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All the news for Thursday 10 September 2015

India go down 2-4 to China in Women's Junior Asia Cup

CHANGZHOU (China): Having won their two pool matches against North Korea and Singapore comprehensively, India junior women hockey team fought well before going down to hosts China 2-4 in their third match of the 7th Women's Junior Asia Cup here.

Both the teams started on aggressive note. Applying effective strategies, India managed to keep the ball in the early minutes, but China scored three back-to-back goals through penalty corners and that made all the difference.

The Chinese eves earned a penalty corner in the first few minutes but India's Inderpreet Kaur stopped the home team from taking lead.

However, they came back strongly and attacked from all sides, creating more opportunities. They earned three more penalty corners in a short span of six minutes and converted all of them to take a huge 3-0 lead.

Bingfeng Gu (two goals) and Qiu Guo scored through penalty corners in the 10th, 11th and 15th minutes.

After conceding three consecutive goals, Indian eves fought back with full force and they also earned a penalty corner, but failed to materialise.

In the next minute, Indian earned another penalty corner and this time drag-flicker Jaspreet Kaur converted the first goal for India in the 33rd minute. With this goal, the first half finished at 3-1 in China's favour.

In the second half, both the teams fought for ball possession.

After a series of attack from both sides, it was India who earned the first penalty corner but failed to convert it.

China quickly counter-attacked on Indian side and Chenyang Guo scored a field goal in the 50th minute to increase their lead to 4-1.

India again charged on Chinese circle and managed to earn another penalty corner. This time Gurjit Kaur took the shot and converted it in the 56th minute.

In the next minute, China once again earned a penalty corner, but Indian custodian Inderpreet thwarted their attempt.

In the last minutes, both the teams tried their level best to add another goal to their tally but failed to sneak into each-other's defence-line.

India will next face Malaysia on Thursday.

This tournament is a qualification event for the FIH Junior World cup (women) 2016.

The Times of India

Malaysia beat North Korea 3-2

By Jugjet Singh

THE Malaysian women's hockey team beat North Korea 3-2 in the Junior Asia Cup at the Wujin Sadium in Changzhou, China, yesterday.

The half time score stood at 1-1, with Nuraslinda Said scoring a field goal in the 29th minute. Fatin Shafika (59th) and another goal from Nuraslinda in the 65th minute sealed the three points.

Malaysia now have six points, as they had beaten Singapore 2-0 earlier, but their hopes of playing in the semifinals are slim as their last opponents are India today.

India had beaten Singapore 12-0 and North Korea 13-0.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

FIH announces hosts for 2016/17 Hockey World League Round 2


Valencia, Spain will host a Hockey World League Round 2 event

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed today that six countries around the world will host 2016/17 Hockey World League (HWL) Round 2 events in early 2017.

The three men’s competitions will take place in Tacarigua (Trinidad & Tobago), Dublin (Ireland) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) while the women’s tournaments will take place in Vancouver (Canada), Valencia (Spain) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Speaking of these host agreements, FIH CEO, Kelly Fairweather, said: “We are delighted to announce these six venues for the Hockey World League Round 2. We had an unprecedented number of exceptional applications to host these events which made the decision making process extremely difficult. 24 bids from cities around the world were received, which provides further evidence of the growing global spread of our sport.”

He continued: “What’s great to see is that many of the bids reflected one of our Hockey Revolution goals - to develop innovative and exciting entertainment events. With this in mind, we have no doubt that each and every one of the host cities will put on fantastic events and in doing so showcase international hockey at its best.”

The dates for each event are currently being finalised in conjunction with each host National Association and as soon as they are finalised they will be published on the FIH website.

Following the confirmation of the HWL Round 2 hosts, in close cooperation with the Continental Federations, FIH are now finalising the venues and teams for the HWL Round 1 tournaments, which will be held in 2016.

Composed of four rounds and played over two years, the HWL takes place in venues around the world.

This unique competition gives even the smallest hockey-playing nations the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books, as they are given the chance to progress through the Rounds, with the added incentive of Olympic or World Cup qualification also on offer.

The 2016/17 HWL will decide which teams will qualify alongside the Continental Champions and hosts for the FIH World Cups in 2018 in England (women) and India (men).

All teams participating in the HWL will also receive FIH World Ranking points which could potentially prove crucial when it comes to qualification for other hockey events.

The 2014/15 HWL will conclude at the end of this year. The 2015 men’s Hero Hockey World League Final takes place in Raipur, India between 27 November and 6 December, while the women’s Argentina Hockey World League Final 2015 will be held in Rosario, Argentina between 5 and 13 December.

To find out more about the 2015 men’s Hero Hockey World League Final, click here.

To find out more about the women’s Argentina Hockey World League Final 2015, click here.

FIH site

Ireland to Host World League Round 2



Hockey Ireland has secured hosting rights for the men’s World League Round 2 in 2017, a stage in the qualification process for the 2018 World Cup in India. Ireland has been chosen as 1 of just 3 countries to host the men’s Round 2 and we are thrilled to be hosting our second World League Round 2 in a row. After the success of World League in Dublin in March of this year we’re looking forward to welcoming crowds to fill the stands again and support the Green Machine in their quest for World Cup Qualification. The women’s World League Round 2 will be played in Canada, Spain and Malaysia, and the Green Army will be looking to progress to Round 3 and qualify for the World Cup in England in 2018.

Speaking about the tournament, Hockey Ireland CEO Mike Heskin said “We’re delighted to have been selected as a host of World League Round 2 in 2017. It is a credit to the all those who were involved in the running of the World League Round 2 in Dublin earlier this year that the FIH are prepared to award Ireland with back to back World tournaments.

 The tournament will offer the public a chance to see the record breaking Green Machine in action at home as they bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Dublin will be the only venue in Europe to host Round 2 of the men’s competition so we’re very much looking forward to welcoming teams from around the world and showcasing high quality hockey.”

Irish Hockey Association media release

Ignoring preceding events, Khokhar sets sights on 2020 Olympics

Mohammad Yaqoob


In this photo, Pakistan hockey players celebrate scoring a goal against India during a 2014 Champions Trophy match in Bhubaneswar. - AFP/File

LAHORE: The newly elected president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, has set his sights on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics though his term will end in December 2017.

While targeting the 2020 Olympics, he ignored some important major events like World Cup and Asian Games which will be held in 2018 in addition to the 10th Asia Cup which will be played in 2017.

Addressing his maiden press conference with new secretary-designate Olympian Shahbaz Senior at the National Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday, Khokhar said, “Our main target is the 2020 Olympics and the immediate target is bringing improvement in hockey both at senior and junior levels.”
Hints at shifting PHF office to Islamabad

When asked if the 2018 World Cup should not have been his first target, the president claimed that was a short-term objective and did not say anything about the two other major events like Asia Cup and Asian Games.

To a question, the PHF president he was not clear if his tenure was for the remaining period of December 2013 elections, when Akhtar Rasool had been elected, or was that for four years.

“I have not read the PHF constitution in this regard but I think our tenure is for the remaining period. The Executive Board may revisit it,” he said.

Throughout the press conference, Khokhar tried to avoid any controversy but when reminded that PHF’s former president Zafarullah Khan Jamali had expressed reservations over several new appointments made by the former and that he was annoyed for bypassing him while taking those decisions, the PHF president said, “Mr Jamali is my elder brother and I worked with him as a selector in the past. We are also listening different stories in this regard but our humbleness should not be taken as weakness.

“In fact, Shahbaz Senior is the choice of Mr Jamali for PHF secretaryship. All talks with Mr Jamali were held behind closed doors and nothing came out in the media from my side. We will accept advice for betterment of hockey from every corner,” he said.

He said next year’s Junior World Cup, to be held in Delhi, is also one of the top priorities of the PHF and for which all possible facilities were being given to the camp probables in Islamabad.

The PHF president admitted that the camp probables were picked by only two selectors, chairman Rashid-ul-Hasan and Saeed Ahmed, but promised that the next selection will be made by the entire selection committee.

He said the Astroturf at Islamabad had been improved and so far no injury was reported to any probable at the camp.

To a question, Khokhar said the total liability of the PHF was Rs30 million, which might increase.

He said the previous PHF management had sent a request to the prime minister for grant which was not duly processed. He added he would try his best to start the process for the grant again.

The PHF president claimed all expenditures of the PHF would be available on its official website for anyone to see. It may be mentioned that Akhtar Rasool had also made a similar claim but the federal government did not release him any grant.

To a question, he admitted a deal had taken place between him and the previous management of Akhtar Rasool that he would not take any case on personal ground.

He added that full-fledged audit of the PHF was going on and action against anyone would be taken by the government.

The PHF would not be a party, however, he added, the PHF as facilitator would provide all kinds of information and documents to competent authorities doing the audit.

Khokhar said he had no group in the PHF and he would try to move forward with all stakeholders for betterment of hockey.

To a question, he hinted that the head office of the PHF might be shifted to Islamabad.

“The situation is not good in Lahore as you can’t enter the PHF office from the front main gate. The PHF will decide which city is better for it,” he said.

The PHF head office has been working in Lahore since 1948 but shifting it from here just because both PHF president and secretary are based in Islamabad will not set a good example.

He said a think-tank comprising notable Olympians, advisory board and people from the corporate sector would be formed.

About the option of hiring the services of a foreign coach, he said such decisions would be taken after thorough discussions.

He said the new PHF management would focus on promoting hockey at school, college and club levels.

The PHF president said an academy will be established in Gojra, which had a large contribution in national hockey.

He said they were also planning premier league both at senior and junior levels.

He was of the opinion that they could attract more families to hockey grounds if they organise matches under floodlights.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz said school hockey will start from Lahore and added that the best hockey playing school team will be sent to Europe as an incentive.

Meanwhile, the PHF president twice said, “Don’t expect miracles from us but miracles do happen and they can happen.”

Dawn

After Antwerp humiliation, now PHF targets World Cup 2018 and Olympics 2020

Pakistan hockey chief says Shahbaz named secretary after consulting Jamali

By Muhammad Ali

LAHORE: After suffering humiliation in the Olympic Qualifiers at Antwerp, Belgium in July this year, the new management of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has set the World Cup 2018 in India and the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as its future targets. PHF president Brig (r) Muhammad Khalid Sajjad Khokhar on Wednesday announced the national federation’s plans on how it would start rehabilitation of hockey across the country, and what measures it would take to revive domestic hockey and invite foreign teams in the country. Along with PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Khalid addressed a press conference here at the National Hockey Stadium. It was the first interaction of the two ambitious PHF officials with the media since their lucrative appointments by the PHF patron-in-chief Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“Our main target is now the World Cup 2018 in India and the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The PHF will raise a strong team for the future mega events,” he claimed. Khalid became president of the national federation after former Olympian Akhtar Rasool was forced to resign after the Olympics debacle. After Akhtar’s resignation, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid Ali was also shown the door and controversial former Pakistan captain Shahbaz was named as new secretary of the federation. Shahbaz, like his boss Khalid, also played his cards well to join the bandwagon of Pakistan hockey. It was really surprising and shocking that the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry, along with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), was given more importance than the PHF Congress members and hockey fraternity for new appointments in the PHF.

Despite facing severe financial crunch and harsh criticism, the greenshirts, under Mujahid and Akhtar, won one gold and two silver medals in three major events. It was Mujahid and Akhtar who succeeded in raising a team that played three finals in 2014: silver in FIH Champions Trophy held in India, gold in Asian Champions Trophy and silver in the Incheon Asian Games. But the PHF could not field a well-prepared team for the Olympic qualifiers because of the federal government’s lacklustre attitude towards the PHF which resulted in severe shortage of funds and Pakistan failed to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016.

Replying a question regarding former PHF chief Zafarullah Khan Jamali’s displeasure over Shahbaz’s appointment, Khalid disclosed that Shahbaz was appointed after consulting Jamali. It was reported in the media that former Prime Minister Jamali was not happy with the nomination of former Olympian Shahbaz. Prime Minister Nawaz wanted to appoint Jamali as the PHF chief but his age factor came in the way. Under the PHF constitution, a person above 70 years of age can not be appointed as the PHF president. However, PM Nawaz told PHF chief Khalid that he should take all decisions of new appointments in the national federation after taking Jamali into confidence. But Khalid named Shahbaz as new secretary general without consulting Jamali. “I don’t like to talk on differences related to the national hockey issues. I have joined the PHF to take on board all hockey-related personalities instead of creating differences. I will talk with all Olympians and international players and their suggestions will be considered for the promotion of hockey.” Khalid said it was not a good sign that there was criticism in less than 48 hours of announcement of the names of the officials of the PHF. The PHF president added that some time should be given to his team to work with peace of mind.

He said the PHF’s focus would be on junior hockey which was vital for the survival of the national sport. “Our future hockey revolves around their performance.” He said he was not satisfied with the fitness of Pakistan players and would send them for training in Abbottabad. “The national players will be sent to foothills of the Himalayas in a bid to improve both their form and fitness. It was the fitness factor that led to the debacle in the Olympic qualifiers. Training on high-altitude will help us in our bid to raise the players’ fitness levels. Cooler weather conditions will enable our players to carry out longer and harder training sessions to make it sure that they are well-prepared for upcoming assignments.” Khalid said that Pakistan hockey was facing tough times but he was confident things would get better soon. “We are all confident that the up tick in our performance graph would soon become a lot more visible.” But one should keep in mind that nothing positive or fruitful comes out when the persons at the helm have dubious and controversial backgrounds.

Khalid said the PHF had planned a hockey development programme in remote and neglected areas of the country. “Under this programme hockey sticks will be provided free of cost to country’s youngsters. The hockey sticks and kits will be provided to the needy, enthusiastic up-coming young players of genuine hockey clubs, school and college students to promote the national game in the country. We will also revive inter-school and inter-collegiate tournaments. The winners of these tournaments will be sent abroad for exposure.” The PHF official said they needed immediate finances to run the national federation. There is no money in the PHF kitty. So I have requested the federal government to provide us immediate grant for smooth running of Pakistan hockey,” he concluded.

The Daily Times

PHF bosses set next World Cup, Olympics main target

LAHORE - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) new bosses have said that qualification of national team in the 2018 World Cup and 2020 Olympics is their main target.

Talking to the reporters here at the National Hockey Stadium, PHF president Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and secretary Shahbaz Senior said: “We have accepted the responsibility with the aim of brining Pakistan hockey back to old glory days. The first and foremost target we have set is that we want our team to qualify for the 2018 world cups and 2020 Olympics and we are hopeful, with our sincere efforts and hard work, we will able to achieve this target.”

They said that they wanted to work for the betterment of the national game for which they needed help and suggestions from the entire past hockey greats and heroes and their precious suggestions and recommendations would be welcome. “We want revive Pakistan hockey from grassroots level and start promoting it in the schools, colleges and universities which once used to be hockey nurseries and used to provide the country renowned hockey players. By focusing and working on this area, we will get fresh talent who will certainly help fill the void and produce the best results.”

The president and secretary also came hard on former PHF chief Mir Zafarullah Jamali and asked him to let them work freely for hockey revival. “Zafarullah Jamali should stop speaking against us rather let us work for the promotion of game. We are respecting him just because of his seniority, otherwise, we can also use harsh statements against him.”

They said that there was a lot of work to be done to improve infrastructure as without it, the revival of the national game was not possible. “We will not only improve our infrastructure but also make the academies functional to hunt fresh talent. We will provide better facilities to our players so that they may excel at higher level.”

When asked whether government would provide them money to run the affairs of hockey or they themselves generate funds for this purpose, they replied: “First of all, we need government support and funds from them to run the affairs of the federation and hockey smoothly. We will also develop best marketing department which will be provided the task of generating funds for the federation and players.”

The Nation

Bob Hayton to conduct 2015 HIL auction


Officials conducting the Hockey India League player auctions in New Delhi. File photo: S. Subramanium

After successfully conducting the inaugural auction of HIL in 2012, Hayton will once again be seen in action.

World renowned auctioneer Bob Hayton will once again conduct the Hockey India League auction 2015, slated to take place on September 17 at a city hotel here.

After successfully conducting the inagural auction of HIL in 2012, Hayton will once again be seen in action when he will put more than 275 players under the hammer.

Speaking on Hayton’s involvement in the HIL auction, chairman of the league Narinder Batra said: “It’s a privilege to have Bob Hayton, the world’s best auctioneer, to conduct another round of auctions for Hockey India League. With his acute knowledge of the game, and the skill with which he conducts the auctions is commendable and hence a big reason to feel honoured to have him on board for the day.”

Hayton, a professionally qualified auctioneer and valuer, has more than 30 years experience in the field of fine arts and chattels in the UK. He in the past has advised on and conducted auctions in Europe and Dubai. He is also a part of the Bid & Hammer’s Advisory Panel with a view to investing his knowledge, experience and contacts to its growth and profitability as an international auction house.

In the recent past Hayton is the most sort after international auctioneer in India and has to his credit of conducting the HIL’s inaugural edition, inaugural edition of IBL along with the prestigious auction on behalf of HH the Maharaja of Jodhpur for the One World Retreat at the Umaid Palace in Jodhpur.

The HIL auction is slated to be held on September 17 where 135 Indian and 141 foreign players will go under the hammer.

The Hindu

Tough ask for Maybank to beat Tenaga in MHL knockout stage

By Aftar Singh


Maybank hockey player Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin shielding the ball from a UniKL player in the MHL match last week.

KUALA LUMPUR: Defender Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin has featured in six finals – with two different teams – for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) overall title since 2009.

The penalty corner drag flicker played in two finals with Sapura in 2009 and 2010 and four times with Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) from 2011 to 2014.

And he’s won it three times in a row with KLHC from 2011.

Will it be seventh heaven this year with his new team, Maybank?

But first, The Tigers will have to get past their quarter-final opponents Tenaga Nasional.

The first leg tie will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday. The return leg will be at the same venue on Sunday.

But it doesn’t look good for the Tigers, though.

In the six-team Premier Division, Maybank finished fifth while Tenaga were third.

The Tigers, despite being powered by five Pakistani and one Indian player won just one match. They lost eight times and drew the other. They netted 17 goals but conceded 28 in 10 matches.

And for the record, Maybank lost both their league matches against Tenaga with identical 2-1 scores.

It’s no wonder the 27-year-old Kazamirul was quick to admit it would be “a real challenge” to get past Tenaga in the knockout stage.

“Tenaga may not have any foreign players in their team, but they play as a unit,” said Kazamirul.

“It’s also going to be difficult to score against them ... they have the country’s number one goalkeeper in S. Kumar.”

Kazamirul, who has only scored two penalty corner goals thus far, laments Maybank’s poor penalty corner conversion rate.

“We had 25 penalty corners in 10 matches, but only scored six,” he said.
Last year, Maybank finished fourth in the knockout stage after losing 4-2 to Tenaga in a penalty shootout.

The Star of Malaysia

On the move


Ashley Jackson has left East Grinstead for Holcombe

We are just days away from the start of the new Men’s English Hockey League season and as usual, the summer has been a busy time. Players, coaches and managers have all been subject to the usual comings and goings as every team aims to make their mark on the new season.

Perhaps the most eye-catching of all the moves is that of England and Great Britain’s all-time leading goalscorer, Ashley Jackson. The No7 has swapped the white of East Grinstead for the red of newly-promoted Holcombe, where he joins a number of his international teammates. Following Jackson to Holcombe Park is none other than Sam Ward. The former Beeston goal machine has moved in search of a new challenge and links up with Jackson at club as well as international level.

Beeston moved swiftly to replace the departed Ward, with his England team mate Mark Gleghorne making the move to Nottingham from East Grinstead to supply the goals for The Bees. Beeston have been active in the transfer market and alongside Gleghorne, keep an eye out for England junior international James Albery, who moves from Cambridge City and rising Scotland star Hamish Imrie, who moves from Grange.

East Grinstead have moved to cover their departures with a number of canny signings. Dom Bowden returns from a spell in Holland to join the Saint Hill club whilst Rob Schilling brings his considerable experience over from Surbiton. Goalkeeper Richard Potton leaves the club after a long spell between the posts, to join the ex-East Grinstead contingent at Conference outfit Sevenoaks.

Both Cannock and Brooklands MU will be hoping to improve their fortunes from last season and though they haven’t been the most active of sides in the transfer window, both have made what could prove to be very useful acquisitions. With Cannock bringing in Robbie Gleeson, from Olton and West Warwicks and Brooklands taking North Conference player of the year Rob Turner from Bowdon.

Hampstead have lost the penalty corner expertise of Andrew Hayward who heads to Surbiton but Michael Johnson’s side have been far from quiet on the transfer front with seven new recruits coming in. They have added the considerable talents of Richard Springham and Jon Codling from Reading and have also raided the midlands clubs for Muhammad Irfan and Stuart Loughrey.

Surbiton have bolstered their ranks with a number of good signings alongside Hayward, but will bid farewell to former Great Britain star Rob Moore, who heads to Fareham.

Reading have been stung by good exam results for a number of their young guns, losing Max Heaver (University of Exeter), Peter Scott (Bath Buccaneers) and Jack Clee (University of Birmingham) from last year’s cup winning side.

Champions Wimbledon have performed some fine tuning rather than wholesale changes, bringing in Euro Hockey League winner Richie Dawson-Smith who returns home from a successful spell in Germany with Harvestehuder. They have also added Peter Millar from Jersey and Matthias Knuepfer from Club an der Alster in Germany. Although they have lost striker Tejinder Hanspal who returns to Indian Gymkhana to join the Ian Jennings revolution.

Canterbury hope to avoid last year’s great escape through the playoffs and have added six players including Ivo Moreira from Sport Club do Porto and Tariq Marano from Malvern Sports Club in Trinidad and Tobago.

Below are some of the selected moves into each club:

BEESTON
Mark Gleghorne - from East Grinstead
Tom Sorsby - from Sheffield Hallam
Alex Hardwick - from Old Loughtonians
Bertie Mortimer - from Harleston Magpies
James Albery - from Cambridge City
Hamish Imrie - from Grange (Scotland)

BROOKLANDS MU
Robert Turner - from Bowdon

CANNOCK
William Burns - from Olton & WW
Robbie Gleeson - from Olton & WW

CANTERBURY
Sam George - from Sevenoaks
Rob Playford - from Ashford
Ivo Moreira - from Sport Club do Porto
Chris Smith - from Ashford
Tariq Marano - from Malvern Sports Club (TRI)
Craig Boyne - from YMCC Coastal City (AUS)

EAST GRINSTEAD
Jannis Schwebs - from Berliner
Dominic Bowden - from Den Bosch
Ben Allberry - from Canterbury
Robert Schilling - from Surbiton
George Oyebode - from Oxted
Mark Galloway - from Durham Uni
Ollie Davies - from Durham Uni
Adam Seccull - from St Kilda Powerhouse (AUS)
Tendo Kimuli - from Bromley & Beckenham

HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER
Callum Stoddart – from Loughborough Students
Stuart Loughrey - from Cannock
Richard Springham - from Reading
Muhammad Irfan - from Olton & WW
Alex Simpson - from Havering
Toby Roche - from Westside Wolves
Tom Kavanagh - from West Hampstead
Jonny Codling - from Reading

HOLCOMBE
Sam Ward - from Beeston
Ashley Jackson - from East Grinstead
Nicholas Bandurak - from Cannock
Alistair Bray - from Canterbury

READING
Oliver Deasy - from Hampstead & Westminster
Peter Kelly - from Sydney Uni
Montgomery Jefferson - from Sardinero (ESP)
Jack Smart - from Reading Uni
Ali Parkes - from Liverpool Uni
James O'Neil - from Durham Uni
Chris Wyver - from Canterbury

SURBITON
Andrew Hayward - from Hampstead & Westminster
Robert Marx - from Berliner
David Bartram - from Old Georgians
Paul Reeves - from Old Georgians
Gareth Furlong - from Leidsche En Oegstgeester (NED)

WIMBLEDON
Peter Millar - from Jersey
Matthias Knuepfer - from Alster
Richie Dawson-Smith -from Harvestehuder

For a run down of the weekend's fixtures and start times, click here.

This season there is a Fantasy Hockey competition, run by England Star Tom Carson and his company, Young Ones. To add a bit of spice and interest to the domestic season, why not enter and test yourself against other hockey fans? For all the details click here.

England Hockey Board Media release

Who's in and who's out?


England star Laura Unsworth has joined East Grinstead

With Surbiton’s undefeated campaign last season still fresh in the memory, the rest of the clubs in the Investec Women’s Premier Division have been busy over the summer months tweaking their squads in an attempt to knock the Sugden Road side off their perch. As is customary, there have been plenty of comings and goings as coaches put the finishing touches to their squads ahead of Saturday’s curtain-raiser.

The champions have ensured they will not be caught resting on their laurels with no fewer than five signings coming in to bolster their ranks. The most eye-catching of which is probably the arrival of Scotland and Great Britain goalkeeper Amy Gibson who moves over from Slough.

For last season’s league runners-up Canterbury, continuity is the name of the game. Anna Kolárová, a rising Czech star arrives whilst Scotland’s Nikki Lloyd and junior international Anna Baker head through the exit door to Wimbledon and University of Durham respectively.

One of last year’s other playoff contenders, Clifton have also maintained the majority of their squad with a few additions, including Jessica Orrett from University of Virginia.

Reading have been hit by some high-profile departures with Welsh international duo Leah Wilkinson and Sarah Jones moving on to Holcombe whilst junior international Olivia Saligoi moves to University of Birmingham. The Sonning Lane side have made moves to replace their losses with Rebecca Van Berkel moving the other way to Saligoi. Georgie Blackwood is back for another season after moving from Canterbury (New Zealand) whilst the Southern Hemisphere has also provided two more recruits for Reading in the form of Rose Winter from YMCC (AUS) and Belinda Smith from Somerville (NZ).

In addition to Wilkinson and Jones, Jessica Brooker joins from Slough to line up alongside her former Reading team mates in the side at Holcombe Park. Kevin Johnson also brings in England U21 captain Kim Leiper from Loughborough, Emma Trunks from Birmingham Uni, Amelie Green from East Grinstead, Aurora Mears from Canterbury, and Christyn Davidson from Connecticut University.

Leicester hope to kick on and take their place back in the end of season play offs and have brought in four new signings to add that quest, the most notable of which is probably Suzanne Geeraerts - from Royal Herakles.

Bowdon Hightown and Buckingham, both of whom staved off relegation, the latter through the playoffs, have boosted their ranks. Sally Walton returns to Hightown after a spell at Wakefield and she brings Jane Donnelly with her from the Conference North outfit. Buckingham have been a little more active with Phoebe Richards looking a canny signing from Beeston and Lottie Porter, who turned out for St Albans last year two of five arrivals.

Newly promoted East Grinstead have shown their intent to make a splash in the top flight with the capture of England star Laura Unsworth. Takara Haines makes the step up from Conference outfit Oxford Hawks and there is a return for Josephine Blunt, a product of East Grinstead’s youth system who comes back after a spell at university.

Last but by no means least, there has been plenty of activity at University of Birmingham. Eleven new players have made the move to turn out for Phil Gooderham’s side, with the list of arrivals reading like a who’s who of junior internationals: Lucie Daman returns from a spell in Australia and is joined by former Reading teammate Olivia Saligoi. Hockey Writers’ Club Young Player of the Year Holly Hunt and Katherine Somerville move from Bowdon. Lydia MacDonnell (Leicester) Alice Wills (Holcombe) and Alicia Caillard (East Grinstead) have all arrived alongside Beeston trio Erica Sanders, Lilie Lamacraft and Flora Peel. Perhaps the most important signing of all however is that of Vanessa Hawkins. The former international moves over from Leicester to lend her array of skills and experience to an exciting Birmingham line-up. It may take time for the new recruits to gel, but Birmingham have certainly made some exciting moves this summer.

Some selected transfers, club by club can be seen below:

BOWDON HIGHTOWN
Sally Walton - from Wakefield
Jane Donnelly - from Wakefield

BUCKINGHAM
Phoebe Richards - from Beeston
Lottie Porter - from St Albans
Amy Cairns - from Banbury
Rebecca Hayward - from Bristol Firebrands
Abbie Brant - from Driffield

CANTERBURY
Anna Kolárová from Czech Hockey Federation

CLIFTON
Jessica Orrett - from Uni of Virginia
Nicola Moss - from Stourport
Fiona Burnet - from Bath Buccaneers

EAST GRINSTEAD
Kate Reynolds - from Loughborough Students
Takara Haines - Oxford Hawks
Miranda Caillard - Bristol Firebrands
Laura Unsworth - from Holcombe
Josephine Blunt - from Loughborough Students

HOLCOMBE
Kim Leiper - from Loughbrough Students
Emma Trunks - from Birmingham Uni
Amelie Green from East Grinstead
Sarah Jones - from Reading
Leah Wilkinson - from Reading
Jessica Brooker - from Slough
Aurora Mears - from Canterbury
Christyn Davidson - from Connecticut Uni

LEICESTER
Suzanne Geeraerts - from Royal Herakles
Elizabeth Honarmand - from Loughborough Students
Sally Whyte - from Bloemendaal
Emily Burgwin - from Loughborough Students

READING
Hannah Leigh - from Trojans
Rebbecca Van Berkel - from Birmingham Uni
Oria Cooke - from Surbiton
Georgie Blackwood from Canterbury (NZ)
Rose Winter from YMCC (AUS)
Belinda Smith from Somerville (NZ)

SURBITON
Robyn Collins - from Beeston
Olivia Chilton - from Birmingham Uni
Amy Gibson - from Slough
Emma Fairhead - from Ipswich
Stephanie Addison - from Clifton

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Lucie Daman - from MCC (Australia)
Vanessa Hawkins - from Leicester
Olivia Saligoi - from Reading
Holly Hunt - from Bowdon
Katherine Somerville - from Bowdon
Lydia McDonnell - from Leicester
Alice Wills - from Holcombe
Alicia Caillard from East Grinstead
Erica Sanders from Beeston
Lilie Lamacraft from Beeston
Flora Peel from Beeston

For all the fixtures in the opening weekend of the Investec Women's Hockey League, click here. 

England Hockey Board Media release

First for South Africa's KZN hockey

Lynn Hitchcock

HOCKEY players from St Davids, Wembley and Hermannsburg will join school players in the Investec Hockey Academy course in Durban in October.

The academy offers courses for school-going players at different levels who will work with a line-up of coaches and players, including former World Cup, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and All Africa­ Games players.

The two-day courses are more than physical skills training, they allow personal development through a comprehensive look at current international tactical and technical trends used by professionals, providing an understanding of what it takes to play at the highest level.

The academy offers courses for players at all levels - a fundamental player’s course (aged eight to 12), an intermediate player’s course (13 to 15), an advanced player’s course (16 to 18) and a specialist goal keeper’s course (eight to 18).

While the academy is a platform for aspiring­ professional hockey players to be noticed and trained, it is also a platform for female hockey players at all levels to improve­ their skills and share the camaraderie.

News24

US High School Coach Sets National All-Time Winning Record

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Coaching the same team for 40 years is an unheard of accomplishment. Adding 26 consecutive District XI Titles and 10 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships is remarkable. Emmaus High School Head Coach Sue Butz-Stavin has added another extraordinary achievement to her list - the high school coach with the National All-Time Winning Record.

Butz-Stavin led the Green Hornets to victory over Dieruff to surpass the record to earn 840 career wins. The previous holder is retired coach Nancy Williams from West Long Branch Shore Regional High School in New Jersey with 839 wins.

This milestone speaks volume for Butz-Stavin's coaching success as she has a 90 percent win record over the four decades. Since her first year of coaching Emmaus High School in 1976, she has been an inductee in the National Field Hockey Hall of Fame, U.S. Olympic Committee Development Coach of the Year, National High School Coach of the Year and has sent athletes to many different college of all divisions to continue their athlete careers.

"We have a great school and athletic environment, a talented pool of athletes and a wonderful coaching staff," said Butz-Stavin.

Butz-Stavin got into the game of field hockey at an early age when her mother inspired her to play.

“My Mom first inspired me to play hockey," said Butz-Stavin. "She was very athletic and played field hockey for Cedar Crest College in the 1940s. She was very active as a college official in the Leigh Valley, Pa. area and many times I sat on the sideline and watched. During my junior high and high school years field hockey was played only in physical education classes and after school intra-mural competitions. In my junior year at William Allen High School we formed the first field hockey team at the school and I went on and played my freshman year at college.”

During college, Butz-Stavin received a coaching accreditation that provided means for her to support her college education. After college, she traveled and worked for a year in Australia and returned to the U.S. with a lot more coaching experience and playing styles gained during her travels.

“The students were used to the old five-man front, three midfielders, two backs and a sweeper,” recalled Butz-Stavin. “It took three or four years to get the team to believe in a 4-3-3 system.”

Students at Emmaus High School accept their coach’s words of wisdom without question. A returning player of the team is Meredith Sholder, who scored 47 goals and was voted District XI Field Hockey Player of the Year.

“People who don’t know Sue are intimidated by her, but she’s not scary at all, she’s very supportive," said Sholder. "She can be tough, as all coaches can, but I’m really glad she’s my coach.”

Information Courtesy of FIH

USFHA media release

Former Shore coach has national wins record broken

By Matt Stypulkoski


Emmaus field hockey coach Sue Butz-Stavin celebrates her 840th career win on Sept. 9, 2015, making her the winningest high school field hockey coach in U.S. history. (Matt Smith | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Coach Nancy Williams retired after the 2013 season following 44 years at Shore.

At the time, her 839 wins were the most by any field hockey coach around the country. Over the course of the past season-plus, that record has stood. But on Wednesday night, the mark was broken.

Sue Butz-Stavin, who coaches at Emmaus (Pa.) eclipsed that number with a 15-0 victory on Wednesday.

Though she no longer holds the national record, Williams' impressive 839-67-56 record still puts her atop the state standings. Prior to leaving Shore, the coach also accumulated 43 consecutive divisional titles, 19 Shore Conference Tournament titles and 13 state championships.

NJ.com