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All the news for Friday 31 October 2014

Ireland v Scotland This Weekend

Ireland v Scotland Match Schedule

Ireland's Green Army are in action this weekend as they continue training for Olympic Qualification along the Road To Rio. All school children can go free to these matches and tickets are just 5Euro for adults available on the gate.
Sunday 2nd November   IRELAND v SCOTLAND (Three Rock Rovers 18.00)
Monday 3rd November IRELAND v SCOTLAND (Three Rock Rovers 19.00)
Wednesday 5th November IRELAND v SCOTLAND (Alexandra College, Milltown 12.15)

Irish Hockey Association media release

Crutchley names Champions Trophy squad


The familiar duo of England captain Barry Middleton and Ashley Jackson in action at the 2014 Rabobank World Cup

England Men’s Head Coach Bobby Crutchley has named his squad of 18 athletes for the 2014 Hero Champions Trophy. The tournament, which is taking place in Bhubaneswar, India, will run from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 14 December.

England are in Pool A and will face Australia, Belgium and Pakistan in the preliminary stages while Pool B sees Argentina, the Netherlands and Germany battle it out against hosts India. 

The squad

After a fourth place finish at the World Cup and a Commonwealth bronze medal, Crutchley’s team remains largely unchanged following a solid two month training block and test matches [as Great Britain] against France which saw two dominant 9-1 and 10-0 victories. Holcombe and East Grinstead lead the way with club selection as they see five athletes each named in the squad [further details below].

October has been a good month for the East Grinstead duo of Chris Griffiths and Patrick Smith; after impressing Crutchley during their Great Britain debuts against France two weeks ago and showing strong form in training and for their club, both have earned a call-up for England duty. Griffiths will make his England debut at the tournament.

Beeston’s Tim Whiteman, who was forced to miss the Commonwealth Games following a broken thumb, comes back into the line-up.

The other addition to the squad is Reading’s Tom Carson, who comes back into the fold after missing out on selection for the Commonwealth Games. Carson will be no stranger to England fans after making 49 appearances and scoring 14 times since making his debut in June last year.

Quotes – England Head Coach Bobby Crutchley

On the tournament: “The Champions Trophy will provide us with the first real opportunity to assess where we are at as a squad following a significant block of training [September-November].  We are looking forward to going to Bhubaneswar for the first time and it will be interesting to see the new system of four quarters over 60 minutes in place for the first time at a major tournament.”
 
On England debutant Chris Griffiths: “The tournament sets us against the best teams in the world and allows us to give new players an opportunity to play at the very top. Chris [Griffiths] has impressed since he joined the programme and I’ve watched him improve through the junior age groups and through his club hockey at Loughborough Students and now East Grinstead. He’s an exciting young forward and I’m looking forward to seeing him step up to senior international hockey.”

Pool A opponents

Crutchley’s side face a tough opening game as they play world number one side Australia. Not only are the Kookaburras the current World Cup and Commonwealth Games Champions, but they will also be defending their Champions Trophy title after Kieran Govers’ golden goal winner handed them a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands in the 2012 final.

Belgium, who England beat 3-2 at the World Cup in The Hague to qualify for the semi-finals are ranked fourth in the world, one place above Bobby Crutchley’s side. It’s always a feisty affair between these two sides with Belgium winning three out of their last five encounters.

Pakistan are the lowest ranked side in the competition, with a current world placing of 11th. They come into the competition off the back of a silver medal at the Asian games, where they lost the final in dramatic fashion via a shootout with India. Three of the last five meetings between England and Pakistan have finished in a draw, so expect it to go down to the wire.

2014 Men’s Hero Champions Trophy – Squad
Name – club – hometown, region
Alastair Brogdon – Wimbledon – Hale, Manchester
Tom Carson – Reading – Wellington, Somerset
Nick Catlin – Holcombe – Marlow, Buckinghamshire
David Condon – East Grinstead – Leicester, Leicestershire
Adam Dixon – Beeston – Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Dan Fox – Holcombe – Godalming, Surrey
Mark Gleghorne – East Grinstead – Antrim, Northern Ireland
Chris Griffiths – East Grinstead – Birmingham, West Midlands
Michael Hoare – Wimbledon – Liverpool, Merseyside
Ashley Jackson – East Grinstead – Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Iain Lewers – Holcombe – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Harry Martin – Beeston – Ipswich, Suffolk
Barry Middleton – Holcombe – Doncaster, South Yorkshire
George Pinner (GK) – Holcombe – Ipswich, Suffolk
Phil Roper – Wimbledon – Chester, Cheshire
Patrick Smith (GK) – East Grinstead – Harlow, Essex
Henry Weir – Wimbledon – Nantwich, Cheshire
Tim Whiteman – Beeston – Bungay, Suffolk

Champions Trophy: the tournament - Source: FIH

The front runners
Australia are the most successful men's team with 13 titles to their name. The Kookaburras have dominated the competition for the past decade, not only are they the defending champions, having won the event in 2012 on home turf at Melbourne, they also won the previous four tournaments. Four titles behind them are Germany who have won the tournament nine times, with the Dutch winning eight times. Along with Pakistan three times, and Spain once in 2004, these are the only teams to have been crowned Champions Trophy winners.

Bhubaneswar, India – the hosts
The opening day of the tournament (Saturday 6 December) will feature all eight teams taking to the field on India's first newly built Olympic standard pink and blue hockey pitch in the Kalinga Stadium.  The 5,000 seater stadium also serves as the home ground for Hero Hockey India League franchise, Kalinga Lancers.

Qualification for this year's edition was as follows:
India qualified as host nation and their fourth place in the 2012 Champions Trophy; Australia are the defending champions; the Netherlands were runners-up in the 2012 Champions Trophy; Pakistan and Belgium qualify by virtue of their third and fifth respective placings in the 2012 Champions Trophy; Argentina were winners of the 2012 Champions Challenge 1, while England and Germany were given invitational places.

The future of the Champions Trophy
From 2016, the qualification criteria as set out by FIH will be slightly modified to accommodate the Hockey World League results. Qualifying teams will comprise: the host, the 2012 Olympic Champions, the 2014 World Cup winners, 2015 World League champions, the winners of the 2014 Champions Challenge and a team nominated by FIH Executive Board. If any team qualifies twice under the criteria, then FIH Executive Board will invite a further team.  The format of the competition will also revert to a six team round robin followed by classification matches.

For all the details of the Champions Trophy, including the full schedule visit the tournament website.

England Hockey Board Media release

Chris Griffiths set for England debut at Champions Trophy as Tom Carson and Tim Whiteman return

England Hockey men's head coach Bobby Crutchley names largely unchanged 18-strong squad for December's Champions Trophy in India

By Rod Gilmour


Back in the fold: Tim Whiteman returns to international action following World Cup injury Photo: ADY KERRY

Chris Griffiths, the East Grinstead forward, will make his England debut after being called up into Bobby Crutchley's 18-strong squad for the 2014 Hero Champions Trophy in India.

England will face a tricky group in Australia, Belgium and Pakistan during the preliminary stages while Pool B pits Argentina, the Netherlands, Germany and hosts India. The event will take place from Dec 6-14.

Following their Commonwealth bronze medal, Crutchley has overseen a two-month training block, which included two one-way Test match wins over France, 9-1 and 10-0 respectively.

The other inclusions see Beeston’s Tim Whiteman, who was forced to miss the Commonwealth Games following a broken thumb, return to the line-up, while Reading’s Tom Carson, with 49 caps, also returns after being dropped following the World Cup.

"We are looking forward to going to Bhubaneswar for the first time," said Crutchley. "It will be interesting to see the new system of four quarters over 60 minutes in place for the first time at a major tournament.”

After competing in Glasgow, Beeston’s Ollie Willars and Reading’s Simon Mantell miss out.

Griffiths' call-up means that both Holcombe and East Grinstead will have five players apiece in the England squad.

“The tournament sets us against the best teams in the world and allows us to give new players an opportunity to play at the very top," Crutchley added.

"Chris [Griffiths] has impressed since he joined the programme and I’ve watched him improve through the junior age groups and through his club hockey at Loughborough Students and now East Grinstead.

"He’s an exciting young forward and I’m looking forward to seeing him step up to senior international hockey.”

2014 Men’s Hero Champions Trophy – Squad

Alastair Brogdon, Tom Carson, Nick Catlin, David Condon, Adam Dixon, Dan Fox, Mark Gleghorne, Chris Griffiths, Michael Hoare, Ashley Jackson, Iain Lewers, Harry Martin, Barry Middleton, George Pinner (GK), Phil Roper, Patrick Smith (GK), Henry Weir, Tim Whiteman

England's group: Australia, Pakistan, Belgium

The Telegraph

How world hockey forged innovative partnership with Loughborough University

Global innovation partnership between British university and hockey's world governing body will question all areas of the game

By Rod Gilmour


Fresh blood: Jamie Dwyer teaching students at Loughborough University Photo: ANDY SMITH

In April, Loughborough University was announced as the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) official innovation partner after the idea was first mooted when England Hockey started to bid for the 2018 World Cup. At the time, the FIH stated that one of the key aims of the project would be to work towards a "dynamic, entertainment-focussed complementary game" in a bid to attract new hockey audience. In essence, the partnership covers all aspects of the game and follows the FIH's decision to change the game from two halves to four quarters ahead of Rio 2016.

How it works

The partnership is effectively a simple concept: the FIH come up with an idea, Loughborough then decide on which department within the university is best placed to come through with the idea.

For example, the university’s school of business and economics work on a particular corporate strategy, the design school on hockey's shortened, indoor format and the process around the development of the ball.

“The ball hasn’t gone through any radical redesign in the last 30 years whereas pitches have,” says Andrew Borrie, Loughborough’s deputy director of sport. “We need to help them on fundamental work such as to why the ball is designed and manufactured the way it is, how it interacts with the pitch and whether you need the same kind of ball on a water-based pitch than a sand-based pitch.

“How do you change some facets of the design of the ball so people can play better hockey on 3G pitches, which would be massive for participation levels. All of those questions hockey needs answering to keep the game moving forward.”

Loughborough harbours aspirations to become “the best hockey development centre in the world,” according to Borrie. “Hockey is a key sport for us."

For now, they will continue to help the FIH as the governing body readies itself for another partner, Indian broadcaster Star Sports, to start its eight-year media and entertainment deal from next year.

Meanwhile, the university has also signed a partnership with Jason Lee, the former England women’s coach, in a performance consultancy role.

What the international player says...

The university’s relationship with Jamie Dwyer, the medal-laden Australian great, was kindled during the World Cup and he recently attended a two-day coaching camp at Loughborough. “There have been a lot of rule changes in hockey recently and that’s one of the good things that has come out of the sport - we are always looking to improve the game,” he says. “It’s not boring like football where it traditionally stays the same. Hockey has changed so much, the speed of the game has increased immensely in the last 10 years.


Jamie Dwyer giving instructions to Loughborough students (ANDY SMITH)

The Loughborough student

Jonty Griffiths, still only 19 but already a part of Great Britain’s under-21 squad, started his fresher year at Loughborough in 2013. He recently returned from Malaysia where GB finished second at the Sultan of Johor Cup.

The sports science student says that the inclusion of Kwan Browne as GB assistant coach means that they are developing as a team. “It is a real positive him being there,” he admits. “I have learnt how to be comfortable on the ball and how defenders find it difficult if you can produce this.”

Griffith is also enthused by the university’s claim that it aims to be a world-leading development centre for hockey. “It is brilliant both for the university and us as well. The more input we can get, as well as publicising ourselves will bring benefits."

Loughborough play twice a week throughout the season (on Wednesdays against other universities in the BUCS competition, before a weekend game in the national league) and Griffiths admits that the high demands placed on the players is a “major learning curb”.

“It is high-demand and there is a responsibility to stand up in every single game, playing two games per week. To have the mental capacity to continue to do that throughout the season is a major learning curb.

Griffiths has two more years in the under-21 set-up and, unsurprisingly, says: “If I can keep progressing the way I am then I have good chance of playing in the Olympics – my dream.”

The Telegraph

England need to win major hockey events before Ashley Jackson classed as world great, says Jamie Dwyer

Medal-laden Australian Jamie Dwyer on Ashley Jackson and the fall-out from his omission at this summer's Commonwealth Games

By Rod Gilmour


Class apart: Ashley Jackson (centre) may be England's leading player, but Australia's Jamie Dwyer says national side need to lift trophies before classed as a world great Photo: ANDY KERRY

Jamie Dwyer, the five-time world hockey player of the year, says that England need to win major tournaments before their talisman Ashley Jackson can be garlanded as one of the world’s greatest players.

England men’s side has finished fourth at a number of tournaments – notably at two of the last three Commonwealth Games and the past two World Cups – as they try to bridge the gap on Australia, Netherlands and Germany, the top three side’s respectively. All four will next be in action at December's Champions Trophy in India.

“Ashley is a very good player and has all the skills for me,” Dwyer told Telegraph Sport. “He can pass, dribble and drag flick which is quite unique.

“At the moment, he still holds those skills and is the best player in the English team.

“Where do you rate him in the world? It is hard to judge. England need to start winning tournaments before you can class him as one of the world’s greatest.”

Jackson, who plays for East Grinstead, returned to form earlier this year after recovering from a long-term ankle injury.

However, his summer World Cup was blighted in the early stages after picking up a shoulder injury during a warm-up game against Australia prior to the sport’s showpiece in The Hague.

Both games were physical encounters – Australia had to call-up two extra players for the World Cup after injuries – but Dwyer denied that Jackson was targeted.

“When we come up against them, it is all about trying to stop their creativity,” he said. “When England play well, Ashley Jackson plays well.

“But they need to be more even across the board. England have three or four players they rely on. If you look at the Australian or German squads, they are probably more even across the 18 players. They need to find the consistency during tournaments.”


Ashley Jackson suffers shoulder injury at World Cup warm-up (ADY KERRY)

Dwyer’s own consistency on the field has seen him collect an Olympic gold and two world and Commonwealth titles in an 10-year period from 2004. He has amassed 321 international caps for Australia, equalling Jay Stacy's record at June’s World Cup final which ended in a 5-0 dismantling of the Netherlands.

Despite the accolades and general aura surrounding Dwyer, it wasn’t enough as he was unceremoniously axed from the Commonwealth Games squad by Ric Charlesworth, the long-serving Kookaburras’ coach, who retired after the World Cup.

“I sort of expected not to go to Glasgow so it didn’t hurt too much, but the way I found out about it was pretty poor,” the 35-year-old said. “I just got an email about it one night from the coach and he retired the next day.

“I didn’t get any face-to-face or communication on the phone so I was a little bit upset.

“I knew we would take more of a development squad to the Commonwealths to get that multi-sport environment and experience before hopefully the younger guys get to Rio.”

If he is now at peace with the decision to omit him from Glasgow, Dwyer is still rankled by Charlesworth’s comments that he wasn’t one of the best 18 players in Australia.

“It did hurt coming from Ric,” admitted Dwyer. “I believe I am in the best 18 in the Australian team. At the World Cup I played well enough to be in that too.



“It was pretty strange to hear that after he retired too. I thought it was a bit strange.”

He was ruled out of the recent national league and national selection for December’s Champions Trophy by a foot ligament injury at the end of the club season. Nevertheless, Dwyer has been in talks with the new Australia men’s coach, Graham Reid, who wants him involved in the programme, meaning he could be close to overtaking Stacy.

“It’s not about breaking the records for me. If I wanted to keep on playing it would be to win an Olympic medal in Rio,” he said.

“I have never played the sport for individual accolades; I have played it to win medals at the Olympics and the World Cup.

“I’m pretty happy with everything I’ve achieved in the sport. I’ve won pretty much everything there is to win.”

Jamie Dwyer was speaking at Loughborough University during a two-day coaching clinic.

The Telegraph

Black Sticks Women’s line-ups announced



Hot on the heels of the recent Black Sticks Women’s series against the USA, head coach Mark Hager has announced teams for the upcoming three-test series against Australia and the FIH Champions Trophy in December.

The trans-Tasman tests from the 15-18 November will be played in Wellington with the Black Sticks travelling to Argentina immediately after to prepare for the Champions Trophy being held in Mendoza from 29 November to 7 December.

World-class midfielder Stacey Michelsen will be back on the turf for both events and Hager hopes she will add leadership and direction to a less experienced forward line.

“Stacey is one of the best players in the world and has the ability to play in multiple positions. We are moving her up the pitch, and along with Jordan Grant, they will provide us with some real ammunition in the front third,” said Hager.

Debutante Danielle Sutherland from Auckland, aged 19, has been called up from Development Squad with recently capped Shiloh Gloyn and Kathryn Henry also back to play in the trans-Tasman series. Gloyn has also been included in the Champions Trophy team.

“Shiloh is fast and has ability to score goals, but really needs to be exposed at the next level to see whether she can convert her chances. She provides us with real flexibility and versatility in the forward line.”

In goal, Canterbury keeper Amelia Gibson is unavailable after fracturing her collarbone during the USA series and has been replaced by experienced keeper Sally Rutherford.

Natasha FitzSimons, aged 25, returns to play in the trans-Tasman series. Originally from West Auckland, the Hamilton based defender has played 31 tests including being part of the silver medal team at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The epic trans-Tasman rivalry will continue when both sides meet in Wellington. Since the 2012 London Olympics, the teams have drawn, lost and won two games each.

“It has been a very long year for both Australia and us – we have had the Six Nations, World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Now both sides are selecting new players and providing opportunity to up and coming players ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.”

With ranking points at stake, the Champions Trophy will provide a benchmark for the Black Sticks ahead of the Olympic qualifier – FIH World League Three – in June, in Belgium next year.

“Our Champions Trophy side is a significantly different line-up compared with the Commonwealth Games. There are seven changes and it’s definitely time for those players – who previously have been standing in the wings – to really step up, take on the world’s best and stamp their place in the team ahead of Rio.”

In Mendoza, the Kiwis will face Japan, Netherlands and then China in Pool A with Australia, England, Argentina and Germany in Pool B.

“With a must-win cross-over quarterfinal – against any of those Pool B teams it’s going to be really tough so we will be playing consistently well throughout the tournament.”

Tickets are now on sale for the trans-Tasman games against Australia. Go to www.dashtickets.co.nz. Discounts are available for school teams, families, students and multi-day passes are also available. During the same week the Black Sticks Men will play against Japan in a four test series in Wellington and Kapiti.

Plus, watch the hockey in style and buy a Premium or Corporate Package giving you the best covered seating plus continuous beer, wine and finger food.  Click here for info on Premium and Corporate Packages available at the National Hockey Stadium and Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf.  Click here for more info

2014 Black Sticks Women Australia Series, 15-18 Nov 2014

2014 Black Sticks Women FIH Champions Trophy, 29 Nov-7 Dec

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Stacey Michelsen returns to Black Sticks squad

BRENDON EGAN


BACK IN BLACK: Stacey Michelsen returns to the Black Sticks squad after missing the series with the USA due to university commitments. Photosport

Star midfielder Stacey Michelsen is back to bolster the Black Sticks women's hockey team for their upcoming series.

The 23-year-old missed New Zealand's 3-2 series loss to the United States to focus on her law studies at university.

New Zealand take on Australia in a three-game series in Wellington over November 15-18 before heading to the Champions Trophy in Argentina from November 29-December 7.

One notable omission from the Black Sticks' squads for both series is experienced midfielder Gemma Flynn.

A Hockey New Zealand spokesperson said Flynn was unavailable due to university commitments.

Flynn has been a staple of the Black Sticks side since making her debut in 2008. She will no doubt relish the time off ahead of another busy hockey season next year.

Michelsen will provide much-needed scoring punch and offensive firepower to the Black Sticks, who scored just six goals in the six-game US series.

Canterbury midfielder Jordan Grant also returns having failed a fitness test for the US series after being injured during the national league.

New Zealand are without the services of Canterbury goalkeeper Amelia Gibson (fractured collarbone) and potent goalscorer Katie Glynn (knee) for the two series.

Midlands' Sam Charlton and Auckland's Julia King will sit out the Australian series, but return for the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand have been grouped with the Netherlands, Japan and China for the Champions Trophy tournament.

AT A GLANCE

Black Sticks squads

Australian series squad: Georgia Barnett, Michaela Curtis (all Central), Sophie Cocks, Jordan Grant, Pippa Hayward, Olivia Merry (Canterbury), Natasha Fitzsimons, Shiloh Gloyn, Rose Keddell, Sally Rutherford (Midlands), Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal (Northland), Kat Henry, Petrea Webster (North Harbour), Anita Punt, Aniwaka Roberts (Capital), Danielle Sutherland, Liz Thompson (Auckland).

Champions Trophy squad: Georgia Barnett, Michaela Curtis (all Central), Sophie Cocks, Jordan Grant, Pippa Hayward, Olivia Merry (Canterbury), Shiloh Gloyn, Sam Charlton, Rose Keddell, Sally Rutherford (Midlands), Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal (Northland), Petrea Webster (North Harbour), Anita Punt, Aniwaka Roberts (Capital), Julia King, Liz Thompson (Auckland).

Stuff

Michelsen back for Black Sticks


Stacey Michelsen is set to return to the Black Sticks. Photo/ John Stones

World class midfielder Stacey Michelsen returns to the Black Sticks squad for the three-test series against Australia and the Champions Trophy next month.

World No 4 New Zealand will play Australia, ranked second, in Wellington from November 15-18, before heading to Mendoza, Argentina for the international tournament, starting on November 29.

"Stacey is one of the best players in the world and has the ability to play multiple positions," coach Mark Hager said.

"We are moving her up the pitch and along with Jordan Grant, they will provide us with some real ammunition in the front third."

Canterbury keeper Amelia Gibson is unavailable after fracturing her collarbone during the United States series and her place has gone to experienced Sally Rutherford.

Three players, Midlands defender Natasha Fitzsimons, North Harbour defender Kat Henry and Auckland midfielder Danielle Sutherland are only named to the Australian series, while Sam Charlton and Julia King skip that series but are in for the trip to Argentina.

The transtasman rivalry will continue when both sides meet in Wellington. Since the 2012 London Olympics, the teams have drawn, lost and won two games each.

Teams:

v Australia: Georgia Barnett, Michaela Curtis (Central), Sophie Cocks, Jordan Grant, Pippa Hayward, Olivia Merry (Canterbury), Natasha Fitzsimons, Shiloh Gloyn, Sally Rutherford, Rose Keddell (Midlands), Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal (Northland), Kat Henry, Petrea Webster (North Harbour), Anita Punt, Aniwaka Robertrs (Capital), Liz Thompson, Danielle Sutherland (Auckland).

Champions Trophy: Barnett, Curtis (Central), Sam Charlton, Gloyn, Keddell, Rutherford (Midlands), Cocks, Grant, Hayward, Merry (Canterbury), Gunson, Michelsen, Neal (Northland), Julia King, Thompson (Auckland), Webster (North Harbour), Punt, Roberts (Capital).

The New Zealand Herald

Watch Black Sticks’ Wellington tests in style!



The Black Sticks Men and Women are bringing top international hockey action to the Capital City and the Kapiti Coast from 15-22 November – and the organisers are turning on the good things in life for the fans.

For the first time, corporate hospitality will be available at both venues for fans prepared to pay a little more than the bargain entry prices being charged for the seven-match test series.

In the big week of hockey the Black Sticks Women face Australia in a three-test series and the Black Sticks Men play four internationals against Japan. The matches are supported by the Wellington City Council and Kapiti Coast District Council.

The first five games – including all three Australia games – will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown with the final two tests being played at the Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.

The highlight will be a double-header at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown on Tuesday 18 November – the Black Sticks Men play Japan at 5pm and then the Black Sticks Women – ranked fourth in the world – take on second-ranked Australia in the ‘main event’.

Hockey New Zealand high performance director Terry Evans says the Black Sticks Women “cannot wait to face their trans-Tasman rivals here at home” especially since Australia’s gold-medal win at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

The Black Sticks Women’s team will be announced by Hockey New Zealand tomorrow (Friday 31 October) with the Men’s team being named later next week.

The last time the Black Sticks Women played in Wellington was against India in 2011 and the Australian team was last here in 2001. The last time the men played in the Capital was against India in February 2009.

Wellington Hockey CEO Karen Wallace says the top-level competition deserves to be complemented by top-level fan facilities. For the 18 November double-header, a corporate package will be available – for $120 per person, fans will get tickets to both matches, covered exclusive seating, free parking, a gourmet BBQ dinner with beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

For the women’s test matches on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November, a $58.50 premium package will give fans entry tickets, free parking, covered exclusive seating – and continuous finger food along with beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

A $75 VIP package will be available for the Paraparaumu matches – along with far cheaper entry prices.

“We all know hockey fans are a hardy and no-nonsense breed – but there’s no reason they shouldn’t be pampered like rugby and football fans if they so desire,” says Karen Wallace.

Click here for ticket prices and info on the premium packages

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Wellington-Kapiti series to be streamed live!



Hockey New Zealand has confirmed all seven games from the upcoming Wellington International Hockey Week will be streamed live!

It's a huge week of hockey from 15-22 November, with the Black Sticks Women to face Australia in a three test series and the Black Sticks Men to play four internationals against Japan.

The first five games – including all three Australia games – will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown with the final two tests being played at the Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.

All games will be available both live and on demand along with expert commentary through the link below;

CLICK HERE for the live streaming page

BLACK STICKS WOMEN vs AUSTRALIA SCHEDULE

Saturday 15th November - 3pm - National Hockey Stadium
Sunday 16th November - 3pm - National Hockey Stadium
Tuesday 18th November - 7pm - National Hockey Stadium

BLACK STICKS MEN vs JAPAN SCHEDULE

Tuesday 18 November - 5pm - National Hockey Stadium
Wednesday 19 November - 7pm - National Hockey Stadium
Friday 21 November - 7pm - Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf
Saturday 22 November - 6pm - Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf

CLICK HERE for more on the Wellington series

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Plenty of promise despite loss for Tenaga

by S Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: They may have lost their opening match but former champions Tenaga Nasional are happy that their players showed plenty of promise.

Tenaga lost 5-3 to Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the opening Premier Division tie at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.

Tenaga assistant team manager Adam Izamy Idrus described his players’ performance in the first two quarters of the match as “good and very encouraging”.

“What was lacking was consistency and staying power. KLHC took their chances and played well as a unit. The mistakes we made could have been avoided ... that’s something we will look at,” he said.

Tenaga and Maybank are the only teams to have played in all editions of the MHL since its inception in 1987.

Tenaga have won 12 titles and always managed to get into the top-two positions in recent years.

Adam is confident that his men will be able to re-group and put their challenge back on track in the second match.

They play favourites Terengganu on Sunday hoping to salvage at least a point.

“Yes, it is yet another tough match. Terengganu have the best of the national players and their foreign players (South Koreans) are all very experienced as well,” said Adam.

“But then this year every team have improved their ranks with new players and I’m sure every match will be tough.”

Tenaga clearly missed two of their more influential players – Fitri Saari and Mohd Firhan Azhaari, who have joined the east coast side.

“Yes, they gave us extra bite up front last year. We finished runners-up in the league and in the fight for the overall title. Whether we can find able replacements is a big question,” said Adam.

Tenaga have always relied on home-grown players and it is no different this year. In fact, they are the only team comprising local talent.

Tenaga are coached by former international Nor Saiful Zaini, who is assisted by Nor Azlan Bakar.

The Star of Malaysia

UniKL bracing for a tough customer

by S Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) could not have asked for a tougher opening match than against favourites Terengganu HC.

The East Coast side are the main title contenders for this year’s Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

Terengganu have the cream of the national stars in their ranks – in addition to five top-notch South Korean players – to spearhead their challenge.

The national players in the Terengganu side, who are trained by former national coach Sarjit Singh, are brothers Faizal and Fitri Saari, Azlan Misron, Mohd Shahrun Nabil, Mohd Firhan Azhaari and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.

South Korean penalty corner specialist Jang Jong-hyun could well be their trumpcard and he will be supported by compatriots Kang Moon-kyu, Kang Moon-kweon, Bae Jeong-seok and Seo Jong-ho.

With such a fearsome unit, no wonder UniKL team manager Mohd Faiz Isa is worried, admitting that they have to start strongly or face the prospect of being slaughtered by Terengganu.

“There is no question that this a tough match ... one that can define our season. How we perform and adapt to the conditions will show if we have the pedigree to mount a strong challenge ourselves,” said Faiz, whose team have lost four key players.

Mohd Azri Hassan and Mohd Rashid Baharom have been snapped up by Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) while Mohd Hafiz Zainol and Mohd Aslam Hanafiah have joined Maybank.

But UniKL also have five foreign players in their ranks to help guide their youngsters.

Malaysian-born former German player Kevin Lim and Phillip Stahr have returned to play for them. They first played for UniKL in 2010.

Joining them are two other German players – Patrick Schultz and Jonas Weinhardt – and South African international Tim Drummond.

“Yes, we have more foreign players this year. We believe they will help us with their experience. Most of our current players are young and inexperienced,” said Faiz.

Among the talented juniors in the UniKL side are Meor Mohd Azuan, Mohd Haziq Shamsul, Kavin Kartik, Maxhans Christi, Dedy Aryardi and Mohd Sufi Ismat.

The seniors in the team include C. Baljit Singh and S. Selvaraju.

UniKL are coached by interim national coach A. Arulselvaraj.

The Star of Malaysia

Sapura banking on Kashif against Maybank

by S Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura will be banking on Pakistani hotshot Kashif Ali for a winning start in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

Sapura, who will open their campaign against Maybank at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, have five Pakistanis in their ranks, including Kashif who ended up as last year’s top scorer in the MHL with 15 goals.

The other Pakistan players in the team are Imran Shah, Mohamed Zubair, Shahzad Aamir and Waqas Akhbar.

Sapura coach Tai Beng Hai expects a close match against Maybank “as they have always been worthy adversaries”.

“They too have three foreign players but what sets Maybank apart is their consistency and their ability to keep to a set structure. That is why I know it will be tough against them in our opening tie,” he said.

Sapura have won two league (2004 and 2005) and two overall titles (2005 and 2006) in the MHL.

Beng Hai said their aim was to finish in the top two in the MHL.

“That is the overall target. The other sides have also improved, with new players in their ranks. So it won’t be easy,” he said.

One thing Sapura and Maybank have in common is in the goalkeeping department as both have foreign goalkeepers.

Imran Shah, who has trained with the Pakistan national team, is Sapura’s choice while Maybank have a German – Moritz Knobloch.

The other two foreign players in the Maybank squad are Pakistani internationals Shakeel Abbasi and Abdul Haseem Khan.

Sapura also have one national player in forward Izwan Firdaus while Maybank do not have any.

Both teams will be looking for three points today as they have tough assignments on Sunday, when Sapura will play UniKL and Maybank will face defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC).

The Star of Malaysia

Mansoor wants Pakistan to retain lost glory through CT

ISLAMABAD - Former hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed believes the Champions Trophy is an important tournament for Pakistan to retain its lost glory in the game after the first-time World Cup ouster adding the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) should make firm preparations of the team for the mega event.  The Champions Trophy will be staged in Bhubaneswar, India from December 6 to 14. The tournament will showcase the finest international teams in the men's game competing to claim the trophy.

The Nation

Peshawar lift U-16 Inter-Board Hockey title


LARKANA: Players of Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan vie for the ball during the PHF U-16 Pakistan Inter Board Hockey Championship final at the M.A. Khuhro Sports Complex on Thursday.—APP

LARKANA: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Peshawar won the PHF U-16 Pakistan Inter-Board Boys Hockey Championship as they defeated the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Dera Ismail Khan 1-0 in the final here at the M.A. Khuhro SSB Sports Complex on Thursday.

The tournament was organised by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Larkana.

BISE Larkana finished third, beating Gujranwala BISE 5-3.

More than 14 teams of different education boards from all over the country participated in the championship.

BISE Larkana chairman Prof. Mohammad Daud Memon was the chief guest on occasion.

Dawn

Kenya yet to submit list of participants for Club Championship

By BRIAN YONGA


Kenya Police's Richard Birir (right) dribbles past Nakuru Simba's Joseph Mwangi on September 21, 2014 during their National Hockey League at City Park Stadium. Kenya Police won 5-0. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |   NATION

Four Kenyan hockey clubs are yet to confirm their participation for next month’s Africa Club Championship set to be held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

According to the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe, 19 clubs have so far confirmed their attendance to the continental hockey bonanza that brings top men and women hockey clubs from seven African countries.

Men’s defending champions Sharkia from Egypt will be out to retain their title while hosts Zimbabwe will be represented by four teams: Hippo, Eradicators (men) and Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) and Scorpions who will take part in the women’s tournament.

Other nations that will have both men’s and women’s team are Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya.

Kenya is set to be represented at the tournament by league winners Kenya Police (men), Telkom Orange (women) as well as the runners up Kisumu Simba and Strathmore Scorpions.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

Telkom Orange are the event’s women defending champions after bagging their sixth title earlier this year in Kampala, Uganda where they beat rivals Strathmore Scorpions 2-0 in the final.

Kenya Police were losing semifinalists to eventual winners Sharkia. They later finished in fourth place after losing the third place playoff.

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Chairman Nashon Randiek told Nation Sport that the country will submit its representatives before the end of the week. He said that the tussle between Nairobi Simba and Kisumu Simba over the runners up spot was to blame for the delay.

“Having concluded the matter (ruling), we now have the four teams that shall represent us in Zimbabwe. The matter had dragged on for long but we now know the teams that will go for the club championship,” Randiek said on Wednesday.

Nairobi Simba and Kisumu Simba had been at loggerheads over the runners up spot with the union finally ruling in favour of the latter.

The four teams have already started training for the tournament which was initially set to be held in Nigeria but was moved to Zimbabwe due to fears over the fast-spreading ebola virus.

Daily Nation

Kisumu Simba to skip weekend league matches

By BRIAN YONGA


Kisumu Simba Union captain Kenneth Nyongesa in action during their Hockey League match against Wazalendo on February 16, 2014 at City Stadium. Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) premier league club Kisumu Simba will not honour its weekend matches due to financial constraints even after being drafted to compete. FILE PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) premier league club Kisumu Simba will not honour its weekend matches due to financial constraints even after being drafted to compete.

The lakeside team is yet to play a league match this season, having boycotted assignments until their appeal against rivals Nairobi Simba as to who were last season’s runners-up was heard and determined.

Two weeks ago, the union ruled in favour of Kisumu Simba and awarded them the season’s runners-up position and a ticket to represent the country in the Africa Club Championship.

According to the league fixtures list, Simba have two matches lined up for the weekend.

On Saturday, they are scheduled to play against league debutants Nakuru Sikh Union in Nakuru before meeting Parkroad on Sunday at the City Park Stadium.

However, Kisumu Simba coach Cliff Okello said the club will not honour the two matches because they were not informed about the games in good time.

“We were given the fixtures on Tuesday but we will not honour them because our sponsor needs one week to provide funds for the team,” Okello said.

UNION PETITIONED

He revealed that the club had already petitioned the union to cancel their matches as they source for funds.

However, KHU chairman Nashon Randiek told Daily Nation Sport they are yet to receive any communication from the club and maintained that the fixtures will go on as planned.

“We have not received any information from them (Kisumu) and as far as I’m concerned the league matches will go on as planned,” Randiek said.

Kisumu Simba are in Pool A which has champions Kenya Police, USIU-A, Greensharks, Nakuru Sikh Union and Parkroad.

Greensharks have already sealed a play-offs berth after playing five matches.

Meanwhile, Police will take on USIU-A in the weekend’s big match. USIU-A are second in Pool A with seven points, one more than Police.

Another big fixture will see women champions Telkom Orange play USIU-A Spartans in a top of the table clash. The  two teams top Pool A with six points each and are the only unbeaten teams in the pool.

The team is also set to represent the country along with Kenya Police in next month’s Africa Club Championship set for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Daily Nation

Bright Start For Leopards at Futures Cup



The Wessex Leopards enjoyed the brightest start of Day 1 of the Futures Cup, winning three of their four matches. The U18 girls caught the eye out of all the Leopards teams, putting six goals past Pennine Pumas with Frances Westenburg scoring two. Luke Cornish also bagged himself a brace in the Boys U18 as they also defeated the Pumas.

Saxon Tigers also had a good start and lead the way in two of the four leagues. Tendo Kimuli was on fine scoring form for the Boys U18 as he scored two in his team’s 5-1 victory over last year’s winners Mercia Lynx.

Pennine Pumas Girls U16 picked up where they left off at last year’s Futures Cup and secured a convincing win over Wessex Leopards.

The Mercia Lynx Girls teams began with a 100% record as both defeated Saxon Tigers, with Erica Sanders scoring twice for the U18s. Another Lynx player also scored two, with Harry Bennett scoring both of his teams goals in a 3-2 defeat to Saxon Tigers.

Today’s results and scorers can be found in full below. Click HERE to find out all of the up to date information from this year’s Futures Cup

England Hockey Board Media release

Potential hosts of the 2015 Oceania Cup

Six states and territories to be assessed to host the 2015 Oceania Cup



Following a recent application process open to hockey clubs, associations, local councils and events and tourism bodies across the country, Hockey Australia has received ten expressions of interest from potential hosts of the 2015 Oceania Cup. The expressions of interest, which came from six states and territories, will now be assessed ahead of a decision on the host by the Oceania Hockey Federation, expected mid-December.

Ben Hartung, Hockey Australia’s General Manager of Hockey, said, “We’ve been delighted with the response to the process so far. It’s a strategic aim of ours to take our national teams, the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, and our major events out to a wider audience over the coming years in the build up to Rio 2016 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the interest in hosting the Oceania Cup next October shows there’s a strong demand for world class hockey right across Australia.

“Ultimately, the final decision will rest with the Oceania Hockey Federation but I’m confident that amongst the applications we’ve received there’s an excellent host for next year’s event.”

The Oceania Cup is the region’s Olympic qualifying tournament with the winners of each of the men’s and women’s competitions guaranteed a spot at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Oceania Cup features Australia and New Zealand, and often includes the likes of Pacific islands Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Played every two years, Australia’s Kookaburras and Hockeyroos won the 2013 tournament in New Zealand, beating the hosts in the finals. For the Australian women, it was a first Oceania title since 2005 while the Kookaburras’ victory, their eighth Oceania Cup gold medal, reasserted their dominance of the competition having won every title since 1999.

Hockey Australia media release

Juniors rule at Ryde

Ryde Hockey Club go above and beyond to develop and educate their junior players



Going above and beyond to educate and develop talent, Ryde Hockey Club in Australia have turned hockey in a positive direction, with a successful junior and coaching program.

Focussing on key achievements such as core skills, development and success, Ryde have built programs to assist, develop and educate their athletes, coaches and members, in the hope to produce two Olympians by 2024.

Ryde’s Director of Coaching Tim Collier has been one of the main organisers behind creating and coordinating their coaching and video player feedback programs, which ultimately drives the club and their athletes to success.

Discussing the idea of the program and the principles behind it, Collier said, "We designed the program around 3 core principles. Firstly, it needed to deliver an improvement in core skills across all age groups, secondly, it needed to educate the kids on the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, and thirdly the kids needed to have loads of fun.”

"While there is a strong focus on the development of junior athletes, the real benefit of the program has been the improvement we're seeing in the overall standard of our coaches. I think our members are now seeing coaching as a real learning opportunity, which is encouraging more people to get involved, giving me the confidence that we can sustain these results well into the future."

Listing some of their key achievements from the program below, Ryde have reached significant targets.

• Their focus on coach development has delivered 45 level one accredited coaches and 20 level two accredited coaches in the club.
• They have created more than 50 educational coaching videos on their YouTube channel, which their coaches use as the basis of their coaching sessions
• 11 out of their 14 junior teams (excluding Hookin2Hockey) made grand finals in 2014, with 9 going on to win
• They have created a 30 week coaches playbook that provides a week by week breakdown on key focus areas and has been rolled out to all junior age groups

Technology has played a crucial role in developing Ryde’s juniors, not only do they love it and enjoy it, Ryde have found their kids are more responsive to visual feedback than verbal.

"This year we implemented an initiative called the Skills Olympics, where we provided every junior athlete in the club with technical feedback and video of themselves performing 3 core skills. This provided us with valuable data on the effectiveness of our coaching program, and the kids absolutely loved it.”

"The technology is so cheap and easy to access. We've found the kids have been really responsive to the visual feedback.”

As a product of their junior program, Ryde’s hard work and dedication has paid off with home grown talent, Tom Craig recently called up for the Kookaburras Champions Trophy training squad.

Craig is currently based in Perth at the national team’s home base, training alongside some of the world’s best hockey players, coaches and support staff.

To find out more information about Ryde’s junior program, contact Ryde Hockey Club’s Director of Coaching Tim Collier via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Watch Ryde’s juniors to 2024 YouTube clip here.

Hockey Australia media release

Hockey India President Narinder Batra's son passes away


In a tragic incident, Hockey India President Narinder Batra's son Dhruv died at a young age of 27 due to stomach infection in Morocco. (Getty Images)

New Delhi: In a tragic incident, Hockey India President Narinder Batra's son Dhruv died at a young age of 27 in Morocco, where he had gone with his father four days ago.

His body will be arriving in India on Friday following which the cremation will be performed.

According to sources close to the HI boss, Dhruv apparently succumbed to a stomach infection.

The Delhi District and Cricket Association, where Batra senior had earlier served as treasurer, condoled the passing away of the young man.

"After the sad demise of the young man, we pray to god that he gives the bereaved family strength and courage to face this very unfortunate situation," DDCA president S P Bansal, who is also a vice-president in the Indian Cricket Board, said.

According to DDCA joint secretary Ravi Jain, the state cricket body's office bearers will be present at the cremation on Friday.

A former secretary of Hockey India, Batra was earlier this month elected unopposed as the president of the sports body.

IBNLive