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All the news for Wednesday 3 August 2016

Green Army Beat Chile And Top The Pool



A penalty corner on the buzzer could have spoiled the Green Army’s winning record but captain Megan Frazer was on hand to clear the danger and give Ireland the victory that secures their place at the top of the pool.

Ireland were breaking at pace and creating chances; Deirdre Duke won a clever PC in the 9th minute and Ann-May Whelan drew a save in the 15th but too often the final touch was evading the girls in green. A high press by Chile rarely phased Zoe Wilson or her fellow defenders and allowed Gillian Pinder to unlock the Chilean defence with ease at times. The only goal of the game came in the 32nd minute courtesy of Anna O’Flanagan, scoring her fifth goal in 3 games. O’Flanagan took the ball mid-air and skipped around 3 defenders before rounding the keeper and smashing the ball into the backboard. 2 minutes later and Ireland were in on goal again, this time Lizzie Colvin created space for herself but her sweep was well saved by Claudia Schuler.

Grace O’Flanagan was called on to make an early save in the opening minutes of the second half but quickly after Pinder and Anna O’Flanagan were forcing saves from Schuler at the other end. More PC’s followed for both team but few looked like challenging either keeper as shots flew high or wide. Ireland always looked the more in control but Chile showed flare and skill that troubled the Green Army at times but never enough for them to relinquish their lead.

Ireland face Chile again tomorrow at 7pm in the semi-finals in Rathdown School. Belgium face Scotland at 5pm in the other semi-finals.

Ireland 1 (A O’Flanagan)
Chile 0

Squad: Frazer (Captain), G O’Flanagan (GK), McCay, Tice, Pinder, Colvin, A O'Flanagan, Wilson, Duke, Mullan, Carroll

Subs: McFerran(GK), O'Bryne, Whelan, Watkins, Matthews, Meeke, Barry

Irish Hockey Association media release

Scotland’s women take one point from opening games in Dublin


Scotland Women in Dublin

Scotland’s women’s team has drawn with Chile and lost to Ireland in their first two games of a 4-Nations tournament at the Merrion Fleet Arena in Dublin. Their next game sees them take on Belgium today and a victory would see them finish second in the pool, and in a good position for the business end of the tournament.

The opening game of the 4-Nations was a difficult one for Scotland as they went toe-to-toe with host nation Ireland. The game saw Scotland’s Mairi Drummond make her debut, taking her place in the starting line-up for her country. The first half was a very competitive affair with neither side able to turn their play into goals. Ireland had more pressure than the Scots but some outstanding saves from Nicki Cochrane in the Scotland goal kept the score level at half time, including an excellent save from a penalty flick.

The second half was disappointing for Scotland as they struggled to keep possession and Ireland took their chances well. Early in the second half Ireland took the lead through an Anna O’Flanagan goal from a penalty corner. O’Flanagan scored again on 53 minutes to extend Ireland’s lead. Megan Frazer scored next for the Irish on the hour mark to take the game out of reach for the Scots. With the clock ticking down a yellow card for Merchant and a penalty flick for Ireland allowed Frazer to score again and make it 4-0. Scotland issued a late reply through Merchant from a penalty stroke to make a final score of 4-1 to Ireland. The goal came after Charlotte Watson was taken down in the circle after a good attacking run.

Despite the result the game was an excellent experience for debutant Mairi Drummond, who said: "It was an absolute thrill standing in the line-up and singing the national anthem, especially as we had home support in the crowd. I absolutely loved performing at an international standard of hockey, and playing a side that were presenting new challenges to me on the pitch."



Scotland w v Chile DublinScotland’s next game saw them take on Chile and offer a vastly improved performance. Scotland had an early chance for Watson after a great cross from Jennifer Eadie. Chile had chances but good defence and some fine saves from Cochrane kept them at bay.

Regardless, it was a first half laden with goals. Scotland shot off to a two goal advantage with Merchant converting a good strike on 16 minutes. The goal came after an excellent quick free hit from Becky Ward to Watson who laid the ball off to Merchant wide in the D. Merchant scored with a reverse stick strike high in to the net. Then Kaz Marshall added a second from a penalty corner on 23 minutes. The goal took an excellent deflection after a well worked short corner routine.

Scotland were hungry for more goals and some good runs from midfield by Nikki Lloyd and Heather Howie opened up a number of chances. Things were looking good for the Scots as they dominated for vast periods; that was until Chile managed to claw a goal back through Kim Jacob on 28 minutes. The Chileans equalised in the final minute of the first half when Carolina Garcia scored from open play. Neither side could take advantage in the second half and convert their chances to goals.

Scotland had good chances fall to Eadie, Howie, Watson and Merchant. Cochrane was once again in fine form pulling off some brilliant saves to keep the score level. Green cards were given to Katie Robertson and Fiona Bruce of Scotland, and Mariana Lagos of Chile. The tough encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, giving Scotland their first point of the tournament.

Becky Merchant said: “The disappointing first game against Ireland highlighted a number of areas we needed to improve but we always knew it was going to be tough. For well over half the team this is their first experience of a tournament at senior level and we have already shown that the team is made of quick learners with a vastly improved second game against Chile. There’s still a lot of room for improvement but this tournament provides the perfect opportunity for us to keep progressing and learning. It's been a great trip so far and there is a real buzz about this team. There’s one more group game to go against Belgium then we go into the business end of the tournament.”

Scotland next play Belgium today at 5pm in their final group game in Dublin.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

India beat Spain 2-1 in practice match ahead of Rio Games

RIO DE JANEIRO: Akashdeep struck a field goal while Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner as the Indian men's hockey team edged Spain 2-1 in a practice match ahead of the Olympic Games on Tuesday.

India are scheduled to play one more practice game before they begin their Games campaign against Ireland on Saturday.

Skipper PR Sreejesh said since they had lost to Spain in Madrid before coming in Brazil, it can be considered a good omen ahead of tournament proper.

"The weather was very hot in Spain. We were coming from very good weather in Bengaluru and it was very hot and humid, almost 40 degrees in Madrid. So it was good to get a game in Rio against Spain and we played well," the skipper said.

Meanwhile, Australia thrashed Germany 5-2 with Blake Govers scoring a brace and Jake Whetton, Eddie Ockenden and Jeremy Hayward sounding the board once each.

The Times of India

GB teams' training matches in Rio


Practice game vs Holland in Rio

Our Olympians are ramping up preparations for their first matches in the Rio Olympics, with both men and women playing their first competitive fixtures this coming weekend.

With that in mind, they have been training at the Deodoro hockey venue since last week, and both sexes have stepped up their preparations with a series of training matches.

In the latest men's match, our team played three periods of fifteen minutes against The Netherlands, and coach Bobby Crutchley told greatbritainhockey.co.uk, "It was a useful run out for us and while both teams were a bit rusty it will help us get ready for Saturday."

GB ran out on the right end of a 2-1 scoreline, and Bobby continued, "We had some good periods which were interspersed with spells of being slightly off it. Our good play was predominantly about playing at a high enough tempo in possession and being tight in defence, which we know are key parts of our game.”

Crutchley's men face Belgium on Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm UK time, and the game is live on BBC Sport online / red button.

Danny Kerry's women's team are also undertaking important training games, with scheduled matches against Spain and China as they prepare for their opening game against Australia in the early hours of Sunday morning (00:30am), also live on BBC Sport online / red button.

Great Britain Hockey media release

Samba medals! Men’s Olympic hockey competition



With just four days to go until the start of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, we provide a quick look at some of the interesting statistics from the men’s Olympic hockey medals table.

Of the 12 men’s hockey teams competing at Rio 2016, nine have won at least one Olympic medal - Australia, Great Britain, Belgium, New Zealand, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, India and Ireland. Argentina, Canada and debutants Brazil are the only competing teams not to have claimed an Olympic medal, something that they will be aiming to change over the coming weeks. Remarkably, Ireland are making only their second Olympic appearance since winning the silver medal at the London 1908 Games.

India have won more Olympic gold medals than any other nation in the history of the men’s hockey competition, having collected eight Olympic titles. Their first arrived at the Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games, and successfully defended their crown at the Berlin 1936, London 1948, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956 Games to make it five gold medals in a row.

During that time, India went unbeaten for 30 consecutive matches and scored 197 goals, conceding just eight. They added to their remarkable haul with gold medals at Tokyo 1964 and Moscow 1980. As well as eight Olympic golds, India has also claimed one silver (Rome 1960) and two bronze (Mexico 1968 & Munich 1972) medals and will be aiming to win a 12th Olympic medal in Rio.

Germany have claimed the last two gold medals thanks to their brilliant performances at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. If they claim gold in Rio, they will be the first team to win three successive Olympic titles since India’s trio of gold medals at the London 1948, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956 Olympiads.

Reigning world champions Australia have medalled at the last six Olympic Games, having taken silver at Barcelona 1992, bronze at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, gold at Athens 2004 followed by bronze medals at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics. The team sitting at the top of the FIH Hero World Rankings will be aiming to claim a second gold in Rio, with squad members Mark Knowles and Jamie Dwyer both part of the victorious squad from Athens 2004. Famously, Dwyer was the scorer of the golden goal that defeated the Netherlands in final of 2004. Later that year, he was also crowned FIH Player of the Year, an award that he has now won a record five times. 

In terms of individual achievements, five of the six all time top Olympic men’s hockey medallists are Indians, with Udham Singh and Leslie Claudius joint top the with staggering three gold and one silver from their four Olympic appearances. Randhir Singh Gentle, Balbir Singh and Ranganathan Francis are also triple gold medallists, with Teun de Nooijer of the Netherlands having claimed two gold and two silver medals from the five Olympics that he appeared at between 1996 and 2012. If Germany were to win Olympic gold in Rio, both Moritz Fürste and Tobias Hauke would join this elite group by becoming triple Olympic gold medallists following their successes with Germany at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.  

Make sure that you use #Hockey, #SambaSticks and #Rio2016 on social media when showing your support for your nation during the events, and follow FIH for all the latest updates as teams and fans get ready for the biggest show on earth – the Olympic Games. For more information about hockey in Rio, visit Rio2016.com.

FIH site

Netherlands’ field hockey squad seek third straight Olympic gold in Rio

Netherland's women's field hockey squad features Naomi Van As, Ellen Hoog, Lidewij Welten, Eva de Goede and Maartje Paumen.


The women’s team is seeking its third consecutive Olympic gold medal. (Source: AP)

The Netherlands will chase history at the Olympics. The Oranje is trying to become the first nation to win three consecutive field hockey gold medals on the women’s side after winning in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. This year’s squad features some key mainstays from both winners, including Naomi Van As, Ellen Hoog, Lidewij Welten, Eva de Goede and Maartje Paumen. Welten was the FIH (International Hockey Federation) Player of the Year in 2015, Hoog in 2014, Paumen in 2011 and 2012 and Van As in 2009.

With that veteran core providing a balanced, high-scoring attack and a stout defense that is backed by 2015 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Joyce Sombroek, the Dutch have remained the top-ranked team in the world.

“Each player has a different ability,” Dutch coach Alyson Annan said. “Each player can do something that some girls can’t. They learn and identify and share with each other, and when someone is weaker at something than another, they fill the gaps for each other.”

Paumen missed the Champions Trophy final against Argentina with a toe injury. A Dutch spokeswoman said Paumen, the top Olympic women’s scorer ever, will be ready to go in Rio.

Second-ranked Argentina was the runner-up to the Netherlands at the 2012 Games and looks to take the next step. Noel Barrionuevo, Carla Rebecchi and Rosario Luchetti were key players on that second-place team and the 2008 team that finished third. Argentina is confident after winning the Champions Trophy over the Netherlands in June, though Paumen could be a difference-maker.

Luciana Aymar, an eight-time FIH Player of the Year who is generally considered the greatest women’s player of all time, has retired from international competition for Argentina. Plenty of talent remains __ Rebecchi was named the top player at the 2016 Champions Trophy event, and Delfina Merino was third in the player of the year voting in 2015.

Australia is ranked No. 3, New Zealand No. 4, the United States No. 5, and China No. 6.

Here are some other things to watch as the women get set to compete:

TEAM USA

The Americans haven’t medaled since 1984, when they hosted the Games in Los Angeles, but they showed they might be a threat by winning the Pan American Games last year and placing third in the Champions’ Trophy event this year. The USA made a solid showing in Beijing in 2008, posting draws against Argentina and Japan, which were both ranked in the top five at the time. The Americans qualified in 2012, but finished last. They are back and have their highest ranking ever.

DOWN UNDER

Australia won gold in 1988, 1996 and 2000, but has not medaled since. The No. 3 team in the world features Jodie Kenny, who finished fourth in voting for the 2015 Player of the Year. In 2014, Australia won the Commonwealth Games and lost to the Netherlands in the World Cup final.

LAUREN CRANDALL

The 31-year-old defender was fifth in the FIH Player of the Year balloting in 2014, making her a rare American considered one of the best in the world.

“She’s the captain,” Parnham said. “She’s hugely experienced and has been through many cycles with the USA. She’s a great leader for the team. Not only does she speak well for our team, but she defines her ability on actions and behaviors. She leads by example and is a role model for the younger players.”

RISING STAR

Great Britain’s Lily Owsley was honored as the FIH’s Rising Star of the Year in 2015. Now just 21, she helped her squad earn silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the European championship in 2015. She missed part of the year with a broken collarbone, but returned to play in the Champions Trophy event. She’ll try to help her squad improve on its third-place finish at the 2012 Olympics.

KEY MATCHES

United States vs. Argentina, Aug. 6; China vs. Netherlands, Aug. 10; Australia vs. Argentina, Aug. 11; New Zealand vs. Netherlands, Aug. 12; China vs. New Zealand, Aug. 12. Gold medal match, Aug. 19.

Indian Express

Middleton looking to make his own history


Barry Middleton celebrates scoring for GB

The last time a British Men’s Hockey team stood on an Olympic podium was back in 1988. Memories of Imran Sherwani, Sean Kerly and “Where were the Germans” live long in many people’s memories. Captain Barry Middleton, heading to his fourth games insists history is not a motivating factor for his side out in Rio.

“1988 gets mentioned a lot. It was a fantastic achievement and we’re happy they did what they did but we don’t sit here looking at it all the time. It’s not motivation for us.” says the Holcombe star. “The Olympics are more about having a pride in what we do. We want to achieve things for ourselves. We want to be the ones people are talking about in years to come.”

Middleton is his country’s most capped male player with over 350 international appearances under his belt. He is heading to his fourth Olympics and despite having been there, done it and quite literally got the t-shirt, there is a real determination about the skipper this time around.

“The first couple of Olympic Games were great experiences but we didn’t deep down think we could win it. London we went with a hope of winning it and this one we want to go there and achieve something. We aren’t just there to enjoy the food and the village; we are there to play hockey and to succeed like any other hockey tournament.”

The skipper commands the respect of each and every one of his peers both in the squad and within other teams, too. Middleton is a world class performer and a world class captain. His style of leadership is not the typical "British Bulldog, up and at ‘em" style of some of our other sporting teams. The lad from Doncaster prefers to lead by example instead:

“My leadership style is probably do as I do, not as I say. I don’t tell people to do anything I wouldn't do. I try and set the right example to them and hope people follow, then if people do step out of line you can drag them back in.” he adds “I don't think I'm a screamer or a shouter, or someone who gets in people's faces. I try and be tough when we have to be on certain things, but first and foremost, I focus on myself as well knowing that I've got to do my job right before we have to worry about everyone. If everyone's doing their job correctly, it actually means I don't have to do a lot.”

As always, Middleton will quietly go about his business and lead from the front. His team will follow and we hope that means following their skipper onto the top step of the podium!

Great Britain Hockey media release

India staying focused in Rio 'magic world': Sreejesh

MUMBAI: PR Sreejesh says his dual role as India hockey captain and goalkeeper is to allow his team mates the freedom to express themselves in Rio but knows he must keep them focused on the medal hunt in the "magic world" of the Olympics.

The 30-year-old was second choice at London 2012 behind then captain Bharat Chettri but has since established himself as the clear number one.

He was named captain for the recent Champions Trophy in London where India rested some seniors, including regular captain Sardar Singh, ahead of the Rio Games.

While Sreejesh led the side to the silver medal, as India lost the final to Australia in a penalty shoot-out, he said he never imagined it would lead to him wearing the armband at the Rio Games too.

"I never expected it," Sreejesh told Reuters in a recent interview. "I have always said being part of the team and winning a medal for my country was my first preference.

"I never dreamt of captaining the team and leading the side in the Olympics. It's a great honour."

Sreejesh has been a rock for India in front of goal since making the junior national team in 2004. It took him another couple of years to make the cut for the senior side.

He made crucial saves during the 2014 Asian Games final when India beat arch-rivals Pakistan, which sealed their spot for Rio. In 2015, Sreejesh received the Arjuna award for his contribution to the national team.

Sreejesh said the captaincy would not have a huge influence on his role.

"I am a goalkeeper. My first duty is to save the goal," he said by telephone from the team's training camp in Bengaluru. "The second is to communicate with my defenders and organise them.

"Third is I need to give them confidence as a goalkeeper. I think as captain too I have to do these three things. There is no extra burden on me.

"It's all about giving them the freedom to do what they want.

"Olympics is a place where you can be easily distracted to a lot of things and it will seem like a magic world. It will all be about reminding them our goal as a team."

India are the most decorated nation in the sport's Olympic history but the South Asians collected the last of their eight gold medals back at the Moscow Games in 1980.

After failing to qualify for Beijing, India made it to London four years later but finished last of the 12 countries taking part.

India, who are in Pool B in Rio along with Argentina, Canada, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, have created optimism back home thanks after a strong build-up to the Games.

Sreejesh feels India have the right balance between youth and experience, with a number of players from London 2012 still part of the mix for Rio.

Consistency will be the key, he added.

"The last couple of years has given us confidence. We have beaten all the top teams and won medals," he added.

"It has given us confidence that now we are ready to beat any team and we will carry that to Rio."

The Times of India

New Zealand determined to capitalise on lifeline

by Mitch Phillips



RIO DE JANEIRO - New Zealand slipped into the men's Olympic hockey tournament by the back door but now they are here they plan to take full advantage of the opportunity, according to coach Colin Batch.

The "Black Sticks" initially failed to qualify but, as the highest-placed unqualified team, got a belated invite in December after South Africa decided against sending a team.

"We did have quite a rocky road to get here," Batch told reporters on Tuesday. "We didn't qualify outright, we know that. We've been given a lifeline and the guys are really gelling well together. We will approach the tournament with nothing to lose.

"There's a different mindset with our group. It has changed significantly over the last six or seven months and I think that might be an advantage for us.

"Opposition teams that have been scouting... well we are different and we've got some different players involved with our group. So I see that as an advantage for us."

Captain Simon Child was also keen to make use of that second chance, saying: "We just want to make the most of the opportunity we've been given.

"We were very unlucky not to qualify directly, but at the same time we were very fortunate to get a spot here.

"We've definitely got a point to prove and we want to show, not just the New Zealand public, but the other teams that we deserve to be here."

New Zealand will get an immediate chance to check their progress as they open their campaign on Saturday against world number one-ranked Australia, perennial semi-finalists and champions in 2004.

"We're very familiar with the Aussie team and one of their strategies is to put you under a lot of pressure in the first quarter," said Child.

"So we know that if we can get through the first quarter we know we'll be right in there towards the back end of the game.

"They're a very good team and the best way to combat them is to fight fire with fire."

New Zealand won the gold in 1976, when they beat Australia in the final, but it has been pretty thin pickings since then, with a best finish of sixth in 2004.

Child, however, thinks the change to the tournament format gives them more of a chance than in previous years where the top two in each pool advanced to the semi-finals. This year the top four in each group go into the quarter-finals.

"The new format certainly works in our favour," said Child.

"Typically, if you look at the last few Olympics, we've finished third, fourth or fifth in our pool which meant we were playing in the classification games. But this time around it means we could get a crack at the knockout stages.

"We get through pool play, get as many points as we can, get into the knockout stages. Ideally look to avoid the likes of Germany and Holland in the crossover, but certainly back ourselves against either of those teams. We'd love to play India or Argentina or Ireland in that quarter-final."

The Star of Malaysia

U.S. women eager to put ghosts of London to rest

by Scott Malone



RIO DE JANEIRO - Four years after finishing last at the London Olympics, the U.S. women's hockey team are hoping a revamped training programme will help exorcise the ghost of that performance and perhaps earn a spot on the podium in Rio de Janeiro.

"A lot can happen within four years ... although we finished last, we're still writing our own script and come Aug. 6 we'll be writing a new chapter," said Katelyn Falgowski, a 27-year-old mid-fielder and three-time member of the U.S. Olympic squad.

The team have not reached an Olympic podium since 1984, but are currently ranked fifth in the world, an improvement some players attribute to a training schedule that required players to attend three weeks each month of practice in the years leading up to the Aug. 5-21 Rio Olympics.

"That's drastically different from what we've done," said Julia Reinprecht, a 25-year-old defender set to make her second appearance at an Olympic Games alongside her older sister, Katie, a mid-fielder.

Prior to the London Games, the team's practices were confined to more distinct blocks of time throughout the year, other than in the immediate buildup to the Games, she said.

The results have paid off with the team nabbing gold medals over the past three years in the Pan American Games, Champions Challenge and 2013 World League Round 2 played in Rio.

"What 2012 offers us is quite the experience," said Reinprecht. "I mean we finished last, there was a big learning element there."

The team's first match is on Saturday against frequent rival Argentina, which gives some advantage of familiarity, said Lauren Crandall, a 31-year-old defender who will be making her third Olympic appearance.

"It's going to be a high-energy game. Argentina is very talented, very fast," said Crandall. "This is international competition. We're at the Olympic Games and everyone's vying for a podium finish."

The Star of Malaysia

UConn Alumna to Lead USA Field Hockey at Rio Olympics


Melissa Gonzalez, a 2011 UConn graduate, will compete in the Olympics for a second time, this time as a Team USA captain. (Photo by Mark Palczewski)

Beginning Aug. 5, former UConn field hockey standout Melissa Gonzalez will venture into her second straight Olympic Games – this time as captain – and even deeper into the record books in Storrs.

After scoring the game-winning goal against Australia in the 2016 Hockey Champions Trophy on June 26 and helping Team USA to a bronze medal, Gonzalez will become just the second field hockey player in UConn history to make multiple Olympic appearances.

Gonzalez, a 2011 graduate, joins Tracey Fuchs (1988, 1996) as the only two former Huskies to accomplish the feat. Diane Madl rounds out UConn’s Olympic contributions in field hockey, making her appearance in 1996.

Not only is the stage set for Gonzalez, who is one of two U.S. National Team captains, but also for Team USA, which enters the Rio Olympics ranked fifth in the world, following its third-place finish in the Champions Trophy.

The U.S. National Team has not earned a medal at the Olympics since a bronze finish in 1984 in Los Angeles, Calif. The Rio Games are believed to provide a golden opportunity to end the 32-year drought.

From Aug. 6 to 13, Team USA will play five games against each of its pool opponents, looking to earn a spot in the women’s quarterfinals on Aug. 15.

Here is the full schedule for the Americans:
Aug. 6 vs. Argentina, 4 p.m. (EST)
Aug. 8 vs. Australia, 9 a.m. (EST)
Aug. 10 vs. Japan, 4 p.m. (EST)
Aug. 11 vs. India, 6:30 p.m. (EST)
Aug. 13 vs. Great Britain, 5 p.m. (EST)
Aug. 15 Women’s Quarterfinals, TBA
Aug. 17 Women’s Semifinals, TBA
Aug. 19 Women’s Gold/Bronze, TBA
Rio is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. All the above times reflect that difference.

Gonzalez and the U.S. will participate in Pool B of the women’s group, which includes Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, Japan, and India. Argentina is ranked second in the world, with Australia sitting in third place. The Netherlands, which plays in Pool A, is top ranked and the reigning Olympic championship team.
Melissa Gonzalez, a 2011 UConn graduate and former Husky standout. (Stephen Slade '89 (SFA) for UConn)


Melissa Gonzalez, a 2011 UConn graduate and former Husky standout. (Stephen Slade ’89 (SFA) for UConn)

Gonzalez, a 2011 UConn graduate, was a two-time NFHCA First Team All-American and four-time All-Region selection. The Huskies reached the NCAA Tournament in each year of her career, with a 2011 trip to the NCAA semifinals. She also won back-to-back titles as Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and was a Honda Sports Award finalist.

Interviewed for the USA Field Hockey Women’s National Team website, Gonzalez said, “I am grateful for anyone who has given me an opportunity. I’ve been fortunate that a lot of people have extended themselves for me, not even necessarily about field hockey but about life. UConn, the staff, and my teammates were integral in shaping me as a person and player, nurturing my never-give-up attitude.”

In addition to her 2012 Olympics appearance in London, Gonzalez’ international career highlights include gold medals in 2015 at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada; in 2014 at the Champions Challenge in Glasgow, Scotland; in 2013 at the World League Round 2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and in 2011 at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She holds a silver medal from the 2012 Champions Challenge I in Dublin, Ireland, and a bronze medal from the 2016 Champions Trophy in London, England.

She has also served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Huskies, as well as at UMass and Yale.

In the 2012 London Games, Team USA won just a single match against Argentina, dropping the other five and putting it out of medal contention.

With Gonzalez leading them, the U.S. National Team can hope for greater success in the Rio Olympics.

UConn Today

Inglis will take his time with injury


Hugo Inglis controls the ball from Manpreet Singh of India. Photo / Getty Images

A slightly conservative approach to the only injury concern in the men's Black Sticks ahead of their opening match of the Olympics.

Striker Hugo Inglis is still feeling the effects of a calf injury suffered during their European tour last month.

Coach Colin Batch says they're being cautious as calf injuries can take some time to heal.

He says he did play some minutes in the two practice matches they've had and has unlimited time in the final one but they may not give him the whole game.

New Zealand will play India in a final warm-up tomorrow, before their opening game against Australia overnight Saturday.

Radio Sport

Kelsey Smith gets high praise from Blacks Sticks team-mate Anita McLaren

PHILLIP ROLLO


Black Sticks player Kelsey Smith in action during their 2015 South Island Tour game against Argentina. PHOTOSPORT

Kelsey Smith may have been described as the bolter in the Black Sticks squad but team-mate Anita McLaren believes her selection for the Olympic Games was a no-brainer.

"She plays with such confidence, she should always have been there. She's going to help us make our goal and bring that medal home," the experienced attacker said of her team-mate.

McLaren and Smith are both products of Nelson Hockey's development system and the two players both attended Waimea College in Richmond.


Anita McLaren says she has been impressed by Kelsey Smith's confident play. GETTY IMAGES

McLaren, seven years her senior, regularly stops by Saxton Turf on her visits back home to Nelson and was thrilled to see another player follow her footsteps through to the national team.

"When I come back home and go talk to kids it's about making them believe that if you're from Nelson you can make it.

"I never made certain teams yet here I am so I always like to instil the belief into the Nelson community that if you're from a small town you can still make it.

"With Kelsey coming through it's another boost for them that yeah this is possible and it is a realistic goal.

"You want people to have dreams and you want them to have goals. If they work really hard then who knows what will happen.

"Kelsey worked really hard this year, even if she wasn't in the squad, and she's amazing. All that work has paid off and now she's going to the Olympics which is really special for her and her family."

Smith has already amassed 20 caps for the Black Sticks and McLaren said she is a player that "always plays to her potential" no matter the occasion.

"I really admire that because she doesn't let any occasion affect her which is really great. That confidence will help her win that medal."

Stuff

Parents of Black Stick Kelsey Smith heading to Rio watch her Olympic debut

TIM O'CONNELL


Kelsey Smith, right, will make her Olympic Games debut in Rio this week. GETTY IMAGES

For the parents of Black Sticks attacker Kelsey Smith, travelling to Rio de Janeiro is one more passport stamp in an impressive journey of supporting their child's sporting ambitions.

Lee and Maree Smith are leaving for Brazil this week, with Kelsey's older brother Ryan flying over from London to join them in the grandstands soon after.

It will be the latest trip in a busy few months for the family which has seen them follow Kelsey to senior tournaments in London and the Netherlands as well as several earlier trans-Tasman journeys while she played for national age-group sides.


Olympian Kelsey Smith's parents Maree and Lee Smith, who will be in Rio to support their daughter. MARION VAN DIJK/FAIRFAX NZ

The former Waimea College student arrived in Rio last week with the rest of the New Zealand women's hockey squad after warm up matches in Argentina.

According to Maree, Kelsey was blown away by the scale of the Olympic experience.

"She says everything is just massive."

While most parents are content to be the chauffeurs or visible spectators each weekend, Lee has been particularly prominent in Kelsey's development through his coaching.

Not that dad's wisdom was always welcome.

"She changed sports, probably because she didn't like me as a coach, so she went to soccer," he said.

"I ended up taking that team too when the coach dropped out, so in the end I must have driven her back to hockey."

After years of support and watching their daughter's rise to Black Sticks selection, both parents are sharing the 21 year-old's excitement of representing her country at the world's greatest sporting event.

"This year has been so astronomical for her, going from this game to that tour and now the Olympics."

Stuff

Stats Speak: fascinating set of facts and figures  in 108 years of Olympic Hockey(part-3)

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Renowned Hockey statistician B.G.Joshi has provided some fascinating set of facts and figures, you probably never knew about the game. Here are the brothers in arms.

Pair of brothers playing in team are  wonderful  for the game and the nation. But  It is amazing to see three brothers playing together in a team in an Olympics Hockey. Details are as under:

Three brothers in an Olympics played together:

 Fieldhockey.com

First married gay couple to compete at Olympics: 'Rio is special after what we went through'

Sam Dean


Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh are chasing gold together in Rio Credit: TMG

Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh do not spend much time away from each other. They have been playing hockey together since they were teenagers, in a relationship since 2008 and married for three years. They live together, work together and, soon, will emigrate together.

But, on the day the Great Britain women’s hockey team for the Olympics was announced, they were apart. Four years of pain, suffering and disappointment had all been leading to this moment, but they decided to keep their distance on the day the squad was cut from 31 to 19.


Team GB won bronze in the hockey at 2012 Credit: EPA

“I was actually getting my nails done,” Helen says, while Kate was at home, watching the clock and frantically pressing the refresh button on her phone.

When the announcement finally came through, the overriding emotion, for both of them, was relief. Rio will be their fourth Olympics together, but their first since they married.

Although they had played together since they were teenagers, they did not become a couple until 2008, after Kate had called off her engagement to Brett Garrard, the former captain of the Great Britain men’s team.

Inevitably, that decision made headlines and raised eyebrows. But six years on, Kate says they “have definitely seen a change” in attitudes towards their relationship. To them, and their team-mates, the relationship is just “normal”, but they know their situation remains an unusual one, and they are aware that they will be the first married gay couple to compete at the Olympics.

“I hope there are thousands more,” says Kate. “You dye your hair blonde, you dye your hair brown, you’re with a man, you’re with a woman. Who cares? You’re just in love with who you are in love with and that’s the end of it.”

Despite sharing more than 600 international appearances between them, Rio feels special. “Because of what we went through, it just felt a bit more monumental this time,” says Kate, who, at 36, is two years older than her wife.


The pair say they have seen attitudes change in recent years Credit: TMG

After glory at London 2012, where they both won a bronze medal, Helen’s career was threatened after she suffered two ruptured discs in her back within 11 months. She was left worrying that she would never be able to play again, while they both feared the injuries might have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives.

“I had back surgery and I got back and it was fine, and then 11 months later I had to have it again,” Helen says. “When that happens, you wonder: is it going to last? Is it going to happen again? There was a three or four-month period where every day I woke up and did not think I could do it.”

Kate, the Great Britain captain, had to shrug off the feeling of “helplessness” and carry on without her sidekick. “It was hard playing on the team without her,” she says. “We played close together and would often link up. Even now, when she is playing a bit higher up the field, we still connect instinctively because I know where she is going to be.”

Helen did fight back, but not in time to make the England squad for the 2014 World Cup. That was a brutal blow for both of them, with Helen devastated not to be picked after working so hard to regain her fitness, and Kate forced into the difficult situation of having to juggle her duties as a wife and her responsibilities as captain.

The tournament itself was a disaster. England lost four of their five pool games and only avoided finishing last overall by beating Belgium in a play-off for 11th place.

But now Helen is back, and playing “the best hockey of her life” in a more advanced midfield position.

“When somebody is injured, you really see them tested to their absolute max,” says Kate. “When it is a long-term injury that is debilitating and might affect the rest of their life, let alone whether they can play hockey again, mentally and physically they are really put under the microscope. So to see Helen flourish and play the best hockey that she has ever played makes her such a good role model for the rest of the team.”


The author Sam Dean is put through his paces Credit: TMG

At Great Britain’s training base at the National Sports Centre in Bisham, there is genuine belief that, under Kate and Helen’s leadership, this team can reach the Olympic podium.

“We have the capability to win a gold medal with this team and I think every one of us believes that,” says Kate. To do so, they will need to overcome a formidable Dutch side, who took gold in London and Beijing, and won that World Cup two years ago.

The relationship between Kate and Helen, the team’s two oldest players, will be crucial. While they admit they can be a little more “direct” with each other on the pitch, they insist the frustrations of hockey never spill over into life at their Reading home.

“You are always hardest on the people you know the best,” says Kate. “We probably say it a little bit more direct to each other, and we say it like we wouldn’t say it to other people, but we deal with it in the moment. By the time we get home it’s done.”

That home will soon be in Holland, where they have both signed two-year deals with leading club side Bloemendaal.

The suspicion is that the Olympics could be their final hurrah on the global stage, but they are waiting until the tournament is over before they make a decision.

Retiring from international duty would mean saying farewell to their team-mates at Bisham Abbey, who have always been supportive of their marriage – the entire squad was invited to their wedding – but never afraid to wind them up about it.

They may have to put up with the inevitable banter, but it is “never an uncomfortable joke,” says Kate. “They are comfortable with it, and we are comfortable with it.” 

The Telegraph

With a crucial win India levels the England series

Jas Nijhar


Photo Courtesy: Avtar Bhurji

The India Junior team ended their England tour with a well deserved 3-1 win at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey.

Having lost last two encounters on identical 1-2 scoreline after thumping in the opener (7-1), the tournign Indians needed a win today to level the series 2-2, and they did the same in style. In the last of four game series was played in cold and drizzly conditions on Monday evening.

England began the stronger and took the lead in the fifth minute. England attacked down the left flank. Chris Proctor ran unopposed along the India baseline and pulled the ball back for Ed Horler to slot home (1-0).

India were generally poor in the first half as they kept forcing the ball and giving possession away cheaply in midfield.

England were gifted their first penalty corner in the 11th minute but the Indian defence covered well.

Despite missing many gilt edged chances, Indians could not move the scoreboard. But need not wait for long. India created their first PC in the 14th minute. Varun Kumar slotted the ball home low to the keeper Reynolds right to make the score 1-1.

India remained there in the scoreboard despite creating two more penalty corners in the six minutes gap between 25th and 31st.

England had a chance to take the lead but the 33rd minute attempt was thwarted by Suraj Karkeria in the India goal. It was an impressive save.

The teams went into the break 1-1.

India took the lead straight from the push back as Santa picked the ball in midfield and crashed a ball straight up the middle into the circle for Parvinder Singh to deflect past the keeper (2-1). England went looking for the equaliser and created 2 PC's in quick succession. Both were well saved.

India played much better in the second half and controlled the game for large spells. They played much more fluidly and kept England pegged back in their half.

India's good play was rewarded when Simranjeet Singh crashed the ball across from the left flank. The ball rebounded of the post and Vikramjit Singh was on hand to flick home to make it 3-1.

Both teams exchanged PC's but no further goals were scored.

India closed out the game to level the 4 -match series 2-2. England forward Peter Scott summed up his thoughts at the end " I thought we played well today but were a bit sloppy in defence. India played well especially in the second half. It has been an excellent learning experience for the lads playing these four games against quality opposition."

Stick2Hockey.com

Pakistan National women hockey championship from 5th

ISLAMABAD: Top women hockey teams of the country will showcase their talent and technique in the 29th edition of the National Women Hockey Championship which rolls into action from August 5 at Naseer Bunda hockey stadium Islamabad. In this competition as many as 11 teams are participating, WAPDA is likely to defend the title for the fourth time in a row , said a spokesman of Pakistan Hockey Federation while talking to media on Tuesday. The other participating teams are Railways, Army, HEC, Punjab Colours, Punjab Whites, Sind Colours, Sindh Whites, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad. A keen competition will be witnessed during the event as all the teams are preparing hard in their respective training camps which are in final stage. Railways, the runners up of the last event, is all set to throw a tough challenge to the holders, he asserted.

The teams are divided into two pools. The top two sides from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals. “PHF will encourage the outstanding players by awarding them special prizes”, he said adding “There are awards for the Best Player, Best Goal keeper and Top scorer.” The event will serve as trials for the next assignment of the national team the 4th Women’s Asian Hockey Federation Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, to be held from October 1 to 9. PHF selection committee comprising decorated former Olympians, Saleem Sherwani and Mussadiq Hussain and representative of PHF women wing Chand Parveen will watch the players in action. Saeed Khan and Mohammad Usman, who have been named manager and coach respectively for the national women team, will also be in attendance. Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Mr Riaz Peerzada is expected to be the chief guest for the final on August 12.

The Daily Times

Happy Birthday George Black!


George Black

George Black of Stepps Hockey Club will celebrate his 90th birthday today.  George will be well known to many in hockey - he has represented Scotland on 48 occasions and Great Britain three times; he was a non-travelling reserve for the 1964 Olympics; and he has travelled the world playing hockey. George has also been a goalkeeper for Stepps Hockey Club since he was 17 years old, and still is to this day. He started out initially to play with some friends and quickly fell in love with the game. George’s dedication to Stepps, and to hockey, has seen him be with the club long enough to celebrate the clubs’ 50th, 75th and Centenary celebrations.

His time at Stepps has seen George perform many roles for the club: Secretary 1950/51 and 1952/53; President 1964/65 & 1965/66; and Captain 1962/63, 1963/64 and 1964/65. He is currently the club’s Hon. President.

In the 1980/81 season George was awarded the Robert Thistle Trophy for distinguished services to hockey; an annual award by the National Playing Fields Association. The presentation was made by a certain John Greig who was the then manager of Rangers FC.

A number of nicknames have been associated with George down the years: “Crazy Horse”, courtesy of a Dutch player on a Vets tour to Jersey; “Faither” courtesy of Peter Monaghan, and many others; “Auld Fart” courtesy of his beloved long-suffering wife, Anne; and “Purdy” courtesy of fellow member Gordon Kirkland.

George still plays for Scottish Veterans LX Hockey Club’s over-70 and over-75 squads and is also Honorary President of the West District Men, who would like to wish him a very happy 90th birthday and look forward to his continued presence and assistance around the District. Word has it that George is historically much better at badminton than hockey, so again his dedication to the sport can clearly be seen.

Scottish Hockey Company Secretary Peter Monaghan recalled: “I fondly remember a Baxter Trophy final match at Dawson Park when West District were playing against the mighty East District (favourites with so many internationalists within their ranks, as opposed to George being the only internationalist within West). A situation developed when a certain Norman Porter (Inverleith) was through with only George to beat. George took no prisoners on that occasion. This prompted an outburst from a certain Charlie Donald (ICI, Scotland & GB) to remonstrate using language the Geoffrey Chaucer would have been proud of. What was more funny, that within a few minutes the same Charlie was on a one-to-one situation with George and ended up in a resident’s garden behind the (Dawson Park, Dundee) goal. The same language was heard but it was one of respect and acceptance! George was, nevertheless, invited to Charlie’s wedding!”

George continues to inspire the younger generations, as well as the older ones, and show everyone that no matter your age you can still live life to the full and love hockey.

Happy birthday George from all at Scottish Hockey (and Fieldhockey.com)

Scottish Hockey Union media release