News for 01 June 2016
All the news for Wednesday 1 June 2016
Hockeyroos defeat Japan at International Hockey Open
By Holly MacNeil
The International Hockey Open began in Darwin today with the Hockeyroos taking on Japan in their first game of the tournament.
The first quarter began with pace, both sides eager to get on the scoreboard. Kaitlin Nobbs came on five minutes in to the first quarter in her debut for the Hockeyroos.
Australia fought to get the first chance at a penalty corner for the match, with a scrambling for the ball resulting in a second penalty corner attempt. After an excellent injection from Kathryn Slattery, Jodie Kenny scored the first goal from a cracker of a deflection.
Gabby Nance continued to help extend the lead for the Hockeyroos, running the ball along the back line to make a pass to Kellie White who scored a field goal for the team.
Japan came back to score in the second quarter with a field goal from Kawamura Motomi, taking the score to AUS 2 – 1 JPN going in to the half time break.
The third quarter saw Georgia Nanscawen score a penalty corner from a deflection, following another fast injection from West Australian Kathryn Slattery.
The fourth quarter was fast paced with both Australia and Japan desperate to keep the ball in their scoring circles and both teams failing to convert opportunities to goals.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said: “I think it was a really good performance, in particular the first two quarters I thought were outstanding.
“The second half we tried a number of different things we’ve been working on and there were some parts of the game that I wasn’t overly pleased about, but I think we can learn from that and improve in the next match.”
The Hockeyroos next play New Zealand on Wednesday at 7pm ACST / 7.30pm AEST / 5.30pm AWST.
Results today
IND 1 - 4 NZL
AUS 3 – 1 JPN
HOCKEYROOS 3 (2)
Jodie Kenny 9 (PC)
Kellie White 14 (FG)
Georgia Nanscawen 38 (PC)
JAPAN 1 (1)
Kawamura Motomi 22 (FG)
Hockeyroos’ squad v Japan
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 106/2
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 93/9
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 171/96
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 95/9
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 37/7
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 86/13
Casey Sablowski (Albion Park, NSW) 243/44
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 47/13
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 148/59
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 13/6
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 73/0
Used Substitute
Kirsten Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 99/2
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, SA) 31/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 174/35
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW) 1/0
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 94/31
Unused Substitute
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 12/4
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 145/0
HOCKEYROOS FIXTURES
Wednesday 1 June: AUS v NZL | 7.00pm ACST / 5.30pm AWST / 7.30pm AEST
Friday 3 June: AUS v IND | 7.00pm ACST / 5.30pm AWST / 7.30pm AEST
Saturday 4 June: Finals TBC
Hockey Australia media release
Hockeyroos beat Japan in International Hockey Open in Darwin
Australia has beaten Japan 3-1 in its opening match at the women's International Hockey Open in Darwin as preparation builds for the Rio Olympics.
The Hockeyroos on Tuesday night fought to get the first chance at a penalty corner, with a scramble for the ball resulting in a second penalty corner attempt.
After a top-class injection from Kathryn Slattery, Jodie Kenny scored the first goal from an impressive deflection.
Kaitlin Nobbs came on five minutes into the first quarter in her debut for the Hockeyroos.
Gabby Nance helped to extend the lead for the Hockeyroos, running the ball along the back line to make a pass to Kellie White who scored a field goal.
Japan came back to score in the second quarter with a field goal from Kawamura Motomi, making it 2-1 at half-time.
In the third quarter, Georgia Nanscawen scored a penalty corner from a deflection, following another fast injection from Slattery.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said he thought it was a really good performance.
"In particular, the first two quarters I thought were outstanding," he said.
"The second half, we tried a number of different things we've been working on and there were some parts of the game that I wasn't overly pleased about, but I think we can learn from that and improve in the next match."
In the other match on Tuesday night New Zealand beat India 4-1. Australia plays New Zealand on Wednesday night.
ABC
Black Sticks down India in series opener
Pippa Hayward scored 2 goals in the Black Sticks win
The Black Sticks Women have begun their International Hockey Open series with a 4-1 win over India at the Marrara Hockey Stadium in Darwin.
New Zealand shook off a slow start and a tight 1-0 halftime lead to dominate the second half and score three unanswered goals in the space of six minutes in the fourth quarter.
Canterbury midfielder Pippa Hayward scored a double while Petrea Webster and Anita McLaren (formerly Punt) added to the score sheet.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to open the four nations series with a win, although there was plenty to work on.
“It’s always good to start with a win but there are definitely areas we need to work on and tighten up ahead of our next game against Australia,” he said.
“We created a lot of chances but need to get better at converting more of those, and at times we went off the boil a bit so it’s maintaining intensity for the full 60 minutes.”
After a goalless first quarter, Hayward lit up the score board in the 18th minute off the back of a good baseline run and pass from Rachel McCann.
Hayward was in action again in the 47th minute after controlling a pass in the circle and slipping a shot through the feet of Savita in goal.
McLaren extended the buffer to three goals nine minutes from fulltime when she received on the run from a counter attack and smashed a shot past Savita’s shoulder from the top of the circle.
Webster put the result beyond any doubt two minutes later with a superb one-time shot after an Indian mistrap in the circle.
A terrific individual effort from Anuradha Thokchom just before the final whistle saw India score a consolation goal.
The Black Sticks take to the turf against hosts Australia at 9:30pm tomorrow (NZ time), with live coverage through Epicentre.tv
The International Hockey Open is part of New Zealand’s build up for the Champions Trophy in London from 19-27 June and the Rio Olympic Games in August.
CLICK HERE for more on the International Hockey Open
BLACK STICKS 4: (Pippa Hayward 2, Anita McLaren, Petrea Webster)
INDIA 1: (Anuradha Thokchom)
Halftime: Black Sticks 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Strong start for Black Sticks Women
By David Leggat
Pippa Hayward (L) scored twice for the Black Sticks. Photo / Getty
A 4-1 win over India enabled New Zealand to make a solid start to their four nation women's hockey tournament in Darwin tonight.
The world No 4 Black Sticks were guilty of wasting several fine chances, unable to fully capitalise on a wealth of possession on a hot evening.
Canterbury midfielder Pippa Hayward scored the first two goals, either side of halfway. The first had a touch of good luck, with the ball appearing to cross the back line before Hayward regained control and nudged it into the net.
Her second flew between the Indian goalkeeper's legs.
A firm drive from midfielder Anita McLaren, nee Punt, took a deflection off a defender before Petrea Webster, returning to international action after suffering a badly broken nose and concussion earlier in the year, completed the scoring with a shot while falling backwards.
Thirteenth-ranked India got the final goal, a fine individual effort by Devi Tokchum.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager bemoaned the lost opportunities. Kirsten Pearce, Charlotte Harrison, Sophie Cocks and captain for the game Sam Charlton all wasted clear openings.
New Zealand have left out seasoned pair Gemma Flynn and Kayla Whitelock for this tournament, which also features world No 3 hosts Australia and 10th-ranked Japan.
Hager wants to see the other attacking options for the Rio Olympic campaign present their credentials for selection.
''We miss their experience and goal scoring nous," Hager said of Flynn and Whitelock.
''One of the reasons we left them out was to have a look at the others. They need to step up and make sure they're very clinical in the circle.
''I'm more disappointed they didn't finish (their chances), but I am pleased they're getting in the right spot and creating opportunities. Now we need to convert those into goals."
New Zealand's defence wasn't under significant pressure, until Tokchum's excellent individual goal, when she ran through and past three defenders to score.
Rose Keddell and Emily Gaddum had decisive games in defence.
The Black Sticks have lost world class midfielder Stacey Michelsen to a hamstring injury, suffered in the training camp in Darwin, which preceded the tournament.
Of more concern is a knee injury suffered by defender Kat Henry. She will have an MRI scan once she returns home.
Part of the exercise is to help acclimatise the players to the heat they will encounter in Rio. Coming out of a New Zealand winter, they played in what Hager estimated was about 30 deg C tonight.
All bar one of New Zealand's group games in Rio are in the afternoon heat.
Next up New Zealand play Australia tomorrow night. Both teams have left a handful of first choice players out but the match is still expected to have the usual ginger befitting a transtasman contest.
Australia beat Japan 3-1 in the late game tonight.
All four teams are going to Rio, the other three all in pool B. New Zealand are in group A.
The New Zealand Herald
Black Sticks women thrash India 4-1 in Four Nations Invitational tournament
Pippa Hayward scored twice as the Black Sticks beat India 4-1. GETTY IMAGES
The Black Sticks' women's hockey team have thrashed 4-1 India in their first game of the 2016 Four Nations Invitational tournament in Darwin, Australia.
Pippa Hayward scored the first two goals for Black Sticks, Anita McClaren and Petrea Webster struck to give them a four-goal advantage.
India pulled a late consolation goal back courtesy of Anuradha Thokchom but it mattered little, as the Black Sticks kicked off the tournament in Australia with a resounding victory.
The other teams in the tournament are Australia and Japan. The Black Sticks play Australia on Wednesday night.
The tests are an important part of the side's preparation for the Champions Trophy in London later this month and the Rio Olympic Games in August.
Stuff
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager wants better performance against Australia
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager wasn't completely happy with his side's opening win over India at the International Hockey Open. WARWICK SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ
Women's Black Sticks coach Mark Hager is after further improvement from his side at the International Hockey Open ahead of their clash against Australia on Wednesday night.
The Black Sticks opened the tournament on Tuesday with a 4-1 win over India in Darwin, where New Zealand shook off a slow start to score three goals in the fourth quarter.
Australia are ranked No 3 in the world, and will be a step up for the Kiwi women, who are ranked fourth, while India are way down the pecking order in 13th place.
"It's always good to start with a win, but there are definitely areas we need to work on and tighten up ahead of our next game against Australia," Hager said.
"We created a lot of chances, but need to get better at converting more of those, and at times we went off the boil a bit, so it's maintaining intensity for the full 60 minutes."
The game will be midfielder Pippa Hayward's 100th test.
Australia also started the tournament well with a 3-1 win over Japan.
Australian coach Adam Commens said his side was outstanding in the first two quarters.
"The second half we tried a number of different things we've been working on and there were some parts of the game that I wasn't overly pleased about," he said.
"But I think we can learn from that and improve in the next match."
Wednesday night's game starts at 9.30pm (NZ time).
In Tuesday night's game, Hayward scored a double for the Black Sticks and Anita McLaren (nee Punt) and Petrea Webster also netted, before India scored a consolation goal just before the final whistle.
Black Sticks 4 (Pippa Hayward 2, Anita McLaren, Petrea Webster) India 1 (Anuradha Thokchom). HT: 1-0.
Stuff
India women hockey team lose to New Zealand in hard fought encounter
DARWIN (Australia): India women's hockey team started its campaign in the four-nation tournament on a disappointing note, losing 1-4 against New Zealand, here on Tuesday.
In hot and humid conditions here, the Indians started the game on a cautious note, putting bodies behind the ball and defending deep in their own half.
But New Zealand immediately put pressure on the Indian defence by winning back-to-back penalty corners in the sixth minute, and Indian custodian Savita pulled off a brilliant save to deny the Black Sticks from the second effort.
Thereafter, New Zealand controlled the game with India looking to pounce on the counter attack.
In the 11th minute, Savita pulled off another sharp save, from a one-on-one situation against Pippa Hayward.
New Zealand came out stronger in the second quarter and took the lead through a Pippa Hayward's field goal in the 18th minute.
After the change of ends, India came back strong and pushed forward in numbers. They created several penetrations into the Black Sticks' circle but weren't able to convert and score the equaliser.
Navjot Kaur came closest, shooting wide from the top of the circle under pressure.
In the fourth and final quarter, Pippa Hayward doubled New Zealand's lead in the 47th minute before two more goals from Anita McLaren (51st) and Petrea Webster (53rd) took the game away from India.
The Indians, however, pulled one back through a brilliant strike from Anuradha Devi Thokchom , who beat three defenders to cut into the top of the circle, and unleashed a low reverse shot into the bottom corner of the New Zealand goal.
Speaking after the game, India's chief coach Neil Hawgood said, "We have to take care of the ball when we get it more judiciously. We had a lot of the ball today, especially in the second half when we were countering very strongly. Our final ball around the circle let us down though.
"The scoreline doesn't justify exactly how close the game was, and that is unfortunate. We won't let it get us down though, and will look at the positives to build for the next match."
The Times of India
Great Britain sink Dutch in first test
Helen Richardson-Walsh and Lily Owsley celebrate for GB.
Goals from Lily Owsley and Helen Richardson-Walsh handed Great Britain a 2-1 win in the first of a two match test series with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Owsley struck from open play in the 14th minute to give Danny Kerry’s side the lead but they were pegged back by Kitty Van Male’s leveller just before the break. Richardson-Walsh put Great Britain back in front just three minutes after the interval and that’s how it stayed until the full time whistle.
The first quarter was an even one with Caia van Maasakker’s penalty corner the clearest chance, but the Dutch were frustrated as some good defence from Great Britain snuffed out the danger. Just before the quarter time interval Danny Kerry’s side got their noses in front. Some quick thinking from Sophie Bray set up the chance, as the No19’s quickly taken free hit and driving run set up Owsley to slot home from close range.
Kitty Van Male levelled the scores just before the half time interval, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the circle to fire home after good work from Maartje Krekelaar
Great Britain started the second half strongly and with just three minutes gone in the third quarter they were ahead once again. Larissa Meijer could only parry Giselle Ansley’s penalty corner and Helen Richardson-Walsh was on hand to slot in the rebound, her 39th international goal.
The Dutch rallied and Maddie Hinch was called upon to make a fine save from a penalty corner to keep the score 2-1 going into the final quarter.
The last quarter was arguably the best for the homes side but Hinch denied Maria Verschoor twice before Van Maasakker rattled the crossbar with a penalty corner. GB then exerted pressure of their own and forced a corner. Another Ansley flick was well saved and despite the best efforts of the hosts Great Britain showed composure and maturity to play out the final minutes in the Dutch half and seal the win.
Danny Kerry, Great Britain Head Coach said “It was a slightly disjointed but winning performance. We can be better with the ball but we were defensively solid which won us the game. We’re looking forward to 48 hours time when I feel we will have made some good adjustments to our game”
The second match in the series takes place on 2 June at 1930 local time.
England Hockey Board Media release
Ballsbridge énergie Fitness Ireland v Korea Match 1
Three final quarter goals saw Ireland start their Ballsbridge énergie Fitness Match Series with Korea in top notch fashion, beating the world number nine side with something to spare.
It was a fine performance from the green machine, bouncing back well from a tough series in Germany two weeks ago against the reigning Olympic champions.
Korea arrived as a nemesis having ended Ireland’s Olympic dream in 2012 but there was precious little baggage on display in an up-tempo tie at the Merrion Fleet Arena.
Indeed, Ireland never trailed as Gareth Watkins’ sixth minute goal set the tone, capitalising from an excellent counter-attack move via Peter Caruth to John Jermyn. Jermyn’s shot hit the bar but Watkins was on hand to bundle in the goal.
Nam Yong Lee equalised when Ireland failed to clear their lines but the Olympic-bound hosts were back early in the second half when Lee Cole’s low drag-flick found the bottom corner.
Again, Korea bounced back quickly with Seo adding a delicious touch to a left wing cross for 2-2.
From there, though, Ireland were the smarter team and kept picking off the Asian opponents. Mitch Darling’s shot took the lead for a third time; he initially looked intent on passing but, as the Korean defence backed off, he took the initiative and thumped through goalkeeper Hong’s padding into the backboard for 3-2.
Jermyn whipped a drag-flick into the top left corner for 4-2 with ten minutes to go and Eugene Magee capped a fine performance with a neat volley to Timmy Cockram’s goal-bound push following another flowing move set up by Kyle Good’s teasing run.
Speaking afterwards, Craig Fulton said of the performance: “The plan was we wanted to be nice and aggressive and they are a good counter-attacking team so sometimes you have to punch above your weight in that area to push them back and it was a good performance from the guys.
“It’s game one of eight in this block so we will keep working on the things that are working and look at the video for those that aren’t working to be ready for another big game on Thursday.”
The second game in the series takes place on Thursday evening at 7pm before the side play on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, all at the Merrion Fleet Arena.
Ballsbridge énergie Fitness Ireland v Korea Match Series
Ireland 5 (G Watkins, L Cole, M Darling, J Jermyn, E Magee)
Korea 2 (N Lee, J Seo)
Ireland: D Harte, J Bell, C Cargo, J Jermyn, E Magee, M Bell, M Darling, T Cockram, K Good, P Gleghorne, S Loughrey
Subs: R Gormley, G Watkins, P Caruth, N Glassey, D Carlisle, L Cole, D Fitzgerald
Korea: D-P Hong, J Seo, S You, N Lee, D Y Lee, J Yang, M Kang, J-J Lee, J-S Bae, H You, M Jung
Subs: T I Hwang, J-H Kim, J Kim, Y Lee, W-H Seo, H-J Kim, J Kim
Irish Hockey Association media release
Could this be the year for Great Britain's Dan Fox?
Great Britain's Dan Fox is hoping home support can spur GB to victory in London and Rio Photo: FIH/Getty
Great Britain star Dan Fox is a defensive rock who provides a calm composure for his team. For the 33-year-old, the Hockey Champions Trophy provides an ideal opportunity to prepare for the Olympics but, as he says, winning the Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time, in front of a passionate home crowd would be a real boost for the team before they jet off to Rio.
"We're excited. It's the first Champions Trophy any of us have played on home soil and it is a tournament that we want to win for the first time. Playing at home gives us the benefit of a home crowd. It gives friends, family and supporters the chance to watch us live and it's a great opportunity to prepare for Rio."
Great Britain's preparations have been going well. Following the Hero Hockey World League Final in Raipur, India last year – where Great Britain finished sixth – the team went through six tough weeks of physical development. Since then it has all been about focusing on how they play as a team.
Some of the squad missed the early training stages as they participated in the Hockey India League, but since then, the intensity of squad training and preparation has been incredibly high. Fox has a steely look in his eye as he warns: "This is the fittest Great Britain hockey team ever and we want to make it the best as well."
Fox has more than 145 combined caps for England and Great Britain but the medal cupboard is relatively bare – a bronze 2014 Commonwealth Games medal and a silver 2010 Hockey Champions Trophy medal payback for all those caps.
Fox and his team-mates would dearly love 2016 to be the year that changes. "Everything we do this year is part of our Rio preparation," he says. "That said, the Champions Trophy is a major trophy and we will be trying full out to win it. The tight turn around between games is also great preparation for the tough schedule in Rio, so it will be good practice."
The thing that stands out among all the players from different countries competing in the Champions Trophy is the high level of respect each team has for another. This is borne of the players knowing each other from the Hockey India League, the European Leagues and the numerous international occasions on which they meet.
“Australia are the number one side but anyone in the top six can win at the moment,” says Fox. “There are some brilliant teams out there.”
The next few months may well prove to be the defining moments of Dan Fox’s sporting career and it all begins on the opening day of the Hockey Champions Trophy, when Great Britain take to the field against their old nemesis Australia.
FIH site
Belgium's Red Lions looking to roar in London
Belgium will be looking to win their first Hockey Champions Trophy in London this summer. Photo: FIH/Getty
Belgium have made huge strides forward over the past ten years and are now rated as one of the most feared attacking sides on the planet.
The Red Lions produced some excellent performances at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands but just missed out on a place in the competition Semi-Finals when they fell to a narrow defeat at the hands of England before finishing fifth, an all-time high for the men’s national team.
2015 certainly had ups and downs, with a second place finish at FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, Belgium, being followed by a surprisingly low fifth place finish at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, the same venue that will host the upcoming Hockey Champions Trophy.
However, the team ended 2015 on a high as they finished runners up at the Hero Hockey World League Final, in Raipur, India, falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat against world number one ranked Australia.
The initial squad named for the Hockey Champions Trophy contains a staggering amount of international experience, with 16 players having surpassed the 100 international appearances mark including treble centurions John-John Dohmen and Jerome Truyens as well as double centurions Cedric Charlier, Thomas Briels, Felix Denayer and ace striker Tom Boon.
Remarkably, the squad does not contain a single player over the age of 28, suggesting that this current group could remain together for many more years to come.
Extra info:Late in 2015, the Royal Belgian Hockey Federation (KBHB-ARBH) named New Zealander Shane McLeod as
the Head Coach of the men’s national team. McLeod replaced Dutchman Jeroen Delmee, the former Netherlands international defender and double Olympic gold medallist (Atlanta 1996 & Sydney 2000) who stepped away from the position at the end of September. McLeod – who has enjoyed spells coaching the New Zealand men’s and women’s teams as well as guiding Antwerp’s Waterloo Ducks to consecutive Belgian league titles in 2013 and 2014 – has been given the task of guiding the Red Lions to a podium finish at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
After finishing runners up at the Hero Hockey World League Final last December, this would suggest that they are more than capable of achieving this target.
One to watch: John-John Dohmen: A creative midfielder who rarely puts a foot wrong, the 28-year-old Belgian captain is currently at the peak of his powers. Named Player of the Tournament at last year's FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Dohmen is certain to be a massively influential figure for his team in London.
FACTS
Nickname: The Red Lions
Current FIH World Ranking: 5
Notable honours: Olympic bronze medallists (1920), Hockey World League silver medallists (2015), European silver medallists (2013), European bronze medallists (2007), 5th place - Olympic Games (2012), 5th place - Rabobank Hockey World Cup (2014), 5th place - Hero Hockey Champions Trophy (2014).
Rank in previous CT editions: 2014 – 8th,2012 – 5th
Royal Belgian Hockey Federation website: www.hockey.be
Twitter: @BELRedLions Facebook: RedLions Instagram: BELRedLions
FIH site
Our aim is to win medal at Champions Trophy: Oltmans
Oltmans stressed on the need to address issues in the team's defence structure. (TOI Photo)
BENGALURU: With less than 10 days to go for their opening match in the FIH Champions Trophy in London, Indian men's hockey team chief coach Roelant Oltmans said he is eyeing a top three finish in the high-profile tournament.
Oltmans believes if things go according to plans, the team will stand a good chance to win a medal in the Champions Trophy.
"Everybody knows we are good in the knockout stage. But Champions Trophy this year will be slightly different and we need to finish top two to play the final and be top four to play for bronze.
"It will be interesting to see how our players will cope to this situation and face the challenge. Our realistic expectation is to finish in the top three," he said about his expectations from the event.
India will face reigning Olympic champions Germany in the opening match of the tournament on June 10 and Oltmans stressed on the need to address issues in the team's defence structure.
"It (Defence) is the key to a team's success at a tournament. There are times when you can't score too many goals to win a match but you can certainly win by avoiding the opponents to score," he said.
"The Germans are known for their defence while the Australians defence is slightly unconventional compared to others and Argentina too heavily depend on their defence for good results. It helped them win bronze at the World Cup. In our structure, the entire team needs to work on defence. Some of our attackers are good in defence too and that is our strong point," the Dutchman added.
Soon after Champions Trophy, the Indian team will travel to Spain for a Test series as part of their preparation for the upcoming Rio Olympics, the squad for which will be picked in July.
"There will be a little bit of pressure. It is a challenge the players need to be prepared for and show their best hockey. Only 16 out of 29 members in the camp will get to play at the Olympics and that is quite a sizeable number to drop," Oltmans said.
"They will have to challenge other players in the team which is why every match, every performance is important," he said.
The Times of India
Roelant Oltmans insists India need to improve defence structure
Bengaluru: As the Indian men's hockey team gear up for next week's FIH Champions Trophy, chief coach Roelant Oltmans has asserted that his side need to strengthen their defence structure in order to give a fierce challenge to top-ranked teams and win a medal in the prestigious tournament.
"It is the key to a team's success at a tournament. There are times when you can't score too many goals to win a match but you can certainly win by avoiding the opponents to score. The Germans are known for their defence while the Australians defence is slightly unconventional compared to others and Argentina too heavily depend on their defence for good results. It helped them win Bronze at the World Cup. In our structure, the entire team needs to work on defence. Some of our attackers are good in defence too and that is our strong point," said Oltmans, whose side will take on the Germans in the opening match in London.
The coach believes if things go as planned, the team will stand a good chance to win a medal.
"Everybody knows we are good in the knockout stage. But Champions Trophy this year will be slightly different and we need to finish top two to play the final and be top four to play for Bronze. It will be interesting to see how our players will cope to this situation and face the challenge. Our realistic expectation is to finish in the top three," he added.
A week-long break can do a world of good to players who are put through the grind in an all-important Olympic year and that's what has happened with the men's hockey team who rejoined the national camp here at Sports Authority of India, South Centre on Monday.
Their final preparations ahead of the Champions Trophy began with a yo-yo test to analyse the players' fitness levels which some of them aced. "It's the recovery factor. I am happy some of the boys are fitter than ever before," said Oltmans.
June will be a crucial month for the Indian team as they travel to Spain soon after the Champions Trophy in London. They return only in July and Coach is aware that some of the younger players will have to ward off the pressure of getting picked for the Olympic squad to be announced in July.
The Times of India
Indian hockey team needs to work on defence: Oltmans
Bengaluru: Stressing the importance of developing , the Indian hockey team's defence, chief coach Roelant Oltmans on Tuesday said the P.R. Sreejesh-led side stands a good chance to win a medal at the Champions Trophy in London, starting June 10.
India will take on Germany in the tournament opener before locking horns with Britain on June 11. They will face Belgium on June 13 and then South Korea and Australia on June 14 and 15.
"It (defence) is the key to a team's success at a tournament. There are times when you can't score too many goals to win a match but you can certainly win by avoiding the opponents to score," Oltmans said in a statement.
"Everybody knows we are good in the knockout stage. But Champions Trophy this year will be slightly different and we need to finish top two to play the final and be top four to play for bronze. It will be interesting to see how our players will cope to this situation and face the challenge. Our realistic expectation is to finish in the top three," he added.
Citing examples of the top teams which bank on their defences, Oltmans said India's attackers need to work on their defensive game to achieve the desired results.
"The Germans are known for their defence while the Australians' defence is slightly unconventional compared to others and Argentina too heavily depend on their defence for good results. It helped them win bronze at the World Cup. In our structure, the entire team needs to work on defence. Some of our attackers are good in defence too and that is our strong point," the Dutchman said.
Coming back from a week-long break, the team assembled for a national camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre here on Monday.
The team's preparations began with a yo-yo test to analyse the players' fitness levels which some of them aced.
"It's the recovery factor. I am happy some of the boys are fitter than ever before," said Oltmans, who also is the high performance director.
Post their Champions Trophy campaign, India will travel to Valencia, Spain, to play a six-nation invitational tournament and will return only in the first week of July.
The Times of India
Bendigo backs Kookaburras
Two tests v India announced for Central Victoria
By Lawrence West
Bendigo in central Victoria will play host two world class international test matches in November with the Kookaburras and India set to visit as part of the Festival of Hockey.
The matches, on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 November, will conclude the Festival of Hockey, which begins in Melbourne the previous week with a men’s four nations tournament featuring the Kookaburras, India, Malaysia and another yet-to-be-announced team, and three tests between the Hockeyroos and India women.
The matches were announced today in Bendigo by the Victorian Minister for Sport, The Hon John Eren MP and the Victorian Acting Premier, The Hon James Merlino MP as part of National Hockey Week.
Representatives from Hockey Central Victoria, the City of Bendigo and young hockey players from Strathdale Hockey Club, Girton Hockey Club, Eaglehawk Hockey Club, Senjuns Hockey Club, Sandhurst Hockey Club and Loddon Murray Hockey Club (Kerang) were also part of the announcement.
Hockey Australia General Manager for Hockey, Ben Hartung, said, “Hockey Australia is thrilled to be able to bring the World's number one men's hockey team, the Kookaburras, and the Indian men's team to Bendigo for two test matches as part of the Festival of Hockey. We are proud to partner with the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Bendigo.
“There is a thriving hockey community in central Victoria, including nine clubs, almost 800 players and many more volunteers, supporters and family members. We want all of them to be advocates for our sport and invite someone who has never watched hockey to attend the games and witness the skill, pace and excitement of the contest between two of the powerhouses of world hockey.”
India’s participation in the event comes as a result of Hockey Australia’s ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding with Hockey India, signed last year, which will see the Indian men’s national team tour to Australia over the next three years.
The Festival of Hockey will be the Kookaburras’ and Hockeyroos’ first matches in Australia following the Olympic Games in Rio in August.
Tickets for the Festival of Hockey will go on sale in the coming weeks.
#NationalHockeyWeek #DestinationHockey
Hockey Australia media release
Green Army to face Spain in 4 match series in Belfast
Ireland’s senior women’s hockey team will face Spain in a 4 match series next week in Belfast. The two sides sit side by side in the world rankings with Spain holding 14th place, one spot above the Green Army. The two teams last faced each other in Valencia in January which saw Spain secure victory twice before the Green Army won the final match 3-2. Since then Spain have been preparing for the Olympics, while Ireland finished above their ranking with an impressive performance in Hawkes Bay Cup, toppling two Olympic sides along the way.
Speaking ahead of the match series, Coach Graham Shaw said “We are delighted to welcome Spain to Ireland in their preparation for Rio. It is a great opportunity for us to play in front of a home crowd. With Injuries and players unavailable we will make 6 changes from Hawkes Bay. This gives players in a test game environment to showcase their skills and ability therefore strengthening their position within our squad”
Fixtures
Match 1: June 6th 7:30pm at NICS Belfast
Match 2: June 7th 7:30pm at NICS Belfast
Match 3: June 9th 12pm at UUJ
Match 4: June 10th 11am at UUJ
Squad:
1. Ayeisha McFerran – Pegasus
2. Stella Davis – Pembroke
3. Hannah Matthews - Loreto
4. Yvonne O Byrne – Cork Harlequins
5. Gemma Frazer – Ulster Elks
6. Zoe Wilson - Randalstown
7. Anna May Whelan - Trinity
8. Megan Frazer – Ulster Elks
9. Lizzie Colvin – Loreto
10. Chloe Watkins - Hermes
11. Katie Mullan - UCD
12. Emily Beatty - UCD
13. Chloe Brown - Ards
14. Anna O Flanagan - Hermes
15. Nikki Evans – Hermes
16. Deirdre Duke - UCD
17. Naomi Carroll - Hermes
18. Kate Lloyd - UCD
19. Hayley Mulcahy - Loreto
20. Sinead Loughran – Hermes
21. Aisling Naughton – UCD
22. Ali Meeke – Loreto
Irish Hockey Association media release
Quemada set for Egara return after 11 years
Pau Quemada will return to Club Egara after 11 years away, switching from KHC Leuven to play out the final years of his career with the club he grew up at.
The international striker, 32, returns to Pla del Bon Aire after a spectacular spell with Leuven, winning the Belgian golden stick in their run to the regular season title in 2015 while he also helped them to the EHL FINAL4 in the 2008/09 season. He averaged 25 goals a season in the Belgian league.
In 2005, he moved from Egara to Laren before switching to Leuven. He returned to Spain to play with Real Club de Polo from 2009 to 2011, ending up the season’s top scorer on both occasions.
He returned to Leuven after that and had initially agreed to stay for one more year but the lure of home proved just too strong.
Speaking about his return to Egara, the recently crowned Spanish champions, he said: " Egara is where I feel like living. After 11 seasons away, now I want to play with my friends.
“This is where I grew up, where I was educated as a player. I want to play for as long as I can and, above all, to enjoy it, which is essential for me.
"Egara has been a winning team for years and have finally lifted the title this season. I will have to acclimatise to the league, another style of play and level. I'm a newcomer here and will have to learn what to do every day to earn my place and play on Sunday. "
He added, in an interview with the Belgian newspaper La Libre, that Leuven was like a "second home" and that it was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make in his career.
Euro Hockey League media release
Kalindi Commerford and Jenna Cartwright to represent Australia in indoor hockey
Trent Pollard 
Canberra duo Kalindi Commerford and Jenna Cartwright are all set for their Australian Indoor Hockey call-up. Photo: Rohan Thomson
Canberra hockey players Kalindi Commerford and Jenna Cartwright can be forgiven for taking nervous steps when they make a shock appearance for the Australian indoor team later this year.
The last time they played the indoor version of the sport two years ago, they both tore the anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees and spent a long time in recovery.
The injuries ruled them out of the indoor hockey World Cup in 2015, but they've got a chance for redemption after earning a recall, despite their lack of game time.
The Australian team will go into a camp later this year before touring Europe in the lead-up to the 2018 World Cup in Argentina.
Kalindi Commerford and Jenna Cartwright. Photo: Rohan Thomson
Commerford and Cartwright didn't even play in the Australian indoor championships earlier this year, but selectors wanted to give them a chance to play international hockey.
"We didn't even know the squad was being announced and we didn't even know there was a camp in October," Commerford said.
"Indoor hockey isn't really my main focus, but the chance to wear an Australian jersey is a chance that doesn't come around often, so I'll grab it with both hands."
Neither of the athletes was expecting the phone call on Wednesday morning.
Commerford heard the news when she received a message from a friend. She then phoned Cartwright to let her know.
They will head to camp in October with the rest of their Australian squad, in preparation for the team's European tour in December/January.
"They've named a fairly young side and have made it pretty clear that the focus is on the World Cup, and that's a great sign for the future of indoor hockey in Australia and it gives us heaps of time to form a bond with the rest of the girls," Cartwright said.
Their knee injuries occurred just nine months apart. Commerford's knee buckled under her when she was side stepping and Cartwright tore her MCL and ACL after a heavy bump with an opponent.
"It was pretty devastating suffering that injury, for both my field and indoor hockey," Cartwright said. "It was six weeks until I could have surgery and I was lucky to be able to go through rehab with Kalindi."
Commerford and Cartwright are part of a nine-strong Canberra contingent picked in the men's and women's national teams. They will be joined by Sassie Economos, Rebecca Hotchkis , Emma Taylor and Shelley Watson while Niranjan Gupte, Ben Staines and Ryan Whittle are in the men's team.
Canberra Times
Ellis, Sandhu, 1964 Men’s Olympic Team announced as 2016 Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame inductees
Shaheed Devji
Field Hockey Canada and its Hall of Fame selection committee has chosen Janet Ellis, Hagurnek “Nick” Sandhu, and the 1964 Canadian Men’s Olympic Team to be inducted as its 2016 Hall of Fame Class.
In an Olympic year with Canada’s current Men’s National Team set to compete at the 2016 Games in Brazil this summer, each of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees has a special tie to the Olympic Games.
Janet Ellis
For many years, Ellis was top-flight official in international field hockey. In addition to serving as a technical official at the Pan American level, Ellis was Technical Official at the highest level of international hockey, including at three Olympic Games (2012 in London, 2008 in Beijing, and 2000 in Sydney), and the 2010 World Cup, and 2009 Champions Trophy. She also served on Field Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors and as President during the period of 1991-2002.
Hagurnek “Nick” Sandhu
After beginning his international career on the Junior level, Sandhu was a member of the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team from 1980-1990. During that time, he competed at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. The Canadian men finished tenth at the Los Angeles Games, which still stands as Canada’s men’s best Olympic performance. Sandhu also was a member of the team that went to the 1990 World Cup of Hockey in Lahore, Pakistan.
1964 Canadian Men’s Olympic Field Hockey Team
After forming and playing its first International match in 1963, the 1964 Canadian men’s field hockey team made history in Tokyo, becoming the first Canadian field hockey team to compete in an Olympic Games. The team consisted of athletes Ron Aldridge, Derrick Anderson, Tony Boyd, Peter C. Buckland, Richard Chopping, Gerd Heidinger, Ian Johnston, Harry Preston, Allan Raphael, Gerard Ronan, Patrick Ruttle, Peter Vander Pyl, Victor Warren, Lee Wright, Andrew Yeoman, and John Young; and coach Michael Wheaton.
The induction class will be honoured in a ceremony at 7:00pm on July 8, 2016 at St. George’s School in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The event is part of an Olympic-themed week that will also feature Canada’s Rio 2016 Olympic team naming and the Canadian men hosting the United States in the “Summer Games Send-off presented by London Drugs.”
Next year’s induction ceremony will take place in Eastern Canada and honour a Hall of Fame class with ties to that region.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Dennis Behrend, Hockey Hero
Celebrating National Hockey Week
By Lawrence West
Dennis Behrend from NSW is our third Hockey Hero of National Hockey Week as we recognise those people that make a significant difference to hockey in their area.
Name: Dennis Behrend
Hockey Hero of: Hockey New England, Armidale, NSW
Hockey Hero super powers: Leadership, integrity and a commitment to growing participation
Not even a heart attack three years ago has slowed down Dennis Behrend's unstinting commitment to hockey in his community.
Dennis' wife, Kerry, admits that while family life is built around the hockey season, its anything but a hardship.
"It has become so much more for us as a family," says Kerry.
"It would be hard to imagine our life without the community that hockey has given us."
While many follow their parents into hockey, for Dennis is was less 'like father, like son', and more 'like son, like father' as he became involved after the couple's son began playing around 25 years ago.
Having played for many years now, Dennis' passion for the development of umpires in the area sees him hold frequent umpire coaching clinics, helping grow umpires or all ages and abilities in the community.
A staunch advocate for umpiring, Dennis has also been the umpires convenor for two University Games and, more recently, has become more involved in indoor hockey.
His foresight and determination were key contributors to the successful upgrading of the Associations playing surface and facilities, which has made the world of difference to the local hockey community. Impressively, Dennis has been involved with the development of every element of the new facilities, which include two artificial surfaces, grandstands, dugouts, change rooms, a canteen, BBQ and bar. Apparently, he has grand plans for further developments!
A life-long contributor, Dennis – currently the president of Hockey New England - has fulfilled many positions on a great number of committees, ensuring not only that his voice is heard but that the voices of members and stakeholders are, too.
He played an integral role in the amalgamation of the Armidale mens and womens associations to form Hockey New England and over time has served as a President, Vice President, mens convenor and umpires convenor.
Now a Hockey Hero as part of our first National Hockey Week, this isn't Dennis' first foray into the spotlight. In 2014, he was made a life member of Hockey New England and in 2015 was recognised by the local sports council for services to sport.
Congratulations Dennis, a true Hockey Hero. Your community thanks you.
#NationalHockeyWeek #DestinationHockey
Hockey Australia media release
Hockeyroo heading to Rio despite drink-driving cover-up
Anna Flanagan of Australia will still be heading to the Rio Olympics. Photo / Getty
Anna Flanagan's excuse she accepted a lawyer's advice not to tell Hockey Australia about a drink-drive charge could save her Olympic campaign.
The poster girl of a Hockeyroos side expected to win a medal in Rio has been told she must respond to an Australian Olympic Committee "please explain".
Flanagan has been dropped from two vital lead-up tournaments - the International Hockey Open and the Champions Trophy - after covering up her charge.
She is still eligible for the Olympics, but an adverse finding from the AOC could see her stripped of the right to compete in Rio.
She was fined $1000 and her licence was suspended after she blew over 0.15 in March, then failed to tell Hockey Australia coaches or administrators.
That cover-up has not only plunged her deeper into trouble but means rather than miss a lower profile New Zealand tour she is banned from critical lead-in tournaments.
It is understood Flanagan was drinking wine with friends then drove home.
She has told friends and teammates she unwisely accepted a lawyer's advice that her penalty would be unlikely to be exposed publicly.
Flanagan's charge was dealt with in the Perth Magistrates Court in April and it seems she had no intention of ever alerting authorities.
While the exact blood alcohol reading is not known it is believed to be under 0.2, still an extremely dangerous level.
Hockey Australian only found out about the incident when news broke in Perth on Friday, shocked to be blindsided about the 24-year-old's actions.
It also creates an impossible situation for the AOC and outspoken chef de mission Kitty Chiller, who must judge whether to send her to Rio.
A full and frank explanation that satisfies the AOC is critical given it has been so vocal about cracking down on poor athlete behaviour.
Chiller's withering character assessments of Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios have set the bar extremely high for athlete behaviour.
Chiller said she would be "appalled and embarrassed" if Kyrgios pulled an on-court tantrum representing Australia in Rio.
A few swearwords or broken racquets suddenly pale into insignificance given Flanagan's multiple transgressions.
Chiller will know anyone driving a car so drunk potentially becomes a lethal weapon, with the cover-up totally undermining the AOC's ethos of trust and accountability.
Hockey Australia chief executive Cameron Vale said his organisation would respect the AOC process.
"As per our statement on Saturday, Hockey Australia will now look to support Anna and will work through all relevant Australian Olympic Committee processes that govern the selection of athletes for the Rio Olympics," he said.
"She remains eligible to be nominated for selection by Hockey Australia to the AOC."
The Hockeyroos final squad for the Olympics will be chosen after the Champions Trophy in late June.
The understanding is that a decision about Flanagan's availability will be made by the AOC before the Hockeyroos final squad is officially chosen.
The New Zealand Herald