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News for 04 November 2016

All the news (retirements) for Friday 4 November


Garcia Cuenca extends contract with Real Club de Polo



Real Club de Polo de Barcelona have signed up coach Carlos Garcia Cuenca until the end of the 2017/18 with a renewal option for 2018/19 depending “goals accomplished”.

Garcia Cuenca is currently in his fifth season with the club having already won three league titles and three Spanish cups during his tenure. Polo currently top the table in Spain with five wins from five.

And the coach says having the contract extension in place will help the side build further, saying: "It means the possibility of starting the work of a new cycle with greater confidence but also more responsibility to match the confidence the club."

He added the target is always the same: "To win everything we play. That's the only way to see it. The template for this year is very different and much younger [than before] but the RC Polo goal is always to win, regardless of who we are as a team.

“The arrival of Sander Baart opens new expectations at European level. So far, the draws of the Euro Hockey League have been very demanding. I hope this year to overcome the results of previous years, go further and not be satisfied only with the fact of having competed against the best.

"The ultimate goal is to achieve the highest sporting success at the highest international level."

Euro Hockey League media release



Clubs to feel the pinch in tourney

By BRIAN YONGA


Telkom Orange women's hockey team players with the Africa Club Championship trophy at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on December 20, 2015. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Four local hockey clubs will feel the pinch after the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) directed them to contribute Sh250,000 each towards this year’s Africa Club Championship to be held in Nairobi.

The quartet - Butali Sugar Warriors, Kenya Police, Telkom Orange and Sliders - will represent the country at the annual continental showpiece due January 7-15 at the City Park Stadium.

Kenya was awarded the hosting rights by the Africa Hockey Federation after Zimbabwe pulled out of hosting the event due to financial constraints. According to a letter sent to the clubs by the union and signed by chairman Nahshon Randiek, the clubs are to make the payments by November 20 to assist in running the tourney.

“The tournament is hosted and financed by the Kenya Hockey Union in conjunction with the clubs and therefore you are required to contribute Sh250,000 towards the running cost of the event. Make payments by November 20, 2016,” read part of the letter seen by Daily Nation Sport.

All clubs taking part in the showpiece are also expected to part with 300 Euros (Sh33,827) to the continental body.

“An entry fee of Three hundred Euros per club is payable to the African Hockey Federation through the KHU by November 20, 2016.”

Randiek defend the move, saying it is not aimed at burdening the clubs but simply ensuring the country hosts a successful championship.

He revealed that the union was working with a budget of Sh4 million.

“This amount is way smaller than what these clubs would have spent had the event been outside the country. We are simply making the request in good will and hope that the clubs will take it positively, “he told Daily Nation Sport .

“The union has the task of raising the larger amount of the budget but we must all chip in to ensure the country makes a good event.” In the last two years, only Telkom Orange has represented the country at the continental event held outside the country.

Orange beat Ghana Police 3-2 on penalty flicks in last year's edition held in Zambia to win a record eighth title and their fourth in a row.

Men’s league champions Butali Sugar Warriors and Kenya Police missed the last two editions held in Zambia and Zimbabwe respectively due to financial implications.

Strathmore’s women’s hockey team also missed last year’s event after the university administration revealed it did not have a budget for the team to travel to the Southern African nation.

Sliders, who finished second in last season’s women’s league, are self-sponsored.

Daily Nation



Maryland field hockey scored twice in first 90 seconds in Big Ten tourney win over Rutgers

By James Crabtree-Hannigan


The team celebrates after scoring a goal in Maryland's match-up against Rutgers on Nov. 3, 2016. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)

After struggling to convert its chances in the first half of its regular-season finale against Rutgers on Saturday, the Maryland field hockey team went on a scoring spurt right after intermission.

The Terps scored 11 seconds into the second period and added another goal about six minutes later in their eventual 4-2 win.

In a rematch Thursday — this time in the first round of the Big Ten tournament — the Terps didn't wait until halftime to take the game over. They scored 25 seconds into the game. Sixty-three seconds later, they scored again.

"Coming from a day of school and having the tournament at home, I was a little concerned with how we would open up," coach Missy Meharg said. "I'm not concerned anymore. At all."

The pair of quick scores meant Maryland led, 2-0, less than 90 seconds after the opening whistle. The early scoring was more than the Terps needed in their 3-1 win over the Scarlet Knights.

It was a bit of a surprising start for Maryland, as the team has struggled in the beginning of games for much of the year.

"It's hard to say [what was different today]," forward Welma Luus said. "I wish I knew what it was because then we would do it every time."

Luus and midfielder Kelee Lepage said the team was especially pumped up to begin its quest for a Big Ten tournament title on its home field, which may have helped the team early on.

Though Rutgers outshot Maryland for the rest of the first half, they failed to score on their seven shots and six penalty corners.

"The game changed a little bit, and I think the way we played changed a little bit, maybe the urgency wasn't quite the same," Luus said. "In the second half we kind of turned it around again."

After another fruitless Rutgers corner try early in the second half, the Terps took advantage of their own corner to take a 3-0 lead. Defender Carrie Hanks hit the ball in from the top of the circle, and forward Linnea Gonzales deflected it in high off the crossbar for the score.

It was the first goal of the game that Luus didn't assist on.

She started the scoring with what she said she hoped would be a goal for herself on a shot from the middle of the circle.

"The bowl was kind of wide open, and I thought I had the shot, [but] then someone got a stick in there," Luus said. "So it ended up being like, a little pass to [Lepage] and it was kind of perfect."

The deflection off a Rutgers defender's stick prevented the shot from traveling more than halfway to the net.

Still, Lepage beat Rutgers goalkeeper Shevaun Hayes to the ball and tried to lift it over the keeper. Hayes got a touch on Lepage's shot, but that only slowed the ball down on the way to the goal.

"Once I saw the play developing, I just ran in there just to support the team and get something on cage," Lepage said.

Less than a minute later, Luus dribbled down the left sideline and beat two Rutgers defenders as she turned down the baseline. She nearly reached the left post before passing the ball across the face of the goal.

With Hayes charging at Luus, midfielder Madison Maguire scored into the open net.

Rutgers finally converted a penalty corner with about six minutes left in the game and earned another one a couple of minutes later with the chance to make it a one-goal game.

But Maryland thwarted that opportunity and kept the majority of the possession over the final few minutes as its coach clapped and celebrated the win.

"Survive and advance," Meharg said to her bench. "Knockout."

The Diamondback



Emma Rissinger is a battler for Maryland field hockey

BILL ARSENAULT


University of Maryland field hockey player Emma Kissinger, a Warwick grad, is glad to be healthy this fall for the Terps. University of Maryland

Break a toe and it's painful and tough to get around. Break a knuckle on your hand and that's painful, too. And it limits what you can do.

Break both and everything you do is limited — especially if you're an athlete.

Well, University of Maryland field hockey standout Emma Rissinger played the end of last season while battling through both of those injuries.

"Even during the two injuries at the tail end of the season, not one day did Emma complain," veteran coach Missy Meharg said. "She is amazing. She had those injuries and still played for the team."

The knuckle injury was more bothersome than painful, said Rissinger, who is from Lititz and is a former Warwick High standout. She ended up being a one-handed player.

"It was hard because I had a cast on my left hand with only my thumb and pointer finger out of it," she said. "It was very frustrating at first trying to play with it."

But, in reality, the cast made it easier for the senior to continue playing.

"There was no risk of reinjuring my knuckle because it was covered really well so I tried my best to adapt to holding the stick with just my right hand," she said.

Despite the injuries, Rissinger played in all 23 games last season, starting 21, and had five goals and 11 assists for 21 points for the Terps, who finished 19-4 and captured the Big Ten Championship before seeing their season end with a 3-1 loss to Princeton in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Counting a 7-3 mark this season, Maryland is 67-13 in Rissinger's years with the team.

Never a big scorer, the 5-foot-2 forward has four goals and four assists for 12 points with a game-winner this season for the sixth-ranked Terps, who hosted Michigan on Friday night. She has scored 20 goals with 19 assists in her career.

"It was much nicer starting the season off and being back to having both hands on my stick again," she said. "I've been very healthy so far this season aside from a couple of staples in my head from our game against Syracuse."

That attitude is one of the reasons why Meharg loves having her on the team.

"Emma plays the most forward-driven style of hockey than any player on the team," the coach said. "In penalty corners, she is the flyer on defense and the stick stopper on attack which makes her very critical to our team."

And, make no mistake about it, Rissinger has been a key performer for the Terps from the first day she took to the playing field.

"Emma's natural work rate and unconditional team energy make her a huge piece of our team," Meharg said.

Rissinger believes the Terps are playing well despite their record after losses to Syracuse (4-1) and Duke (1-0) early in the season and a tough 3-2 loss to Northwestern last Sunday.

"We have one of the toughest schedules in the country which makes every game a battle," she said. "It was good that we were able to get games against Syracuse and Duke early in the season so we could recognize areas we needed to grow in and be able to learn from the losses early on."

In her 29 years of coaching, Meharg has seven national championships on her resume. Unfortunately for Rissinger, none have come with her in the lineup. Maryland lost in the semifinals her first year, in the second round in her second and had that first-round loss to Princeton last year.

Maryland is just about an automatic pick to earn an NCAA berth at the end of the season.

And Meharg likes this team.

"We always believe you work and train to become a champion," she said. "Why not? We have the pieces and with Emma, the sky is the limit. We have the talent, speed and are working towards maintaining a team culture."

But Rissinger isn't thinking that far ahead.

"With this being my final season I'm just trying to make the most of every practice and every game," she said. "Any chance I have to go out and improve and leave it all on the field is good. I don't want to have any regrets at the end of this season so I'm just working hard and leaving it all out there."

You can see why a broken toe, a broken knuckle and a couple of stitches in the head haven't slowed her down.

Lancaster Online



13 teams to take part in Surjit Hockey tourney that begins today

Jalandhar: The stage is set for the 33rd edition of Surjit Hockey Tournament which begins here today at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park. The tournament is organised every year by the Surjit Hockey Society, Jalandhar, to keep alive the name of ex-Olympian late Surjit Singh Randhawa, former skipper of the Indian hockey team, who lost his life in a fatal car accident near Jalandhar on January 7, 1984, while fighting hard for lifting the national game of hockey in the country.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav, also president of the Surjit Hockey Society, the 33rd edition of the tournament will be played on a league-cum-knockout basis on the polytan turf.

He also said that the winner would get a cash award of Rs 9.50 lakh, whereas the best player of the tournament will get Mohinder Singh Tut Memorial Cash Award along with a gold medal worth Rs 25,000.

The tournament committee is expected to attract hockey followers in large numbers as this year also, the spectators who come to witness the hockey matches and the players/officials who will participate in this tournament will get a chance to win Maruti ALTO Car, refrigerator and LCDs as prize on the final day of the tournament.

These prizes shall be decided by draw of lots and every day, each spectator will be issued lucky coupons for nine days, whereas the players/officials will be given lucky coupons on the day of the first match.

The matches will be played under floodlights and no gate entry money will be charged from the spectators who come to witness the game. All types of arrangements like boarding and lodging, transport, security, medical etc have been completed, Yadav added. Accordingly to Iqbal Singh Sandhu, organising secretary of the tournament, all the teams have been divided into four pools and winner team of the each pool will qualify for the semi finals, scheduled to be held on November 10.

The 13 top ranking teams, including last year’s champion Indian Railways, Delhi and runners-up Indian Oil, Mumbai, will take part in this eight-day hockey bonanza. Indian Railways, Delhi Indian Navy, Mumbai and winner of Punjab Police and ONGC Delhi have been placed in pool A.

RCF Kapurthala, IndianOil, Mumbai and Namdhari-XI are placed in Pool-‘B’ and Punjab & Sind Bank Delhi, CRPF, Delhi, and Army-XI, Delhi, have been placed in pool C, while Indian Air Force, Delhi, Punjab National Bank, Delhi and Air India, Mumbai, have been seeded into pool D directly. The Punjab police have to play a knock-out match against ONGC Delhi on November 5. The winner will get a place in league.

Interestingly, the Surjit Hockey Society has managed to revive the women’s tournament this year. In the women’s section, six top teams, namely Western Railways, Mumbai, Haryana-XI, North Central Railways, Allahabad, Punjab-XI, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, and Central Railways Mumbai will participate. All six teams have been divided in two pools. On the inaugural day, the opening match in the men’s section will be played between RCF Kapurthala & Namdhari-XI and in second match of the day former champions Punjab & Sind Bank, Delhi, will face the CRPF, Delhi, whereas in women’s section, Punjab-XI will meet RCF, Kapurthala.

Arrangements have been made to telecast live, both the semi final & final matches of the tournament on PTC news channel on November 10 & 11, respectively.

The Tribune



Hockeyroo Teneal Attard announces retirement

Career 221 caps

Holly MacNeil



Friday, 4 November 2016 (Perth, WA) - Hockeyroo Teneal Attard has announced her retirement from the Australian Women’s hockey team today, after achieving 221 caps over a 12 year international career in the sport.

As a teenager, Teneal was a BMX star competing at a State and National level before her love of hockey took over leading her to get selected in the Queensland State team, the Queensland Scorchers, before making the transition into the Australian women’s hockey team.

Attard made her debut for the Hockeyroos back in 2004 playing her first international against the Netherlands at the Champions Trophy in Argentina, with her final international game on 18 February this year against Great Britain at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Speaking on her retirement, Attard said: “I've been lucky enough to have an amazing career with the Hockeyroos which started back in 2004. There have been many ups that I will remember forever but also some tough times along the way that definitely made me a better player on the field and a stronger person off. I'm unsure that the time is ever right to call an end to something you love and want nothing more than to be a part of, but I feel like I have given all I can to hockey for now and feel it’s time for me to take on new challenges in life and focus my energy on something else.

“A lot of people have had influence on my career, starting back as a junior in Queensland and all the way through the ranks and I thank them all. I'd like to especially thank Des King - one of the most passionate hockey fanatics out there, his continual support and encouragement has been amazing.

“To all the Hockey Australia staff - coaches, medical and administration included - thank you for putting up with me and getting me through the challenging times. To all my brilliant teammates - many great friendships and memories have been made and I look forward to making many more with you all.

“To my captain and teammate who has been there since day one - Madonna Blyth, thank you for always pushing me, believing in me and leading by example, I couldn't have done it without you! And lastly, to Claire and Ness, thank you both for being there on the roller coaster ride that it has been - your support has been incredible and without you both I wouldn't be half the person I am today.

“A special thank you to the QAS, AIS, HA and Kookaburra for the support they have given me over my career.”

Attard missed the 2009 and 2011 seasons in their entirety battling three anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, but her desire to succeed and continue playing hockey for Australia spurred her recovery on and she went on to play in the 2012 London Olympic Games, the World League Final in 2013 and the 2014 Champions Trophy.

Hockeyroos interim head coach Jason Duff said: “Teneal has been, in a lot of ways, one of the smarter players in world hockey. Particularly in Australia, she has been capable of playing in several positions, and as a centre half and a defensive midfielder she had the ability to control the game.

“Teneal has unfortunately had an interrupted international career due to several injuries, but I don’t think we should remember her in this way. I think we should remember her as a classy player that had a lot of skill, she could deliver the ball and eliminate as well as anyone, and has been a player who has been a good leader within the group both on and off the field.”

Of her plans post retirement, Teneal says the future is looking bright, with travelling and new work ventures on the cards. “The plans for my future are exciting - I've been fortunate to have great support and opportunities along the way and I've always wanted to do something that gives a little back.

“A lot of new challenges lie ahead for me professionally as well as some fun adventures personally. Some travel plans are in place and I've just opened a new business that focuses on helping people have a healthier, happier life - targeting wellness, rehabilitation and fitness. Bring on the challenge!”

Attard’s outstanding career will be acknowledged at the Hockey Australia Annual Awards Night which takes place in Perth on Monday.

TENEAL ATTARD CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut Game:  November 7, 2004 Australia 1 – 2 Netherlands
Final Game: February 18, 2016 Australia 2 - 2 Great Britain

2004 – Debut against the Netherlands at the Champions Trophy, one day after Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth 
2006 – Teneal competes in her first World Cup winning the silver medal
2008 – A member of the Hockeyroos squad for her first Olympic Games in Beijing with the Hockeyroos finishing 5th
2009 – Out for the season due to ACL reconstruction
2010 – Took part in her second World Cup tournament in Argentina, with the result a 5th place finish
2012 – Competes in her second Olympic Games at London 2012 with the Hockeyroos finishing 5th
2013 – Silver at the World League Final in Argentina
2014 – Silver at the Champions Trophy in Argentina

Hockey Australia media release



Celebrating USWNT Hockey Legends: Crandall and Dawson Announce Their Retirements

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. They are not only the backbone of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s backfield, but are also the international standard, the measuring stick, of a true competitor in the defensive circle. After devoting their energy and skill sets to the USA pipeline for 15 years, Lauren Crandall (Doylestown, Pa.) and Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.), both 3-time Olympians, have announced their retirement from the squad.

“USA Field Hockey has been terrifically well served by these two players,” said Craig Parnham, USWNT Head Coach. “Lauren and Rachel have been international powerhouses for an extended period of time and have given so much to the sport. Not only that, but they are terrific people and role models. I think the game has allowed them to express themselves and will set both up for greatness as they move into their future careers.”

“What Rachel and Lauren have achieved with an accumulative 577 caps and becoming three-time Olympians cannot be underestimated,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “Their dedication to excellence over a sustained period, the leadership they have brought to the team and their passion for field hockey standout and together command much admiration.  They are legends within our sport and they continue to make a broader impact on the growth of field hockey and make positive impressions in the lives of many young and aspiring athletes.”


2008, 2012, 2016

Earning diplomas from Wake Forest University with magna cum laude distinction and DeVry University Keller Graduate School of Management, Crandall has one of the heaviest sticks in the game. Her leadership has steered the squad through the Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. She has claimed five gold and five silver medals in the world championship level of the sport.

“During the years, I have watched Lauren from an opposition’s standpoint and now, also having directly worked with her, I can say one of the greatest qualities Lauren has is that she is about actions just as much as words,” said Parnham. “She is a great leader and leads by example. I can think of many instances that Lauren’s actions led the team to great moments.”

While earning an impressive 279 caps, some on-field victories and moments were just a little sweeter. Captain of the USA squad, Crandall’s special memories include beating Belgium in the Olympic Qualifier in 2008 in Kazan, Russia, overcoming Argentina in the 2011 Pan American Games to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games and celebrating with the fans. She notes the atmosphere of the game against Australia in the 2012 Olympics was incredible and that every single game of the 2014 Rabobank World Cup experience was special. With numerous tours tagged to her name, the daughter of Amy and Tim Crandall, and sister to Shane, Lindsey and Kailey shares her favorite experiences abroad.

"From a cultural perspective, my favorite tour was Osaka, Japan in 2008," said Crandall. "We stayed in a hostel and were immersed in Japanese culture. I had studied Japanese culture at Wake, and really enjoyed experiencing their ideals of interdependence and community orientation. The local athletes at the club would come every morning to cook us breakfast to show their appreciation for hosting us. I was in awe of their team mentality and humbled by their graciousness. My other favorite tour was my first tour to New Zealand - I was a young pup and had a blast doing skits and learning what international hockey was all about."

Hockey has been such a core element of Crandall, where she grew professionally and personally. Being part of the squad taught her the power of teamwork, the importance of individual accountability and the impact of selflessness. It also taught her how to follow and thus how to lead. She has found that she has learned most about herself through her interactions with teammates. Not just learning how to work together, but how to create something greater than our self, together; something that they are proud.

"I am so incredibly proud and honored to have worn the stars and stripes," said Crandall. "I want to thank all of my teammates, both past and present, who have made my career worthwhile. You have all been my main motivation throughout the years. Thank you to all of my coaches who helped shape me as a person and player, our fans who have cheered their way into a special place in my heart, and most importantly, my family, who have been my biggest support system and cheer base for our team!"

Crandall is undecided on which career path she will now pursue. Whatever she selects, we're sure she'll find success yet again.
 

2008, 2012, 2016

Graduating from Tar Heel Nation, the University of North Carolina, with distinction, Dawson has field hockey in her veins. Her family tree has deep roots embedded in the sport with two of her older sisters' impressive play propelling them to both earn spots on the U.S. Women's National Team. Nominated for the 2006 World Hockey Women's Young Player of the Year award as one of the best six players under the age of 23 in the world, Dawson was on the same path as her siblings. Now, as a three-time Olympian with 298 caps, she has captured five gold and four silver medals at the international level.

“Rachel has been incredibly consistent in delivering under great moments of great pressure in important games,” said Parnham. “I think that was capped off by her performance at the recent Olympics which was fantastic. Rachel played an excellent set of games for us in Rio. She finished her career off on a high note.”

The versatile defender, midfielder joined the junior national team in 2001 and advanced to the senior squad in 2005. She completed her time with Team USA as the most capped athlete on the squad. When asked her favorite on pitch moments, Dawson took a deeper perspective when reflecting on her time with the USWNT.

"I don't have a favorite on-field memory," said Dawson. "I experienced the game and my career as a journey, a series of interwoven, shared moments, each one, and each teammate equally remarkable."

As the daughter of David and Karen and the sister of seven siblings, David, Natalie, Andrew, Sarah, Meghan, Hannah and Melanie, being part of a team comes second nature to Dawson. Her family has helped to shape her competitive spirit and grow her natural athleticism. They have also acted as her number one support system as she dedicated herself to learning, growing and excelling in the sport of hockey.

While on tour with Team USA, outside of competition venue, Dawson enjoyed the times no one was able to see or may understand. The moments that were shared in the locker room or on bus rides in foreign countries.

"I loved the unglamorous moments, when we were digging in and exploring the nitty gritty exhilarating details of sport, ourselves and life," said Dawson.

As a leader on and off the pitch for the red, white and blue, Dawson never stayed stagnate and used hockey as a vessel to continue on a journey of self-exploration. 

"My experience in field hockey made me who I am," said Dawson. "It has shaped and transformed me. I thank everyone who shared the road with me, my family friends, teammates, coaches and fans. Each one of you had a meaningful impact and helped me become the person I am today. Each one of you was a teacher, and helped reveal a lesson that I would not have discovered alone. Without you, none of this is possible. Thanks for showing up for me, and thank you for letting me show up for you."

For Dawson, the future holds much promise.

"The path is still unfolding," said Dawson. "I'm currently consulting for DE Turf, a massive sports complex under construction in Delaware. As Director of Field Hockey, I'll be working with a team to create the strategic vision for excellence in field hockey. Beyond that, I envision an entrepreneurial future for myself, developing a venture that integrates an individual’s physical experience, whether in sport, yoga or elsewhere into a pathway for holistic, life-long learning, development and expansion."

USA Field Hockey wishes Crandall and Dawson the best in their future endeavors.

USFHA media release



Lauren Crandall, Rachel Dawson retire from USA Field Hockey

DIANA PUGLIESE


United States' lauren Crandall celebrates after scoring against japan during a women's field hockey match at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Dario Lopez-Mills

After more than 500 combined caps, Lauren Crandall and Rachel Dawson announced their retirements from the U.S. women's field hockey team on Thursday.

Crandall, a defender, and Dawson, a midfielder, spent more than 15 years in the USA field hockey system, including three Olympic appearances with the senior national team.

“USA Field Hockey has been terrifically well served by these two players,” head coach Craig Parnham said via a team release. “Lauren and Rachel have been international powerhouses for an extended period of time and have given so much to the sport. Not only that, but they are terrific people and role models. I think the game has allowed them to express themselves and will set both up for greatness as they move into their future careers.”

A Doylestown native, Crandall began her career at Central Bucks East before playing collegiately at Wake Forest, where she helped the Deacons win the NCAA championship in 2003 and 2004.

Cranny, as teammates call her, officially joined Team USA in 2005 and made her first Olympic appearance in Beijing in 2008. Crandall was later named captain of the squad and finishes her career with 279 caps and five gold and five silver medals at the world championship level.

"I am so incredibly proud and honored to have worn the stars and stripes," Crandall said in the release. "I want to thank all of my teammates, both past and present, who have made my career worthwhile. You have all been my main motivation throughout the years. Thank you to all of my coaches who helped shape me as a person and player, our fans who have cheered their way into a special place in my heart, and most importantly, my family, who have been my biggest support system and cheer base for our team!"

After graduating from the University of North Carolina, Dawson earned her first international cap in a series against Australia in 2005. She is the third member of the Dawson family to play on the national team, following older sisters Natalie and Sarah.

Rachel was nominated for the World Hockey Women's Young Player of the Year award in 2006, which honors the best six players under the age of 23 in the world. Two years later, she was named to her first Olympic team alongside Crandall.

Dawson steps away from the game after earning 298 caps, the most of any player on Team USA's current 30-player roster, and has won five gold and four silver medals at the international level.

"My experience in field hockey made me who I am," Dawson said in the release. "It has shaped and transformed me. I thank everyone who shared the road with me, my family friends, teammates, coaches and fans. Each one of you had a meaningful impact and helped me become the person I am today. Each one of you was a teacher, and helped reveal a lesson that I would not have discovered alone. Without you, none of this is possible. Thanks for showing up for me, and thank you for letting me show up for you."

Over the last year, Crandall and Dawson helped lead Team USA to its second consecutive Pan American Games' gold and a bronze medal at the Champions Trophy, the squad's highest finish at the tournament since 1995.

The U.S. then entered the Rio Olympics at number five in the FIH world rankings, the highest position the program has ever been ranked, before finishing in fifth at the Summer Games following a 2-1 loss to Germany in the quarterfinals.

“What Rachel and Lauren have achieved with an accumulative 577 caps and becoming three-time Olympians cannot be underestimated,” Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director, said via a team release. “Their dedication to excellence over a sustained period, the leadership they have brought to the team and their passion for field hockey standout and together command much admiration.  They are legends within our sport and they continue to make a broader impact on the growth of field hockey and make positive impressions in the lives of many young and aspiring athletes.”

Lancaster Online



Emily Maguire retires from international hockey


Emily Maguire, Scotland

After ten years of playing at the very top level of hockey, Scotland and Great Britain player Emily Maguire has announced her retirement from international hockey.

A product of Kelburne Hockey Club in her hometown of Paisley, Emily Maguire is one of Scottish Hockey’s greatest ambassadors for the sport.

Amongst her many achievements is winning a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and with 177 international caps (118 Scotland caps and 59 GB caps) to her name she also represented Scotland at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games. She was also part of the victorious Great Britain team at the 2015 Hockey World League Semi Finals, securing qualification for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Maguire said, “Retiring has actually been a relatively easy decision to make as I know that I am ready to step away from being a full time athlete and move on to a different challenge. It has been a massive honour to represent my country for nearly ten years and I have so many great memories from this time.”


Emily Maguire celebrates a milestone

The best of these memories for Maguire in a Scotland jersey was securing A division status in the Europeans in 2013 in Belgium, and again in London in 2015.

Scotland’s senior women’s Head Coach Gordon Shepherd spoke as he prepares his Scotland side for three games against Ireland in Glasgow, he said: “Emily has been an incredible player to work with and is a role model to all players in the Scotland set-up. She will be very much missed by all and I would like to personally thank her for her commitment to Scottish Hockey, and especially the senior women’s team. It was my pleasure to have worked with her.”

Maguire still plans to play club hockey for Holcombe HC, where she’s looking forward to “being able to be a bit more sociable” following retirement from international hockey. After taking a little bit of time off she has ambition to pursue a career in finance.

Emily Maguire said: “There are so many people over the years who have helped shape me into the player I am today. I’d like to thank all the coaches and support staff who I’ve worked with over the years, and of course the teammates who pushed me on and drove me to improve myself. I also need to thank my family, especially my brother, Paul, and my boyfriend, Greg, for believing in me and supporting me through thick and thin.”


Emily Maguire for Scotland against Spain

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Ford named Trans-Tasman Trophy partner


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce Ford New Zealand have expanded their support of hockey to become presenting partner for the upcoming Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy.

As the driving force behind New Zealand sport, Ford New Zealand comes on board as top sponsor of the inaugural event from 17-20 November at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland.

General Marketing Manager Cameron Thomas said Ford New Zealand was pleased to support the exciting new series.

“We’re big fans of the Black Sticks and very proud to be partnering with Hockey New Zealand for the Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy this year. Go the Black Sticks!”

The Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy will also have the generous backing of gold tier sponsors Polytan and Qantas, silver sponsor Educare and funding partners NZCT and Trillian Trust.

Hockey New Zealand CEO Ian Francis said it was amazing to have a group of such passionate sponsors and funders helping to create a one of a kind event experience.

“We are hugely appreciative to our presenting partner Ford as well as Polytan, Qantas, Educare, NZCT and Trillian Trust for all their support around this unique event,” he said.

“This is the first year in an exciting partnership with Hockey Australia which will see an annual trans-Tasman event alternating between countries as we look to elevate our event experiences to an all new level.”

Presale tickets for the Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy are still available and are cheaper online that at the gate.

CLICK HERE for more information or to buy tickets now!

2016 TRANS-TASMAN TROPHY – MATCH SCHEDULE
Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium

Thursday 17th November
6:30pm – Black Sticks Women vs Hockeyroos
8:00pm – Black Sticks Men vs Kookaburras

Saturday 19th November
6:30pm – Black Sticks Men vs Kookaburras
8:00pm – Black Sticks Women vs Hockeyroos

Sunday 20th November
4:30pm – Black Sticks Men vs Kookaburras
6:00pm – Black Sticks Women vs Hockeyroos

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Men’s National Team Olympians join in Canadian Rio 2016 celebration

Shaheed Devji


PHOTO: Greg Kolz, Canadian Olympic Committee

On Wednesday, the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees, hosted more than 250 Canadian athletes and coaches in Ottawa and Gatineau to celebrate their achievements at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The day kicked off with sport fairs at the University of Ottawa and the Centre sportif de Gatineau, where Olympians and Paralympians engaged local elementary school students in various sport activities to encourage physical activity and sport participation. The morning also included Facebook Live sessions with athletes and students from across Canada.

The athletes and coaches then attended a luncheon hosted by the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, where they received their Olympic and Paralympic rings, presented by Teck and Hillberg & Berk. Petro Canada representatives also made a special presentation of the James Worrall Flag Bearer Awards to Rosie MacLennan, David Eng and Penny Oleksiak (Aurélie Rivard was unable to attend the event).

Finally, the athletes and coaches were welcomed into the House of Commons to be honoured by all members of Parliament, who represent all Canadians across the country. The House rose in extended applause as each athlete paraded across the floor, an honour reserved for only very special guests.

Field Hockey Canada media release

See the Field Hockey Canada website for more photos of the occasion

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