News for 19 April 2016
All the news for Tuesday 19 April 2016
FIH reveals new structure of international hockey events from 2019 onwards
Model designed to support growth across all levels of the sport
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that a new portfolio of events will be launched in 2019 which will completely change the landscape of international hockey.
Designed to provide a regular calendar of must‐see events played in packed stadia across the world throughout the year, a new annual global home and away league involving the world’s leading hockey nations will complement the Hockey World Cup and Olympic Games tournaments.
This system will see international teams play against opponents once at home and once away each year in this league. Following several months of competition, the top ranked teams will then qualify for a stand-alone grand finale tournament which will determine the winners of the competition. This will form part of a three tier system, identical for both the men’s and women’s game.
Teams participating in this new home and away league will be chosen based on a clearly defined set of qualification criteria designed to maintain the quality of the league and high standard events. These have been developed around the three main objectives of the new event portfolio - to generate a massive change in TV and media coverage for hockey; create big, bold, packed and loud events and make a step change to increase future revenues.
For those nations not in the home and away league, the next tier of competition will remain similar to the current Hockey World League Round 1 and 2 events, played over two year cycles. This format will still give teams the chance to go all the way to the World Cup or Olympics. Even the smallest hockey-playing nations have the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books as they progress throughout the rounds of competition into these flagship events.
While Hockey World Cup qualification will remain similar to the current system, Olympic qualification will change, pending approval of the International Olympic Committee’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification criteria.
The introduction of this new portfolio of events means that there will no longer be Hockey World League Semi-Finals and Finals, while the last Hockey Champions Trophies will take place in 2018.
The proposals were approved by the FIH Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland earlier this month. The decision was made after more than 18 months of consultation, research and development between a number of stakeholders, overseen by a specially formed working group for this project.
This included correspondence with more than 700 individuals, including: athletes; National Associations; Continental Federations; the International Olympic Committee; Association of Summer Olympic International Federations; major broadcasters; individuals at Continental Federation congresses; officials and umpires; FIH Committee and Panel members and FIH staff.
In addition to this, internationally renowned integrated audit, tax, consulting and financial advisor Deloitte provided extensive support in developing the financial modelling for the new portfolio of events.
It is predicted that the increased commercial potential of implementing the new structure will generate considerably more value for the sport, which will filter down into all levels, including new and developing hockey nations, from elite to grassroots level.
Speaking about this, FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said: “This is a historic decision for the sport of hockey – a game changer! More than a year’s worth of work and over 700 people have helped develop this new portfolio of events. Moving from a tournament based format to a home and away league will considerably increase the value of our sport.”
He continued: “Fans will be exposed to more international hockey throughout the year, with many more home matches for them to enjoy. With more fans packing out the stands, we expect these events to be bigger, bolder packed and loud, creating electric atmospheres for our athletes to perform in. This, along with tweaks to the tiers below, will have a significant impact on the sport across all levels, safeguarding its future for many years to come.”
FIH President, Leandro Negre added: “When we launched our strategy 18 months ago we knew that drastic measures were required to revolutionise the sport. This is an exciting opportunity for hockey. A lot of hard work has already been undertaken, but this is only the start. We need the hockey family to embrace this change now to ensure we reach our 10-year aim of making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. This will certainly be a monumental step for the sport as we take it to the next level.”
This is the latest major advancement made by the sport in relation to the Hockey Revolution. To find out more about the FIH’s 10-year strategy, click here.
FIH site
Shahnaz opposes FIH move to scrap Champions Trophy
ISLAMABAD: Former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has expressed deep concern at the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) move to scrap the long-standing Champions Trophy and replace it with a new Global Hockey League (GHL).
"It is very sad that the decades old event introduced by us is being done away at a time when interest in the hockey is on the decline all over the world," he said on Monday.
During the recently-concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, FIH president Leandro Negre talked about some drastic changes in the structure of global competitions with the GHL to be introduced in 2019 in place of the Champions Trophy.
This means the Champions Trophy will become a casualty of the new format and will be confined to the history after its 2018 edition that will be held in Amsterdam, Capital of the Netherlands. "Instead of popularizing Champions Trophy and recognizing our efforts for promotion of hockey the FIH is scrapping this prestigious event. The move will not benefit the game of hockey," said Shahnaz, who was vice captain of Pakistan hockey team that won the inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy in 1978 in Lahore.
He recalled that it was the result of efforts of then President of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Air Marshal (r) Noor Khan and Secretary Brig (r) MH Atif that the FIH approved Champions Trophy - the toughest international hockey event after the Olympics and World Cup.
Shahnaz believed that the incumbent FIH president was being trapped by people who were jealous of Pakistan and did not want to see its name being taken with respect anywhere in the world.
"Negre is a great man. He has great love for Pakistan hockey. But I fear some people are trying to influence him and making him to announce things which may harm hockey.”
"Pakistan's contributions for hockey are not hidden. We have also the honour to be winner of inaugural editions of all the major events. Our hockey is suffering and we needed a boost to revive that. But such decisions will put a very bad impact on our hockey. The FIH should reconsider its decisions," he maintained.
He said that he was not against the GHL but it should not be held at the expense of Champions Trophy adding that the FIH should arrange maximum tournament to catch the dying interest in hockey. "The GHL should be held as a separate event," he said.
He also urged the PHF management and the Pakistani nation to raise their voice against the move and ask FIH not to abandon Champions Trophy.
The Nation
Harmanpreet, Harjeet, Surender get special praise from Sardar
NEW DELHI: Indian hockey team captain Sardar Singh has predicted bright future for the young trio of Harmanpreet Singh, Harjeet Singh and Surender Singh after their impressive show in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia, where the team finished with silver medal.
India had sent a team with a blend of youth and experience in the recently-concluded Azlan Shah Cup, to check out the bench strength ahead of the Rio Olympics.
"This was a good experience for youngsters, who were playing in the senior team for the first time. In particular, Harmanpreet, Surender and Harjeet showed that they are capable of playing at the higher level and fit into the team perfectly," Sardar said after the team returned home.
Coach Roelant Oltmans added, "It was a good preparation for Rio. We have identified some of our weaknesses, which a tournament like this highlights, and can now work on them extensively to make sure we can have a strong showing at the Olympics."
This year's performance was Indian team's best since 2010, when they won the gold at the tournament.
India managed to beat Japan, Canada, Pakistan and Malaysia but lost the final match to Australia to end as tournament runners-up. India also lost to New Zealand during the competition.
Fielding an experimental team, which featured a lot of young and inexperienced faces, they scored 18 goals in the tournament, the second most by any side.
However, the team lost to both the sides that will feature in the Olympics and won only against those that have not qualified for the quadrennial extravaganza.
The Times of India
Dragons win first Euro spot from Belgium
KHC Dragons claimed the first European club spot on offer from the Belgian league as they won their showdown with second place Racing Club de Bruxelles, earning them the regular season title.
Despite the absnece of the injured captain Felix Denayer, they nabbed a 2-1 success. Shane O’Donoghue scored from a sixth minute penalty corner before the Brussels side fought back via Cedric Charlier and Tom Boon but goalkeeper Loïc Van Doren was in superb form.
In the second half, Jérôme Truyens andThibaut Cornillie also went close but Dragons won the day in the 61st minute when Jeffrey Thys got a magical touch following a superb incision by Manu Stockbroeckx. Jonathan Beckers got one back for Racing with 60 seconds to go but Dragons held on for a big win.
Speaking afterwards, Dragons’ Florent van Aubel paid tribute to the superb work of his club’s goalkeeper: “Loïc Van Doren was very strong today. Our goalie has had an incredible season and it is thanks to him we took home the three points.
“Racing had a number of good chances, a few too many for my taste. But the most important thing is the victory and the ticket for the EHL.”
For Racing, Jérôme Truyens said his side had made a solid performance but they weren’t sufficiently rewarded for their numerous chances.
Now, the focus is on attempting to win a first national title for Racing via the playoffs. There, they will play Royal Leopold while Dragons wait to see whom they meet in the duel between Braxgata and Waterloo Ducks.
Elsewhere, Manu Stockbroeckx confirmed that he would be moving from Dragons to Bloemendaal next season, adding to their array of attacking options with the likes of Blake Govers and Florian Fuchs also on their books.
Speaking about the move, he said: “I've had an amazing 17 years with Dragons. I grew up there and had amazing trainers and coaches and now it's time to go elsewhere. I always have had a desire to seek a new adventure. It's in my nature.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Late lapse costs WGHS again
By Arriane Christie
Maungakaramea's Heather Easterbrook challenges Springfield's Alana Millington for the ball. Photo / Tania Whyte
Whangarei Girls' High School supporters experienced a sensation of dj vu as their team let a win slip from their grasp for the second time in two weeks in the premier women's hockey competition.
Saturday's game against Old Girls mirrored the previous match for the Girls' High side as they failed to capitalise on another 2-1 advantage in the final minutes of the game.
Claudia King and Taylor Still keep an eye on the action from the sideline. Photo / Tania Whyte
Girls' High coach Alan Moscrip said his players were disappointed they couldn't secure the win but he is happy his young charges are measuring up against the top premier sides.
"We have quite a big new group [of players] who need to be taught about playing premier hockey ... they're only going to grow and learn from that, but we're holding our own," he said.
Jess Macalister opened the scoring for Old Girls in the second quarter of the match but the lead was short-lived as Aimee-Leigh Scott levelled the score off the back of a quick breakout soon afterwards.
Most of the play was end-to-end, with both goalkeepers forced to make crucial saves. In the final quarter Girls' High took the lead from a well-worked penalty corner variation.
Old Girls' then piled on the pressure, and after a sustained attack were able to score off a penalty corner in the final minute to end the game in a 2-all draw.
Moscrip commented after the match, "We need to learn from that ... we need to experience the fails so we know how to win."
In other women's matches on Saturday, Springfield beat Maungakaramea 4-1 and Hikurangi outclassed Mangapai 3-0.
In the premier men's competition, Mangapai took down Maungakaramea 2-1 on Friday night and Springfield beat Bream Bay 3-1 on Saturday.
The Northern Advocate
Tournament time in Toronto
Sarah Juggins, for PAHF
Jamie Wallace (Canada), Christian DeAngelis (USA)
With the men’s Junior Pan American Championship looming large in the eyes of the players and coaching staff of the eight teams participating, we hear from some of the people lined up to become sporting stars. In the first of three articles in which we talk to the players, we meet Jamie Wallace of Canada, and Christian DeAngelis and Jaspreet Gill of Team USA.
For Jamie Wallace, the Pan American Championships are new territory. The youngster only made his debut last summer, in a test series against the USA. It was a home game and as he says: “It was a very special moment as I was able to play in front of friends and family.”
Along with the rest of the team, Wallace is totally focused on the upcoming tournament in Toronto and his time is dedicated to training. He currently has three weekly pitch sessions with the national squad, plus two further club training sessions. This is in addition to two matches at the weekend and two-three gym sessions a week.
Wallace, who is still at high school, says that he has to be careful how he prioritises his time and this can have a big impact upon his downtime – when most teenagers would be out and about socialising. “It’s important to stay organized and to prioritize your time. Most weekends during our heavy training blocks, I need to stay in to catch up on school work.”
Canada’s opening match will be against Mexico, but it is much further down the tournament timeline that Wallace thinks the biggest threat awaits the North American team. “We definitely have our eyes on Argentina as there is always a rivalry between us in Pan American events. However, we are not underestimating any team as we haven’t seen any of them play except the USA, who we know are a strong team. I think if we stick to our game and play simple, consistent hockey we’ll have success.”
For Wallace, the strengths of this Canadian team lie in ‘the heart that exists within the team’. As a midfielder, he garners praise from opponents and coaches for his distribution, speed and vision, but when it comes to the success of the team, he sees the main strength as being a more intangible quality and one that comes from outside any coaching manual.
“Guys are willing to do whatever it takes to win games and will push themselves to their limits every chance they get,” he adds. “We also get along and trust each other very well, which I think is a tremendous asset going into the tournament.“
However, despite this being Wallace’s first major international tournament, the young player has a clear view of what his team needs to improve upon in order to prove a serious threat at the Pan American Championship. “I think improving our finishing and consistency will be key for us if we want to have success at the tournament. We can create lots of circle penetrations and goal scoring chances however we do not convert enough. We also need to work on playing a consistent match as we often have lapses throughout the game.”
In the past year hockey has become the main focus of Wallace’s life. He says that his selection for the national squad has had a big impact upon his plans for the future. “It has definitely changed my aspirations for the future. I have always wanted to study abroad or away from home but now I am thinking of studying in Vancouver in order to train full time with the national team.
“My aspiration is to play for the senior national team and to ultimately qualify for the Olympic games and not only participate but contend for the gold.”
And Wallace has based his sporting prowess on an interesting role model. “I admire and look up to Roger Bannister (an English athlete). He was the first person to break the four minute mile, a task previously considered impossible. His actions inspire me to believe that anything I do can be achieved even if it’s never been done before.”
Christian DeAngelis has been part of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) for four years but, like Wallace, he made his debut in last summer’s test series between USA and Canada. He says that representing his country is “an amazing and humbling experience,” and being named part of the Pan American Championship roster was one of the best moments of his hockey career so far.
Becoming an international player has made DeAngelis a far more self-aware athlete. He says that head coach of the U21 team, Rutger Weise, is his role model because “he practises what he preaches,” and that for the young athlete, this means taking care of his health, fitness and nutritional needs as well as concentrating on improving aspects of his game.
DeAngelis, who hails from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, says that his dual ambitions for the future are to become a forensics scientist and to become a member of the senior national team. For the immediate future he plans to work “tirelessly and have a positive impact upon the team.”
Of the three interviewees, Jaspreet Gill is by far the most experienced. He has been part of the USA U21 roster for six years, making his debut in December 2012 – again against Canada.
His annus horriblis came in 2015 when he broke his arm, meaning he had to miss out on months of training camps and test matches. However, Gill bounced back from this and will be a key figure in USA’s battle plan in Toronto. “We are hoping for a top three finish,” says Gill, a result which would equal their highest ever finish - achieved in 2008.
Like both DeAngelis and Wallace, Gill sees hockey as playing a big part in his future. He is determined to make the senior squad and has targeted qualification for Tokyo 2020 as his hockey aspiration. For now he is juggling life as a student and an international sports player, a task made all the more tricky by his choice of eventual career – a medical doctor. “It certainly involves sacrifice,” admits Gill. “It is quite a juggling act, balancing school and training.”
With qualification to the Junior World Cup as the enticing prize for both these North American rivals, Canada and USA are pulling out all the stops in the final run-in to the junior Pan American Championship. The USA U21 team have just undergone a gruelling and challenging tour against various Dutch senior men’s and U-21 men’s club teams, with USMNT head coach Chris Clements declaring the team to be “playing with more and more energy and greater levels of team work.” With an opening match against Puerto Rico and just a 24 hour break before a crucial match against reigning champions Argentina, Team USA will need all those reserves of energy when it comes to tournament time in Toronto.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
India will not play Johor Cup, and why
A regular in the fixture so far, the reigning silver medallists India will miss out this year edition of Sultan of Johor Cup.
India won the Cup in 2014 and lost to Great Britain last year in the final
Now it is officially confirmed that Indian juniors will not be seen in action in the Sultan of Johor Cup to be held in November this year at Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
While confirming the withdrawal, Hockey India President Narender Dhruv Batra said that it was due to change in the dates of the tournament.
“We entered Sultan of Johor Cup which was originally scheduled to be held in October this year. Now that it is postponed close to Junior World Cup. It means that there will be hardly a fortnight between Junior World Cup and the Johor Cup. We don’t wish to play a major tournament close to Junior World Cup”.
undefined In fact the official site of the Hockey India still shows October for ‘Proposed International Competition (Jr. Men)”.
However, it is learnt that Hockey India did not take comments of Terry Walsh, who is Technical Director for Malaysian hockey at present, kindly.
Terry Walsh, former Indian chief coach, has said in an interview to New Indian Express that decisions in Hockey India are taken whim and fancies of a few.
Hockey India has officially complained to FIH on this issue.
However, Batra has clarified that both issues are not related. “I don’t know why two issues are mixed up. Yes, we lodged a complaint with FIH. My officials are not expected to comment on host country when on tour. This is against protocol. I expect the same from Malaysian official too.:
“We don’t play in Johor just because the dates were changed”, he reiterated.
Malaysian officials take a position that Terry Walsh is official of Malaysian Sports Council, and they are nothing to do with what he says to media.
They also indicate their willingness to take even second string junior team for the Johor Cup.
Stick2Hockey.com
India withdraws from Sultan of Johor Cup
Hockey India has decided to withdraw the National junior team from the annual Sultan of Johor Cup to be held later this year, citing injury concerns.
The junior World Cup is to be held in India from December 1 to 11 and Hockey India believes there is little time to recover in case of an injury. “We do not want to risk our campaign in the junior World Cup,” a Hockey India official confirmed. India has been part of the tournament in all the previous editions.
The official also claimed that dates for the competition had been pushed back by the federation that forced India to pull out though Malaysian officials insist otherwise.
The sixth edition of the SOJC is to be held from October 31 to November 6 in Johor Bahru.
India finished runner-up last year, losing to Great Britain on penalties. Japan has been drafted in as a replacement for the six-nation event that also features England, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan besides host Malaysia.
The Hindu
England Boys' Schools Cup
Repton Boys U14 winners 2014-15
The semi final line-up of the Boys U18 Schools Cup and Plate competitions are now known. The ties will be played at Lee Valley on Wednesday 20 April with the finals the following day.
In the Cup draw the two previous winners, Repton (2015) and Whitgift (2014) have been drawn against each other in the first semi.
Boys U18 Schools Cup Semis
Whitgift v Repton
Oakham v Dean Close
Boys U18 Schools Plate Semis
Portsmouth GS v Prior Park
Kings Chester v Merchant Taylors Northwood
The Quarter Finals' results were as follows
Boys' U18 Cup Quarter Finals
Queens Taunton 2-4 Repton
Simon Langton 1-1 Oakham (Oakham win 1-4 aps)
Kingston 2-3 Dean Close
Ipswich 1-5 Whitgift
The U18 Plate has also reached the same stage with four teams having it through to the semis at Lee Valley
Boys' U18 Plate Quarter Finals
Kings, Chester 4-2 Rugby
Merchant Taylors, Northwood 4-3 RGS High Wycombe
Portsmouth GS 3-3 Hurstpierpoint (PGS win 5-4 aps)
Bablake 0-4 Prior Park
The Boys U18 competitions join the final stages of the U14 and U16 championships at Lee Valley, 19-21 April. These competitions see qualifiers from Regions playing in two pools of four with the top teams in each pool playing in the final. The U14 tournament is on Tuesaday 19 April and the U16s on Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 April.
Qualifiers are as follows
Boys U14
POOL A
Midlands 1 - Repton
North 1 - Wilmslow High
East 1 - Stamford
South/West Qualifier - RGS Guildford
POOL B
Midlands 2 - Oakham
South 1 - Whitgift
West 1 - Dean Close
North/East Qualifier - Bishop's Stortford
Boys U16
POOL C
Midlands 1 - Repton
East 1 - Ipswich
South 1 - Cranleigh
West/North Qualifier - Canford
POOL D
Midlands 2 - King Edwards
North 1 - Thirsk
West 1 - Marlborough
East/South Qualifier - Bedford/Reed's
For more details and how to purchase tickets for the event click here.
England Hockey Board Media release
England Hockey Award Nominees Announced
EH Awards 2015
On the evening of Saturday 21st May, at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, hockey lovers from all over the country will gather at the England Hockey Awards Dinner to celebrate the achievements of volunteers, umpires, coaches and players over the past year.
The quality of the nominees in each of the categories was once again exceptionally high, making for some tough decisions for the England Hockey selection panel. We are, however, delighted to now announce the following shortlist.
Club of the Year
Blackheath & Old Elthamians HC
London Royals HC
Norwich City HC
Sevenoaks HC
Surbiton HC
Timperley HC
Women’s Team
Leeds Adel 1st XI
Leyland & Chorley 1st XI
Timperley 1st XI
Wapping 7th XI
Men’s Team
Boots 1st XI
Richmond 1st XI
Tavistock 1st XI
Wapping 1st XI
Club Champion
Holly Lashford
Andy Richardson
Club Umpire
Nick Burnett
Dan Carter
Performance Umpire
Dave Dowdall
Sean Edwards
Young Umpire
Isaac Charles
Dom Tyler
Club Coach
Matthew Brine
Neil Gaskin
Local Promotion
Surrey Spartans
Wapping
Unsung Hero
Sarah Anthony
Judith Barton
Hils Farrar-Hockley
Jacqui Hudson
Wendy Russell
Paul Westgate
Matt Wilde
Lifetime Achievement
Jean Arnold
Mike Denham
In addition to those categories shown, awards will also be presented in the performance coach and performance player categories.
England Hockey Board Media release
Double Nomination for National Governing Body of the Year
England Women
England Hockey have been nominated not once but twice for national Governing Body of the Year. Firstly for the Women’s Sport Trust Awards, alongside our women’s team, who are up for the Sport Role Model award. Secondly we are nominated in the BT Sport Industry Awards 2016.
Here are a few key facts why we have been nominated for these prestigious awards;
· The England Hockey Women’s Team swept to glory in the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in 2015, winning a first gold medal in 24 years by beating World and Olympic Champions Holland in front of a packed home crowd.
· Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh received her MBE in 2015, and has also become our most-capped female hockey player after chalking up her incredible 335th appearance.
· At only 21, Lily Owsley was named Rising Star by the FIH, the game's international federation.
· Many of the team dedicate time outside of playing to help assist in the education and development of others through sport, be this as mentors for charities or by running workshops and practical sessions with students - for example Alex Danson is a mentor for the Youth Sports Trust and Living For Sport.
· Staged Unibet EuroHockey Championships at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in front of record crowds last summer.
· We deliberately placed the women’s finals in the most prestigious final time slot (traditionally given to the men) and as a result the broadcast saw a TV audience of 1.5m.
· Hosting the Hockey Champions Trophy this year, live on BT Sport.
· Also hosting World League semi-finals 2017 and Women’s World Cup in 2018.
· Karen Brown voted as FIH’s Female Coach of the Year 2015.
· Wendy Russell voted Sports Coach UK Disability Coach of the year 2015.
· Hockey used the successes, profile and role models to drive an engagement programme that has seen a 65% increase in under 16s participation.
· England Hockey has also encouraged 12,000 women back to the game with its highly successful Back to Hockey programme with the support of 300 clubs around the country.
· Hockey is a truly dual gender sport and the NGB is totally committed to driving the profile of women’s sport and growing female participation.
We need you to help us win! Get voting for the women's team and for us on the Women's Sport Trust website now!
England Hockey Board Media release