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All the news for Friday 27 February 2015

San Diego set for Hockey World League

Canada & Ireland favourites as men’s Round 2 event gets underway at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center this Saturday


(Photo: USA Field Hockey )

The third of six Hockey World League Round 2 events gets underway in San Diego this weekend, with Ireland, Austria, Chile, Italy, Canada, Russia, Trinidad & Tobago and host nation USA doing battle in the California sunshine in the hope of landing a place in the Olympic qualifying phase of the competition.

The three highest finishers in the eight-team men’s tournament, which takes place at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center between Saturday 28th February and Sunday 8th March, will each be guaranteed a place in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals (Round 3), where coveted berths at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are up for grabs. 

Like all of the Round 2 events, the competition in San Diego will witness a clash between teams that battled their way through the first phase of the competition against sides that were automatically given a bye through to Round 2 due to their higher placement in the FIH World Rankings. The top ranked teams – those placed from 1-11 in the FIH World Rankings in April 2013, the entry deadline for the event – will enter the tournament in Round 3.

With a current World Ranking of 15th and the most experienced squad in the tournament (average age: 27, average caps: 98), Ireland are widely regarded to be amongst the frontrunners in Chula Vista. Lead by team captain John Jackson, the team contains eight players that have surpassed the 100 caps marker and in Davey Harte are blessed with a truly exceptional goalkeeper. The Green Machine will need to negotiate their way past Pool A rivals and 2015 Indoor World Cup silver medalists Austria (WR: 22, 1st place – HWL R1, Lousada), Chile (WR: 25, 1st place – HWL R1, Guadalajara) and Italy (WR: 32, 2nd place – HWL R1, Lousada) and ahead of the quarter-final cross-overs.

Canada and Russia, arguably Ireland’s strongest challengers, feature alongside host nation USA and Trinidad & Tobago in an extremely competitive looking Pool B. Canada (WR: 14) are the top ranked team in tournament and, lead by the class and experience of Dave Jameson (206 Caps), Scott Tupper (196 Caps) and Mark Pearson (163 Caps), will be looking to make a big impression on this event. Russia (WR: 19) qualified for second phase by winning the HWL R1 event in Sveti Ivan Zelina (Croatia) back in July.

Home favourites USA (WR: 27) will be determined to take advantage of the home turf to make their mark on this Round 2 event. USA’s opening day fixture against Canada promises to be a special moment for captain Pat Harris, who is all set to make his 100th international appearance in front of his home fans. Trinidad & Tobago  (WR: 30, 1st place – HWL R1, Kingston) are the lowest ranked team in Pool B but with the brilliant and totally unpredictable veteran star Kwan Browne amongst their ranks are certainly not to be underestimated.

The top three teams in San Diego will join Malaysia, Poland and Japan, who all qualified for the HWL Semis by taking the medals at the first men’s Round 2 tournament in Singapore earlier this year. The third and final men’s Round 2 competition takes place in Cape Town (RSA) from 7-15 March, where another eight teams will fight for three available places in Round 3.

You can keep track of all the action from San Diego on the official tournament microsite.

FIH site

Men’s World League Round 2 Hosts International Talent in Team USA’s

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – The Chula Vista Olympic Training Center in California will transform into a turf battle ground for hockey heroes from eight nations all with one objective. Each is vying to secure their selection to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The Men’s Hockey World League Round 2 is a vital stop on the pipeline to the five infamous rings, the zenith of international hockey competitions.  From February 28 - March 8  Team USA, Ireland, Canada, Austria, Russia, Chile, Italy and Trinidad & Tobago will take the months of prepping their nation’s top-tier athletes and put them to a true test of skill and endurance in California.

“We are extremely excited to play on our home turf against top international competition," said Head Coach Chris Clements. "During the past months the squad has worked hard to prepare for this tournament and we are looking forward to continue our growth in this tournament. The entire team has been developing well and the competition was as high as ever for places on the roster. We have made some encouraging strides with the culture within the program and now look to deliver on the field in a very competitive tournament."

Team USA kicks off the tournament against Canada at 10:45 a.m. PST Saturday, February 28. The red, white and blue is in Pool B along with Canada, Russia and Trinidad & Tobago. Pool A is composed of Ireland, Austria, Chile, Italy. There are six competition days each containing four games daily starting at 8:30 a.m. PST with the last match beginning at 3:15 p.m. PST.

After thorough training, Clements and his High Performance staff have selected 18 of the United States’ very best to compete on the newly renovated pitch in San Diego at World League Round Two.

The U.S. Men’s National Team Roster

Pat Harris
Christian Linney
Alex Cunningham
Tyler Sundeen
Will Holt
Michael Barminski
Mohan Gandhi
Moritz Runzi
Paul Singh
Tom McCarthy
Tom Barratt
Johnny Orozco
Ajai Dhadwal
Adam Miller
Aki Kaepellar
Sean Cicchi
Chris Rea
Andrew Zayac

USFHA media release

Ghana names squad for League Round 2 in Delhi

Ahead of Ghana’s participation in the World Hockey League Round 2, head coach of the national female hockey team, Boakye Yiadom has named a strong squad for the competition.

Though the team is not certain when they will be leaving the country due to financial difficulties, the head coach has named an 18-man squad for the competition which starts on the 7th to the 15th of March.

Notable among the 18 players who have been named by the head coach are, Captain Georgina Siaw, Grace Mensah, Gertrude Amui, Gertrude Inkoom, Emelia Fosuwaa, and the rest.

The national female hockey team will have to up their game if they want to make a meaningful impact in the competition as the team faces an uphill task against strong nations such as host India, Kazakhstan, Poland and Russia in the League.

GhanaWeb

Cheapest hockey World League ticket for Rs.20

NEW DELHI: Hockey fans will be able to see the FIH World League Round 2 (Women), to be played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from March 7 to 15, for only Rs.20.

Hosts Hockey India (HI) on Thursday announced the opening of online ticket sales for the eight-team event which can be booked at www.ticketgenie.in.

The tickets are priced at Rs.20 for the general stands while the VIP stand will cost Rs.100.

"It's a delight that FIH World League Round 2 (Women) is being held in India. We are happy to announce the opening of the online ticket sales," HI secretary general Mushtaque Ahmad said.

The matches will be telecast live on DD Sports.

The Times of India

Scotland U21 squads in action against Ulster

Scotland’s junior men and women international squads will make the short trip to nearby Northern Ireland early next week to face their U21 counterparts from Ulster in two matches from 2-3 March.

While Scotland U21s do not have any European competition commitments this summer, both squads have a busy schedule to look forward to, including matches against England, France and Ireland later this year.

The matches take place at the Shaw's Bridge Sports Complex in Belfast.

Match Schedule

Monday 2 March

Scotland U21M v Ulster, 1800
Scotland U21W v Ulster, 2000

Tuesday 3 March

Scotland U21M v Ulster, 1400
Scotland U21W v Ulster, 1600

Squads

Scotland U21 Men: James Carrie (CALA Edinburgh), Aedan McCrossan, Gordon Amour, Jock Breckenridge (all Edinburgh University), Murray McDiarmid, Joe McConnell, Fabian Goldie (all Western Wildcats), Robbie Shepherdson, Murray Collins, Edward Greaves, Jack McAllister (all Loughborough University), Patrick Christie (Inverleith), John McCluskey, Hamish Imrie (both Grange), Fraser Henderson (Bath Buccanneers), Jack McKenzie, Lee Morton (both Kelburne), Fergus Sandision (Dundee Wanderers)

Scotland U21 Women: Jayne McLaughlin, Zoe Sinclair (both Western Wildcats), Alison Eadie, Claire Hill, Katie Hibbert, Susan Graham, Waverley Miller (all Edinburgh University), Christina Farrar, Karin Belch, Katie Robertson (all Grove Menzieshill), Emily Newlands, Kirsty Hill (both Watsonians), Phoebe Crosthwaite (CALA Edinburgh), Lucy Lanigan (Inverleith), Catriona McLellan (Durham University), Kerry-Anne Hastings (Whitley Bay and Tynemouth), Iona Armour (Grove Menzieshill)

Scottish Hockey Union media release

US U-21 Women's Junior National Team Heads to Holland for Elite Play

The U-21 Junior Women's National Team will be making their way to Holland from March 6 - 14 to continue gaining valuable international experience after a successful series against Canada at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. Once in Holland team's schedule begins Monday, March 9 when the red, white and blue compete against Nijmegen, at 7:30 p.m. local time then Tuesday, March 10 against The Netherlands U-21 National Team at 2 p.m. local time. The next day, the team will compete again on Wednesday, March 11 against MOP at 4 p.m. local time and wrap up the tour against SCHC Thursday March, 12 at 5:45 p.m. local time. The U-21 National Team is led by Senior Women's National Team Assistant Coach Janneke Schopman.

Team USA's Tour Roster:

Kristy Bernatchez
Kelsey Bing
Emma Bozek
Cat Caro
Anna Dessoye
Linnea Gonzales
Jacky Hibbs
Alexa Mackintire
Ashley Hoffman
Jess Jecko
Amanda Magadan
Alyssa Manley
Lauren Moyer
Alyssa Parker
Moira Putsch
Sophia Tornetta
Tara Vittese
Julia Young

USFHA media release

USA Field Hockey Launches New Youth Development Initiative

USA Field Hockey and the Sport Development Team proudly announce the launch of a new youth development initiative, RISE Instructional Clinics.  RISE, which stands for “Responsible, Impactful, Sustainable, Empowering,” was created as a next step for FUNdamental Field Hockey and other programs, such as high schools and clubs, that are looking to create the youth base of our sport (ages 11 and under) in a recreational environment. RISE Instructional Clinics not only provide young players the opportunity to enjoy a USA Field Hockey clinic with local coaches, but every registrant will receive a U-12 membership, a t-shirt and stick. Harrow Sports, which also provides the equipment for FUNdamental Field Hockey, has agreed to provide each registered player with a t-shirt and stick.  Furthermore, each of our 10 RISE sites in 2015 will be awarded a Coaching Education Program Level 1 Instructional Clinic in 2016. More detailed information on how the program works is provided in the application available here.

“RISE Instructional Clinics are an important step in our sport development strategic plan for creating a recreational base of youth field hockey players in the United States,” shared newly appointed National Development Director, Kyle Boyer. “They will empower the local level to host their own events with our support of curriculum and equipment. The Coaching Education piece in the second year is imperative since as we grow the number of players, we need to ensure we grow the number of qualified coaches to responsibly grow the game.”

Boyer recently took over the sport development reigns in January having spent the past 6 years with US Lacrosse in coaching education. Harrow Sports Field Hockey Brand Manager, Alli Tanner, shared, “Harrow Sports is thrilled to partner with USA Field Hockey as the Official Sponsor and Equipment Supplier of the Rise program. Our involvement stems from our dedication to grow the game and provide young athletes with the opportunity to play consistently in a structured atmosphere. Harrow Sports now proudly sponsors three USA Field Hockey development programs including the FUNdamental Field Hockey Program, Rise and Futures.”

RISE Instructional Clinics for 2015, will be held from June through December, but in following years, can be hosted from April through November.  All clinic expenses will be absorbed by USA Field Hockey including payment of sites, coaches and athletic trainers. The clinics will cost $75 per player through online registration, which will be held on USA Field Hockey’s website once the application for RISE is approved. In 2015, there will be 10 sites selected.

USFHA media release

Dual NIT Weekend Events Display Hockey's Growth in the United States

Any which way you look at a compass, North, South, East or West, from concrete cities to country cornfields, the sport of field hockey is growing. To keep up with the demand of play, the National Indoor Tournament is running not one but two NITs at the same time, in two different states. In Lancaster, Pa. the Spooky Nook Sports’ roof will be raised by U-10, U-12 and Boys Divisions while Richmond, Va.’s Greater Richmond Convention Center will host a fresh, fierce pool of U-19 athletes.

“Hosting two NITs at two outstanding complexes in two different states is a first in our book,” said USA Field Hockey’s Event Logistics Director Karen Collins. “This strategy speaks volumes of our staff and the caliber of these events. It’s a neat landmark for us and for our hockey in the United States.”

Both events will run from Friday, February 27, 2015 to Sunday, March 1, 2015. Each NIT is presented by YOLO Sportswear. Throughout the tournament, participants are urged to post their pictures online through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram tagging @USAFieldHockey and #NIT2015. For more information regarding the overall tournament, visit www.usafieldhockey.com.

***Receive your free NIT online program by clicking here.***

USFHA media release

Michaela Curtis determined to improve fitness

PETER LAMPP


GOAL: Michaela Curtis is determined to make the Back Sticks. Kevin Stent

Michaela Curtis vows she won't give the New Zealand coaches another excuse for leaving her out of the Black Sticks hockey team.

The 21-year-old Manawatu striker missed selection for the national team that played three tests against Canada at Whangarei earlier this month.

In December, Curtis played in every game at the Champions Trophy in Mendoza, Argentina.

Coach Mark Hager is putting major emphasis on players' fitness this year and Curtis dipped out by just two points on the yo-yo fitness test.

"I was just a few shuttles off my target," she said.

Her target was based on her personal best set mid-season and Curtis hadn't expected to match that. She wasn't the only player to dip out.

"My personal best was when I ran my highest score in the middle of the season. This time I was coming back after summer.

"He had to stick with what he had said."

While Curtis wasn't happy at being overlooked, she remains part of the New Zealand squad of 25 and has already played 34 tests.

She is determined to be picked for the Eight Nations tournament in Hastings in April.

The other teams there will be Australia, (world ranked No 2), Argentina (3), China (5), USA (8), South Korea (9), Japan (10) and India (13).

In the meantime, Curtis is back training in Palmerston North and has already passed her first fitness test, over 1600 metres at the Manawatu Community Athletics Track last week.

"It went fine," she said. "I've never had any fitness problems in the past."

Curtis has her degree in sport and exercise science and now is studying for a post-graduate diploma in primary school teaching.

Manawatu goalkeeper Georgia Barnett, 20, got to play two of the three games in the Canada series.

With the series also being a developmental tour, Barnett was given plenty of game time.

She said Sally Rutherford, 33, was still New Zealand's No 1 goalie while Amelia Gibson has just begun training after her broken collarbone.

"I'm only in my first year in the squad," Barnett said.

"I need to be realistic that I am new to the programme."

While fitness is more important for strikers, Barnett ran about 6m 08s for the 1600m last week.

For now she is studying and working at her father's Obo company.

* Former Feilding High School and successful Manawatu athlete Stephanie Dickins, 19, has been picked for the Future Black Sticks, who are playing five tests against Japan in Auckland over the next week. Dickins now lives in Auckland and has played for the NZ under-18 team.

Stuff

Council contributes to cost of hockey tests

by John Jones

THE fact that hockey had been “mucked around” in its efforts to get an artificial turf here was one reason given when Gisborne District Council agreed to make a contribution of $10,000 towards the cost of two hockey test matches between New Zealand and Argentina in April.

Councillors responded favourably to the request after hearing a presentation from Hockey New Zealand events manager Richard Palmer, who said the one-off test would cost $60,000 and would give Gisborne international exposure.

When the issue came up as a general business item, the council was told by its chief executive that money could be found from discretionary funding available in her budget.

Mayor Meng Foon said it would be a great thing to have Argentina, ranked third in the world, and New Zealand, ranked fourth, play here. He would have preferred to have a gate charge, as had been done for the rugby league match between New Zealand Maori and the Cook Islands.

Other councillors said the park was not sufficiently fenced.

Mrs Campbell said the project team building the facility had approached her asking if the council would provide considerable additional funding for fencing and lighting. They could do this as a submission to the annual plan.

This was not included in their applications for funding because they did not think security fencing would be necessary, but over the build period there had been incidents of vandalism. Fencing would be about $60,000.

Rehette Stoltz said this was our new turf. The council had such a chequered past with hockey it needed to look at this and ask how often an international event like this came to Gisborne.

“We do need to take this opportunity to showcase our region,” she said.

She was very comfortable to consider providing the $10,000.

“We have mucked them around,” said Mr Foon.

Roger Haisman said this had been a long saga. It was basically the opening of the hockey ground.

This was a true international. If it could be funded within the existing budget he would be happy with that.

Brian Wilson said he would agree as long as it could be taken out of existing budgets.

Alan Davidson said this was something he was keen to support and Josh Wharehinga said he was totally supportive.

Meredith Akuhata-Brown said she had played hockey for 10 years and was passionate about this because the council had had its ups and downs with hockey.

The Gisborne Herald

First step: Greenshirts to finally receive Rs7.2 million

By Nabil Tahir


According to head coach Shahnaz Sheikh, Rs7.2 million has been released by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and handed over to Director General Sports Board of Punjab Usman Anwar. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Pakistan’s national hockey team is set to receive the first of the many monetary rewards promised to them for their silver-medal wins at the Asian Games and the Champions Trophy.

According to head coach Shahnaz Sheikh, Rs7.2 million has been released by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and handed over to Director General Sports Board of Punjab Usman Anwar.

“This will motivate the team to work harder for upcoming events,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “The players’ morale was on a downward spiral as there was hardly any encouragement from the government’s side; they have performed well and should be rewarded for that.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Hockey Federations (PHF) is yet to receive the prize money from the Punjab board.

Players to perform Umrah

As promised, the PHF is taking the team for Umrah in the first week of March, said Sheikh.

The federation had announced the plan in November and made arrangements for the players and the team management as a reward for their encouraging result at the Asian Games.

Meanwhile, the training camp aimed at preparing the team for the qualifying round of the 2016 Rio Olympics will be set up in Islamabad on the players’ return from Umrah.

The preparatory camp will also help the squad in the forthcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which will be held in the first week of April in Malaysia.

However, due to the current financial crisis, it is yet to be confirmed if the Greenshirts will participate in the latter event, and neither is it clear if they will tour South Korea and Australia as planned by the PHF.

The team is still awaiting the remaining prize money, which includes Rs2.5million from Malik Riaz for the Asian Games and Rs2 million and gold medals for the Asian Games and Champions Trophy from Omar Associates. Moreover, the Pakistan Sports Board is yet to pay them as per the National Sports Policy for both events.

The Express Tribune

Two tough trips for Cannock


Cannock captain Marc Edwards in action against Beeston, Credit Josh Dixon

TWO tough matches against teams in the top four await Cannock, who are battling to avoid the threat of relegation in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Currently eighth, Cannock are just two points ahead of in-form Southgate in ninth, and could see themselves drawn into the fight to avoid the drop this weekend as they face East Grinstead and Wimbledon.

Cannock lost out to bottom of the table Canterbury last weekend, and coach John Bell said: “That was a massive opportunity for us, having had the lion’s share of possession and opportunities in front of goal. But we will learn from it and will be looking to win both games against East Grinstead and Wimbledon this weekend.

“When we played them earlier in the season we were in a strong position against both but ended up losing. We are a good side, but we’re not scoring enough goals at the moment. That’s got to change as it also puts pressure on you at the other end too.”

Elsewhere third-placed Beeston face fourth-placed rivals Wimbledon in Nottingham on Saturday, and then will tackle leaders Surbiton on Sunday.

Before facing Beeston, Surbiton entertain Southgate on Saturday, while Jonty Robinson’s side return to Trent Park 24 hours later to play local rivals Hampstead and Westminster.

Reading go to Hampstead and Westminster on Saturday, and then travel to Canterbury on Sunday in what could be the last roll of the play-off dice for them.

Canterbury play host to Brooklands Manchester University on Saturday, with the Manchester outfit playing at East Grinstead in their first game of the weekend.

Leaders Team Bath Buccaneers are at home against Guildford in the NOW: Pensions Conference West on Saturday, before travelling to Barford Tigers 24 hours later.

Barford Tigers provide the opposition for second-placed Cardiff and Met on Saturday, who then go to Fareham on Sunday.

Bowdon could clinch the NOW: Pensions Conference North title this weekend. They are at home against Olton and West Warwickshire on Saturday, then head to Doncaster on Sunday.

Meanwhile, second-placed Sheffield Hallam go to Belper on Saturday and return to Abbeydale Park on Sunday to play Deeside Ramblers.

In the NOW: Pensions Conference East, leaders Holcombe need just one point to be crowned the Division winners. They play Teddington on Saturday and go to Cambridge City on Sunday.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 28 2015)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Canterbury v Brooklands Manchester Univ 13:00
Surbiton v Southgate 14:00
Beeston v Wimbledon 14:00
East Grinstead v Cannock 14:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Reading 14:00

NOW: Pensions Conference West
Cheltenham v Whitchurch 12:30
Univ of Exeter v Fareham 12:30
Cardiff & Met v Barford Tigers 13:00
Team Bath Buccaneers v Guildford 13:00
Univ of Birmingham v Indian Gymkhana 14:30

NOW: Pensions Conference North
Univ of Durham v Loughborough Students 12:00
Deeside Ramblers v Leek 12:00
Belper v Sheffield Hallam 12:30
Bowdon v Olton & West Warwicks 13:45
Wakefield v Doncaster 11:30

NOW: Pensions Conference East
Old Loughtonians v Richmond 13:00
West Herts v Chichester Priory Park 14:00
Holcombe v Teddington 14:30
Bromley and Beckenham v Cambridge City 14:00
Oxted v Brighton and Hove 14:30

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, March 1 2015)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Beeston v Surbiton 12:45
East Grinstead v Brooklands Manchester Univ 14:00
Wimbledon v Cannock 14:00
Canterbury v Reading 14:15
Southgate v Hampstead & Westminster 14:30

NOW: Pensions Conference West
Guildford v Cheltenham 12:00
Barford Tigers v Team Bath Buccaneers 13:00
Whitchurch v Univ of Birmingham 13:00
Fareham v Cardiff & Met 13:30
Indian Gymkhana v Univ of Exeter 14:00

NOW: Pensions Conference North
Sheffield Hallam v Deeside Ramblers 13:30
Olton & West Warwicks v Belper 13:30
Leek v Univ of Durham 14:00
Doncaster v Bowdon 14:00
Loughborough Students v Wakefield 14:00

NOW: Pensions Conference East
Brighton and Hove v West Herts 13:00
Richmond v Chichester Priory Park 13:00
Teddington v Oxted 14:30
Bromley and Beckenham v Old Loughtonians 13:00
Cambridge City v Holcombe 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release

The Road to Lee Valley continues


Camberley and Farnborough celebrate winning the men's vase

This weekend features the last eight of the NOW: Pensions Trophy & Vase, Women’s 2nd XI Plate and Investec Women’s Masters O35s Cup, Trophy & Shield. In the NOW: Pensions Men’s Masters O40s Competitions, teams will be battling out for a place in the Quarter Finals.

The draws for the next stages of the above competitions will take place live on Twitter at the following times:

NOW: Pensions Men’s Trophy & Vase SF, Women’s 2nd XI Plate SF – Sunday 7pm

NOW: Pensions Men’s Masters Over 40s Cup, Trophy & Shield QF – Monday 12pm

Investec Women’s Masters Over 35s Cup, Trophy & Shield SF – Monday 1pm

Make sure you follow @EnglandHockey and use the Hashtag #RoadtoLeeValley

There are also a number of teams this weekend that will be earning a place in a Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre Final! The Boys & Girls U18 Cup & Plate Quarter Finals take place, with the winners going through the Finals weekend, with the Women’s 2nd XI Cup Semi Finals also taking place. Click HERE to see details of all the matches taking place in the Knockout Competitions this weekend.

The U16 Club Championships also reaches Tier 2, which will see eight boys and eight girls teams qualify for the National Finals at Old Loughtonians Hockey Club. For more information on these, click on the relevant competition below.

Boys' U16 Championships
Girls' U16 Championships

England Hockey Board Media release

SSTMI-Thunderbolt can wrap up title with home win

By S. Ramaguru


1Mas TBSS Tampin's M. Aiman Shahmi Marzuki (right) battling for the ball with Nur Insafi’s M. Zaim Hanif Nazarudin during their Milo-MHC Junior Hockey League Division Two match at National Hockey Stadium. – IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The MHC-MILO-NSC Junior Hockey League title race will reach its climax on Friday.

And chances are SSTMI-Thunderbolt will retain their crown.

All they need is a simple win over Pahang SS-Thunderbolt at their home ground – the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, where they have remained unbeaten since last year.

SSTMI-Thunderbolt top the standings with 19 points – one ahead of Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and two in front of Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

UniKL and MBPJ take on each other today for what is likely to be a fight to finish second.

But SSTMI-Thunderbolt coach Wan Mohd Roslan is not taking anything for granted.

“Pahang SS have a point to prove ... I don’t expect them to give in easily. They’ll definitely try to win this match,” he said.

“There’s no point expecting favours from others. That’s why we have to be at our best and win it on merit – through our own efforts.”

No wonder UniKL and MBPJ have given up hope on catching SSTMI-Thunderbolt.

UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran said: “It’s impossible to see Thunderbolt dropping points now ... we’ll just go out there and get all three points from our tie.

“It’s obvious MPBJ will be give us a tough fight as they are the only team who managed to come away with a draw against Thunderbolt. They too have an unbeaten record. I’m sure they will want to finish second ... at least.”

UniKL will have to make do without the services of captain Zul Pidaus Mizun, who is suspended.

“It’s a big loss, but we’ll carry on and hope that others will step up to the plate,” added the coach.

MBPJ coach Azlansaufi Ahmad Sufian said that the “title fight is basically over”.

“I believe the race for the title was over for us after we dropped points against KLSS-KLHC two weeks ago. That was a crucial game for us and our players failed to perform,” he said.

“The main battle for us now is to get all three points (against UniKL) and improve on our third placing last year.

“Our focus for now is already on the knockout stage, which starts next weekend.”

SSTMI, UniKL, MBPJ and Pahang SS have already qualified for the knockout stage. Four more teams will join them from Division Two.

In the Division Two playoff, Nur Insafi and 1MAS Perlis won their opening ties to take a step closer to securing a place in the knockout stage of the league.

Nur Insafi thumped 1MAS-TBSS Tampin 6-2 while 1MAS Perlis overcame MSN Terengganu 4-2 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Both the winners have one more match to go and a win or draw should give them the required points to make the cut.

Four teams will qualify from the six-team play-off. 1MAS Tampin, playing in Group X, will meet BJSS Juniors today while 1MAS Perlis will play SMKDBL in Group Y.

Four teams – SSTMI-Thunderbolt, UniKL, MBPJ and Pahang SS-Thunderbolt – have already made the knockout stage from Division One.

The draw for the knockout stage will be held on Sunday.

The Star of Malaysia

SAI pip MEG via penalties to claim title

Shrivathsa Sridhar

Sports Authority of India defeated Madras Engineers Group 4-3 via penalties to claim the 18th Field Marshal KM Cariappa memorial hockey tournament title in Bengaluru on Sunday.

MEG got the breakthrough in regulation time that ended 1-1, when Sunil GA scored in the 12th minute.

However, SAI fought back through Pradhan Somanna's goal in the 35th minute to force a shootout. In the sudden death, Umesh KR, Pradhan and Pramod PV scored for SAI while only Sunil and Machaiah found the target for MEG.

The Times of India

Champions Universities Cup from 28th Feb

s2h Team

With name change over, the 22nd Champions Universities hockey tournament will commence in Delhi from 28th Feb, according to a press release from the organizers, Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Society. Known as Champion Colleges Cup, it is now changed to Universities to suit changing colleges hockey scenario.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Society in its meeting held on 30th January 2015 has unanimously decided to change not only the name but also format of the Champion Colleges Hockey Tournament. The 22-year old annual event will now be called Champion Universities Hockey Tournament, with six universities on the field.

The event will be held at Shivaji Stadium, New Delhi from 28th Feb to 7th Mar 2015.

The participants include:
1. GND University, Amritsar
2. PAU, Ludhiana
3. Bartkatullah University, Bhopal
4. Sambalpur University, Odisha
5. Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
6. Bangalore University

The winners will get a cash prize of Rs 1 lac, Runners p Rs 65,000

The Doordarshan is also likely to telecast LIVE semi-finals and finals

Dr. Kousar Ali Shah, Director, Paras Group of Hospitals will inaugurate the tournament.

INAUGURAL MATCH: 28-2-2015 at 3.30 P.M. between Jamia Millia Islamia University(Delhi) Vs Bangalore University, Bangalore

Stick2Hockey.com

Pirates & princesses play hockey

Ipswich share their plans for Hookin2Hockey in 2015



It’s the time of year where hockey clubs and associations are in the process of preparing for their upcoming season and Neil Shearer, Regional Coaching Director from Ipswich Hockey Association, is preparing Ipswich for another successful Hookin2Hockey program.

Born and bred in Rockhampton, Shearer coached and played alongside Rocky heroes Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Matt Gohdes for a number of years. A hockey enthusiast, Shearer has lived and breathed hockey since the age of 13.

Having that ‘feeling’ from the start, Shearer alongside the whole Rockhampton community knew the trio would play for Australia. He remembers their dedication to hockey, the team and their motivation to win.

“These three are a great example of kids getting into hockey early, having fun and becoming successful elite athletes. I have a few fond memories of the trio; I coached the winning 1996 U18 state men’s title team, which Jamie Dwyer was a part of at the age of 16. Mark Knowles scored the winning goal in extra time in our grand final in 2000 and I have had the pleasure of watching Matt Gohdes grow into an unbelievable hockey player since the age of 11.”

After moving to Ipswich Hockey Association in 2011, Shearer puts his hockey knowledge, energy and time back into town’s local Hookin2Hockey program, making Ipswich’s program one of the most successful across the country.

Holding their first Hookin2hockey program that year with a turnout of 53 youngsters, Ipswich has seen the popularity of its program explode with more than 250 kids attending Hookin2Hockey in 2014 - that’s a lot of kids wearing Jamie Dwyer Hookin2Hockey jerseys! Running the program throughout the entire season, Ipswich is aiming for an even bigger number this year.

Much like other hockey clubs and associations across the country, Ipswich’s primary focus is on getting kids into the sport while having fun. Its annual themed days have been the most popular for their U5s, U7s and U9s.

“The parents, coaches and players absolutely love our theme days. The whole Ipswich hockey community gets behind all our events, creating a great atmosphere each year,” Shearer said.

With a lot hard work put in behind the scenes, Ipswich is preparing for a fun filled year of activities. There will be a pirate and princess themed day, an all-blue weekend in support of Beyond Blue, bring a friend day for all juniors at the start of the season, the 2015 carnival day and much more.

Speaking to Shearer about what Ipswich Hockey Association is trying to achieve through running its training sessions and game days with a twist he told hockey.org.au, “The idea behind them is to get more kids picking up a hockey stick and playing hockey. It’s great when kids who have never played before say how awesome hockey is. You never know, they could possibly be the next Mark Knowles or Madonna Blyth.

“The kids in Ipswich love receiving their Hookin2Hockey gear. They enjoy playing their games each week as well as the carnival day at the end of the season. The themed days are also very popular. I find it a great way to separate the skills, drills and games while the kids and coaching staff dress up and have some serious fun.”

Ipswich Hockey Association has kindly provided their U5s, U7s and U9s 2014 Hookin2Hockey outlines to download below as a guide only for other clubs wanting inspiration and ideas for their Hookin2Hockey programs.

Join the 143 clubs who have already signed up in 2015. Each 2015 Hookin2Hockey participant receives a Hookin2Hockey pack containing a mouthguard, reversible singlet, stick, stick bag, shin guards, ball, whistle, umpire cards and wallet. To sign up contact James Liggins, Participation Coordinator via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On behalf of the hockey community Hockey Australia sends its thoughts to everyone affected by the destruction of cyclones Marcia and Lam in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Ipswich's 2014 U5 Hookin2Hockey outline
Ipswich's 2014 U7 skills and drills outline
Ipswich's 2014 U9 skills and drills outline
Ipswich's 2014 Storybook day
Ipswich's 2014 Carnival day

Hockey Australia media release

Today is Sandeep Singh’s 30th birthday

Will Sandeep be back?

By B.G.JOSHI

Will Sandeep Singh-lethal drag flick expert with 130kmph speed be back in Indian squad?

Sandeep is all time top scorer of HIL. Sandeep scored  total  33 goals in 3 versions of HIL . He scored 11 goals each in 2013, 2014 and 2015.In 2013 Sandeep was in Mumbai Magician team, whereas in 2014 and 2015, he played for Punjab Warriors.

Most successful Indian versus Pakistan is Sandeep Singh, netted 19 goals in 27 matches.

In Bhubaneswar CT, India failed to convert 4 penalty corners against Pakistan and lost the match by 3-4 goals. India missed the golden chance of the Final in FIH’s tourneys since the Moscow Olympics (1980) when playing in Bhubaneswar as Sandeep was not in the team.

Here is brief profile of Sandeep Singh

Fieldhockey.com exclusive