News for 14 October 2016
All the news for Friday 14 October 2016
FIH confirms schedule for Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to confirm the official match schedule for the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016 which will take place between 8-18 December in Lucknow, India.
With only one rest day on Tuesday 13 December, hockey fans will be treated to 10 days of high-speed, action packed hockey at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. There, the world’s rising stars will battle it out to be crowned junior men’s world champions in what will be one of the most competitive hockey events of the year.
The sport’s best up and coming athletes will have the perfect stage to showcase their talent in front of some of India’s most passionate fans. A hotbed of hockey, Lucknow’s sports fans turned out in force to cheer on the Uttar Pradesh Wizards during the Coal India Hockey India League earlier this year. They will no doubt be looking forward to cheering on the world’s best prospects who will be taking to the field in their home city.
The pool stages will take place between 8-12 December before the classification matches begin on 14 December. The medal matches will then be held on Sunday 18 December, with the bronze medal match at 16:45 hrs and the Final taking place at 19:00 hrs (all times local).
New Zealand and Japan kick-off what will be a hugely entertaining opening day which will also see reigning champions Germany start their title defence against Spain. Later on, the much anticipated opening ceremony will take place shortly before Asian junior champions India take on Canada.
Day two highlights include Oceania champions Australia match against Korea, while the game between Hockey Junior World Cup 2014 bronze medallists Netherlands and Pakistan is sure to offer plenty of excitement.
Super Saturday then follows, with a battle between the Pan-American and Oceania champions Argentina and Australia possibly the pick of the day, followed later by a renewal of an old rivalry between India and England.
Belgium versus Netherlands is bound to offer a few surprises on Sunday, with Pakistan’s match against African junior champions Egypt another crucial game as the pool stages near completion.
Amongst the last matches, some tough challenges await Austria who play Australia, and South Africa who take on India in the concluding game of the pool stage on Monday evening.
To see the full schedule and match times, click here. For further information about the event, including soon to be released ticketing information, visit the official website.
Keep up to date with all the latest information about the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016 by following FIH on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and visiting FIH.ch over the coming weeks.
FIH site
India to open against Canada in Junior World Cup
NEW DELHI: India will open their campaign against Canada in the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup to be played in Lucknow from December 8 to 18.
With only one rest day, hockey fans will be treated to 10 days of high-speed, action packed hockey at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. There, the world's rising stars will battle it out to be crowned junior men's world champions in what will be one of the most competitive hockey events of the year.
The pool stages will take place between December 8-12 before the classification matches begin on December 14. The medal matches will then be held on December 18.
Besides India taking on Canada, New Zealand and Japan kick-off what will be a hugely entertaining opening day which will also see reigning champions Germany start their title defence against Spain.
Day two highlights include Oceania champions Australia match against Korea, while the game between 2014 bronze medallists Netherlands and Pakistan is sure to offer plenty of excitement.
Super Saturday then follows, with a battle between the Pan-American and Oceania champions Argentina and Australia possibly the pick of the day, followed later by a renewal of an old rivalry between India and England.
Belgium versus Netherlands is bound to offer a few surprises on Sunday, with Pakistan's match against African junior champions Egypt another crucial game as the pool stages near completion.
Amongst the last matches, some tough challenges await Austria who play Australia, and South Africa who take on India in the concluding game of the pool stage on Monday evening.
India are placed in Group D alongside Canada, South Africa and England.
The Times of India
Subahan: Lets reach for No 8
by Jugjet Singh
THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal yesterday revised his KPI for the national team, from current World No 14 to World No eight in two years time.
He said this at the launching of new attire and sponsorship presentation for the national men's and women's teams. The men will be playing in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Kuantan on Oct 20-30.
"When I took over more than a year ago, I said I wanted the men's team to become 10th by the time my tenure is over. However, after charting their path to qualify for the World Cup (2018) and Olympics (2020), I have renewed my KPI to take the team to eight in the world," said Subahan.
A total of RM900,000 sponsorship has been received for the ACT, and from the traditional yellow, the men and women will now wear orange jerseys as their first kits. Their second and third kits remain blue and white respectively.
The sponsorship is RM500,000 from QNET, RM300,000 from Tenaga Nasional, RM50,000 from Genting Malaysia and RM50,000 from Waz Lian Group of Companies.
Kappa, an Italian sportswear brand, had pledged RM350,000 in sponsorship towards the national men's and women's senior teams for the duration of three years.
"Since the team is known as Tigers, a change from yellow to orange is appropriate," said Subahan.
The ACT will be offering International Hockey Federation (FIH) ranking points for the first time in its Fourth Edition, and to achieve Subahan's KPI, the Tigers need to play in the final of the ACT.
When asked about Malaysia's target in the ACT, Subaha said: "I have my own KPI, and coach Stephen (van Huizen) has his own."
Van Huizen maintained semi-finals in the ACT as his first target.
"We are ranked fourth in Asia and going by ranking, we will aim for the semi-finals first," said van Huizen.
The other teams in the ACT are defending champions Pakistan, Asian Games champions India, South Korea, China and Japan.
The format is easy, as the top-four after a Round Robin, play in the semi-finals.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Injured Sunil, Manpreet ruled out of Asian Champions Trophy
BENGALURU: India's ace forward SV Sunil and midfielder Manpreet Singh have been ruled out of the Asian Champions Trophy, starting on October 20 in Kuantan, Malaysia, due to injuries.
While the 27-year-old Sunil still carries the wrist injury, which he had suffered during India's encounter against Canada at the Rio Olympics, Manpreet has picked up a groin injury.
"Manpreet's is a repeated groin injury. Though it is manageable at this stage, it should not become chronic, hence we decided to keep him back here for rehabilitation.
"Sunil and Raghunath (who is recovering from an elbow injury) will also be in SAI while the team is away in Malaysia," said chief coach Roelant Oltmans, who returned from the Australian Hockey League early this week where he had accompanied the Indian Junior Men's Team.
Sunil will be replaced by Ramandeep Singh while Akashdeep Singh will fill in for the 24-year-old Manpreet, who was also PR Sreejesh's deputy for this tournament.
Experienced defender and dragflick expert Rupinder Pal Singh will step in as the vice-captain for the tournament.
"We have several options and I don't see this as a setback for us at all. We will most probably play Pardeep Mor and Akashdeep on the midfield for this tournament," Oltmans said.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (Captain), Akash Chikte.
Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh (Vice Captain), Pardeep Mor, Jasjit Singh Kular, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar.
Midfielders: Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Akashdeep Singh, Sardar Singh, SK Uthappa, Devindar Walmiki.
Forwards: Talwinder Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Affan Yousuf.
The Times of India
Harry Miskimmin follows dad into Black Sticks alongside long-time team-mate Bradley Read
LIAM HYSLOP
Capital's Harry Miskimmin, in action during this year's National Hockey League, has been selected for the Black Sticks. HEATH JOHNSON/PHOTOSPORT
Harry Miskimmin could have done with a bit of quiet time to study on Wednesday, but two big milestones made that rather difficult.
The messages for the Capital hockey player's 22nd birthday had started to subside by the time 3.31pm rolled around. It was then he was named as one of eight debutants in the Black Sticks squad for the trans-Tasman series in November.
He made the squad alongside long-time Capital team-mate Bradley Read and said it made for a busy afternoon while trying to catch up on assignments and prepare for exams for the Bachelor of Commerce he is studying at Victoria University.
Capital's Bradley Read has been named as one of eight debutants in the Black Sticks' squad for their series against Australia. HEATH JOHNSON/PHOTOSPORT
"I just got back from Australia playing with the New Zealand Futures team, so I've been battling to try and get assignments done in time then all this happened.
"I had a lot of messages flying in left right and centre ... it was very busy, all while I was trying to throw down some uni work that I had to do, that made it tricky."
Not that he was complaining, describing joining his dad, Brent, and uncle, Peter, as a New Zealand representative as a "dream come true".
Harry Miskimmin (left) and Bradley Read pose for a photo in July 2015 when they were named in the Junior Black Sticks team.
KEVIN STENT/FAIRFAX NZ
"It was unreal. I couldn't believe it to be honest.
"It is literally a dream come true, especially with my dad having played for New Zealand and at the Olympics, so has my uncle, so having the opportunity to match what they've done makes all that work and everything you see when you're little finally come out."
He put a lot of his success down to the pair.
"Dad has had a huge influence over what I've done. From coaching school hockey to a bit of rep hockey as well, he's always been there, always in my ear telling me what I've got to do, as dads do.
"My uncle Pete has coached me for club as well, he's also been a pretty massive factor in it all."
Both Read and Miskimmin have been stars throughout the age-group levels.
They were both part of the Junior Black Sticks last year, while Read moved to Auckland this year to be part of the Black Sticks development squad. Miskimmin plans to join him there next year.
Read said making the move north had taken his game to another level.
"Being in the development squad and being able to training with those guys, you learn a lot. Often it's just little things, training and playing against them it's those one per centers that international hockey players do that you want to learn."
Read said he wouldn't be trying to do too much against the No 1 ranked Australians.
"It's just about doing my role and taking the opportunity in my stride. I'll try to just play my game and learn wherever I can."
For Miskimmin, the series will not only pose the challenge of an international debut, but a positional switch as well.
"I've been playing midfield, but I'll be playing defender for the Black Sticks because they see me in that position. It's going to be a big learning curve.
"The main thing will be to perform well and cement my place in that team."
The duo will have experienced Capital team-mates Stephen Jenness, Jacob Smith and Alex Shaw in the squad as well.
The reason for all the debutants was a combination of the team's focus shifting towards the next four-year Olympic cycle and a number of players unavailable due to playing for clubs overseas or through injury.
Both the men's and women's teams will play their Australian counterparts from November 17-20 November at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland.
Stuff
Hockey India wants men’s team coach Roelant Oltmans at helm till 2020 Games
The process to appoint a new high performance director is already underway, Narendra Batra said.
Written by Mihir Vasavda
India men’s hockey coach Roelant Oltmans’ current contract ends in January 2017.
Hockey India (HI) wants Roelant Oltmans, the men’s hockey team coach, to continue in his post till the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and the recommendation has been forwarded to the Sports Authority of India, according to HI president Narinder Batra. Oltmans’ current contract expires in January 2017.
Under Oltmans India had two podium finishes in the last 12 months – bronze at the World League final last December and silver at the Champions Trophy in June – but the eighth-place finish at the Rio Olympics after losing to Belgium in the quarterfinals had led to speculation that the 62-year-old Dutchman may not get an extension.
Batra said the Dutchman will now be asked to focus only on the senior men’s team and will not continue as the high performance director.
The process to appoint a new high performance director is already underway, Batra said. No decision is made on women’s team coach Neil Hawgood so far.
“We want to carry on with him. Till now, we have taken a call only on one person (in the coaching staff). In our discussion, Roelant has agreed,” Batra said. “Roelant will be the chief coach of men’s programme. We want separate men in charge of the women’s programme and high performance.”
Hockey India had asked for individual reports from 33 Olympians and hockey experts – excluding the team management – who reviewed India’s performance at the Rio Olympics.
“Based on that, we started having discussions. We will gradually decide on others as well,” said Batra, who will be contesting for the post of International Hockey Federation during its general assembly in Dubai next month.
Oltmans took over as the chief coach of the team in August last year after the unceremonious exit of his compatriot Paul van Ass. The contract extension till 2020 will make Oltmans the longest-serving foreign coach of the Indian team, if he sees out the tenure.
Before him, Jose Brasa (2009 to 2010) and Terry Walsh (2013 to 2014) served just for one year while Michael Nobbs stayed on from 2011 to 2013. Van Ass barely lasted for six months, quitting after falling out with the Hockey India chief in August last year. Oltmans took over the team after Van Ass’s exit.
Batra also refuted the suggestions that the future of some senior players, including Sardar Singh, was under a cloud.
“Right now, we have the 2018 World Cup and 2020 Olympics (as targets). As on today, there is no one who is fading,” he said. “If you want to replace Sardar, then you need to get someone who is as good as him. Sardar is going for Champions Trophy. So there is no issue about the senior players.”
Indian Express
PHF desires promotion of hockey through Pakistanis in US
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Muhammad Khalid Awan as special representative of Pakistan Hockey Federation in US.
Awan served the Pakistan Board of Investment as Honourary Investment Councilor in America. “We think Khalid Awan is right person to work for Pakistan hockey in the USA, and I am glad that he has readily accepted the role,” said Brigadier (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, PHF president, who made the appointment.
US is home to the fourth largest population of the expat Pakistanis. The PHF desires that a platform is developed there through which the Pakistanis settled in the US could contribute to promotion of Pakistan hockey.
The Daily Times
Weekend College Games
USA Field Hockey highlights some of the top college games in Division I, II and III each week.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
DI: Ohio vs Ball State | 3 p.m. EST
The Division I match-up between Ball State and Ohio will be the second time these two teams have met this season. When they met in September, Ball State lost to Ohio in a heartbreaking overtime thriller, 2-3. Ball State is 6-7 overall this season and 1-1 in conference play. They will be looking to get a revenge victory when they take on Ohio again this Thursday. Ohio is 5-7 on the season and 2-0 in conference play. Both teams will be looking to get another Mid-American Conference (MAC) win. Will Ohio remain undefeated in the MAC or will Ball State get its second conference victory of the season?
DII: Limestone vs No. 8 Kutztown | 7 p.m. EST
Limestone is on a four game winning streak which includes three Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) victories. Limestone is coming off a big 6-0 win against conference foe Newberry last Sunday. Kutztown has a 7-5 overall record this season and are No. 8 in the most recent NFHCA Division II Coaches Poll. They will be looking to bounce back after a very disappointing weekend in which they suffered back-to-back Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) losses. Kutztown will be looking to get back on track with a win over Limestone. Will Kutztown be able to end Limestone’s four game winning streak or will Limestone be able to keep its momentum going?
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
DI: No. 9 Northwestern vs No. 16 Iowa | 4 p.m. EST
Not only is this game one between two top 20 ranked teams but it is also a Big Ten Conference match-up as well. Last weekend Iowa beat Central Michigan 11-0 and UC Davis 5-0 and they should have some confidence going into this Friday’s game. On the other hand, Northwestern’s eight game winning streak was ended this past weekend when they lost back-to-back matches, one to Indiana 2-1 on Friday and to No. 8 Louisville 2-0 on Sunday. An upset could be in the air. Will Iowa be able to keep its winning streak going or will Northwestern lose its third straight game?
DII: Lindenwood vs No. 9 Adelphi | 3 p.m. EST
Lindenwood is 8-2 on the season with both of their losses by close margins. Lindenwood is coming off a stellar performance this past weekend in which they beat conference foe Bellarmine 3-1 and Saint Thomas Aquinas 2-1. Adelphi is 8-4 overall this season and are looking to get a non-conference win against Lindenwood this Friday. The non-conference win could create some good momentum heading into the teams last five games which are all against NE-10 conference opponents. Both teams have eight wins so this match could be a hard fought battle until the very end.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
DI: No. 1 Connecticut vs Liberty | 12 p.m. EST
Connecticut remains the only undefeated team in Division I field hockey with their 13-0 overall record. UConn has scored 66 goals and has only had 11 goals scored against them. Liberty started out the 2016 season ranked but slowly fell off the NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll. Liberty will be looking for a huge upset win to help get them back in the top 20 rankings. In previous seasons, Liberty has pulled off some big upset wins so expect the underdog team to come fired up to win. Tune into the game to see if Liberty can knock off the No.1 ranked Huskies.
DII: No. 6 Saint Anselm vs No. 10 American International | 5 p.m. EST
Not only is this game between two top ranked opponents but it is also a Northeast-10 Conference game. Saint Anselm is 10-2 overall this season and recently climbed to No. 6 in the NFHCA Division II Coaches Poll. After losing to No. 1 LIU Post, Saint Anselm bounced back with two conference wins this past weekend. American International is 10-4 overall this season and are currently ranked No.10 in the NFHCA Division II Coaches Poll. American international is coming off a 0-2 loss to conference foe Assumption college. This game should be evenly matched in skill so expect it to be thrilling until the very end.
DIII: No. 6 Franklin & Marshall vs No. 14 Muhlenberg | 3 p.m. EST
Muhlenberg will take on its first top ranked Division III team of the 2016 season this Saturday when they play No. 6 Franklin & Marshall. Muhlenberg is 11-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play. They are undefeated with an 11 game winning streak but they have yet to face a top ranked opponent. It will be interesting to see how they match up to a very skilled Franklin & Marshall team. Franklin and Marshall is 10-2 on the season and 6-0 in conference play. One of Franklin & Marshall’s two losses came from the No. 1 ranked Messiah team earlier this season. This game is a conference game so tune into see which team remains undefeated in the ECAC.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
DI: No. 5 Penn State vs No. 6 Maryland | 4 p.m. EST
After last weekend's win over conference opponent Ohio State, Penn State held strong in the NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll at No. 5. Penn State’s record is now 12-1 which is tied for the second best in the nation. Maryland has an overall record of 10-3 and moved up one ranking spot to the No. 6. Both teams are 4-1 in the Big Ten Conference and both teams' conference loss was against top ranked Northwestern. This game could end up deciding who finishes second in the Big Ten Conference. Tune into see who is handed their second conference loss of the 2016 season.
DIII: No. 5 Tufts vs No. 12 Trinity (Conn.) | 12 p.m. EST
This should make for some interesting hockey as the Tufts program moved up to No. 5 in the latest NFHCA Division III Coaches Poll. This head-to-head game between two top ranked Division III teams is also a New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) game. Tufts is 9-1 overall this season with their only loss coming from top ranked conference opponent Amherst a few weeks ago. They are 5-1 in conference play and will be looking to get a big NESCAC conference win this Sunday. Trinity (Conn.) moved up from the No. 15 to the No. 12 ranking in the most recent NFHCA Division III Coaches Poll. Trinity (Conn.) is 9-2 overall this season and 4-2 in conference play. They will need to get an upset win over the Tufts in order to help their ranking in the NESCAC.
Photo Credit: Andrew Ferguson/KU University Relations, Brian Ballweg, Steve Slade/UConn Athletics & Trinity College Sports Information
USFHA media release
Coach Missy Meharg: Maryland field hockey “still new” entering final stretch of its season
By James Crabtree-Hannigan
Midfielder Lein Holsboer passes the ball to the corner in Maryland's 4-1 win over Indiana at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on September 17, 2016. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)
The Maryland field hockey team has occupied three different spots in the polls all season. The Terps opened the year at No. 6, and spent two weeks at No.7 and one at No. 8. Now they're back to being pegged as the nation's sixth-best team.
They have been trying to correct the same issue for more than three weeks: starting slow in games.
Yet entering this weekend's games against Ohio State and No. 5 Penn State, coach Missy Meharg said a larger theme of this season is how the Terps have dealt with change.
"We're still new," Meharg said. "No matter how you slice it."
A lot of that "new" feeling can be attributed to an influx of freshmen. Meharg brought in 10 new players this season, seven of whom have played.
"Having 10 new freshman coming in is definitely a fun, fresh addition to the team," midfielder Lein Holsboer said. "They're adjusting really well and giving us that extra fun."
In addition, Meharg made numerous position changes before the start of this year. Among them was Linnea Gonzales, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2015, moving from forward to midfield. Courtney Deena, Delaney Leathers and Marissa Cutry moved to the backline, where they've all earned starts.
The changes didn't stop once the season began. Before beating Indiana 4-1 on Sept. 17, Meharg asked for a couple position swaps to be made to the roster on the team's website. And beyond those official announcements, there have been countless other adjustments.
"We still have a lot of people, fortunately, playing a lot of different positions and getting good time," Meharg said.
Gonzales has crept back into the forward line. Emma Rissinger has been spending time in the midfield in addition to her official position of forward. Madison Maguire has done the opposite, playing forward while being listed as a midfielder.
Making so many changes wasn't necessarily in the plans of the 29-year head coach, and it's certainly not something she considers to be typical of her. Meharg said she "hasn't done that so much in the past."
She said the team's depth has been the main reason she's been able to tweak so many things, and the added changes had several positive effects beyond finding where a player can maximize her skill set.
"It really brings an element of surprise to the opposition," Meharg said. "Also it keeps players motivated to play different positions and different tactics."
Since the beginning of the year, Meharg has said that she wouldn't necessarily name a starting goalkeeper, and she has remained true to her word. With three weeks left in the regular season, Sarah Bates and Sarah Holliday still split time.
The team thinks the position changes — especially in the backfield — and its young players mean its still working toward its potential. Still, riding a three-game win streak that helped them into a three-way tie at the top of the Big Ten, the Terps current status gives Meharg confidence they can peak at the right time.
"They need to stay present," Meharg said. "They'll pick it up based on what they're going to feel when they step on that field."
The Diamondback
Hockey Australia Hall of Fame
Eight to be inducted
Holly MacNeil
Hockey Australia will celebrate eight of the game’s greatest when they are in inducted into its Hall of Fame next month, along with honouring five additional recipients with awards.
Hockey personalities Roslyn Fisher, Jennifer Morris, Stephen Davies, Gordon Pearce, Colleen Quinn, Katrina Powell, Kenneth Wark Jr and Gregory Browning will be honoured with joining the 35 existing the Hall of Fame members, recognising their achievement of excellence within the sport.
In addition, Margaret Ryan and Michael Craig will all be awarded with Life Member status, John Leece will receive an Award of Merit, while Rechelle Hawkes OAM and Dr Ric Charlesworth AM will be presented with the new ‘Legend’ status. An award which goes to those who have already been inducted in to the Hall of Fame and shows the extraordinary achievements they have made in going above and beyond to promote the sport of Hockey.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place in two locations, the first at Frasers Restaurant in Perth on November 7; the second at the Crown Promenade on November 25 during the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.
In addition to the Hall of Fame, as the hockey season comes to an end, it’s time to honour the current players who have created some of the moments that hockey fanatics around the country will remember for years to come.
With the Champions Trophy, the Rio Olympic Games and the Australian Hockey League all taking place over the course of the year, 2016 has been an enormous year for Australian hockey.
To recognise the achievements of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, the annual Athlete Awards will be incorporated into the Hall of Fame event which will take place in Perth on November 7.
Tickets are now on sale for both events.
Perth: https://www.trybooking.com/232774
Melbourne: https://www.trybooking.com/232766
Hall of Fame Inductees:
Perth, 7 November 2016
Roslyn Fisher (nee Noel) (WA)
Ros Fisher played 29 games for Australia after debuting against New Zealand in Sydney on Sunday, 4 September 1960. Ros was known for her anticipatory skills and could read the play exceptionally well; she was a sure tackle and had incisive passing; provided strong leadership and had a calming yet positive influence on a team. Her steadfastness at full back was renowned.
Jennifer Morris (WA)
Two-time Olympian Jenny Morris debuted against Spain in Barcelona in 1992. Jenn went on to win gold at the 1996 Atlanta and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Now a board member of the Australian Sports Commission, Jenn was the Hockeyroos’ 345th player, and was famous for her ability at hitting penalty corners.
Stephen ‘China’ Davies (WA)
Stephen Davies is better known by nickname ‘China’. Davies won medals at three Olympic Games, coming away with a silver medal and two bronze from Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney. Davies ended his career with 140 games and 151 goals under his belt, and has most recently served as contracted strikers coach to the Hockeyroos.
Gordon Pearce (WA)
Gordon Pearce was born in 1934, and played at three Olympic Games, in Melbourne in 1956, Rome 1960 and Mexico City 1968– the latter of which gave him an Olympic silver medal. Pearce was the fourth of five brothers (Cec, Mel, Eric and Julian) who played for Australia.
Melbourne, 25 November 2016
Colleen Quinn OAM (nee Chant) (NSW)
The 181st player for Australia, Colleen Quinn debuted in March 1959 in Bruges against Belgium. Quinn competed in the 1959 and 1963 World Cups, and went on to captain the side in 1970 and 1971.
Katrina Powell (ACT player, NSW coach)
Powell is a double Olympic gold medallist in wins by the Hockeyroos at Atlanta 1996 and in Sydney 2000. Powell played 252 games in her career, scoring 141 goals. Powell is the sister of Hockeyroo Lisa Powell. She is the women’s head coach of the NSW Institute of Sport and of the NSW Arrows.
Kenneth Wark Jr (NSW)
Ken Wark debuted in 1985 at the Australia Games against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand. Wark went on to compete in the ’88 Seoul, ’92 Barcelona and ’96 Atlanta Olympic Games, and competed in every Champions Trophy from 1986 to 1995 with the exception of 1993 due to injury.
Gregory Browning (QLD)
Queenslander Browning debuted as the youngest player in the Australian senior team at age 16 in Melbourne in 1969. Browning went on to play two Olympics, four World Cups and three Champions Trophies for a total of 145 games. After his playing career, he turned to coaching and now coaches University of Queensland in the Brisbane Hockey League.
In addition to the Hall of Fame, five other recipients will receive awards based on their continued commitment and passion for the sport of hockey. These awards are as follows:
Perth:
John Leece – Award of Merit (WA)
John Leece has been a dedicated coach of hockey since 1957, initially coaching in Busselton before moving to Perth in 1971 where he continued to coach a number of different teams, including a 3-month stint coaching the Tskubi University Women’s hockey team in Japan. Although John no longer coaches’ teams, he is still involved in the game at many levels, from State, under 16 talent camps right through to individual sessions, and in 2011 was awarded the Western Australian 50-year Volunteer Service badge to acknowledge his dedication and services to hockey.
Rechelle Hawkes – Legend Status (WA)
Rechelle Hawkes was the captain of the Hockeyroos for eight years, competing in four Olympic games including Seoul ’88, Barcelona ’92, Atlanta ’96 and Sydney 2000. Hawkes won three Olympic medals during her career, and at the Sydney 2000 games was honoured with the chance to read the Athletes’ Olympic Oath.
Hawkes has been recognised by many thanks to her illustrious career, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1989, an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and a Centenary Medal in 2001. In 2001, she was inducted into the Australian Institute of Sport 'Best of the Best' and into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2002.
Most recently Hawkes was a Channel 7 commentator for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Melbourne:
Margaret Ryan – Life Member (NSW)
Margaret Ryan was the manager of the Australian Hockey team in 1979 as they toured the USA, along with the World Championships in Vancouver, Canada. Margaret went on to manage the national team until 1984, during which time she was also the Olympic Team Manager in 1980 (although the team did not participate) and 1984, as well as the Team Manager for the FIH World Cup in Argentina in 1981. In 1985 Margaret started as the National Coaching Director for the Australian Women’s Hockey Association, a role which she stayed in until 1994, at which point she forayed into technical roles for the association until 2000. During her time at the Association, Margaret worked closely with Ivan Spedding on the development, implementation and co-ordination of the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme.
Michael Craig – Life Member (VIC)
Mike Craig has been involved in hockey for over 70 years as both a player and a coach. Craig was captain of the Kookaburras during the 1960 Rome Olympics, and has had a major impact on the sport both through his playing career and his career post playing. Mike went on to coach hockey, as well as writing a book in 1969 called ‘Modern Hockey for Juniors’ which became the go-to for young players. Mike has coached around the world for Korea, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as in all Australian States.
Dr Ric Charlesworth – Legend Status (WA)
Ric Charleworth was selected for five Olympic Games and played in four, in 1972, 1976, 1984 and 1988, winning silver at the 1976 Montreal games, and captaining the Kookaburras at the 1984 Games. Charlesworth retired in 1988 after the Seoul Olympic Games, with 227 caps and 85 goals to his name.
He went on to become the head coach of the Hockeyroos from 1993 until 2000 during which time the team won gold medals at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games, two World Cups and four Champions Trophies.
In 2009, Charlesworth became the head coach of the Kookaburras, a post which he remained at until 2014 after seeing the team win Olympic bronze, three Champions Trophies, two World Cups and a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Event Information
Perth
Event: Hall of Fame & Players Award Night
Date: Monday, 7 November 2016
Location: Fraser’s Restaurant, Perth, WA
Time: 7pm
Dress: Cocktail
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/232774
Melbourne
Event: Hall of Fame
Date: Friday, 25 November
Location: Crown Promenade, Melbourne, VIC
Time: 12pm
Dress: Cocktail
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/232766
Hockey Australia would like to thank Dankz Furniture and Bedshed for their support of the Annual event in Perth, SportEng for their support of the event in Melbourne, and Etihad Airways for its support of both the events in Perth and Melbourne.
Hockey Australia media release
Wales Manager Paul Gannon set to pursue new venture with England Hockey
Paul Gannon is to step down from his role as Wales Senior Men’s Programme Manager following his appointment to the Manager of England Under 21s.
Since joining Hockey Wales in 2012, Paul has been an invaluable member of the performance team and has had a significant impact on the elite programme. On his way to becoming Programme Manager for the Senior Men in 2014, in a unique and impressive feat, he also managed the Wales men’s under 16, under 18, and under 21 squads.
Speaking on his time at Hockey Wales, Paul said:
“I’ve been lucky to manage every Welsh team on the men’s side, from under 16 through to seniors, and I’m very proud to have had that opportunity. It means I’ve seen several of the men progress from young players getting their first caps, through to where they are today.”
In the last two seasons, Wales Senior Men have gone from strength to strength, with the squad beating a number of top 20 ranked teams and most recently, securing a place in Round 2 of the FIH World League with an emphatic Round 1 win in Glasgow.
“Winning World League Round 1 last month was one of my greatest moments with the team and I am disappointed that I won’t be with them for the next stage in Ireland. However, I’m looking forward to a different challenge with England, which starts off with The Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia and the Junior World Cup in India over the next couple of months.”
Paul added: “I would like to thank Zak for giving me the chance to manage the senior men, as well as for all his hard work and support. Another thanks to the players for their desire and passion, which made my job easy, and finally to Dan Clements, whose support over the past three years has transformed the performance department.”
Dan Clements, Head of Performance, said:
“Gammo’s dedication and commitment to Wales has been second to none, and I’d like to thank him for his significant contribution. His passion for Wales has and will always shine through, making it a huge pleasure to have him as part of the team. He will be greatly missed by players and staff alike, and we wish him all the very best in his new role.”
With Paul’s departure comes a unique opportunity for a talented and motivational Programme Manager to join a passionate Welsh side on the road to World League Round 2, as well as the EuroHockey Championships Division II next summer.
For full information on the Wales Senior Men’s Programme Manager position, click here.
Hockey Wales
Hockey Have A Go day seeks to grow the game
TRY IT: Hockey Have A Go day is at the Tauranga Hockey Centre tomorrow. PHOTO/FILE
On the heels of the Rio Olympics, Hockey New Zealand is running a Hockey Have a Go day at associations around the country tomorrow.
Tauranga Hockey Association will host the day at Kawaka St, Mount Maunganui from 11am to 3pm, providing skill sessions and fun games for the whole family to enjoy.
Everyone who registers will go in a draw to win a Golden Stick signed by Tauranga Black Sticks player Rose Keddell.
Other giveaways include Black Sticks bags, socks, Just Hockey vouchers, Tasty Pot vouchers, mouthguards, posters, wristbands and more.
Other associations running the day are Northland, North Harbour, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Poverty Bay, Nelson and Marlborough.
Black Sticks and New Zealand development squad players will be participating at selected events to provide some coaching and to share their experiences.
The Have a Go day is hoped to build on the strong growth seen through the Small Sticks programme while the production of summer hockey fives and renegade formats has seen the game grow and appeal to a broad audience of ages and backgrounds.
Games and skills modules will run throughout the day to cater for all ages and skill levels.
Events require no previous experience and equipment is provided.
Register: hockeynz.co.nz/haveago.
Bay of Plenty Times