News for 05 August 2017
All the news for Saturday 5 August 2017
Usual suspects Argentina, Canada, Chile open pool play with wins, Brazil edges Mexico on opening day of Pan Am Cup
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Ali Baggott, for PAHF
2017 Pan American Cup - Argentina vs USA
The opening day of the men’s Pan American Cup got started with victories for Chile and Canada. Both teams shutout their respective opponents, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, while later in the day will pit Brazil vs Mexico and hosts USA against Olympic champions Argentina.
MEN Pool A: Chile vs. Venezuela (6-0)
Three Chilean players got on the board twice today as Chile found their scoring Three Chilean players got on the board twice today as Chile found their scoring strides late in the game to put away Venezuela 6-0 to open Pool A play.
Twenty-one world ranking spots separate Chile and Venezuela but the opening half was hardly indicative of that gap. Chile had two early penalty corner options that they were unable to convert, while Venezuela’s penalty corner flick was deflected wide minutes later. Chilean captain Felipe Montegu had his team’s first real attempt at goal but his shot that was booked for under the crossbar was steered clear by the glove of Venezuela keeper Junior Benitez.
The second quarter was much more lively in front of the nets as Venezuela’s Wilber Bracamonte was gifted a pass from the Chilean defence but his close-range shot hit the post. Chile broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Franco Becerra deflected the ball into space to Matias Esparza. The pass came back to Becerra who had a wide-open net and he slid to deflect the ball for a 1-0 lead.
Chile extended their lead early in the second half as midfielder Ricardo Achondo sliced a pass to the stick of Jose Hurtado up the left side of the pitch. Hurtado weaved his way through the Venezuelan defence and was able to slide the ball past the short size of Benitez to lift Chile 2-0.
Martin Rodriguez’s back-hand shot in the 44th minute found its way through a crowded Venezuelan circle to extend Chile’s lead to three, while the 27-year-old found the back of the net four minutes later for his second of the game and a 4-0 Chile lead. Chile’s Hurtado and Becerra each scored their second goal before the final whistle to open Pool A play with a 6-0 final score.
Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).
MEN Pool B: Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago (4-0)
Canada shutout Trinidad and Tobago 4-0 in their opening match of the Pan American Cup, a fitting score line for Red Caribou keeper Carter who celebrates today with his 150th match. It was also the first match for the returned Kwan Browne, who is the highest capped in the tournament at 308.
Familiar Pan American foes wasted no time getting in to the thick of heated battle as four cards were dealt within a six-minute span in the first half. Scott Tupper’s aerial cleared nearly the entire length of the pitch to find Balraj Panesar deep in Trinidad and Tobago territory. Panesar’s cross-circle pass found a defender’s foot for the game’s first penalty corner. Tupper buried the flick in the bottom corner to lift Canada 1-0 in the 8th minute. Daniel Byer had a chance to level for Trinidad and Tobago but his penalty corner deflection went just wide of David Carter’s net before the end of the first quarter.
Canada showed their strength on set pieces as they advanced 2-0 on a high flick executed by Gordie Johnston in the 27th minute. Right back to the other end Trinidad and Tobago earned their own chance from the top of the circle but Tariq Marcano’s low flick was deflected just wide of the goal.
In the third quarter, Canada’s Keegan Pereira had a solo attempt against keeper Kwasi Emmanuel but his lifted shot bounced wide of the empty net, while in the fourth corner Trinidad and Tobago’s Lyndell Byer saved a goal on the line.
Canada extended their lead to four in the 51st when Ian Smythe one-timed a penalty corner rebound in to the top of the mesh. Outside of that goal it was a quiet second half as the expert Trinidad and Tobago midfield line of Kwan Browne, Akim Toussaint and Marcano tried to rally their team to break Canada’s shut out. The final result was 4-0 for Canada.
Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).
MEN POOL B: Brazil vs Mexico (3-1)
After hosting the Olympic Games this is the return of Brazil to their first official competition and they notched an important 3-1 victory over Mexico so start the 2017 Pan American Cup. Joaquin López, Stephane Smith and Lucas Paixao scored for Brazil.
The only Mexican goal came through Maximiliano Méndez just at the end of the game.
The match began with both of the teams studying the opponents movements, with side passes and not so many area penetrations. In fact, the first danger action occurred just after the 6th minute when Brazilian captain André Patrocinio entered the right side of the attack and shoot the ball between the goalkeeper and his post
The game continued with side passes, with a Brazil trying to generate spaces and a very focused Mexico running through all pitch with a great physical display.
The first quarter could finish with a Mexican Goal when Guillermo Pedraza had a dangerous situation. His action generated a penalty corner that, that wasn’t well executed.
In the 26th minute Brazil was able to increase the lead as Joaquin Lopez broke through the right, pass the ball to Lucas Paixao, who smashed it into the top corner.
Just minutes later Brazilian goalkeeper Rodrigo Faustino also had the opportunity to show off when he made a great save on Pedraza’s penalty corner.
The second half of the game continued with the same wide open play and attacking strategy down the outsides of the pitch. Brazilian captain Patrocinio missed a clear chance in the 34th minute. This made Patrick Van der Heijden and Patrocinio push harder for a second goal but they were unable to capitalize.
Lots of patience brought the results they finally needed and in the 41st minute a penalty corner was well executed by Stephane Smith for a 2-0 Brazil lead.
The most emotional part of the game came in the final quarter. In the minute 77th minute Roberto García scored Mexico’s first goal after he assisted Maximiliano Méndez in a penalty corner and beat keeper Fausto Rodrigo. Two minutes later, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paixao scored Brazil's the third goal to give Brazil the 3-1 final score.
Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).
Argentina, the Olympic champion, with strong begging
MEN Pool B: Argentina vs. United States (6-0)
The Olympic champion is back. Argentina started the Pan American Cup with a great victory over the host, United States, and made clear that it wants to take over the Cup 2017 edition. Matías Paredes and Gonzalo Merino (two each), Gonzalo Peillat and Juan Gilardi scored for the Argentinians.
Eleven players from the team who got over Belgium and won the historic gold medal for Argentina are here in Spooky Nook in Lancaster, playing this tournament, including Agustín Mazzilli, Ignacio Ortiz, Gonzalo Peillat and Pedro Ibarra, who scored In that epic Olympic final.
The match of the night began with slow actions on both sides, with long touches, and constant changes seeking spaces. Argentina started the second quarter with an excellent collective combination of passes between Ignacio Ortiz, Lucas Vila and Matías Paredes ended with their first goal.
With the 1-0, the Argentina team began to move. 21 'Matías Paredes assisted Gonzalo Peillat with a penalty corner who took a powerful shot that got between goalkeeper Brandon Karess and defender Aki Kaeppeler.
The United States did not assimilate the 0-2 at home, when at 25 'in a quick move, Gonzalo Merino increased the count with a powerful cross back shot. One minute from the end of the first period, Matías Paredes got the fourth goal by pushing a long shot by Juan Gilardi who crossed the entire American area.
Juan Gilardi was in charge of putting the 5-0 in the minute 50. He executed an impeccable penalty, mid-height and center leaving no option to Karess (USA Goalkeeper). The last goal came in the final minute by Gonzalo Merino, who turned the ball around after Joaquin Menini shot.
The United States did their best and respected Argentina’s team a lot, so much that they choose to care for their backs rather than to attack. Clear it was when Tyler Sundeen was suddenly left alone against Agustín Abratte, and he didn’t know how to solve the attack.
Great victory for Argentina who takes the leader position of Group A next to Chile, both with a victories and equal difference of goals (+6).
Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).
Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).
All matches are streamed live via USA Field Hockey here and you can stay connected on facebook, Instagram and twitter @panamhockey or online at panamhockey.org.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
USMNT Falls to Argentina in Opener of men's Pan American Cup
Image courtesy of Mark Palczewski
LANCASTER, Pa. – As an overcast evening cooled off a heated turf at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa., Argentina and the U.S. Men’s National Team squared off in the final match of the opening day of the 2017 Pan American Cups. Unfortunately for the red, white and blue and the support of the home crowd, USA fell to the FIH Hero World Ranked No. 1 Argentina by a final score of 6-0.
“You saw the difference between an Olympic Champion and a team that still needs to grow," said Rutger Wiese, USMNT Head Coach. "We make four mistakes and it resulted in four goals… you learn quickly against teams like that."
"When I look at opportunities, we had three or four corners," continued Wiese. "That’s good. It’s the same as they had and a couple of scoring opportunities. But again the difference between an Olympic team and an up-and-coming team…if you make those chances you are a top ten team.”
The Los Leones came out charging after the opening whistle. Multiple scoring chances forced USA on defense from the beginning, including a 1v1 stop by USA’s goalkeeper Brandon Karess (Allentown, Pa.) in the 5th minute. USA countered Argentina’s push by controlling play with a half field press before being awarded their first penalty corner of the match. Argentina halted the early threat and moments later attempted two penalty corners chances of their own. USA denied both efforts before the opening quarter came to a close.
Argentina took advantage of a USA turnover in the 17th minute, and quick passing opened up an easy shooting lane for Matias Paredes to find the back of the goal for a 1-0 lead. Keeping up the pressure offensively, Argentina was quick to move downfield moments later. Karess came up with a big stick save initially, but the proceeding penalty corner in the 21st minute proved costly as Gonzalo Peillat’s hard drag flick extended the lead 2-0. Argentina tallied another goal in the 25th minute when Gonzalo Merino’s low angled backhand tipped off the pads of Karess and in to the net making it 3-0. In the final minute of the half, Paredes notched his second goal of the night for a 4-0 contest at halftime break.
USA was quick to ward off another early strike by Argentina with a glove save by Karess in the opening seconds of the third quarter and this translated to a team effort that displayed solid defense. A few circle penetrations, penalty corners and cards were issued, and even dual cards of a yellow to Argentina and green to USA were given but no results were found. Both squads answered one another in a series of offensive chances that produced a scoreless third quarter.
USA hustled downfield early in the fourth quarter, but could not find a prime opening. Argentina responded with an effort of their own, and an open chance in from of the net forced Karess out of the goal to make a stick tackle. A penalty stroke was called for the tackle and Argentina’s Juan Gilardi capitalized to extend the lead to USA 0, Argentina 5. With the clock winding down USA’s Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, Calif.) pressed Argentina’s defense and came up with the ball. He quickly took possession toward the circle and drew a 1v1 with Argentina’s goalkeeper Agustin Abratte but could not connect the pass as the ball rolled over the sideline. USA earned back-to-back penalty corner chances but missteps on the inserts resulted in no shots on. As the final minute approached Merino netted his second of the game to make the final score USA 0, Argentina 6.
Despite the loss, Wiese was quick to note the amount of progress the team has made since taking over the head coaching position in January.
“Tremendous amount of growth," added Wiese. "We could all see that between the first quarter and the third and last quarter we were fully in the game. That’s different from the past. You see that you are creating opportunities, we didn’t do that two years ago. All those areas we get better, but if you want to measure yourself and you want to win and beat teams like this, or even a top ten team, you have got to be disciplined. As long as we can’t keep that in a full game, you’re not going to win.”
The USMNT will be back in action for their second pool play match Sunday, August 6 against Venezuela at 7:00 p.m. ET. Watch the teams live in Lancaster, Pa. through the Support USA ticket package, while supplies last. Additional packages and single game tickets are also available by clicking here, and will be available for purchase at the door.
Games will also be streamed online on usafieldhockey.com. Click here for a full event program and broadcast details. #PAC2017 #CaptureTheCup
USFHA media release
Canada’s Men open Pan American Cup with solid 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago
Kori Sidaway
Harbir Sidhu (centre) carries the ball out of danger while playing Trinidad & Tobago at the 2017 Pan American Cup on August 4 in Lancaster, USA (by Yan Huckendubler/PAHF).
Canada’s men’s field hockey team are off to a strong start at the 2017 Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA.
Ranked 11th in the world, the Men’s National team defeated Trinidad & Tobago (ranked 33rd) 4-0 in their first match of the tournament.
The first quarter saw some back and forth play, but Canada ultimately came out to light up the scoreboard first. Captain Scott Tupper took the flick off a short corner call and banked it into back of the net eight minutes in. The tempo seemed to rise after the first goal, with both teams getting a bit scrappy. A series of cards were handed out to both teams, and the carding came to define the end of the first quarter.
But, the men turned it around and came out in the second with some big chances. Floris Van Son had a opportune ball go just wide of an open net, but it was Matthew Sarmento in the 23rd minute who carried the ball dangerously along the baseline and fired across the Trinidad goalie, stuck in his net, to sneak the ball across to the bottom right corner and double Canada’s lead to 2-0.
Trinidad & Tobago ran it back down the field to attempt some circle entries with Canada on the defence, but Balraj Panesar took it straight back. Panesar streaked up the sideline and ripped it in front of the net, but the tip didn’t get quite enough juice to make it on goal.
In the 28th minute, a short corner opportunity arose and Gordon Johnston converted it to a top shelf snipe, making it 3-0 for Canada.
The last of the second quarter saw chances going wide of the nets for both teams, but no one seemed to be able to hit the net, leaving it 3-0 still for Canada as halftime was called.
Trinidad and Tobago came out of halftime strong, but with some solid defending by the likes of Brad Logan, playing his first game as a Senior member on the Men’s National Team, who ensured the ball stayed out of harms way. A couple minutes later, goalkeeper David Carter, who was celebrating his 150th game with the Men’s National team, stepped up for his first touch of the game with a huge save to keep Canada’s 3-0 lead.
The third quarter was filled with more chances and Canada carrying most of the possession – swinging it back and forth the half-way line, trying to find an opening in the Trinidad & Tobago defence. Keegan Pereira had two back to back chances late in the third, both of which disappointingly snuck just wide of the net.
In the 50th minute the men saw a huge opening, with the Trinidad and Tobago goalie out of position, and a big stick save from a Trinidad player. Trying to clear it, a short corner was called. The first flick was saved by the Trinidad goalie, but Ian Smythe, waiting patiently in front of the goal, was able to hit the back of the net off the rebound.
In the dying seconds of the game, Trinidad and Tobago fired back with some last minute chances, but the Men defended it out to bring Game 1 of the Pan American Cup to a close with a final score of 4-0 for Canada.
You can catch more exciting games from the Men when they play next Sunday August 6th against Brazil 7am PT/10am ET.
Photos: Canada vs Trinidad & Tobago – August 4/17
Select photos from Canada’s 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago on August 4, 2017 at the Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)
Field Hockey Canada media release
Canada blanks Calypso Stickmen 4-0
Nigel Simon
This country’s senior men’s hockey team suffered a 4-0 to Canada in their opening Group B match of the 2017 Men’s Pan American Hockey Cup at USA Field Hockey’s showpiece venue, Spooky Nook, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, yesterday.
The 11th ranked Canadians, who are coming off a victory over sixth ranked India at the same Hockey World League semifinal event last month, opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Scott Tupper for a 1-0 first quarter lead, before Matthew Sarmento (23rd) and Gordon Johnston (29th) added second quarter items, for a 3-0 lead at the half-time interval.
In the final 15-minute period, T&T managed to stem the flow of the Canadians attack, and only conceded one more item, through Ian Smythe in the 51st minute.
Last night in the second Pool B match, Mexico and Brazil clashed while in Pool A, two-time winners and defending champions, Argentina, the reigning Olympic champions as well battled USA. In yesterday’s opening match, Chile led by two goals each from Franco Becerra, Jose Hurtado and Martin Rodriguez clobbered Venezuela 6-0. Becerra got his double in the 25th and 55th minutes, Hurtado in the 32nd and 50th and and Rodriguez, in the 44th and 48th to flick off their Pool A campaign.
Tomorrow, the 33rd ranked “Calypso Stickmen” ended with the bronze medals behind Canada and champions Argentina, after beating USA, 3-1 in their playoff and will now face Mexico from 12 noon ahead of their final round-robin match against Brazil from 10am on Tuesday.
At the end of the round-robin phase in the two groups, the top two teams in each pool will advance to the main draw semi-final play-off and the two teams to emerge from this stage of the tournament will earn a berth at the World Cup next year. The top six teams will also qualify for the 2021 Pan American Cup, and the teams placed seventh and eighth must play the 2019 Pan American Challenge.
The Trinidad Guardian
T&T stickmen go down against Canada
HAVING LOST their Pan American Cup opener to Canada in Philadelphia yesterday, the national men’s hockey team finds itself needing to win its other pool matches, against Mexico and Brazil, to be sure of reaching the semi-finals.
The Canadians extended their long-running record of success against team TTO, slamming the Akim Toussaint-led unit 4-0.
Rated number 11 in the world, Canada enjoy the second-highest ranking in the tournament and are expected to win all their Pool B matches. Trinidad and Tobago, ranked 33, will attempt to take care of business against the Mexicans (41) and Brazilians (29) and get into the final four. From there, a victory in the semis would guarantee them a place in the top three and with it, qualification for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Glasgow awaits EuroHockey Championship II
©: Frank Uijlenbroek
Glasgow hosts the men’s EuroHockey Championship II which runs from August 6-12 at the Scottish National Hockey Centre with teams from Wales, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Russia, and Ukraine taking part.
The hosts will be looking to build on a successful year, qualifying for the World League Semi-Final for the first time, jumping from 28th to 23rd in the world rankings.
Now they face tough European opposition as the Scots aim for success on home turf at Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games legacy venue.
Scotland men’s head coach Derek Forsyth said, “We are looking forward to the challenge of the Euros in the coming days. There were some tough selection decisions to make, and now that we have announced our squad I know that everyone is looking forward to tournament hockey again and playing in front of a home crowd in Glasgow.”
The side features former Kelburne player Lee Morton who moves south to Reading for next season to play in the English league while Wimbledon’s Gordon McIntyre will be another key man.
They play France in the opening game who feature Racing Club de France’s Jean-Laurent Kieffer, Simon Martin-Brisac, Amaury Bellenger, Corentin Saunier and Christophe Peters-Deutz and Saint Germain’s Blaise Rogeau, Francois Goyet, Hugo Genestet and Guillaume Deront who are all likely to feature in the EHL this season.
The matches will be streamed live on the Scottish Hockey website, YouTube, and on social media.
Euro Hockey League media release
Scottish Hockey to live stream EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow
Scottish Hockey is delighted to announce that every match of men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow will be streamed live.
We are pleased to once again showcase Scotland as a world-class host of hockey tournaments to an international audience.
Men’s EuroHockey Championship II will be held at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on 6-12 August 2017 and will feature Scotland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Russia, Ukraine and Wales. The matches will be streamed live on the Scottish Hockey website, YouTube, and on social media.
The best way to watch the tournament and world-class hockey close-up is to come along in person. It is a great opportunity to cheer on Scotland’s senior men’s hockey team at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth legacy venue.
Tickets will be available for purchase each day at the gate:
Day Ticket Price: Adult £7
Day Ticket Price: Concession £3
Season Ticket: £20 (until Wed)
Day tickets can also be purchased in advance online HERE
Schedule
Sunday 6th August 2017
11:45 Russia v Switzerland
14:00 Czech Republic v Wales
16:15 Ukraine v Portugal
18:30 France v Scotland
Monday 7 August 2017
16:15 Switzerland v Wales
18:30 Czech Republic v Russia
Tuesday 8 August 2017
16:15 Ukraine v France
18:30 Scotland v Portugal
Wednesday 9 August 2017
11:45 Russia v Wales
14:00 Switzerland v Czech Republic
16:15 France v Portugal
18:30 Scotland v Ukraine
Friday 11 August 2017
Cross Overs
Saturday 12 August 2017
FInals
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Top class Olympic reunion tournament comes to Terrassa
© Frank Uijlenbroek
Eight world class hockey squads travel to Terrassa this weekend for a special 25-year anniversary celebration of the 1992 Olympic Games from October 6-9 at the Municipal Hockey Olympic Stadium Martí Colomer.
The stadium hosted the Games when the Spanish women landed the gold medal with Germany landing the men’s title. This week, the stadium will host four nations tournaments for both men and women.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Josep Maria Biosca said it will “be a big hockey party” with entry to all 12 games free.
In the women's tournament, the participating teams will be Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. On the men’s side, Spain will be joined by the Netherlands, Germany and England. It serves as the perfect final preparations for each country ahead of the European Championships which start on August 18.
This stadium was the auxiliary field during the hockey competition of Barcelona '92 and was renamed Martí Colomer on June 10, in memory of the outstanding player, referee, manager and former president of the Spanish Hockey Federation (RFEH).
** The IV Nations tournament will be broadcast via www.rfeh.es. The full schedule can be seen her: http://www.rfeh.es/presentado-oficialmente-el-iv-naciones-de-terrassa/
Euro Hockey League media release
US to make debut as India return for SoJC
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States national juniors hockey team will make their debut in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in October.
Junior World Cup winners India will also be making a return to the tournament.
The other teams confirmed for the seventh edition of the SoJC, to be held at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru from Oct 22-29, are defending champions Britain, Australia, Japan and Malaysia.
“We are happy to announce the participation of these six countries, with the US team making their debut,” said Johor Hockey Association deputy president Datuk Manjit Majid Abdullah.
The SoJC is a much sought after tournament as it gives youngster a chance to showcase their talent.
It also acts as a platform for countries, including Malaysia, to start their preparations for the 2020 Junior World Cup.
The national team are being coached by Nor Saiful Zaini and have been training for more than a year.
Last year, the MHC fielded their development team instead of the 2020 side, with an average age of 16.
The Star of Malaysia
Argentina ace Peillat hopes to play in MHL next year
by S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Argentina top penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat could make his debut in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) next year.
The Argentine has written to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) asking if there are any clubs willing to take him on for the MHL next year.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that it would be a great honour to have the best hockey players in the MHL.
“Peillat wrote to me and said that even his Argentine teammates would able to play in the MHL if it is held in the early part of the year.
“This is a positive move and I think it will benefit us. Their presence will also give the MHL a higher profile,” said Subahan.
There are two reasons why players like Peillat seek to feature in the MHL. One is because there are no league action in Europe in the early part of the year. Secondly, the professional Hockey India League (HIL) has been cancelled for the 2018 season.
“Yes, the cancellation of the HIL means that top players from the elite hockey playing countries are available to play here. The only question is whether the MHL clubs can afford them.
“I have spoken to the competitions committee chairman (George Koshy) and we will look at how to bring in top players to the MHL.”
The MHL is scheduled to start in January and run for about two to three months.
Peillat was named the best player and top scorer in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in London in June.
The Argentine, who has 120 international caps, has featured in two Olympics – London 2012 and Rio 2016 (where Argentina won the gold medal).
He was also the top scorer at the World Cup in The Hague in 2014 and at the Rio Games.
“His credentials are impressive. I would really like to see him play here. I feel that our youngsters can learn from him and study his penalty corner techniques,” said Subahan.
The Star of Malaysia
Railways, PNB start semifinals as favourites
K. Keerthivasan
Indian Railways and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have literally toyed with their opponents in their Pools (‘A’ & B’) in the 91st MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament, and to look beyond the two teams when the semifinals begin on Saturday would be nothing less than imprudence.
Two of the best teams, Railways and PNB, who have scored 17 and 18 goals each and conceded just five goals each, have gone about their business in the group matches with ruthless ease.
Going by form and group performance, it would only be fair to pick Railways and PNB as the favourites to reach the final.
Class act
Especially, Railways has been a class-act. Starting with a 6-2 decimation of Bengaluru HA, it defeated Punjab & Sind Bank 3-1, before blanking Hockey Unit of TN 5-0 and BPCL 4-2.
In all these matches, the forwards have not let their foot off the pedal. Raju Paul, Ranjan Aiyappa, Karan Pal Singh and Ajmer Singh have scored consistently to put Railways out of harm’s way. Aided effectively by Pardeep Singh and Gauravjeet Singh at the back, Railways has been consistent on all fronts.
PNB, too has a very strong forward and defensive structure. Thrashing Odisha by six goals and ONGC by five, Army and Central Secretariat by three and four goals, showed the effectiveness of its bunch of forwards led by Gurjinder Singh, Shamsher Singh.
Possessing a well-chiseled physique, Gagandeep Singh (Sr.) has proved to be quite proficient in penalty corner conversions. Gagandeep Singh (Jr.) has showcased his skills with a couple of eye-catching goals. Skipper Shivdeep Dawra has been working quietly with his precise passes. Satpal Singh, Ravinder Tewatia and Sanjay have proved to be more than adequate at the back.
The surprise pack in the semifinals has been Bengaluru HA. Assembled a few days before the tournament, chief coach Ashish Ballal has done wonders with the team. After the thrashing at the hands of Railways, Bengaluru picked itself up with a fighting win over BPCL followed by a convincing win over Punjab & Sind Bank. The question is can penalty corner specialist V. R. Raghunath produce his magic yet again to overcome PNB?
ONGC, on the other hand, has done well, losing only to PNB in the Pool. Diwakar Ram has been the go-to man in penalty corners, and he has not failed the team. The second choice , Nilam Xess is shaping up well. Mithilesh and Machaiah have scored under crunch situations. How it handles a rampaging forwardline of Railways will be interesting to watch.
All in all, the semifinals, it is fervently hoped, will be nothing less than riveting.
The Hindu
Best thing to have happened to me in long time: Sardar
Sabi Hussain
New Delhi - Battling sexual harassment charges and the recent setback of being dropped from the Indian hockey team for the European tour, Sardar Singh should consider himself lucky for being recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
“This is undoubtedly one of the best moments of my career. This is the best thing to have happened to me in a very long time,” the 31-year-old Haryana midfielder said from Bengaluru.
A police complaint was filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing a British woman hockey player of Indian origin on pretext of marriage.
“This is all destiny. When you haven’t done anything wrong, God can’t be cruel to you. The award shows that people still have faith in me. They still support me as I enter the last phase of my career,” Singh added.
The news of Khel Ratna recommendation has rejuvenated the Sirsa-born player and he hopes to continue fighting for his place in the team.
“It has strengthened my resolve to continue fighting for my place in the team and the external forces. This award has motivated me to continue playing for India for another 2-3 years. My focus is to play the next year’s World Cup, CWG and the Asian Games,” he added.
The Tribune
PHF executive board meets after 13 months
Hafiz Imran
LAHORE - The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) executive board is going to meet first time in 13 months on August 10 in Islamabad.
The 29th executive board meeting will be presided over by PHF president Brig (r) Sajjad Khokhar, which will discuss Pakistan hockey team’s performance in the recently-held World Cup qualifier and the report of the team management while the development report of new management will be under discussion.
PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmad Senior will present report on Senior Professional Hockey League and the three-year agreement signed between PHF and Scotland hockey federation for hosting Pakistan home series. The secretary will also present reports on the performance of Under-18 hockey team, which is in Australia, the financial matters and audit report of the PHF while a detailed report will also be presented on the grant received from the government and how and where it is being utilised. The national level tournaments, players getting jobs from different departments and newly-laid astro-turfs in different cities will also be discussed. The members will be informed about how to conduct first ever Pakistan Super Hockey League and the expected visit of World XI.
The Nation