven matches.

“I hope to improve my skills in tackling and defending when I play in the German League ... the stint should also boost my confidence in preparation for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), which begins on Oct 27,” said Baljit.

The Star of Malaysia



Indian Women's Hockey Team Leave for Incheon

Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, will provide a platform for the Indian women's team to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.


The Indian women's hockey team in action during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

New Delhi: After a decent performance in the recently concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Indian women hockey team is all geared for another challenge as they depart from New Delhi on Saturday for the upcoming Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea. (Despite pull outs, India aim for medals galore at Asian Games)

Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, will provide a platform for the Indian women's team to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Asian Games: Sania Mirza's U-turn)

The Ritu Rani-led team had been practising hard under the stewardship of chief coach Neil Hawgood at NSNIS, Patiala and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. (Indian men's hockey team departs for Asian Games)

The Indian women's team consisting experienced players like vice-captain Deepika (131 caps), Rani (116 caps), Poonam Rani (118 caps), besides Ritu Rani -- all of whom had played in the last edition of the Asian Games -- India would certainly fancy their chances.

The Indian eves will start their campaign against Thailand on September 22 before clashing with China (Sep 24) and Malaysia (Sep 26) in Pool A.

Speaking on the preparations for the Asian Games, coach Hawgood said, "The preparatory camp in Patiala and New Delhi has gone very well. We've had enough time to put in place strategies for each player. We looked closely at our key problems in converting penalty corners and we stressed on rectifying those areas. We are hopeful of doing well and winning gold at the Asian Games to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics."

Captain Ritu Rani said the team had worked hard on improving their penalty corners during the one-month camp.

"We have worked hard on our shortcomings during a one month camp with our coach Neil Hawgood and Director High Performance, Roelent Oltmans.

A few areas, especially in the area of penalty corners we have focussed our efforts and have made improvements and are very confident on our strengths. "We can reach the final of the Asian Games and confident that the gold medal is in our reach," she said.

The Asian Games will see a total of eight teams divided into two groups.

List of Selected Players:

Goalkeeper: Savita. Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika (vice-captain), Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Jaspreet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Monika. Midfielders: Ritu Rani (captain), Lilima Minz, Amandeep Kaur, Chanchan Devi Thokchom. Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya, Navjot Kaur.

NDTV Sports



Huge finals day looming at Ford NHL


Pictured: Northland's Stacey Michelsen and Ella Gunson, courtesy www.photosport.co.nz

The title contenders have been confirmed following semi finals day at the Ford National Hockey League today.

Auckland and Northland will battle it out for the women’s K Cup at 12pm before defending champions Auckland and Midlands contest the men’s Challenge Shield at 2.20pm.

Both finals will be streamed live through the Hockey New Zealand website, with replays and highlights available upon completion.

The live feed will also feature expert commentary from Bryan Waddle, who will be joined by Katie Glynn for the women’s final and Dave Kosoof for the men’s final.

In today’s semi finals, the Auckland women defeated 2013 champions Midlands 3-2 to earn their chance for play for the title.

Auckland were never behind on the score board with Charlotte Harrison and Su Arn Kwek scoring in the first half, while Midlands twice drew level thanks to goals from Natasha FitzSimons and Kate Kernaghan.

With the game delicately poised, Charlotte Harrison drilled home the match winner with a terrific shot from the top of the circle in the 47th minute.

Meanwhile, Northland stunned the Canterbury Cats 3-1 to take the other place in the women’s final.

Midfielder Stacey Michelsen was a cut above the rest today, tearing her opposition to shreds and coming away with two crucial goals.

Michelsen opened the scoring in the 13th minute before play was postponed due to heavy rain and a flooded turf. After the game resumed, Canterbury drew level early in the third quarter to leave the score locked up at 1-1.

But Northland surged ahead again after Michelsen took the ball on a solo run from halfway and beat the goalkeeper from a tight angle. Ella Gunson then extended Northland’s lead seven minutes out from fulltime with a stroke.

In men’s results, Auckland kept their hopes alive and now have a shot at a fourth consecutive championship after edging the Southern Dogs 3-2.

Auckland were first to score, but goals see-sawed between the two sides with much of the game tied, before striker Jared Panchia smashed home the winner from the top of the circle 13 minutes out from fulltime.

Panchia scored a double while Dwayne Rowsell was also on the card for Auckland after a powerful penalty corner drag flick. Joe Crooks had a solid game with two goals for Southern.

Joining Auckland in the final is Midlands, who took out a dramatic sudden death shoot-out 5-4 over the Canterbury Cavaliers after the score was deadlocked 2-2 at fulltime.

Earlier in the match Australian import Nick Budgeon gave the Cavaliers the upper hand with two goals, before Connor Herewini delivered the equaliser for Midlands with a stinging reverse shot with just five minutes to go.

There was nothing between the sides again through the first round of shoot-outs, needing sudden death to decide the winner.

CLICK HERE for the full draw, results, standings and goal scorers

FORD NHL RESULTS – SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

WOMEN

SEMI FINAL
Auckland 3: (Charlotte Harrison 2, Su Arn Kwek)
Midlands 2: (Natasha FitzSimons, Kate Kernighan)

SEMI FINAL
Northland 3: (Stacey Michelsen 2, Ella Gunson)
Canterbury Cats 1: (Sian Fremaux)

Central Mysticks 3: (Kristy Anderson, Pippa Norman, Michaela Curtis)
North Harbour 0

Southern Storm 2: (Alexandra Irwin, Maddi McLean)
Capital 1: (Kat O’Callaghan)

MEN

SEMI FINAL
Auckland 3: (Jared Panchia 2, Dwayne Rowsell)
Southern Dogs 2: (Joe Crooks 2)

SEMI FINAL
Canterbury Cavaliers 2: (Nick Budgeon 2)
Midlands 2: (Jonty Keaney, Connor Herewini)
Midlands won shoot-out 5-4

Capital 4: (Jacob Smith 2, Harry Miskimmin, Gabriel Kepes)
Central Mavericks 2: (Matt Young, Steve Davison)

North Harbour 4: (Nathaniel Joy, Steven Edwards, Joe Bartholomew, James Coughlan)
Northland 2: (Isaac Staples, Matthew Argent)

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Auckland hold high hopes for scoring a title double at national league finals

By David Leggat


Black Sticks and Auckland player Liz Thompson. Photo / Christine Cornege

The last time Auckland did a title double at the National Hockey League finals was three years ago, and even that wasn't a clean-cut success.

Auckland won the women's K Cup that year, but had to share the Challenge Shield with Central.

Both topped their round robin competitions, which ended on Thursday night and go into the semifinals today favoured to advance to tomorrow's finals.

For all Auckland's assumed prowess, based on population as much as anything, it's worth remembering the finals have not always been an Auckland benefit.

In the men's case, they are going for a fourth straight title - including that 2011 shared success with Central - but the previous win was back in 2001.

In the intervening years, four provinces won the championship - Wellington four times, both by that name and as Capital in 2010, North Harbour three times, Canterbury and Midlands once each.

As for the women, apart from victory in 2011, Auckland's previous success was in 2001, the last year of a genuine Auckland provincial double. Four provinces have lifted the cup since then - Wellington and North Harbour three times each, Central and Canterbury twice, and Midlands last year. It should be noted Wellington did the double 11 years ago.

They are in the last four, and will look to avenge the 2-0 defeat in round-robin play last Saturday. Auckland have a strong incentive, however, having been beaten in the semifinals last year.

"I definitely think we're heading in the right direction," Auckland's Black Sticks defender Liz Thompson said.

"This whole tournament, every game has been tough. There are definitely key players we've needed to look out for, but we're building on every game and starting to link up better. Our structure is looking quite good."

There are nine players with four or more goals in the competition. Four are from Auckland - just-retired international Krystal Forgesson has five, sisters Charlotte and Sam Harrison and penalty corner striker SuArn Kwek have four apiece, all but one of Auckland's 18 goals. No prizes for guessing who defending champions Midlands will be keeping an eye on.

"You're gutted when you lose [in the semifinals], and we remember what it was like [last year]," Thompson said. "This is what you play and practise for, and hopefully we're peaking at the right time."

Northland and Canterbury should be tight. Canterbury won a penalty shootout to win their round-robin clash last Wednesday after it was locked up 1-1. Northland were the early pacesetters and will lean heavily on Black Sticks midfielder Stacey Michelsen for inspiration.

Auckland's men play Southern in a replay of last year's final, while Canterbury face a Midlands side who have impressed throughout the league, only surrendering top spot with Thursday's 1-0 loss to Auckland, and a Jared Panchia goal.

Finals countdown

National Hockey League semifinals today (all at North Harbour)
Men: Auckland v Southern, 2pm; Canterbury v Midlands, 4pm
Women: Auckland v Midlands, 10am; Northland v Canterbury, noon

The New Zealand Herald



Test hockey back in Christchurch

MATT RICHENS


CUTTING A DEAL: Hockey New Zealand boss Malcolm Harris is working with Canterbury Hockey and the Christchurch City Council to bring international hockey back to Christchurch. Photosport

Christchurch looks set to host its first hockey international in more then five years, in November, and it could be double delight for the city's hockey-lovers.

It is not a done deal, but Hockey New Zealand, Canterbury Hockey and the Christchurch City Council are all working together to bring international hockey back to Christchurch.

The Japanese and Canadian men's teams and the highly ranked Australian women are all pencilled in to tour New Zealand in November and December and up to a dozen tests will be played.

No venues have been 100 per cent confirmed, according to Hockey New Zealand boss Malcolm Harris, but Christchurch is a favourite and all the relevant parties are confident it will happen.

"The intent is clear," Harris said. "We'd love to hold a series in Christchurch."

The commercial model had to work, though, Harris added, meaning it has to be financially viable and needs a council funding boost.

And the council is "100 per cent" on board.

"We very much want the two tests in Christchurch," said John Filsell, council recreation and sports manager.

"And we're prepared to help financially and any other way we can."

"Hockey New Zealand approached us to see if we're interested and we're very interested," said Kevin Collier, council's sports events manager.

It is understood the games would be played on consecutive days, most likely around a weekend, in November.

The Black Sticks women's team last played in Christchurch in 2009 while the last men's test was in 2007.

The Black Sticks men's side did come to Christchurch and were in the middle of a three-day camp, including games against the Canterbury men's side, when the September 4, 2010 earthquake struck, wrecking the city's spiritual hockey home, Porritt Park.

The November tests would be played at St Bede's College's Marist Park turf.

Christchurch's four National Hockey League matches - two this year and two last year - were both well supported at Marist Park despite poor weather on both occasions, but Canterbury Hockey boss Rod Templeton expected test matches to transcend beyond just hockey supporters.

"Canterbury has embraced having top-level hockey back in the region. We've had great support from hockey people and I think this would be well supported by the wider sporting public," he said.

"Nothing is finalised and we still have a number of things to work on, but there is a confidence there, and it would be great for the sport, which has been through a lot."
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A shortage of turfs has forced club teams and even junior sides to use the available turfs at all hours while the sport's numbers have battled that and still increased.

"It's about spreading the hockey gospel," Harris told The Press.

"Part of our strategy is to maximise home internationals and the intent is to tour Black Sticks around which builds support for the sport and raises its profile."

Stuff



Deccan Waters bring spring back in the mood of HIL

Entry of seventh team in the hugely popular Hockey India League brings back spring in the otherwise sombre trend the commodity experienced in the last two days due to the withdrawal of two franchises, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos.

Hero Hockey India League today announced addition of a new team for the upcoming Jan-Feb 2015 season. Pune will be the new host city, making it the seventh franchise that will compete in the prestigious international event, though reports in the last two days mentioned withdrawals of two entrenched teams.

The Pune franchise has been bought by Anibran Sarkar, owner of the Deccan Water Treatment Pvt. Ltd, with the market valuation about 2000 Cr.

Speaking on the announcement Hockey India Secretary-General and Hero Hockey India League Chairman Dr. Narinder Batra said “We welcome Deccan Water Treatment and Mr. Sarkar as the new franchise for next season’s Hockey India League. These are exciting times for us as a new city will be able to witness the International tournament and the amount of people we will be reaching out too will also be more in number.”

Talking about the growth of the sport in the country he said, “With a new franchise coming in and a company like Deccan Water Treatment contributing to the sport, we are moving in the right direction.”

PUNE Franchise owner Sarkar said: “Having closely and sincerely following the developments of Hockey in our country under the leadership of Dr. Narinder Batra, I was very impressed and felt a need to be a part and contribute to the sport”. Having a love and passion for Hockey since his school days in Pune, Mr Sarkar says that the city has produced many Hockey Stars for India. “The cradle for Hockey in India has seen stars like Baboo Nimal, Joseph Philips, Dhanraj Pillay, Vikram Pillay and many International and national players and I too grew up like many other Pune boys playing for my school in interschool and Zilla parishad matches with borrowed hockey sticks from friends. Buying the Pune franchise is the just the beginning for a larger and better future for the sport in the country.”

Deccan Water Treatment Pvt. Ltd. is the pioneer in the manufacturing of RO systems for Drinking water specialized for desalination and arsenic removal by reverse osmosis process. Backed by the most modern technology they provide a solution to all water treatment problems under one roof and also have diversified into Solar Energy in 2010. The company has not restricted to a single sector or region as their aim is to reach the remotest of villages for provision of Drinking water and efficient treatment of waste water and its recycling.

Stick2Hockey.com



New Pune team brings relief to beleaguered Hockey India League

Barely a day after Ranchi Rhinos became the second team to pull out of the Hockey India League (HIL), a new franchise was added to the league with Deccan Water Treatment Private Limited bagging the Pune franchise.

The team will be the seventh franchise in the league. Ranchi Rhinos, the winner of the inaugural edition, had pulled out of the HIL late on Thursday night, close on the heels of the winding up of the Mumbai Magicians.

Manoj Bhore, joint-secretary Hockey India (HI) said the addition of the Pune team was a boost for the league as well as hockey in Maharashtra. “It is great that the state of Maharashtra will have two new teams. This new development will be a shot in the arm for the progress of hockey in the state,” he said.

The Pune franchise will play its home games at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium located in the satellite cities of Pimpri-Chinchwad, according to Bhore. The 5,000-seater stadium played host to the Pune Strykers, the runners-up in the sole edition of the now-defunct World Series Hockey (WSH).

Bhore also said that Hockey India has asked the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the owners of the stadium, to make some changes. “The astro-turf is in very bad condition. We have requested PCMC to relay the turf. It is imperative that there be new turf for the league’s matches,” he said.

Interestingly, Pune is home to the Balewadi Sports Complex which hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in 2008. Balewadi Sports Complex has a state-of-the-art hockey pitch but lack of stands for spectators mean the franchise cannot use it as their home ground.

According to sources, the coach of the Pune franchise will be Harendra Singh, the current coach of the India men’s junior team.

Indian Express



Junior camp for Sultan of Johor Cup to start from tomorrow

The preparatory camp for junior boys will commence at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi from 13th September 2014.

The camp is in preparation for the 4th Sultan of Johor Cup, scheduled in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from 10-20 October 2014 and FIH Junior Men World Cup 2016.

India being the defending Champions of the tournament will yet again look at continuing their dominance this year too. Playing against teams including Australia, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand and Pakistan, the Indian team will leave no stone unturned and will aim at bagging the title yet again.

The 33 Junior Men Core Probables are part of this camp which will continue till 9 October 2014. GOALKEEPERS
1. Vikas Dahiya
2. Subodh Tirkey
3. Abhinav Kumar Pandey
4. Jugraj Singh

DEFENDERS

5.  Abhay Ekka
6.  Jarmanpreet Singh
7.  Harmanpreet Singh
8.  Anand Lakra
9.  Gurinder Singh
10. Abhishek Pratap Singh
11. Baljit Singh
12. Nilam Sanjeep Xess
13. Dipsan Tirkey
14. Varun Kumar

MIDFIELDERS

15. Sumit
16. Simranjeet Singh
17. Santa Singh
18. Prakash Barla
19. Harjeet Singh
20. S. H. Nilakanta Sharma
21. Imran Khan
22. Manpreet
23. Rajat Sharma
24. Ajay Yadav

FORWARDS

25. Parvinder Singh
26. Arman Qureshi
27. Ajit Kumar Pandey
28. Mohd. Nizamuddin
29. Pawan Kumar
30. Raushan Kumar
31. Janma Majhi
32. Sumit Toppo
33. Sumit Kumar

Stick2Hockey.com



Preparatory camp to be held for junior men's probables

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 4th Sultan of Johor Cup hockey, a preparatory camp for the India junior men's core probables will commence on Saturday at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

The Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia is scheduled to be held from October 10-20. The camp is part of preparation for the FIH Junior Men's World Cup in 2016.

Being the defending champions, India will look to continue their dominance this year too. Up against teams like Australia, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand and Pakistan, the Indians will have their task cut out.

"The preparatory camp will be much tougher this time around for the men as they will have to live up to the title of being the champions of Sultan of Johor Cup. The boys are looking forward to representing the country," said Narinder Batra, secretary general, Hockey India.

The camp for the 33 probables will continue till October 9.

List of players:

GOALKEEPERS: 1. Vikas Dahiya, 2. Subodh Tirkey, 3. Abhinav Kumar Pandey, 4. Jugraj Singh,

DEFENDERS: 5. Abhay Ekka, 6. Jarmanpreet Singh, 7. Harmanpreet Singh, 8. Anand Lakra, 9. Gurinder Singh, 10. Abhishek Pratap Singh, 11. Baljit Singh, 12. Nilam Sanjeep Xess, 13. Dipsan Tirkey, 14. Varun Kumar

MIDFIELDERS: 15. Sumit, 16. Simranjeet Singh, 17. Santa Singh, 18. Prakash Barla, 19. Harjeet Singh, 20. SH Nilakanta Sharma, 21. Imran Khan, 22. Manpreet, 23. Rajat Sharma, 24. Ajay Yadav

FORWARDS: 25. Parvinder Singh, 26. Arman Qureshi, 27. Ajit Kumar Pandey, 28. Mohd. Nizamuddin, 29. Pawan Kumar 30. Raushan Kumar, 31. Janma Majhi, 32. Sumit Toppo, 33. Sumit Kumar.

The Times of India



Ghulam Rasool XI, Dar XI win Peace Hockey openers
 
LAHORE - Ghulam Rasool Chudhry XI and Munir Dar XI Friday registered victories on the opening day of the Peace Hockey Tournament being organised by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) here at the Johar Town Hockey Stadium.

Ghulam Rasool Ch XI beat Brig Atif XI 2-1 and Munir Dar XI beat Noor Khan XI 4-2. The tournament is being splayed on single league basis. Winning team would get three points while a draw would award one point each to the contesting teams.

In the opening match of the day, Abu Bakr helped Ghulam Rasool Ch XI to take lead in the 16th minute through a field goal. Usman Tariq’s successful conversion of a penalty corner doubled the lead in the 37th minute. Zeeshan from Brig Atif XI reduced the lead in the 43rd minute. The second match between Noor Khan XI and Munir Dar XI was full of thrill. Two goals by Bilal helped Dar XI dominate the proceedings since beginning. He slammed his first goal in the seventh minute and second in the 22nd minute. In the 29th minute, Wasim Akram scored a field goal to strengthen his team’s position. Noor Khan XI bounced back ferociously in the third half scoring two goals in three minutes. Both goals were scored by Atif Baig in the 37th and 40th minutes respectively. Khalid Bhatti scored the fourth goal for Dar XI in the dying moments of the match to finish it 4-2 in his team’s favour.

The Nation



Friday Night Fog

After beautiful sunshine the unpredictable Scottish weather claimed victory at Peffermill this evening. The first Friday Night Lights of the season had to be abandoned.

Both teams started strong and with the crowd building it looked set for an exciting game of hockey. Ten minutes in a penalty flick was awarded, Inverleith keeper Neil Durno made contact with a Watsonian player.

David Paterson stepped up and neatly slotted the ball into the back of the neck to give Watsonians the lead. The Scottish weather started to dominate but the teams decided to play on and battle the elements.

It was end to end play and with five minutes to go Inverleith were awarded a penalty flick after a purple robe was pushed in the back, in the circle. Patrick Christie stepped up and slipped the ball past the keeper to make it all level.

Before the clock made it to half time the officials Neil McAlpine and Paul Ruddock called it time due to weather, game officially abandoned to be continued.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Fast and furious - new format gets a high five from the young stars



Hockey 5s went down a storm at the Youth Olympic Games. Calling for speed, fitness and versatility, players and spectators have given it a thumbs up. Here, three of the players talk about the experience.

Mexico’s Maximiliano Falcon lives and breathes hockey. He started playing when he was 11, encouraged to do so by his hockey-mad physical education teacher. He now trains every day of the week, either for club or country.

While the Youth Olympics is not Maximiliano’s first international competition – he played a club tour in Canada and at the YOG qualifier, the Junior Pan American Championships in Puerto Rico – in terms of quality, it is the best competition he has played in to date.

“The level here is very good,” he says. “In Mexico, it’s always just boys, kids, here, it’s more professional. These players are dedicated to hockey. I expected it to be like this, fast, hard and skillful.”

 In the quarter-finals, Mexico lost 8-1 to the eventual winners, Australia. But, while disappointed, Maximiliano says he loves the intensity and pace offered by Hockey 5s. And, as a forward, there is a further advantage to 5s: “You can shoot on goal from anywhere, it’s very challenging. A good scorer can score from anywhere, even from goal to goal, a good flick at the right moment. It’s fun.”

Maximiliano’s teammate, goalkeeper José Hernandez Alarcon, explains that Hockey5s offers a different challenge:  “I started playing when I was 10, but I didn’t have the skills to become an outfield player, so I was put in goal. Now I am playing for my country!  You have to keep up with the game at all times because possession switches so quickly. To be good in the 5s format, you always have to be switched on.”

So adept between the sticks is José, that he was voted Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the YOG qualifiers. He also played in the 2013 Senior Pan American Cup.

Canadian goalkeeper, Liam Manning, wears his silver medal with pride. Canada took the runners-up spot after a tough encounter with Australia – a close match that had to be decided in a shoot-out.

Liam got into hockey goalkeeping after a short career as an ice-hockey player. He says: “Friends back in Ottawa were playing, and they thought I might be interested because I played ice hockey, so they said ‘Do you want to try it out?’, and I said ‘Sure’. I liked it, and I stuck around.”

His international experience so far has been limited to the YOG qualifier, the Youth Pan-American Games and a three-match test series against the USA. The finals of the YOG is Liam’s sporting pinnacle to date. “We came here ready to do our best, we were going to give everything we had. But you never expect to make a semi-final, let alone the final.”
 
Like José, Liam feels that Hockey 5s offers the goalkeepers a more continuous challenge. “I get involved in the game and get to touch the ball a lot more than in 11s. The scores are higher, which is a downside for goalies, but on the other hand, the goalies can score if they use their stick. That’s something I enjoy.”

FIH site

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