News for 19 February 2016
All the news for Friday 19 February 2016
Smith helps Roos back
Emily Smith’s equalising goal helped Hockeyroos to secure a 2-2 draw
Emily Smith’s skilful strike helped the Hockeyroos to a late 2-2 equaliser with Great Britain in their fourth match of the series on Thursday night.
Working together as a team, Georgia Nanscawen and Emily Smith’s strikes held Great Britain back from securing a second win of the series, after two successful penalty corner attempts from Giselle Ansley.
Speaking afterwards, Head Coach Adam Commens said, “With a lot of youngsters out on the pitch, we saw a performance that had a lot of positives tonight. Right now, we’re not showing all of our penalty corners, which means our success rate is low. I’m confident that as we narrow down towards Rio these things will start to come together.
“We’re all about learning and becoming a better team, and that’s why we play a team like Great Britain, to have these matches which are physical, hard-fought and challenging.”
Speaking about their attacking penalty corner battery which ultimately let them down tonight, Commens added, “Rather than a direct shot we can be using variations. Every person that has been watching these games might ask why we’re not hitting target, and of course we don’t want to be showing everything we have before Rio. During these matches we continue to find out who our number one drag flickers are and who can score during the big moments.”
It was a tight first quarter clash between the Hockeyroos and Great Britain, with both sides struggling to breakdown each other’s defensive walls.
Five minutes into the second quarter, a well worked team goal paid dividends for Australia. Breaking past Great Britain’s defenders, a deflection from Victorian forward Georgia Nanscawen was undeniable by the visitor’s goalkeeper Kirsty Mackay, breaking the ice and setting Australia up with a 1-0 lead.
With intensity levels high, numerous penalty corners came and went during the second quarter, however, Australia were struggling to find the back of the net.
After three consecutive penalty corners and a last second switch in their attacking battery, Great Britain were rewarded with an equalising goal two minutes before the halftime break. Confusing the Australian defence, Giselle Ansley’s powerful drag flick pulled Great Britain back into the game 1-1.
Off the back of another quiet third quarter, Great Britain quickly pulled the trigger during the 50th minute. Standing tall at the top of the circle, Giselle Ansley came back for round two, successfully hitting target and pushing the visors in front 2-1.
Trailing one goal down with five minutes remaining on the clock, Emily Smith showcased world class skill. Eliminating Great Britain’s defence from the top of Australia’s attacking circle, Smith’s back stick strike hit target, deadlocking the match 2-2 and rewarding Australia’s hard work with a second draw of the series.
The Hockeyroos’ fifth match of the series will be played on Saturday at 3pm AWST at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The match will be streamed live on epicentre.tv from 2:45pm AWST / 5:45pm AEDT.
Great Britain Series
Match 4
HOCKEYROOS: 2 (1)
Georgia Nanscawen 20 (FG)
Emily Smith 55 (FG)
GREAT BRITAIN: 2 (1)
Giselle Ansley 28, 50 (PC) (PC)
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HOCKEYROOS’ FOURTH MATCH AGAINST GREAT BRITAIN BACK ON DEMAND
Hockeyroos' squad v Great Britain
Started
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 221/10
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 95/2
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) [QAS athlete] 15/3
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 160/93
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 87/9
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 89/26
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 77/13
Casey Sablowski (South Coast, NSW) 235/44
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 141/57
Ashlee Wells (Moe, VIC) 68/0
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 36/5
Used Substitute
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 10/3
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 96/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 169/34
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 83/9
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW) 7/0
Madi Ratcliffe (Warrnambool, VIC) 2/0
Did Not Play
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW) 0/0
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 322/70
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 159/34
Rachael Lynch (Melbourne, VIC) 142/0
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 28/4
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) [SASI athlete] 22/2
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 197/68
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW) 0/0
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 39/11
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 5/1
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD) 11/0
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 92/29
Fixtures & Results
Friday 12 February: Bunbury & Districts Hockey Stadium (4-3 AUS)
Sunday 14 February: Bunbury & Districts Hockey Stadium (1-0 GBR)
Tuesday 16 February: Perth Hockey Stadium (3-3)
Thursday 18 February: 9:00pm AEDT / 6:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium (2-2)
Saturday 20 February: 6:00pm AEDT / 3:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium
Sunday 21 February: 6:00pm AEDT / 3:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium
Hockey Australia media release
Ansley double gives Great Britain share of the spoils
Giselle Ansley bagged a brace in the 2-2 draw with Australia.
Two penalty corner goals from Surbiton’s Giselle Ansley handed Great Britain a 2-2 draw in the fourth game of the test series with Australia. The No18 struck her first-ever Great Britain goal in the first half to cancel out Georgia Nanscawen’s opener before doubling the advantage ten minutes from time. Emily Smith grabbed an equaliser late on to level it up and leave the series locked at 1-1 with two matches to play.
Australia threatened first, winning a penalty corner after four minutes. Madison Fitzpatrick stepped up to take the shot but Maddie Hinch dealt with it, gloving the ball to safety. The Hockeyroos’ high press was making it difficult for Great Britain to play their way out of their own half and from a turnover the hosts won another corner. Jodie Kenny was poised but the injection was not cleanly stopped and the chance was gone. Great Britain’s brightest moments in the first quarter came via some darting runs from Helen Richardson-Walsh, whose skill and tenacity gave the home defence plenty to think about. Chances were hard to come by, however and it was 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Five minutes into the second quarter Australia took the lead. A cutback from the left found its way to Nanscawen who finished well on the bounce giving Kirsty Mackay, a quarter time replacement for Hinch, no chance. Mackay was called upon moments later making a fine low save to keep out a Kenny penalty corner. Great Britain hit back and won their first penalty corner with three minutes to go to half time. Ansley took the shot from wide angle and fired a lovely drag flick into the corner to make it 1-1. Buoyed by the leveller Danny Kerry’s side pushed for another and Ellie Watton’s snapshot drew a good save from Ashlee Wells, keeping it 1-1 at the interval.
Within a minute of the restart the Hockeyroos won another penalty corner. Susannah Townsend was out like an express train and charged Kenny’s shot down resulting in another corner. This time Fitzpatrick flicked for goal but blazed her effort over the bar. Sarah Haycroft’s pace was once again a threat and she opened up the Australia defence down the right hand side. Her pass into Watton was instantly diverted goalwards by the St Albans striker but was well saved by Wells. It was Haycroft again threatening the defence with seven minutes left in the quarter, driving into the circle and winning another penalty corner. Ansley shot again but Wells made the save to her right. Hinch did well to keep out a break from Brooke Peris at the other end and then watched on as Edwina Bone’s shot flew over the top as Australia rallied with five minutes left in the third period. With seconds remaining to the break Australia had another penalty corner. Fitzpatrick fired the shot in but Hinch stretched out a right foot and made an excellent save.
With ten minutes left on the clock in the final quarter Helen Richardson-Walsh won a penalty corner after good approach work from Townsend. Ansley found a gap between Wells’ pads via a slight deflection to make it 2-1 with her second of the match. Australia hunted for an equaliser and forced a penalty corner but Great Britain’s defence stood firm and kept them out. However with five minutes remaining the Hockeyroos got their equaliser thanks to a scrambled goal from Emily Smith with Nanscawen in close attendance. Nanscawen herself had a gilt-edged opportunity to make it 3-2 with four minutes left, finding space at the far post only for the ball to somehow evade her with the goal gaping. Despite some frantic late pressure from both sides, there was still nothing to separate them and it stayed 2-2.
Danny Kerry, Great Britain Head Coach:
“It was a very sub-optimal performance and we were very fortunate to get a draw. Many aspects of our game were not where they needed to be. Having said that we have needed to and have shown plenty of grit and I’m pleased for Giselle scoring her corners.”
The series is now tied at one game apiece with two left to play. The next match is on Saturday 20 February at 7am UK time. For details on the scheduling, click here.
To watch the matches live, click here.
Australia 2 (1)
Georgia Nanscawen 20 (FG)
Emily Smith 55 (FG)
Great Britain 2 (1)
Giselle Ansley 28, 50 (PC, PC)
Great Britain Hockey media release
Great Britain tie up six-Test series thanks to Giselle Ansley brace in draw with Australia
By Mike Haymonds
Giselle Ansley scored twice to earn Great Britain a 2-2 draw against Australia. HockeyImages
A BRACE of penalty corner goals by Giselle Ansley, her first for Great Britain, gave her side a 2-2 draw with Australia in the fourth game of a six-Test series, now tied at 1-1, in Perth.
Having already lost Lily Owsley and Alex Danson to injury, GB were without Crista Cullen, who suffered concussion in the previous drawn match, while team captain Kate Richardson-Walsh was rested and must wait until game five to overtake Karen Brown’s British record of 355 international caps. Australia made eight changes from Tuesday’s meeting.
A closely contested game saw Australia win two early penalty corners, the first bringing a glove save by GB goalkeeper Maddie Hinch with the second not trapped cleanly.
Australia went ahead in the 20th minute when Georgia Nanscawen beat GB back-up keeper Kirsty Mackay but GB equalised eight minutes later when Ansley fired home the third of three successive corners. 
Hollie Webb in action for Great Britain during the 2-2 draw with Australia in Perth. GETTY
The hosts began to gain the ascendancy in the third period but failed to convert any of the three corners they won in that quarter with Edwina Bone and Brooke Peris off target with Australia’s best chances.
Ansley put GB ahead in the 50th mInute from their sixth corner but Emily Smith gave the hosts the draw with five minutes left from a close range deflection.
GB head coach Danny Kerry said: “It was a very sub-optimal performance and we were very fortunate to get a draw. Many aspects of our game were not where they needed to be.
“Having said that, we have needed to and have shown plenty of grit. I’m pleased for Giselle scoring her corners.”
Daily Express
Adam Commens to step down
Hockeyroos coach to leave position after Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens has announced he will leave his role at the end of his contract, following the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Former Kookaburra Commens, 39, will relinquish his position in November after more than five years in the role during which time he has led the Hockeyroos to a Commonwealth Games gold medal, silver medals at the World Cup, Champions Trophy and World League Final, consecutive Oceania Cup triumphs and the Champions Challenge title, amongst others.
During his time in charge the Hockeyroos have climbed from seventh in the world rankings to a high of second. They are currently ranked third.
Commens announced his decision to national squad athletes and his coaching team earlier this week after making the decision to return to Belgium for his young family.
“The most important thing was to make the decision based on what is right for my family at the moment, including my wife, Stéphanie, who is pregnant, expecting in June, and my daughter, Olivia, who is seven and lives in Belgium,” said Commens.
“Right now, for our family, the most important thing is that we can live in a place where we have support around us.
“Both Stéphanie and Olivia have family links in Antwerp. It’s hard enough to raise your first child; I know that through my experience with Olivia. But to do it in a country such as Australia, in Perth, with no support around you and with me being away 100 to 150 days a year is not ideal.
“We made the decision outside of what job opportunities we had in both countries. It was really important for me to do that rather than weigh up opportunities in both countries and make a decision on where the best offer came. It was a case of first working out what to do as a family and then look for a job.”
Having announced his decision, Commens believes it has only served to heighten his motivation to pursue success at the Olympic Games.
“I think when you know that this is going to be the last opportunity you have with the Hockeyroos then what better way to go out than on a high and be successful, and to really have the team set up to continue in the future.
“As a coach I wanted to leave the Hockeyroos program in a better place than when I first started. I feel that we have moved the team on. We have evolved a great bunch of players and a fantastic staff and I think that the coming years are going to be really exciting for them. That made my decision even more difficult because it’s a really exciting young group and there’s a range of experienced players that are going to continue afterwards. It’s going to be an exciting team to be around.
“To not be there, that’s going to be disappointing but the motivation levels right now to be successful in Rio are higher than ever.”
Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale paid tribute to the work of Commens in his five years with the team and reiterated that with the Olympic Games on the horizon the focus of everyone involved in the team is on achieving a result in Rio.
“Adam is an outstanding coach and leader at all levels, which his results have shown and the people he works with would attest to,” said Vale.
“His strength outside his excellence in his technical ability is his balanced leadership; a person who understands and accepts the modern demands of a coach of a diverse group of athletes and diverse responsibilities to the broader organisation & sport.
“Personally, when I came on board as Chief Executive, Adam quickly ingrained in me the journey on which he was taking the athletes and the program, educating me on all parts of the program, which for me shows his other key strength as a powerful communicator and a person who engages everyone in an inclusive manner and with great integrity.
“I know that Adam, his staff and the athletes are determined to be successful in Rio and for them it is very much business as usual over the next 182 days to what we hope will be an appearance in the Olympic final.”
Vale also outlined the process of replacing Commens.
“Hockey Australia was in the same position with the Kookaburras two years ago and we will undertake a similar process after the Rio Olympics to find the best person for the role as the next coach of the Hockeyroos,” he said.
“We are a sporting organisation that has a record that is the envy of others in how we make the transition from a successful coach exiting on their terms to securing the next ‘world best’ coach to take the program forward in the future, and we do it in line with our organisational values of excellence, integrity, leadership and inclusion.”
During his playing career former midfielder Commens made 143 appearances for Australia, scoring 20 goals. He was part of the team that won Olympic bronze in his home state at the Sydney 2000 Games and Commonwealth Games gold in Kuala Lumpur.
In Europe, as head coach he led Belgium to their first Olympic Games in 32 years, qualifying for Beijing 2008 by clinching bronze at the European Championships. Prior to embarking on his career as a national team coach, Commens played for and coached Royal Antwerp.
The Hockeyroos' next match is at 6pm AEDT tomorrow, Saturday, their fifth test of a six game series against Great Britain in Perth. Watch the match live online at epicentre.tv.
Following the series, the Hockeyroos will travel to New Zealand in early April for the Hawke's Bay Cup before hosting a four nations tournament with India, Japan and New Zealand in Darwin in early June.
Hockey Australia media release
Rupinder, Child take Delhi into semis
Harpreet Kaur Lamba
Delhi Waveriders came up with a near flawless performance, outwitting Kalinga Lancers 6-0 in their final round-robin match to cruise into the semi-finals of Hockey India League’s Season Four here on Wednesday.
A double from drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh and brilliant field goals from skipper Simon Child and Parvinder Singh were the highlights of Delhi’s commanding win as they kept Kalinga silent throughout.
Delhi (27 points) thus joined Ranchi Rays (37) and Jaypee Punjab Warriors (29) in the final four, while Kalinga completed the line-up.
The Lancers (25), who were on the same points as Dabang Mumbai, progressed on a better goal average.
There was a lot at stake for the hosts going into the game, as they had not missed a semis berth in the last three editions. And on the day, they played like a team on a mission and shaded their opponents in every department.
Goalkeeper Devon Manchester once again displayed a top-notch game blocking whatever little chances Kalinga had, while the defenders deserve high praise for keeping the dangerous Kalinga forwards under check.
Safety first was Delhi’s approach as they marked every player, chasing them like shadows. Tournament top scorer Glenn Turner found it difficult to break through while forwards Lalit Upadhyay and Malak Singh too failed to get going.
After a barren first quarter, Rupinderpal put Delhi ahead 1-0 off a penalty corner when he sent a sharp shot to the right of goalkeeper
Andrew Charter in the 18th minute.
Delhi dominated the remaining two quarters orchestrating numerous moves as Kalinga’s defence, led by their mercurial skipper Mortiz
Fuerste, was kept engaged time and again.
Rupinderpal added to the tally in the 33rd minute while skipper Child pounced on an opportunistic cross from Mandeep Singh a minute later to see the hosts lead 4-0.
Kalinga had their share of chances too, earning four penalty corners, but it just wasn’t their day as Delhi defended in depth.
Parvinder provided the perfect finish, finding the net off a Talwinder Singh pass four minutes from the hooter, to seal the 6-0 finish.
Delhi will face Punjab in the semis, while Ranchi take on Kalinga.
The semi-finals and the final will be held in Ranchi on February 20 and 21, respectively.
The Asian Age
Pearson off to Hockey India League semifinal, looking forward to returning to Canada
Shaheed Devji
Photo courtesy of Coal India Hockey India League
When veteran Canadian midfielder Mark Pearson decided to join the Delhi Waveriders in the 2016 Hockey India League, there was no question why he was going.
The hockey always came first.
“I play hockey to win games and have success with teammates,” he said after his team won its final game of the season 6-0 against the Kalinga Lancers. “It’s been a good ride so far. It’s been great getting to know all the players.”
With the win, Delhi secured a spot in the league playoffs, which are played in a semifinal format in Ranchi this weekend.
Pearson and the Waveriders will face off against the Jaypee Punjab Warriors on February 20th in the one-game semifinal, with the winner moving on to the league final against either the Lancers or the Ranchi Rays, who meet in the second semi.
“We’re here to win and I’d be disappointed coming back with anything less than first place,” Pearson added. “It would be a pretty special achievement and there would be a lot of people in Delhi who would be pretty excited if we win.”
While the hockey has been front and center, Pearson has had a chance to experience more than just the turf. With the league being a showcase of hockey in India, teams played in a variety of towns and experienced the culture in those areas.
“That’s definitely the coolest part,” he explained. “When I’ve been in India in the past, I’ve kind of been stuck in the hotel or village for Commonwealth Games or World Cup.”
“We’ve been able to travel around a bit and see some different sites, so certainly a highlight of being here.”
And while the experience has been a memorable one, Pearson has kept one eye on home the entire time, as his teammates with the Canadian men’s field hockey team have begun their preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, first with a training tour to Cape Town, South Africa and most recently beginning a training block in Vancouver this week.
“You kind of want to be together with the guys,” he said. “Maybe testing isn’t the biggest priority, but certainly I want to be around for as much of the Olympic prep as possible. I followed closely and was texting all the guys. I’m certainly looking forward to getting home and starting on the Road to Rio.”
And when he does, he might be doing so as an Indian league champion. Either way, the experience is one that Pearson won’t soon forget.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Hockey must protect its ball kids
Jaspreet Sahni
Image Credit: IBNLive Sports.
It whizzed past him. That journalist in the media box had no clue what whistled across his ear and then ricocheted off the wall behind him. It was the ball, as he figured out someone throwing it back into play. Then he could afford a smile, because it missed his skull by a margin as thin as coat of a paint.
You don't see that often, a hockey ball flying towards the stands, except if you are sitting right behind the goal post. There too these days you are saved by the grill. But what happened with that journalist during that Hockey India League (HIL) match could have turned nasty. Only good fortune prevented anything of that sort.
It was a flashback moment, as the mind quickly went back to a number of head-injury incidents on the cricket field over the past year. But unlike the game played on a 22-yard strip, you don't see many protective gears, except a fully-guarded goalkeeper, on the hockey field.
Of course, you can't compare hockey with cricket, where a batsman or a fielder doesn't need to be as fluid as hockey players who are always running up and down the field, covering on average 5 to 6 km over 60 minutes.
But what about those little kids on the sidelines, who ensure a ball is always in play and no time is lost. Why no protective gears for hockey's ball boys and girls, not even a helmet?
It's not an issue you can outrightly reject as a non-issue; in fact, it warrants attention. You can't deny these kids aren't at risk, you can't say they can never get hit. So then why not act rather than rue it at the stroke of a misfortune.
Former India forward Jagbir Singh, who is part of the Punjab Warriors coaching staff, feels if these kids can be protected, it will be in the interest of the game.
"Most of the ball boys or girls are young kids, closest to the action, watching the ball closely, learning the game as well. Though there has been no such reported incident, which is always good, I won't mind seeing these kids being protected," Jagbir told IBNLive.
He was also of the view that stadiums with stands closer to the action raise the level of this requirement.
"In stadiums where the stands are almost adjoining the playing area, this [protective measures] becomes even more relevant," he said.
Jagbir also threw light on why such incidents have fortunately never happened.
"If you see, these kids are at fair distance from each other, may be 2-3 on each of the sideline and one each along the baseline. So that reduces the possibility of them getting hit. And they are supposed to be at least 10 yards away from the spot in case of free-hit or a sideline hit," he explained.
Voices in the Hockey India (HI) office favoured Jagbir's last comment.
"The ball boys need to be very vigilant. If they are made to wear helmets, it may affect their vision. That's why there has been no reported incidents and no such regulations laid out," said an HI official.
"Moreover, the game these days is more about pushes and taps rather than hits. That reduces the risk for ball boys," the official added.
An interesting observation came from K Arumugam - a freelance hockey journalist and author who also runs an NGO called One Thousand Hockey Legs, promoting the sport at grass-root level, especially involving kids from the economically weaker section.
"This can definitely be tried on an experimental basis, considering the Hockey 5s format that is catching up. There, with only five players, you see more scoops and long balls being played."
But he added that with most of these ball boys being budding players as well, they are aware what to do and how to protect themselves.
"Most of these kids who do ball duties are players themselves. They have the reflexes and match alertness to be on their guard. But definitely protective gears can be tried, maybe not helmets, but something like a facemask that players use during penalty corners," Arumugam said.
So clearly, the jury is out on the suggestion. While most involved with the game don't mind seeing it happen, they don't feel there is immediate requirement or urgency for this.
But what's the harm in protecting our future stars.
IBNLive Sports
EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup, Trophy and Challenge
We are really pleased to announce the we will have LIVE streaming, again via the FIH You-Tube Channel at the Cup (Minsk) and Trophy (Dundee).
Links to LIVE STREAM:
EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup, Minsk
EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy, Dundee
To follow the games with live scoring click below:
EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup
EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy
EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge
In addition we will be tweeting all of the final scores from each venue.
Follow us on Twitter @eurohockeyorg use the official #EHI2016
See Full galleries on our FaceBook Page
Follow us on Instagram
EuroHockey media release
Dundee Wanderers announce live coverage of EuroHockey Indoor competition
Dundee Wanderers have confirmed that the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy will be broadcast live via the International Hockey Federation YouTube channel.
European hockey will return to Dundee for the first time in several years when Wanderers host the continental competition at the Dundee International Sports Centre starting tomorrow and running until Sunday.
The newly crowned indoor champions will host last season's league winners from England (Bowdon), Ireland (Ards), Belgium (Royal Pingouin), France (Iris), Switzerland (Rotweiss Wettingen), Turkey (Highway) and Croatia (Mladost).
The links for each day are:
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idWj2PRFcuo
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IrWcbXMfss
Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OndMf745iLg
Full information about the event can be found on the EuroHockey Dundee 2016 website.
You can also connect on the event's Facebook page.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
KO16 to employ latest FIH rule amendment
The Euro Hockey League KO16 and KO8 will use the updated Rule 13.2 – announced earlier this week by the FIH – relating to attacking frees taken within five metres of the circle.
Following the amendment, the Rule now states that at an attacking free hit within five metres of the circle, the ball cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least five metres or been touched by a defending player.
This amendment removes the possibility for the attacker to touch the free hit for a teammate to run on to and play the ball into the circle.
One additional piece of guidance has also been added in relation to the amendment. Following a time stoppage after the award of an attacking free hit inside the 23 metres area, upon the re-start, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least five metres from the ball.
This amendment follows feedback to the FIH Rules Committee from Technical Delegates, coaches and athletes.
Other than the above, the Rule and its interpretation remains exactly the same as before. The proposed adjustment is not seen as a major variance to the Rule, but a sensible clarification to avoid unfair and potentially dangerous play.
The EHL confirmed that it will immediately enact this rule for its upcoming rounds which take place on March 25 to March 28 at AH&BC Amsterdam.
There, 16 of Europe’s best clubs will battle it out in 12 knock-out games for a ticket to the FINAL4 which will take place in Barcelona in May.
Euro Hockey League media release
Balkestein hoping to end OZ career on high
Marcel Balkestein has announced that his final club game with Oranje Zwart could be the Euro Hockey League final on May 15 following confirmation he will retire at the end of the current campaign from top hockey.
Balkestein informed OZ coach Michel van den Heuvel and his team mates that, after 15 years at the top, he hopes to bow out on the highest stage of the club game.
The 35-year-old told Eindhovens Dagblad that he knows it is the right time to hang up his stick, saying: “if you think whether you should be continuing playing, you actually already know the answere. Then is the time to say enough is enough”.
He has played with OZ since the 2001/02 season, primarily in defence, and went on to win 108 international caps with the Netherlands. It brought silver at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 World Cup and 2011 European Championships.
On the club front, he was part of the OZ side that won the Hoofdklasse in 2005, 2013 and 2015 while the club reached their pinnacle last year in Bloemendaal when they annexed the EHL for the first time.
And he added, to hockey.nl, that OZ "are in good shape to go to the playoffs and want the EHL. To say goodbye to both the league title and the EHL title, that would be of course the best part!"
Euro Hockey League media release
SSTMI-Thunderbolt within striking distance to title No. 6
by S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: It’s all over bar the shouting.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt are on the verge of winning their sixth Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Division One title.
They will play second-placed Pahang Sports School (SSP)-MSP-Thunderbolt on Friday and a draw at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium will be enough for them to effectively seal their place as champions.
After playing seven matches each, and with just two games to go, SSTMI have 21 points while the Pahang Sports School have 16 points.
The Pahang Sports School have been chasing SSTMI for the Division One, but an unexpected 3-3 draw against Olak-Tigers on Wednesday has severely dented their title hopes.
SSTMI team manager Adam Izamry Idrus hopes to not only wrap up the title in Kuantan, but also to end the league campaign unbeaten.
“After the match against the Pahang Sports School, we have one more game left – against UniKL on Sunday – and we want to win that match too,” he said.
The Pahang side rely heavily on penalty corner specialist Mohd Idris Samad, who is also the league’s leading scorer with 10 goals.
Having scored all three goals in the 3-3 draw with Olak, Idris can be their match-winner if the team can adopt a better defensive strategy.
SSTMI and Pahang Sports School have each scored 34 goals in seven matches. The only difference is that while SSTMI have conceded only nine goals, the Pahang side have let in 12
“Goals are not important anymore. We just need a point from one of our two remaining matches to win the title. We can do it,” said SSTMI’s Adam.
Pahang Sports School team manager Wan Mazlan Isa admitted that his team will have to improve on their defensive set-up if they are to match the reigning champions.
“The draw (against Olak) has hurt us. But we must stay focused and keep trying. There is no telling how the other matches will go. So, all we can do is to try our hardest,” he said.
Another important match on Friday is the tie between Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS)-Thunderbolt and Nur Insafi.
BJSS are chasing the second spot and a win will keep them firmly on course. If they win today, then the last match against Olak will decide their fate.
But, more importantly, a win will at least confirm their top-four status.
The Star of Malaysia
National Indoor Tournament Kicks Off Tomorrow with U-14 Division
LANCASTER, Pa. The floors are down and the nets are up as the first 2016 National Indoor Tournament (NIT), presented by YOLO Sportswear, commences tomorrow at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster County, Pa. USA Field Hockey welcomes the U-14 Division to kick off the first weekend of indoor play Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 21. The three-day tournament will host 138 club teams who will battle it out for the right to earn the title of NIT Champions.
Stay up-to-date with all the happening of the 2016 National Indoor Tournament with the following information.
2016 National Indoor Tournament Event Program
Whether you are looking for the schedule, rosters, results or list of vendors, download the USA Field Hockey App to access the complete NIT Program at your fingertips. Simply go to your mobile device app store and search USA Field Hockey. Download the app and on the upper left hand corner click the three horizontal bars to access the left-side menu and scroll down to NIT Program.
Click here for the web version.
#NIT2016
All NIT participants are encouraged to post tournament pictures on their social media accounts, such as Instagram or Twitter. Be sure to tag us at @USAFieldHockey and use the hashtag #NIT2016. Some of our favorite will be featured in a photo gallery!
Stop by the USA Field Hockey Tent!
Have questions about accessing the event program or about the tournament in general? Stop by the USA Field Hockey Tent for the answers. There will even be a drawling to win some awesome USA Field Hockey gear!
USA Field Hockey would like to welcome all athletes, coaches, umpires and hockey fans to Lancaster, Pa. for the U-14 National Indoor Tournament!
* A parking fee of $5 per vehicle at Spooky Nook Sports will be charged daily, per vehicle for all parking at Spooky Nook Sports. This includes a shuttle ride from the South lot. Parking in the Spooky Nook lot will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. All payment for parking will be processed at the Guest Services Oval, which is located just inside the entrance to the Spooky Nook Sports facility. Satellite parking will also be available in lots located a few miles from the facility. Shuttles will run throughout the day and will be available to return participants to the satellite lot.
USFHA media release
Sweep Eluded on JPIL Championship Super Sunday!
5th Annual Junior Premier Indoor League
2016 JPIL - U19 Champions: Hudson Valley
The 5th Annual Junior Premier Indoor League (JPIL) came to a close on Super Bowl weekend with the crowning of three Champions. Those in attendance witnessed intense competition throughout and some very thrilling finishes, including the U19 Championship decided by an FIH Shoot-Out.
After six league dates of competitive Indoor hockey on a consistent and regular basis, we can truly say that the benefits can been seen in the improvements by all participating Clubs from the games played on the first League date on December 27TH to this JPIL Super Championship weekend. Even with the severe weather conditions we experienced on the Eastern seaboard a few weeks ago, we were still able to have a successful conclusion to this premier indoor event. It is very commendable and is attributed to the commitment made by the players, parents and coaches alike.
In the U-14 Division, Jersey Intensity FH, after leaving it all on the court in the semi-finals, succumbed to a strong Xcalibur FHC team in the Championship match. With the first half ending at 2 – 1, Xcalibur took control of the game in the 30th minute and retained their Championship with a comfortable 6 – 2 victory. Jersey Intensity had quite a few sparks led by their top Goal Scorer Lily Santi, but Xcalibur was solid, strong and comfortable, let by the eventual MVP recipient, Jenna Kirby.
With the weekend excitement in full swing and as we move to the Sunday Championship, the question on most minds is, can Xcalibur make it a sweep this year and take home all three Trophies?
The day started off with the U-16 division. With FSC unable to defend their championship, the question loomed larger. In time the truth be told and Xcalibur FHC captured their 2nd JPIL Championship of the 2016 season by defeating Freedom HKY. From the first whistle, Freedom was up for the challenge. Their performance was reflected in the 2 – 1 half time score, with Xcalibur converting on a Penalty Corner at the end of the regulation of the half to break the 1 – 1 tie. Early in the second half, Freedom standout and Junior National Indoor player, Margot Lawn, had to be taken off the field and Xcalibur was able to take advantage of this unfortunate situation and cruse to the finish line to claim the Championship with a final score of 6 - 1.
IFHCK, who traveled all the way from Kentucky each weekend to compete, did remarkably well to claim a 3rd place finish and an automatic invite to participate in 2017. They overcame a strong Gottaloveit-Oranje team by a slim 3 – 2 final.
Can or will, Xcalibur FHC defend their Championship and make it a clean sweep on this Super Bowl evening? Only one team stood in their way - Hudson Valley.
In the semi-finals, Xcalibur survived and came away with a tough 4 – 3 victory over East Coast FH, while Hudson Valley claimed their spot in the final with a 3 – 1 score against 2015 Champion FSC. The stage was now set for the super royal rumble between these two power houses.
Hudson Valley came out attacking and was rewarded with a goal in the 3rd minute. It took Xcalibur 10 minutes to get on the scoreboard. Both teams maintained the offensive pressure and at the end of the half we saw eight goals with Xcalibur leading 5 – 3.
Seven minutes into the second half, Xcalibur extended their lead by three more goals giving them a comfortable lead and smelling victory. Was that the knockout punch? Apparently not! Hudson Valley would not stay down and was able to nudge in a goal of their own to keep the Championship within reach. With five minutes remaining, Xcalibur had a 7 - 4 lead, But Hudson Valley continued to fight. Coach Sarsen was getting ready to pull her goal keeper when her team scored again making it a 7 – 5 game. Two minutes later Hudson Valley scored yet again.
With 2 minutes left and Xcalibur holding on to a slim 7 – 6 lead, they can feel the pressure and hear the excitement in the air. The clock was running down with seconds left, when they give up a Penalty corner. With a hat-trick already in hand and the game on the line, Dana Bozek stepped up on top of the circle focused as ever and the parents of the Xcalibur players holding their breath.
Dana Bozek and Hudson Valley tie the game with a well-executed corner and seconds remaining. But the game was not over. Xcalibur, led by Lexi Davidson, was able to receive and take the ball into Hudson Valley’s circle and generated a Penalty Corner at the sound of the buzzer.
With the game on the line and with a hat-trick of her own in this Championship game, Davidson was unable able to convert thus sending the game to Shoot-Out.
After the first round of the shoot-out, the game was tied at 1 – 1. The championship would now be decided by sudden victory shoot-out. Xcalibur went first and Sheridan Messier (GK) denied a goal. Then Hudson Valley stepped up and Brianna Muniz was able to convert earning Hudson Valley the 2016 JPIL U19 Championship trophy.
Hudson Valley’s win denied Xcalibur a clean sweep of the JPIL Championships. Because of her composure, strong defense and smart decision making, Julia Kim of Hudson Valley was named Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Special Recognition was given to the following individuals who were each presented with a $150.00 Gift Certificate thanks to the generosity of our Award‘s Sponsor, Dita USA:
- U-14 Most Valuable Player: Jenna Kirby, Xcalibur FHC
- U-14 Most League Goals: Kyle Kirby, FC United
- U-16 Most Valuable Player: Sophia Gladieus, Xcalibur FHC
- U-16 Most League Goals: Rachel Fleig, The Gaels FHC
- U-19 Most Valuable Player: Julia Kim, Hudson Valley
- U-19 Most League Goals: Erin Shanahan, The Gaels FHC
With the NIT’s format of two periods of 20 minute the same as ours, all of the JPIL participants will be well prepared and ready to compete at this final competition of the indoor season.
The present and continued success of this League is not possible without the support of others who we would like to recognize.
The Umpire Managers, Dean Wenrich and Fran Corl, and all of the dedicated Umpires Officers, we appreciate your commitment and support for this event and hope you will continue to make yourselves available.
Technical Director, Lurah Hess and her Technical Officers including the parents who provided technical assistance by keeping the games running on time with accurate results reporting. We thank you all!
We also want to give recognition to the University coaches who took the time to be present and hope that you all were pleased with the level of competition.
Last, but not least, many thanks to our 2015-2017 Title Sponsor, Get Good, and our Award and Ball Sponsor, Dita USA, for seeing the need and value for such an event in the development of our kids, the sport and for agreeing to support this event. We ask that you all to show your appreciation by visiting them at NIT or go online and show your support for their products.
On behalf of the League Organizers, Rachael Bloemker and Nigel Traverso, we thank you for your hard work, commitment, support and cooperation in making this fifth year another successful one.
Congratulations to our 2016 Champions, Xcalibur FHC (U-14), Xcalibur FHC (U-16) and Hudson Valley (U-19) and to all the Clubs for your participation! Good Luck to all at NIT!
For all results and final rankings, please log on to our web site at www.JuniorPremierHockey.com.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Keynsham HC show off their social side and gain new members
Keynsham HC Back to Hockey
After a successful ‘bring your parents to hockey’ day and with a need to encourage more players to join the club, Keynsham Hockey Club decided to take part in the national Back to Hockey campaign 2015.
Wanting to encourage the social side and to show hockey is fun on and off the pitch, the club organised both midweek and Sunday morning sessions. The Sunday sessions were followed by lunches at the local pub for both the Back to Hockey ladies and current members, enabling them to mix. Whilst some of the midweek sessions overlapped with summer league so any players could join in if they wished and those who may have been interested, but nervous were encouraged to stay on to watch and put their minds at rest.
Katherine the club's Chairperson, told us how the club promoted the sessions;
‘Social media played a big part in the awareness of the sessions with current members sharing posts advertising the campaign. Posters were displayed in local supermarkets, shops and businesses and we also targeted the parents of the Academy members through email.’
With players who hadn’t played since school and some that were trying out a new sport for the very first time, the clubs head coach delivered sessions that developed basic skills followed by lots of small sided games. At the end of the block of sessions the club organised a game that involved the Back to Hockey group and the 3rd XI, which was a great success.
When asked what the club gained by running Back to Hockey Katherine explained;
‘With 17 ladies coming to Back to Hockey sessions, 10 of them are now full league playing members and 6 are training only members. This group of ladies have brought enthusiasm to our ladies section that, quite honestly, has turned it around. They have attended our social events throughout the year and become key members within the club. Without running Back to Hockey we would have struggled to maintain three teams in the league, plus we now have a fabulous new Goalie for our 3rd team!’
The club are planning to join our campaign running from 9th May to 19th June and are also wanting to run sessions for men in the area to give hockey a go. We wish them all the best and if your club would also like to be a part of the 2016 Back to campaign please talk to you Relationship Manager whose details can be found here.
England Hockey Board Media release