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All the news for Wednesday 12 April 2017

FIH announces finalised Women’s FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final 2017 schedule for Brussels



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed the finalised schedule for the Women’s FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final 2017 in Brussels, Belgium following the allocation of Round 2 qualifiers yesterday.

With at least four matches taking place each day, fans will be treated to eight days of non-stop magic as the world’s best women’s teams go head to head as they bid to qualify for the Hockey World League Final, taking place in Auckland, New Zealand in November, and the Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 in England.

The Stade Fallon in Belgium’s capital city will welcome 10 of the world’s best women’s teams between 21 June and 2 July who will compete for qualification for both events.

Hockey World Cup champions Netherlands (ranked number 1 in the FIH Hero World Rankings), 2014 Hockey World Cup silver medallists Australia (4), Hockey World League Final 2015 runners-up New Zealand (5), China (8), reigning Asian champions Korea (9), Spain (10), hosts Belgium (14), Italy (16), Scotland (17) and Malaysia (22) will all be participating in Brussels.

Several exciting fixtures have been thrown up following confirmation of the Pools, with Netherlands, China, Korea, Italy and Scotland competing in Pool A and Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain and Malaysia in Pool B.

There’s many more fascinating matches throughout the week, with the full schedule published on the official event website here.

Fans can take advantage of early bird prices for today only, which include a 25% discount. Packages for the whole tournament or for the finals are also available now with the same discount and can be purchased here.

The Hockey World League, composed of four rounds and played over two years, shines a spotlight on the sport around the world. Even the smallest hockey-playing nations have the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books. Brussels provides the perfect stage for these nations dreams to become reality in what is a crucial event in hockey’s international calendar.

To keep up to date with all the latest news relating to the Hockey World League Semi-Finals over the coming months, visit FIH.ch and follow FIH via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

#HWL2017
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The Hockey World League

10 teams will take part in each Semi-Final. They are comprised of the hosts plus five teams who qualify based on their FIH Hero World Ranking and four teams qualified through Hockey World League Round 2 events. In total, 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams will be taking part in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals.

Hero World Ranking points, which can influence qualification for future events, will be awarded to all teams depending on their final standing at this event.

WOMEN’S Hockey World League Semi-Finals
Brussels, Belgium (21 June – 2 July 2017)
Pool A: Netherlands; China; Korea; Italy; Scotland.
Pool B: Australia; New Zealand; Belgium; Spain; Malaysia
Tickets here

Johannesburg, South Africa (8-23 July 2017)
Pool A: England; Germany; Japan; Ireland; Poland.
Pool B: Argentina; USA; South Africa; India; Chile.

MEN’S Hockey World League Semi-Finals
London, England (15-25 June 2017):
Pool A: Argentina; England; Korea; Malaysia; China.
Pool B: Netherlands; India; Pakistan; Canada; Scotland.
Tickets here

Johannesburg, South Africa (8-23 July 2017)
Pool A: Australia, New Zealand; Spain; Japan; France.
Pool B: Germany; Belgium South Africa; Ireland; Egypt.

FIH site

Dharmaraj: Nothing to lose, everything to fight for..

By Jugjet Singh



THE Malaysian women's team (pic) will play in Brussels in their World League Semifinals, which is a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in England.

Coach K. Dharmaraj's ladies will play the matches of their lives from June 21-July 2 in Group A together with Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Spain.

In Group B are Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain, Malaysia.

Dharmaraj was short and sharp in his reply: "Death Group."

The coach and his ladies are in Germany now to play 13 matches in preparation for Brussels, where they won their first match against Bayer Leverkusen 2-0.

The goals were scored by Noraini Abdul Rashid (second minute) Siti Amarina (41st).

"Tough, but I have calculated this and informed the team a month ago that we will be playing in Brussels, barring any upsets in the last World League (Round Two) matches in Vancouver.

"This is because we are the lowest ranked team and Italy, even after losing to us in the semifinals, are in a 'better' group then us.

"I know how tough this group can be as I have been thinking about it for the last one month. It's really tough for team like mine to play in this group again giants like Australia, New Zealand and Spain. The closest rank team to us is Belgium as they are 14th but the advantage they have is as hosts.

"Sometimes is good to go for a tournament like this where nobody thinks you can go far and the pressure is not high with the feeling of wanting to create an upset.

"But our ranking (22nd) is in a such a position that we need to create upset to lift ourselves to a different level...

"As lowest rank team in Brussels, we can sit and complain, but I take it as a challenge to fight to give our best and hope to create an upset by qualifying for our first World Cup."

WOMEN’S Hockey World League Semi-Finals:

Brussels, Belgium (June 21 to July 2)
Group A: Netherlands (No 1), China (8th), South Korea (9th), Italy (16th), Scotland (17th).
Group B: Australia (4th), New Zealand (5th), Belgium (14th), Spain (10th), Malaysia (22nd).

Johannesburg, South Africa (July 8-23)
Group A: England (2nd), Germany (7th), Japan (11th), Ireland (15th), Poland (18th).
Group B: Argentina (3rd), USA (6th), South Africa (13th), India (12th), Chile (20th).

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia on a tricky path to reach World Cup Hockey Finals


Logan: ‘All the games will be tough as we’ll be meeting higher-ranked teams.’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are in for a tough time in their bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup Hockey Finals.

In yesterday’s draw released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the World League Semi-Final at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London from June 15-25, world No. 14 Malaysia have been drawn with No. 1 and Olympic champions Argentina, South Korea (No. 12), China (No. 18) and hosts England (No. 7) in Group A.

Reigning European champions Holland (No. 4) are in Group B with Asian champions India (No. 6), Canada (No. 11), Pakistan (No. 13) and Scotland (No. 23).

Malaysia, who qualified for the Semi-Final after winning the Second Round in Bangladesh last month, will kick-off their campaign against Argentina on June 16 followed by England (June 17), South Korea (June 19) and China.

Only the top eight teams qualify for the 16-team Finals in Bhubaneswar, India.

The other eight teams will come from the second Semi-Final at the Wits Hockey Club in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 8-23.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) chief executive officer K. Logan Raj believes Stephen van Huizen’s charges will put up a stiff challenge to see Malaysia qualify for the Finals.

“All the games will be tough as we’ll be meeting higher-ranked teams.

“But I am confident the players will put up a solid performance,” said Logan.

The Star of Malaysia

Stats Speak: Know the Men teams of World Cup Qualifier (HWL-Round 3 SF)

Record holder Pakistan has to cross all the hurdles in London to back in World Cup

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

16 teams would be in fray in the 14th edition of World Cup (men) scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar (India) in Nov-Dec 2018.

Thus only 4 teams to be eliminated from HWL-SF of 20 teams. Scotland, China and Egypt have never played in World Cup.

Ireland and France will like to return in World Cup after 28 years.

Most World Cup title has been won by Pakistan- four times. However green shirts were not seen in the last World Cup (Hague-2014).In Johor Bahru HWL-SF in 2013, Pakistan topped the pool, but lost the quarter final by 3-4 to South Korea after once leading 3-2. Ultimately green shirts finished 7th in the tourney. In Asia Cup (2013) they lost in SF to Korea and kept out themselves from World Cup for the first time in history. We hope that in London they cross all the hurdles to play World Cup. Here are statistical highlights of all 20 men team:

 Fieldhockey.com

Kookaburras name Azlan Shah team

5 returning Kookaburras

Holly MacNeil



Hockey Australia today announced the 18 man Kookaburras team who will descend upon Ipoh, Malaysia later this month to take part in the annual Azlan Shah Cup.

Returning to the team for the first time in 2017 is Kookaburras veteran Eddie Ockenden, along with Dylan Wotherspoon who both return from a stint playing in Europe, Matt Swann who will make his international come-back after rehabilitating from a broken foot suffered in mid-2016 and 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallists Andrew Charter and Andrew Philpott.

Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said: “The team we have selected for Azlan Shah is slightly different to the team who competed in Darwin; the reason being that we would like to give as many players as possible the opportunity to show their ability at an international level before we make the team selection for the World League Semi-finals.

“The players we have coming in are long standing Kookaburras, and we would like to see them play in the team structure that we have as a result of new players being selected to the 2017 squad.

“The Azlan Shah Cup is a competition which Australia has traditionally been invited to, and it provides good competition for us, so it will be interesting to see how our new look side fares against our opponents in the hot climate of Malaysia.”

The Kookaburras will depart for Malaysia on Monday, 24 April 2017.

Kookaburras Azlan Shah Team
Athlete (Hometown/State)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Jeremy Edwards (Hobart, TAS)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC)
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Edward Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
Andrew Philpott (Melbourne, VIC)
Joshua Pollard (Melbourne, VIC)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Tom Wickham (Morgan, SA) *plays for WA
Matthew Willis (Tamworth, NSW)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *plays for QLD

Kookaburras Azlan Shah Match Schedule
29 April: AUS v NZL 6.05pm AWST / 8.05pm AEST
30 April: AUS v MAS 8.35pm AWST / 10.35pm AEST
2 May: AUS v IND 4.05pm AWST / 6.05pm AEST
3 May: AUS v GBR 6.05pm AWST / 8.05pm AEST
5 May: AUS v JPN 6.05pm AWST / 8.05pm AEST
6 May: Finals

Hockey Australia media release

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: India pick seven juniors

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: In a move aimed at trying out fresh talent on the international stage, Indian hockey team's chief coach Roelant Oltmans on Tuesday named four debutants in the 18-member squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

In all, seven junior players have made it to the team to be led by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The four new faces - goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, Gurinder Singh, Sumit and Manpreet - will be joined by Harmanpreet Singh, Harjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh. Barring Karkera, the others were part of the national team which won the junior World Cup in Lucknow last year.

Among the regular squad members who failed to find a place for the first international tournament of the season, to be held in Ipoh (Malaysia) from April 27, are Kothajit Singh, SK Uthappa, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Ramandeep Singh apart from experienced defender Birendra Lakra.

With new players, fresh ideas too will be implemented in Malaysia. "This tournament is not the most important for us. The most important thing will be to showcase our talent. The team is trying out new things game-wise and mentally and we want to test ourselves at the Azlan Shah before we embark on big tournaments," revealed Oltmans.

Oltmans was quick to point out that since a winning combination for prime events in 2018 was being identified, not much should be read into the situation. "This is a one-time tournament where we will test players and give them international exposure," explained the Dutchman.

Squad

Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (C), Suraj Karkera; Defenders: Pardeep Mor, Surender Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Midfielders: Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Sumit, Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh (VC), Harjeet Singh, Manpreet; Forwards: SV Sunil, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Akashdeep Singh.

The Times of India

Seven juniors get senior call-up

We have to give the juniors an opportunity, says chief coach Roelant Oltmans


Happy lot: Gurinder Singh, Manpreet (Jr), Suraj Karkera, and Sumit strike a pose with captain P.R. Sreejesh (centre) at the Sports Authority of India here on Tuesday. 

Seven players from the junior ranks found a place in India’s squad for the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, announced here on Tuesday. Four of those — goalkeeper Sumit Karkera, defender Gurinder Singh, and midfielders Sumit and Manpreet (Jr) — are in line to debut, while Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh and Harjeet Singh have already earned senior caps.

“We always want a good senior core but feel we have to give the juniors an opportunity,” said chief coach Roelant Oltmans. “It’s good for them to get exposure. A number of common (senior) names are not involved but it doesn’t mean anything for the future.”

Fresh Olympic cycle

The Azlan Shah Cup, to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from April 29 to May 6, in some ways marks the beginning of a fresh Olympic cycle for India. It was an opportunity to experiment before bigger assignments ahead, Oltmans felt.

“This is not the most important tournament for us in 2017. The Asia Cup (Sep 30 to Oct 8, Dhaka) and the HWL Final (Dec 1 to 10, Bhubaneswar) are the main ones. That doesn’t mean we don’t want to perform in the other tournaments.

“We want to test ourselves. We want to try out all the combinations in 2017 because 2018 is a huge year, with the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, the Champions Trophy and the World Cup.”

Dipsan Tirkey, who was hugely impressive during the junior World Cup, was not called up, while Simranjeet Singh was left out too. “Dipsan had a good junior World Cup and is a big talent but this is maybe one step too early,” Oltmans said.

Sardar impresses

Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah and S.K. Uthappa, all of whom featured at the Rio Olympics, were rested while Sardar Singh was not. Oltmans was impressed with the veteran midfielder’s attitude since the national camp began at the SAI here last month.

“He has made a good impression on the coaching staff during the last four weeks,” the Dutchman noted. “He is very eager. He’s been training very well. He brings experience which is still needed.

“He wants to show that in 2017 he’s still an important player for India. The way he’s not only training but also doing extra to make that happen – he deserves a lot of compliments for that.”

The squad: P.R. Sreejesh (capt.), Suraj Karkera, Pardeep Mor, Surender Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Sumit, Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Harjeet Singh, Manpreet, S.V. Sunil, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, and Akashdeep Singh.

The Hindu

Oltmans eager to test new style in Azlan Shah Cup

India named an experimental 18-member squad for the Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh from April 27 to May 6.


Roelant Oltmans, High Performance Director, and Chief Coach of the National men's hockey team, with players during the team's training session. Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

India’s chief coach Roelant Oltmans on Tuesday said the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup men’s hockey tournament will be a platform for the team to test its new methods ahead of this year’s big ticket events.

Oltmans said India will be using the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia to test its bench strength and style of play ahead of this year’s important tournaments like the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final in London, HWL Final in Bhubaneswar and Asia Cup in Dhaka.

“This (Azlan Shah Cup) is not the most important tournaments for us. The most important thing for us in this tournament will be to showcase (our potential). We are trying to introduce a new style of play before we embark on big tournaments, including the Hockey World League and Asia Cup,” the Dutchman told reporters after announcing the squad at the Sports Authority of India here today.

India on Tuesday named an experimental 18-member squad for the Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh from April 27 to May 6.

The squad to be led by ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh includes six players from last year’s Junior World Cup-winning side out of which four will make their senior debut in Azlan Shah Cup.

Defender Gurinder Singh, midfielders Sumit and Manpreet will make their senior debut in the tournament, while dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, Harjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh were other members of the World Cup-winning junior team who have already played for the senior side.

Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who represented the junior side at the England Tour, EurAsia Cup 2016 and four-nation tournament in Valencia last year, is another player who will make his senior debut in Azlan Shah Cup.

Oltmans said India will focus more on its forwaregreesdline in the Azlan Shah Cup.

“We are practising very hard. We want to score more and more goals. Winning a medal for the country is all about scoring goals and to execute this plan we need more goal-scoring players like Affan Yousuf,” he said.

Asked, who he considers to be the underdogs in the tournament, Oltmans said: “Japan has not played any international matches and it is difficult to know who are the underdogs. Also, there is England who did not have very good outing last year. They will be eager to perform better. So, let us wait and watch.”

The Hindu

Young goalkeeper Karkera wants to pick Sreejesh's brain in Ipoh

BENGALURU: Young hockey goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was pleasantly surprised to get a India call-up and said the chance to rub shoulders alongside PR Sreejesh during the upcoming Azlan Shah Cup will make him a better custodian.

The goalkeeper from Mumbai has already started taking tips from senior colleague Sreejesh, who advised him to remain calm on the pitch.

"I never expected this. It was a huge surprise because I was attending the senior camp for the first time in my career," Karkera said after being named in the 18-member squad.

"Sreejesh bhai (brother) advised me not to take pressure. He told me 'you are just 21 and you making your debut, so just keep training hard with a big smile on your face.

"There is a lot of difference between junior and senior level hockey. There is a great experience value that senior players bring to the table. It will be great opportunity for me to train along side Sreejesh bhai," he added.

Karkera joined the national camp on March 14 along with other goalkeepers Vikas Dahiya, Akash Chikte and Sreejesh.

Karkera is a regular member in the junior squad and represented the country at the England Tour, EurAsia Cup 2016 and also accompanied the team for the four-nation tournament in Valencia, Spain last year.

Karkera, however, missed out on the Junior Hockey World in Lucknow last year, where Vikas Dahiya and Krishan Pathak were chosen ahead of him.

With Oltmans eyeing the tournament to test his bench strength ahead of key events later this year, Karkera hopes to get a chance to play at some point of time in the Azlan Shah Cup.

"The coach, Oltmans has told me that I will get a chance to play but depending upon situation in the tournament," he said at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre here.

Working under the tutelage of Oltmans is not a new thing for Karkera, who was part of the Uttar Pradesh Wizards franchise in the last two editions of Hockey India League.

The Azlan Shah Cup will be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 27 to May 6.

The Times of India

Red Bull gives wings to EHL KO16 with new link-up



Red Bull is giving extra wings to the Euro Hockey League this season as they join forces with the world’s best club hockey competition.

The energy drinks company comes on board for an initial one-year deal and will provide products for the athletes, starting at the EHL KO16 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands from April 14 to 17.

Speaking about the link-up, SV Kampong’s Robbert Kemperman – an EHL winner in 2016 – said of the new link: “For the last year, I have received support from Red Bull; a fantastic product and a beautiful brand with strong values which comes back in many different sports.

“It is great to see that Red Bull is now also putting energy into the EHL. Winning the EHL title last year was very special to have experienced myself and we are aiming to do it once again this year.”

EHF President Marijke Fleuren said of Red Bull's involvement with the EHL: "I am very happy to hear that Red Bull will join us from now on. Red Bull will give us the energy we need to 'survive' the upcoming, breathtaking matches. Red Bull, welcome on board with the EHL!"

The Euro Hockey League KO16 begins on Friday at the home of HC Oranje-Rood with 16 of the continent’s best hockey clubs battling it out over 12 knock-out games across four days.

They are looking to win through to the FINAL4 of the EHL which will take place in Antwerp in June where the 10th champion of the competition will be decided.

Every game will be broadcasted live on www.ehlhockey.tv while television coverage has already been confirmed in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, South Africa and Australia.

Euro Hockey League media release

Grunwald fire nine past Pomorzanin in final EHL warm-up tie



WKS Grunwald Poznan completed their pre-EHL preparations with a comprehensive 9-1 win over second placed KS Pomorzanin Torun.

It was a special occasion for the military clubs as they got to play on their state-of-the-art new turf in Poznan, the first time they have played a home league match in seven years.

While the general play was reasonably even, Grunwald nailed most of their chances. They took the lead via Pawel Bratkowski in the ninth minute before Michal Kasprzyk and Artur Mikula making it 3-0 before Pomorzanin got one back.

But two further goals each from Artur Mikula, Karol Majchrzak and Tomasz Marcinkowski stretched out a huge win.

They will hope that it provides a positive base for the Polish side as they look forward to the challenge of meeting Real Club de Polo in the KO16, aiming for a first KO8 place for a team from their country.

Grunwald currently lead the second stage of the Polish league by three points from Pomorzanin with a game in hand. They won all nine games in the first phase of the season which subsequently split into a top and bottom half which began in April.

Euro Hockey League media release

Baart gets surprise shot at more EHL glory with Polo



Real Club de Polo’s Sander Baart is looking forward to a surprise return to the Euro Hockey League this week, one which was not in his plans last summer until a registration glitch and an opportunistic move realigned his season.

The Dutch international was bound for Royal Antwerp after a hugely successful spell with Oranje Zwart where he won both the EHL and the Hoofdklasse.

“My plan was to play for Royal Antwerp for the next years, the club where I started to play hockey,” he told the EHL website. “But, because of an administration error, I was not put on the players list on time and therefore was not approved by the Belgium Federation to play in their league this season.”

In stepped Polo whose Spanish season had not started at the time, allowing him to move rather than spend a season out of the game.

“Real Club de Polo had already shown intrest in me the season before and, lucky for me, they still were. So, the same week we announced the transfer, I was playing the first league game for Polo.”

Since then, the Barcelona club has been in immaculate form, winning the Spanish Honor Division regular season with an unbeaten run of 13 wins and three draws. They also have a Copa del Rey title and are assured of a return visit to the EHL no matter what happens in the Spanish playoffs.

“The Spanish Cup and the face we are performing well in the league is giving us a lot of confidence. But we also know that to perform good in the EHL is more difficult and we will have to face and beat the best teams in Europe to be successful. Everybody of Polo is looking forward to realise this challenge.”

Indeed, the EHL challenge is to earn Polo’s first place in the FINAL4 since 2010 when they ended up fourth. They face Polish champions WKS Grunwald Poznan in the KO16 on Friday at 15.00 (CET) with a potential date with either SV Kampong or Rot-Weiss Koln on the line.

It’s a chance he did not anticipate but one that he is looking for, especially in a team that features many stars including Olympic gold medalists Pedro Ibarra, Lucas Vila and Matias Rey as well as a series of Spanish internationals. They will, however, be without Xavi Lleonart who is injured.

Baart also gets to play in Eindhoven where he enjoyed so much success.

“It is gonna be great to play in Eindhoven again. They have proven they can host an amazing EHL in the past and I am sure we can expect that again from Oranje Rood. They have a new beautiful infrastructure that will only improve the EHL experience!

“Every year you want to play in the EHL. It’s such a pleasure and an honour to been giving such an awesome platform to prove yourself against the best teams in Europe and having the opportunity to win it!

“Its gonna be my fifth time to play, and I have reached two finals, one semi-final and one quarter-final. The best memory was winning it, of course, in 2015.

“One of my memories is also that every season, there has always been a game that ended up with shoot-outs. I hope with Polo, it will not come to shoot outs again and we will be able to win are matches in normal playing time.”

Despite some losses in those endgames, Baart says that he played some of his best matches in those tight battles.

“The final game against Harvestehuder in 2014 was one of the most fun games I have played. That’s maybe strange to say because we lost the shoot out but we played in our club, Oranje Zwart, and we had so many supporters and the atmosphere was amazing!

“In my opinion it was one of the best games we ever played with Oranje Zwart. We created a lot of chances but the goalkeeper [Tobias] Walter was having a super game and he was the reason why they won that year.”

As for his least favourite games, it serves as something of a warning for WKS Grunwald Poznan.

“My worst memory is from my first EHL; we had a great KO16, beating Polo and Bloemendaal and made it to the FINAL4, facing easy opponents. In our minds, we already were EHL champion after winning the KO16 and then ended up losing two games and coming fourth. We felt really bad and stupid that we underestimated the other teams!”

Euro Hockey League media release

De Voogd says Oranje-Rood can make Eindhoven proud yet again



Bob de Voogd says that the new HC Oranje-Rood crowd has the potential to be even bigger than the passionate crowd that supported Oranje-Zwart before their merger with EMHC.

The Eindhoven club hosts its first major tournament since joining forces but the OZ contingent are no strangers to the Euro Hockey League, hosting the KO16 and FINAL4 in 2014 before winning the competition in 2015.

De Voogd was the star man in that victory, scoring an iconic winning shoot-out in an amazing end-game against UHC Hamburg that lasted over half an hour.

It means that he was the obvious choice to take centre-stage as the EHL poster-boy for this edition of the KO16 and he has been front and centre with his “Bob on Tour” videos, something he has loved being part of.

“It's awesome to have the EHL at our new club, HC Oranje-Rood!” he said about having the competition coming to town. “With our new facilities, we have a club that is ready to host big games, so we are really pleased to have the opportunity to host the EHL again.

“The role I play as 'EHL ambassador' is very exciting for me. I have learned a lot about hosting a big tournament like the EHL. It's incredible how many people, both professionals and volunteers, are working hard to organise an amazing four days of hockey!”

And he expects to play his part in front of a boisterous crowd, full of passion for hockey.

“At OZ, we always had a fantastic and really big crowd. Our new club Oranje-Rood is even bigger so I hope a lot of people will come and support us again.

“For us as a team, and for me as a player, it is great to play in front of thousands of people. Hockey in Eindhoven is an important sport. Last year we celebrated our national title together with PSV football in the main square of Eindhoven.

“40,000 people were singing and partying. For a hockey team to be part of such a celebration means a lot. It was an insane feeling. Hopefully, we can make Eindhoven proud again.” 

And he hopes that passion can help propel him – and his team mates – all the way to the Alain Danet Trophy as he did in 2015, something that he will never forget.

“Thanks to the EHL showing the video of my last shoot-out, I think back on it a lot! It was probably one of the craziest games I have played. But scoring the final goal and winning the EHL title was such an amazing feeling. For me, personally, of course but for the whole club especially. It truly felt like it was time to win in it, and we did!”

Standing in their way in Eindhoven this week is a date with AH&BC Amsterdam, the side they beat to the Dutch title a year ago. It is one of the toughest draws they could have encountered but de Voogd says he loves the challenge. 

“I love playing against Amsterdam. They like to play attacking hockey and have some world-class players in their team. But, so do we!

“I think it's going to be an open, attacking game with a lot of action. It's going to be close but that makes it fun to play! Bring it on!”

Euro Hockey League media release

SA hockey superstar hosts clinic at Curro

Carli Koch



The Investec Hockey Academy led by Shelley Russell aims to improve local players’ performance at all levels through a multidimensional and holistic approach.

Russell, South African striker Sulette Damons, SA men’s coach Fabian Booysen, SA women’s coach Sheldon Roston, Southerns men Marc de Jager and Southerns player Luke Sanan, provided a high-quality environment that set a new standard in hockey training and tuition at Curro Nelspruit over the weekend.


Sulette Damons.

The academy also enabled its participants to reach their full potential as players.

Russell made her debut on the South African women’s team in 2006, and during her eight years of international competition, she has played over 260 caps for her country.

She had the privilege of taking part in two Olympic Games, three Hockey World Cups, and once in the Commonwealth Games, among her many other international tournaments.

“Not being able to compete in Rio was a huge setback for the team. I have reached a point in my life where I want to settle down and start a family, but maybe I still have one or two more Olympic Games in me,” said Russell.

The hockey superstar said the academy provides a platform where she can share her passion and the knowledge she has acquired throughout her career.

“Focusing on the development side of hockey is an incredible privilege, as I hope to inspire and create passion among young hockey players across the country.”

Curro is known for hosting various clinics for local players with the objective of it awarding opportunities for them to maximise individual and team potential.

“It was a privilege to have players of such a high calibre joining Curro. Each and every player gained a lot of experience and are ready for the season ahead. We aim to present more clinics in the future,” said director of hockey at Curro, Nika Nel.

The Lowvelder

Kapiti's Jamal Crawford-Spellacey part of third-placed NZ Maori hockey side

ADAM POULOPOULOS


Jamal Crawford-Spellacey strikes the ball. Planet Hockey

Jamal Crawford-Spellacey is a busy man.

The Paraparaumu College year 12 student was part of the New Zealand Maori hockey side that finished third in the National Affiliates Tournament in Hawke's Bay last week.

For the rest of the season the midfielder will focus on playing every Friday and Sunday, for his college first XI and the Kapiti Hockey Club's top men's side, as well as commitments with the Capital under-18 training squad and NZ Maori.


Jamal Crawford-Spellacey approaches goal. Planet Hockey

His focus is on hockey, but he played shortstop for his school's softball team, which finished tied for 11th at the national division two championships the week before the affiliates tournament.

Crawford-Spellacey gained Maori selection after being promoted from the Maori under-21 side, due to player unavailability.


The NZ Maori team. Planet Hockey

He started all five games. Opposition included a national seniors XI, made up of National Hockey League players, Poverty Bay, an NZ Barbarians team, and a Hawke's Bay team.

The NZ Maori lost their first four games, before thrashing Poverty Bay 5-1 in the third-fourth playoff.

Crawford-Spellacey said he was delighted to get the opportunity. "I was pretty honoured. I was kind of starstruck with the whole situation."

He enjoyed playing with and against experienced players, especially NZ Maori goalkeeper Harley Kopa, who he said was one of their best players at the tournament.

"I look up to him and his leadership skills."

Crawford-Spellacey first played hockey at the now-defunct Kapiti Christian School when he was four. He has gained Wellington age-group representative honours since the age of 9.

"It's like a second home to me, the hockey turf," he said.

His goals were to reach the Black Sticks side, and play grade hockey in Belgium.

His next big assignment is a quadrangular college tournament in Carterton next week.

The affiliates tournament was part of the Festival of Hockey, which also included an international four-nation women's tournament, won by New Zealand, and a secondary school girls' tournament, won by Diocesan School for Girls.

Stuff

India beat Malaysia to lift Asian School Hockey Championship

BHOPAL: Alishan Mohammad and Pratap Lakra scored a brace each as India emerged champion at the 5th Asian School Hockey Championship with a convincing 5-1 win over Malaysia in the final on Tuesday.

Alishan continued to have a good outing in the Championship as he gave India an early lead with a stunning field goal in the 12th minute.

India's next two goals came in the 20th and 23rd minute when Lakra successfully converted a penalty corner and a penalty stroke respectively.

Though Malaysia scored a field goal through Akhimullah Anuar Esook M in the 32nd minute, India school's Alishan Mohammad scored his second goal of the match in the 34th minute and earned his team a comfortable 4-1 lead at half-time.

Maninder Singh scored in the 38th minute while the team's defenders did well to keep Malaysia from scoring another goal to end the match with a stunning 5-1 victory and enthrall the home crowd. Malaysia had to settle for a second place finish.

In the match for third and fourth place, Singapore beat China 3-1 in a nail-biting shootout after the two teams ended the regulation time in a 1-1 stalemate.

The Times of India