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All the news for Thursday 31 May 2018

XI South American Games Cochabamba 2018 (W) - Day 1
Cochabamba (BOL)

Results 30 May

CHI v PAR (Pool B)     5 - 0
ARG v PER (Pool A) 21 - 0
URU v BOL (Pool B) 6 - 0

Pool standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Argentina unstoppable in Cochabamba

Macarena Ilabaca - PAHF


South American Games (2018mODESUR) Cochabamba 2018: Argentina vs. Peru. Photo: Oscar Munoz Badilla

Cochabamba. Argentina played an excellent game, tried all of their variants and ended up beating Peru 21-0 in the first game of Cochabamba’s South American Games 2018.

The ‘Leonas’ didn’t gave Peru an opportunity and pressed them through out all the game.

In that line of triumphs, Chile also left happy and with positive results. 'Las Diablas' by Sergio 'Cachito' Vigil won 5-0 against Paraguay.

The day was, for the second consecutive day, a historic one for Bolivia’s hockey. They played a good game against Uruguay despite the 6-0.

The first day of women’s tournament, had a constant and cheerful crowd.

CHILE BETWEEN GOALS AND EXPERIENCE

Chile managed to win by five goals, in a match that was almost entirely dominated by the 'Diablas'.

It was a match that was useful to know the court, their resistance to height and also to ensure the first place in group B.

The goals were converted by Chileans Manuela Urroz (2), Agustina Solano, Camila Caram and Kim Jacob.

ARGENTINA OVERTAKES PERU

With six goals by María Campoy, four by Milagros Fernández, three by Agustina Albertarrio and Julieta Jankunas Argentina had a dream debut. They dominated the game. Priscilla Jardel scored two goals, as well as Agustina Alonso, Sofia Toccalino and Agustina Gorzelany.

Peru made some circle penetrations and even a had a penalty corner, however it was not enough to score a goal against 'Las Leonas'.

URUGUAY WINS AGAINST THE LOCALS

Last game of the day, the locals had a great support of hockey fans, however it was not enough to overcome Uruguay, who scored 6 goals and won the game.

Anastasia Olave (2), María Teresa Viana Ache (2), Cecilia Casarotti and Soledad Villar scored for Uruguay.

The women's will continue their tournament on Friday, June 1 : 11:00am Paraguay vs Bolivia, at 1:00 p.m. Brazil vs Argentina and at 3:00 p.m. Uruguay vs Chile.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Still on the losing end despite a better performance

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia raised their game in the fourth Test hockey match but still went down 2-1 to Argentina at the Mar Del Plata, Argentina.

It was the fourth straight defeat for national chief coach Stephen van Huizen’s men in the Test matches.

Reigning Olympic champions Argentina won the first three matches (1-0), (6-1) and (7-2).

In the match played on Tuesday, it was the first time in four matches, Malaysia took a lead through veteran striker Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil (pic) in the 14th minute.

But the South American champions came back strongly to convert two penalty corners within a space of four minutes.

Maico Casella equalised in the 42nd minute and four minutes later Nahuel Salis scored the winning goal.

The Malaysian defence had conceded 16 goals in four matches and managed to score only four goals.

Stephen said the first two quarters were played in quite foggy conditions but the situation improved in the next two quarters.

“There was much better communication and determination by the players as they fought hard for every ball.

“We defended well as an unit and managed to score first through a field goal by Tengku Ahmad in a one-to-one situation with the goalkeeper,” said Stephen.

“They came back strongly in the third quarter but we held firm and the game was pretty even although they raised their tempo to try and get an equaliser.

“In the third quarter, they came down hard at us but unfortunately towards the end of the quarter they scored off a penalty corner drag flick, which sailed past goalkeeper S. Kumar.

“We substituted Kumar to allow goalkeeper Muhd Hairi (Abdul Rahman) to play the last quarter. We were careless to concede a penalty corner in the first 17 seconds of the fourth quarter and Argentina converted.

“We kept fighting to the end but couldn’t get the equaliser. It was a much improved performance by my players,” said Stephen.

Malaysia went to Argentina to play six Tests matches in preparation for the Asian Games in Jakarta from Aug 18-Sept 2.

The winner of the Asian Games gold medallist will gain an automatic berth to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games.

The Star of Malaysia

Pakistan seek one more chance of Champions Trophy glory


Pakistan will be looking forward to taking on the world's best in Breda Photo: Yan Huckendubler

With an eye on the Rabobank Men's Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands in just over three week's time, Pakistan men’s hockey team are upping the ante when it comes to fitness and readiness for the event.

As reported by Ijaz Chaudrey in the national newspaper The News on Sunday, Head Coach Roelant Oltmans has brought in Australian fitness coach Daniel Barry to improve the team’s fitness levels, sprinting capabilities and pre and post-match nutrition.

Strength, speed and aerobic capability are all areas in which the fitness coach knows he can make quite quick advances and, with the additional advantage of having the experienced and highly strategic Oltmans at the helm, the fervid hockey fans in Pakistan will be watching their team’s progress in the Netherlands with high expectations.

And it is fitting that Pakistan are competing at this 37th and final iteration of the event, as it was the Pakistan Hockey Federation and its President Air Marshall Malik Nur Khan who were the driving forces behind the competition’s foundation. It was also Air Marshall Khan who provided the trophy that is still handed to the winning captain today.

Pakistan have won the title three times, with their third victory coming in 1994 when they beat Germany in the final.

The Hockey Champions Trophy was founded in 1978 and the first event took place in Lahore, Pakistan. The host nation won, beating Australia 2-1 in the final. Two years later, in Karachi, Pakistan repeated the feat, this time beating West Germany into second place.

Pakistan have won the title three times, with their third victory coming in 1994. On this occasion, they beat Germany in the final. The match itself was tied at 2-2, but a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out saw Pakistan emerge as 7-6 winners. Among the Pakistan scorers on that day was the Pakistan hockey legend Shabaz Ahmed, known in his homeland as the Maradona of hockey.

Since those heady days of Champions Trophy success, Pakistan has struggled to assert itself on the world hockey stage. That said, the Green Shirts have participated in all bar five editions of the event and, over the course of those 31 appearances, the team has won seven silver medals and seven bronze medals to add to the three gold medals. These statistics make Pakistan the fourth most successful team to have competed in the Champions Trophy, behind Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.

But, as the Hockey Champions Trophy approaches its final outing, hockey supporters from Pakistan would love to see their team round off the trophy’s history with a timely win. A good performance would also set the tone for the team’s performances at their next two big challenges, the Asian Games (qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics) and the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar 2018.

Pakistan open their account at this year’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy with a highly anticipated encounter with Asia rivals India. The last time the two teams met, in the opening match of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the fiercely contested match ended in a 2-2 draw.

With both teams seeking a return to the glory days and with the years of hockey rivalry between India and Pakistan providing a rich history all of its own, expect this final edition of the Hockey Champions Trophy to get off to a blisteringly entertaining start. Hockey doesn’t get much more exciting than this.

For all the news and the full playing schedule of the Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy, Breda, click here.

#HCT2018

FIH site

"It will be a Gradual Climb'

By Ijaz Chadhry

PHF recently acquired the services of renowned Dutch hockey coach Roelant Oltmans for the national team.

He made an immediate impact. At the Commonwealth Games though Pakistan ended seventh but there were a lot of positives. The green shirts remained undefeated throughout achieving creditable draws against teams rated much higher. Mostly, they came from behind to draw level. After quite some time, the Pakistan team displayed some real game plan.

Oltmans earned major international coaching honours with his native Netherlands. His first distinction was with the Netherlands women’s team. Under his coaching, they won the 1990 World Cup. Next he was with the men’s team. Netherlands, the great hockey loving nation, had lifted the men’s World Cup in 1973 and 1990. But they were yet to win the coveted Olympic gold. Women had won it in 1984. It was under Oltmans guidance that a nation’s dream got materialized and the men finally had the Olympics gold in 1996. Two years later, the Netherlands also won the World Cup. Then he moved to soccer and served as the technical director for the Dutch professional club NAC. Oltmans added another feather in his cap as he saw NAC promoted to Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch soccer.

Coming back to hockey, he was appointed Pakistan’s coach. During his stint there, Pakistan were fifth at the 2004 Olympics; they have not been able to finish above seventh since then. Next, it was home again, as the coach of the Dutch national men’s team. He did this role until 2008.

Before taking over Pakistan’s national side, Oltmans was in India. His initial assignment was Performance Director. After two years, in 2015, he was made the head coach of the national team as well. In 2016, on his request, he was relieved of his duties as the performance director and worked only as the head coach until September 2017.

When he joined the Indian national team in 2013, they were ranked 13th in the world. During his time, the team rose to no 6.

At the Commonwealth Games, Oeltmans wasn’t satisfied with the physical fitness of the Pakistani players.  On his recommendations, the PHF hired the renowned Australian physical trainer Daniel Barry.
 
Champions Trophy in Breda, Holland, 23 June-1 July, is Pakistan’s next appointment.  In the first phase of the preparation, under the supervision of Daniel Barry, a physical conditioning camp for the probables, was conducted at Abbottabad from May 1-15.

Oltmans talks about what next?

“At the CW games, I was pleased with the skills of the Pakistani players but the fitness standards were unsatisfactory.   At the Abbottabad camp, Barry put the boys through rigorous physical training and they showed a lot of improvement. Hopefully, this progress is also translated on the pitch.
 
The camp training for the Champions Trophy is planned in two phases, in Karachi and Netherlands.

“The two week camp in Karachi is already in progress after which the 33 probables will be reduced to 22 who will fly to the Netherlands on June 4. There, the squad will be based at Noordwijk in the Western Netherlands.

It will help in acclimatization. We have also arranged specialized training for two vital areas. Famous goal keeper trainer Dennis Van de Pol, who provides consultation to the top Hoofdklasse (Dutch premier league) clubs, has been hired. The legendary drag flicker Bram Lomans, Netherlands’ double Olympic gold medallist and scorer of 140 international goals will polish the Pakistani drag flickers.

There will also be practice matches, three against Austria and one versus the Netherlands.  Then the final 18 for the Champions Trophy will be named.

Hence, a well prepared Pakistani side should enter the last edition of the Champions Trophy.”

You mentioned about satisfaction with the ‘skills’ of these players. Kindly elaborate?

“The boys have what we call the inherent oriental abilities such as the stick work, close ball control and body feints, among others. Still, some basics such as stopping and receiving require improvement.

It is imperative that they adapt to the system i.e. everyone should know his role within the team and also as per the situation. They should follow the game plan.           The boys appear to be quick learners as seen at the CW games after just two week camp.”

Where you see Pakistan at the Champions Trophy?

“At the time of signing the contract, I had made it clear that I target the Asian Games, in August, and the World Cup, in December. This Champions Trophy is a six team event. The 13th ranked Pakistan would play sides ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th in the world. Hence, we should only hope for respectable results in these games and may be a win or two”.

What about the Asian Games?

“At the Asiad, Pakistan will be aiming for the gold as that would mean automatic qualification for the 2020 Olympics.  That said, it won’t be an easy task as all the other teams will be targeting the same.”

And the World Cup?

“Pakistan is in a tough pool with Netherlands (WR: 4) Germany (WR: 5) and Malaysia (WR: 12). As per the format, only the pool winner is guaranteed a quarter final berth with the next two sides needing to win a cross over.”

Does that mean you will focus against Malaysia?

“No. We will take it match by match. When the World Cup arrives, Pakistan should be capable of springing some surprise.”   

About the reasons for the decline of Pakistan hockey

“A lot needs to be done in the development area. It seems the nurseries have shrunk. I visited Sialkot the other day. Now, Sialkot has provided Pakistan hockey with great names in the past but I was surprised during my visit to the main club/academy. The boys were simply going through the motions without any proper guidance.

At Lahore, at least Dar Hockey Academy and Rana Zaheer Academy are doing a good job.. Gojra, of course, has been providing quality players. There must be some other. But the hockey culture in Pakistan is not the same as it used to be. More pockets should be focused. Make good training programmes, implemented by qualified coaches well versed with the modern methods.

India were ranked 13th when Oltmans joined their national team. They had moved up to the sixth spot when he left.

He has now taken over Pakistan who are placed 13th….it remains to be seen.

Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him and his work, visit: www.sportscorrespondent.info  

Fieldhockey.com

 
Shreejesh to lead India at Champions Trophy 2018

NEW DELHI: Hockey India on Thursday announced the 18-member Indian Men’s Team who will take part in the final edition of the prestigious Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018, The Netherlands starting 23 June 2018.

The team will be led by ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh under whose captaincy the Indian team created history in the previous edition by clinching the silver medal after a tense final encounter with World No.1 Australia. It was India’s first podium finish at the Champions Trophy in 34 years.

“I think that was the closest we came to winning the Gold and most importantly beating Australia. Though we had to settle for a second place, it was a memorable tournament. This time too, we want to make it a memorable one as it’s the last edition of the prestigious event,” stated skipper PR Sreejesh.

Sreejesh will be joined by youngster Krishan Pathak as goalkeeper while India’s defence will see the experienced Birendra Lakra make a comeback into the squad. He will be joined by drag-flickers Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas along with Surender Kumar and debut player Jarmanpreet Singh who earned a place in the core group after a stupendous domestic season.

India’s midfield will be formed by stalwart Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and the talented Vivek Sagar Prasad. The forward line will feature SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Sumit Kumar (Jr).

“The team is a good mix of youth and experienced players. Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 is an extremely important tournament for the players to showcase their firepower as the team for the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta will be picked basis performance at the XXI Commonwealth Games and the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018,” stated Chief Coach Harendra Singh without mincing words on the importance of the tournament.

India’s aim will be to finish on the podium to set the momentum right ahead of major International events such as the Asian Games in August and the much-awaited World Cup in Bhubaneswar 2018 starting November.

“While this team will be put to test against another Asian powerhouse Pakistan who we will face in the Asian Games, Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 will provide the ideal platform to see where we stand against higher ranked teams like Australia, Belgium, The Netherlands and Argentina in the lead up to the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018,” Singh added.

India will begin their campaign at the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 against rivals Pakistan on 23 June 2018.

The Times of India

'I always say the pressure is on Harendra'

Manuja Veerappa

BENGALURU: After a long and circuitous route coaching the junior team and the women’s team, Harendra Singh is, finally, back at the helm of India’s men’s hockey team. Depending on how one looks at it, the timing is either impeccable or horrendous since his coaching acumen will be constantly under scrutiny given the array of high-profile tournaments lined up this year. First up is the Champions Trophy next month, which will be followed by the Asian Games and then the biggie — the World Cup. Harendra, passionate about the game, prefers to see his anointing as a challenge.

On the sidelines of the national camp, the chief coach, who took over from Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne recently, spoke on his team, players, expectations and more…

Excerpts:

How has the shift from coaching the women’s team to being at the helm of the men’s team been?

I have worked with the men's teams for many years. So for me, the transition is not difficult. I know every player, in and out. It's very smooth coming from the women's team to the men's.

Three coaches in two years… Will it tactically confuse players?

First, there is no difference in the philosophy of hockey and coaching. Some coaches like to play an attacking game, some prefer to be defensive, some like zonal marking and others man-to-man marking. The boys know what is required. What we need to do is find modalities that suit players. I'm not going to drastically change the structure. I am only looking to improve the playing style and make minor adjustments.

What will these adjustments be?

We need to work on scoring goals. Another major area we need to work on is defending in our circle and ensuring we do not concede penalty corners. After the change to four quarters, the game has become very fast. Strength and speed is the main criteria. There's a thin line between winning and losing and the time has come to breach that line.

Does Hockey India’s ‘hire and fire’ routine put pressure on you?

My career began in September 1998. I've seen everything — the best and the worst of Indian hockey. I always say the pressure is on Harendra and I'm ready to shoulder it. Once you become a national coach, be it cricket or hockey, there is pressure because a huge responsibility has been entrusted upon you. My logic is simple: If you are successful why would the federation fire you?

Do you subscribe to a player-driven approach?

For me, it's always about the team. Individuals can express their opinions but the core group will decide if it's practical.

Do you think you have enough time to make a difference in Asian Games?

It's a big opportunity and I'm ready for it. I have three major tournaments and it's a great chance to prove myself.

.. And the Champions Trophy?

It's a big opportunity to test our players and help prepare for the Asian Games. It's the best six warm-up games we'll get. Last time we finished with silver and I want that winning mentality.

Opponents seem to have sorted the penalty corner specialists. Will you go back to the drawing board to work on it?

Any team that can convert 28-32% of PCs is usually on the podium. About Rupinder (and why he was not effective at CWG), we must understand that once you earn a reputation, you are on the radar of rival teams. They all know you are a lethal drag-flicker and start preparing to stop you. A few teams at the CWG executed a very good defensive structure. So the time has come for us to attempt some variations. We need to confuse the opponent about whether we're taking a direct shot or going indirect. One of the best examples is Germany. They always mix it up and mess with the mind of the opponent. India is the only country with three or four drag-flickers in one team. So, we need to work on the indirect variations too.

There has been a lot of chopping and changing in the team. Will that continue?

I'm only looking at fitness and form. There is no excess baggage. We have a World Cup in our backyard. It's a huge opportunity for the players and the public. From 1975 till today, we have not even played in the semifinals of a World Cup. All 48 should start thinking about making history. Why can't such a talented bunch of players do it? They should want to be part of history in front of their country with a billion people watching.

The Times of India

A great chance to prove myself at Asian Games: Harendra Singh

India needs to improve its PC conversions, says men’s team chief coach Harendra Singh

Shreedutta Chidananda


Ready for it: Indian men’s hockey team coach Harendra Singh wants the players in the camp to start thinking about the World Cup.

One thing Harendra Singh does not have in his new role is the luxury of time. The chief coach’s immediate assignment with the Indian men’s hockey team is the Champions Trophy, which gets underway on June 23.

He only has six weeks between the end of that tournament and the start of the Asian Games, a competition on which hinges an Olympic Games berth. In November begins the FIH World Cup on home soil. Harendra, though, is not fazed.

“I don’t need time,” he said at the SAI here. “I need time if I don’t know anything about the culture of the country, and the behaviour and mindset of the players.

Major tournaments

“But I know everything. I am a part of this family. I look at it as an opportunity. I have three major tournaments and it’s a great chance to prove myself.”

The revolving door of coaches in Indian hockey did not trouble him, Harendra stated.

“My career started in September 1998. I’ve seen everything, the best and worst of Indian hockey. The pressure is on Harendra and I’m ready to take it. My logic is simple: if you provide results, why would the federation fire you?”

At the Commonwealth Games, India’s men converted only 10 of their 39 penalty corners with Harmanpreet Singh, the primary drag-flicker, slotting home five out of 20. The team’s conversion rate was worse in the Asia Cup and the HWL Final.

India had to improve its PC routine, felt Harendra. “Teams in the podium bracket usually convert 28-32% of their penalty corners. We must also understand that once a drag-flicker earns a reputation, he is on the radar of rival teams. They start preparing to stop him. So the time has come for us to try some indirect variations. We need to mix it up.”

Better finishing needed

India’s forwards had to finish better too, he added. “We were getting into the circle (at the CWG) but we were not in the right position to score the goal. It’s not necessary to shoot all the time. We need to use our wrists and deflect the pass in rather than waste precious time trying to the ball and shoot.”

The team had to start thinking about the World Cup already, said Harendra. “We have a World Cup in our backyard. Since 1975, we have not even entered the semifinals. All 48 players in the camp should start thinking about making history.”

The Hindu

Valuable Experience Gained as U-19 USMNT Hosts First-Ever Junior Nations Invitational Tournament



NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The U.S. U-19 Men's National Team's final three games of the Junior Nations Invitational Tournament saw much improvement, even though the effort and hard work was not reflected on the scoreboard. In Thursday's game, USA sat on the defensive end for much of the match but their stealth play limited Japan penalty corner opportunities. Seven field goals were scored for Japan to take the game. Ireland produced a similar score in Friday's match, as USA fell 7-0. The final game of the tournament finished with the lowest goal margin for USA. Although they produced many offensive threats, Japan prevailed 5-1.

"We continue to show great growth and our hard work is starting to pay off," said Rutger Wiese, Junior U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. "It is obvious that we need to continue playing against the best competition in the world and continue challenging ourselves locally, nationally and internationally. We’re looking for to our trainings and games the summer."

Thursday, May 25
USA 0, Japan 7

In their second match-up against Japan in the Junior Nations Invitational Tournament, the U.S. U-19 Men's National Team was shut out 7-0.

"Tonight we saw the team coming together more which resulted in improvement in ball movement and getting into pockets," said Shannon Taylor, Junior U.S. Men's National Team Assistant Coach. "We are keeping in mind the point of these games is to make sure we’re improving through each match."

Japan came out of the gate at full speed. After a quick goal by Japan in the first minute of play, USA and Japan settled into the familiar pattern of fast breaks by Japan with USA on the defensive end. Striving to remain solid, USA held Japan to two goals in the first quarter and only gave up one in the second quarter making the score 3-0 at the end of the half.

The second half saw Japan increase the pressure with multiple circle penetrations and shots on goal to ultimate close the game at 7-0. While the score reflects a win for Japan, other metrics show that USA showed improvements and built upon lessons learned in their previous matches. Japan earned five penalty corners but were denied satisfaction on all attempts.

Friday, May 26
USA 0, Ireland 7

In USA's second contest against Ireland, the Irish made the most of their scoring opportunities tallying seven on the scoreboard. USA allowed early goals in each quarter but improved their defense making it more difficult for Ireland to enter their attacking circle.

Sunday, May 27
USA 1, Japan 5

In the final game of the Junior Nations Invitational Tournament, USA played Japan and fell 5-1. Early goals placed Japan in the lead but USA's defensive on six of eight penalty corners reigned in Japan's scoring. USA created more offensive opportunities in this game, and a well-executed drag flick by Wander Hommes (Westlake Village, Calif.) on a penalty corner in the third quarter put USA on the scoreboard. The fourth quarter saw a series of attacks and counter attacked by both teams, but no goals were produced.

This past week, the U.S. U-19 Men's National Team had two practices games, five international matches and six practices. Exposing the men's Junior High-Performance to this kind of tour setting and the opportunity to compete against teams from countries with strong junior programs allowed the squad to work on cohesiveness, role clarity and communication.

USA Field Hockey and the Junior USMNT program would like to thank Ireland and Japan for making the trip to the first-ever Junior Nations Invitational Tournament. Another thank you goes to the volunteer event photographers, Christa DeAngelis, Maryse Govaert and Kathrine Hennessy, and all families and volunteers who helped make the event a success. A special word of thanks goes to LGC Valley for their support during the tournament. 

USFHA media release

Dale nets sweet 16 as Ireland U-21s win four in US

Ireland’s Under-21 men ran up four wins from five in New York as they beat Japan and USA twice each with Julian Dale scoring 16 times in the process.

They started off with a 3-1 win over Japan with Dale scoring a hat trick before following up with an 9-0 win against the USA in their second tie, scoring three times in the first 12 minutes to set the tone.

Dale ended up with another hat trick with Callum Robson, Conor Empey, David Rae, Geoff Cole, Sam Grace and Keith O’Hare all scoring.

Their second tie against Japan ended with a 4-1 successs, Dale with a third successive triple while Annadale’s Adam MacAllister got the other.

Dale added another five to his weekly total in a 7-0 victory over the hosting USA, MacAllister and Rae getting the others.

And the week on the pitch was completed with the closest tie of the series, losing out 6-5 to Japan, Dale adding two more with MacAllister, Cole and Luke Witherow on the mark.

The group will next play in a six nations event in Antwerp later this summr.

The Hook

Jackson honoured in wake of Irish men’s win over Germany


Peter and John Jackson following Ireland’s recent 2-1 win over Germany. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Peter Jackson was given the perfect send-off as he was recognised for his incredible contributions to Irish hockey in the wake of the men’s recent 2-1 win over Germany.

He has formally retired from his wide variety of high-level management roles for 15 years as part of a lifetime involved in the sport, a truly special volunteer for hockey.

Peter has been involved in hockey since the 1970’s as a player, coach, manager, administrator and supporter. He started hockey life as member of Collegians HC with spells at Cloughfern and Parkview before settling at Mossley HC.

As a coach, he was successful in winning the British Police Championships in successive years in 2003 and 2004 with PSNI Ladies.

He has volunteered for many roles in provincial and national hockey having managed junior age group and the senior men’s team since 2003.

Under his tenure, the Irish men have risen to 10th in the world, won a number of trophies, including the Champions Challenge II, Celtic Cups, qualifying for Rio Olympics and, most recently, qualified for the World Cup to be held in India later this year.

He was a member of Hockey Ireland’s Board of Directors, remains a Tournament Official and member of the Hockey Ireland Discipline panel. On occasions, he can still be found blowing a whistle for Mossley’s junior teams

He has a great interest in military history and has assisted In research for a number of books as well as being a volunteer at the ‘The Hockey Museum’ in Woking, England.

Peter is passionate about indoor hockey having played it at a more youthful age. He has travelled Europe wide to spectate and sees the distinct advantages it bring to young players technical development and transference to the outdoor game.


Peter Jackson with the Irish senior men’s team with whom he was manager for the guts of a decade. Pic: Adrian Boehm

He enjoys other sports but of recent can be found idling most of his time in retirement on the North Coast. His most dubious claim to fame is that he played hockey with Brian Caruth at school, who lacking pace, always volunteered to mind the sticks where he could be more vocal to his left back.

On a personal note, The Hook has also been very grateful for all of Peter’s help in working with the Irish team, dating back to Wrexham in 2009 in the European B division.

Placed in side-by-side university dorm rooms, ours were always the last lights on in the corridor for that tournament, giving a great insight to the long hours he put in to make sure everything was in place for the players the next day.

A truly great, unsung hero of the recent success on the world stage.

The Hook

Jonker and Harte reflect on harsh final act of strong Kampong season


©: Koen Suyk/World Sport Pics

SV Kampong legend Constantijn Jonker said he “refused to be extremely disappointed” in the wake of the EHL final defeat to HC Bloemendaal last Sunday, the last act of 14 years with the club’s first team.

He was hoping to retire alongside Quirijn Caspers, Philip Meulenbroek and Sjoerd de Wert with a rare EHL-Hoofdklasse double but it was not to be.

As such, it was an emotional end to a fine career with the Utrecht club’s first team, gaining promotion back in the day to winning their first silverware in over 30 years in 2016 with the EHL.

Two Hoofdklasse titles followed but the second EHL crown eluded them last Sunday against hosts Bloemendaal.

"This is intense for me,” Jonker said to hockey.nl in the wake of the final. “I spent 25 years at Kampong. That is now over. Maybe next year I will play at a different club in a lower team but that will be purely to stay busy. Kampong will always be my club!

"I refuse to be extremely disappointed. I am proud of this season. Everybody knows how emotional it was for me and how intensely I experienced the past few weeks.

“But let's not pretend it is disappointing; we retained the national title; the double would have been great."

David Harte, meanwhile, was magnanimous in defeat, saying that his side just could not summon another big performance.

“Bloemendaal was stronger over the 60 minutes,” the goalkeeper – who had an impressive game – said to hockey.nl.

“They had more opportunities. We really relied on our counter in difficult conditions. We really missed someone like [the injured Lars] Balk. Anyway, those are just excuses. We just did not bring what we could do from last week.

“It is hard to say now, but I am so proud of the team, especially for the league title. We tried to do it today for the boys who meant so much to the club and with whom we have friendships for life. We were so close to the double but the feeling remains that we really gave it everything.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Bisley proud of Herakles performances in debut EHL season


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

Herakles coach Darren Bisley says that when the dust settles on the Lier club’s maiden EHL season, they can be proud of their efforts, reaching the FINAL4 at the first attempt.

They beat both Atletic Terrassa and Real Club de Polo in the KO16 and KO8, advancing to the FINAL4. There, they were beaten 6-2 by Kampong in the closing 10 minute by a Bjorn Kellerman goal.

In the BRONZE MATCH, they led with less than two minutes to go before Rotterdam scored in the dying moments. They thought they had a final corner but it was annulled on video review.

“At the moment, a little bit sour with no medal,” he told the EHL website. “We were really good in all our games, really stood up to the show and handled it well. We were brave and showed some really courageous hockey against extremely good teams. We will be disappointed for a little bit without a medal but when we reflect on it, we will be really proud.

“Rotterdam have a lot of international quality and we defended really strong for a long time. They had enough quality to eventually nip us on the line; I am not sure exactly what happened in the last video referral – I couldn’t hear it – but we didn’t really get that little bit of luck again but we will get over it.”

And Bisley is hungry for more EHL competition, adding: “It’s a shame we only had two events; we would have loved to have three but not playing in ROUND1 meant nobody really knew us. We end with two wins, two losses from our four games.”

For next season, Herakles will not be in the EHL but they have added some high profile players with New Zealander Stephen Jenness moving from Daring while Argentinean Juan Cruz Aguilero also moves to Lier.

Jake Smith is returning to New Zealand and Jerome Legrand is retiring.

Euro Hockey League media release

Defence Force upstages Petrotrin

Nigel Simon

National men’s team duo, Shaquille Daniel and Marcus James were among the goals as Defence Force upstaged two-time defending national champions Petrotrin when the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division Outdoor season flicked off at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Saturday night.

No Outdoor Championship Division competition was contested last year and this year’s late start was due to the unavailability of the playing surface at Tacarigua as a result of electrical issues experienced by the facility, followed by the cleaning of the artificial surface, which was in productive use for 11 months.

However, both teams seemed as ready as can be for action as Petrotrin which captured the last two titles contested in 2015 and 2016 took the 17th minute through Arielle Bowen, only for teenager Justin Beharry to reply for Defence Force two minutes later.

The see-saw battle swung back in the Oilmen favour courtesy a 20th-minute goal from Jonathan Williams, but with five minutes Daniel drew Defence Force level at 2-2, the half-time score.

Christopher Mc Key handed Defence Force’s its first lead in the 42nd minute and six minutes later James made certain of all three points, with his team’s fourth item.

Earlier on at the same venue, Paragon also began its Men’s Championship Division campaign with a 3-0 defeat of Notre Dame.

National forward Kiel Murray opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Tariq Singh and Christian John added second-half items in the 42nd and 52nd minutes respectively.

And on Sunday, national forward, Teague Marcano netted the first hat-trick of the season in Malvern’s 7-1 whipping of Notre Dame.

Marcano got his goals as early as the tenth, 46th and 47th minutes, the last a penalty-stroke while his international team-mate Kieron Emmanuel added a double in the 24th and 30th minutes.

Teague’s cousin, Aidan Marcano (35th) and Daniel Byer (43rd), another national team member in the Malvern line-up added one each in the one-sided contest after Englishman, Huw Stevens had briefly tied up the score at 1-1 for the Dames in the 24th minute.

In the lone Women’s Championship Division match contested on the weekend, Harvard Checkers’ Selena Hodges, 60th-minute strike, her second of the match, salvaged a 2-2 with Shandy Carib Magnolias.

Hodges had fired Checkers into a shock 1-0 lead in the eight before St Francis University and national women’s team pair, Samantha Olton, 28th and Brianna Govia, 37th netted to put Magnolias ahead.

However, Magnolias was made to rue their missed effort when Hodges netted with the final flick of the match to earn her team a share of the points.

This season, the Men’s Championship Division will be contested over one round of competition and the Women’s Championship Division over two rounds to cater for the preparation and participation of the national senior teams at the upcoming Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games from July 20 to August 3, 2018 in Barranquilla, Colombia. The local season will continue at Tacarigua on Thursday.

Results

May 26
Trinity Women
Paragon 2 (Keima Gardiner 29th, Danielle Thompson 38th) vs Harvard Checkers 0
Trinity Men
Fatima 5 (Justin Pascall 12th, 55th, Quinn Clarke 6th, Jhardel Elcock 42nd, Roshan Hamilton 60th) vs Carib 0
Shape 3 vs Petrotrin 0 - by default
Men’s Championship
Paragon 3 (Kiel Murray 19th, Tariq Singh 42nd, Christian John 52nd) vs Notre Dame 0
Defence Force 4 (Justin Beharry 19th, Shaquille Daniel 24th, Christopher Mc Key 42nd, Marcus James 48th) vs Petrotrin 2 (Arielle Bowen 17th, Jonathan Williams 20th)
May 27
Trinity Women
Police 2 (Kolette Walters 8th, Susie Pierre 22nd) vs SC Magnolias 0
Trinity Men
Malvern 3 vs Notre Dame 0 - by default
Veterans
Malvern 6 (Atiba Whittington 38th, 40th, 56th, Dwain Quan Chan 18th, 60th, Anthony Marcano 42nd) vs Defence Force 3 (Kirth Davis 30th, Keshen Johnson 38th, Nicholas Wren 39th)
Women’s Championship
SC Magnolias 2 (Samantha Olton 28th, Brianna Govia 37th) vs Harvard Checkers 2 (Selena Hodge 8th, 60th)
Men’s Championship
Malvern 7 (Teague Marcano 10th, 46th, 47th pen, Kieron Emmanuel 24th, 30th, Aidan Marcano 35th, Daniel Byer 43rd) vs Notre Dame 1 (Huw Stevens 24th)

The Trinidad Guardian

Hockey 5s will grow world game, says FIH

By The Hockey Paper



World hockey believes that Hockey 5s will further show growth in participation when the shortened format returns for a second time at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) later this year.

The 5-a-side version debuted at the YOG Nanjing 2014 Games and innovation remains a key factor for the International Hockey Federation.

“The YOG will be a great showcase for hockey 5s and our sport in general,” said Jon Wyatt, the FIH’s new sport and development Director. “It’s an exciting format and a shop window for our sport on a global stage.

“The FIH is halfway through a 10-year strategy to increase the profile of hockey, and a core pillar of the plan is to inspire more people to play our game.

“Hockey 5s is a great way to achieve this, because it’s easier for people at grassroots level to get involved. It’s more flexible in terms of how many players you need and where you can get a game going.

“The message is that you don’t need to find 22 people and a full-size pitch to play. One of the great strengths of football is you only really need a ball and some friends and you’re away, and the FIH wants to replicate that accessibility.”

Australia and China will be defending their boys’ and girls’ titles in Buenos Aires in October, which will see 24 teams compete.

“We’re delighted to see the expansion in numbers,” added Wyatt. “Hockey 5s has already proved very popular, and the FIH envisages that this exciting format will complement the 11-a-side game.

“Lots of sports now have shortened versions – rugby sevens, futsal, T20 cricket and recently GolfSixes – and we are lucky that we have the YOG to further experiment with the format and see what works and what might need further fine-tuning.

“We’ve already made some minor changes compared to Nanjing four years ago, slightly reducing the size of the pitch and the length of each period.

“This will provide more intensity and make the game even more spectacular. We want to make it as entertaining and accessible as possible.”

Last month, the FIH said that the concept had found favour with Thomas Bach, the IOC president.

Indian media said that sources had confirmed that the IOC was exploring the idea of adding a mixed team event into the Olympic programme, using the Hockey 5s format.

The Hockey Paper

Women hockey needs drastic changes: Rushna

Azhar Khan



LAHORE-Pakistan women hockey team goalkeeper Rushna Khan believes that only drastic changes in women hockey can help it excel at international level.

Talking to The Nation, 21-year-old Rushna, who last year became the country’s first female hockey player to be signed by a foreign club for a season, said: “We are playing the hockey 90s, which is now outdated and it couldn’t help us earn glories for the country at international level. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) needs to bring drastic changes in women hockey and should hire foreign coaches, who may teach our players advanced and modern-day techniques so that our girls may fight well against other hockey powerhouses.

“Playing with such outdated techniques, we even couldn’t beat Asian hockey nations while beating European giants would be not less than a day dreaming. The PHF should immediately appoint foreign coaches, who may start training our players advanced techniques and improve our fitness and stamina, so that we may stand some realistic chances of doing well against at least Asian teams.

“The foreign coaches will surely take some time to transform our raw talent into champions but then everyone will see, Pakistan women hockey will start producing results at international level and start earning laurels for the country in mega events,” she added.

Lauding the efforts of PHF for the promotion of hockey especially women hockey , Rushna said that like men hockey, the federation is also trying to facilitate women hockey . “The PHF has recently arranged national hockey events for female players. Then they arranged foreign tours for us in order to provide us international exposure so that we may learn how to compete against best in the business. Hopefully, with such little but consecutive steps, PHF will see improvement in women hockey but for better and long-term change, they need to appoint foreign coach for female team.”

She said that like the previous year, this year too, she is ready to take part in the Australia’s league hockey season and will play a goalkeeper throughout the season. “Playing alongside top professional hockey players always helps a lot in learning and improving the skills and techniques, and the way I have learnt a lot last year from the players of one of the best hockey nations, I hope this year too, I’ll return home with great international exposure and better hockey techniques.

Highlighting her personal aims and goals, Rushna said: “As earlier, becoming first Pakistani female hockey player to be signed by a foreign club was my biggest dream, which by the grace of Almighty, I have achieved. And now I have a dream of representing my country in Olympics. Although it is a very tough task but at least it is not impossible. The way I have achieved my first goal of playing for a foreign club, I hope one day, my second dream of playing Olympics for my country will also come true.”

The national goalkeeper also lauded her mentor and coach Waqas Butt for transforming her into quality stuff, due to which she is not only serving the national team but also holding aloft Pakistani flag in Australia. She also lauded her hockey club, Rawha Hockey Academy, whose owner Sehrish Ghumman along with other hockey enthusiasts teaching the modern-day techniques to the young female hockey players so that they may serve the country in future and earn glories for it globally.

The Nation