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All the news for Thursday 28 June 2018

Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 - Day 4
Breda (NED)

Result 27 June

IND v AUS (RR)     2 - 3

Upcoming 28 June

15:00     ARG v PAK (RR)
17:00     IND v BEL (RR)
19:30     NED v AUS (RR)

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Kookaburras lead the way at Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018


Australia ended Day 4 at the top of the standings thanks to victory over India. Copyright: FIH / World Sport Pics

Title holders Australia (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) have moved to the top of the standings at the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 thanks to a narrow 3-2 victory against Asian champions India (WR:6) on the fourth day of action in Breda.

The win saw the Kookaburras jump from third to first in the pool standings, leaping ahead of host nation the Netherlands, who now sit second ahead of third placed India on goal difference. A top two finish is required to secure a place in Sunday’s title match, with two rounds of matches left to play.

Australia made a superb start to the contest, taking a 1-0 lead thanks to a close range tap-in from outstanding youngster Lachlan Sharp following a wonderful run and cross from Aussie co-captain Eddie Ockenden just six minutes into the match. The Kookaburras lead was short-lived, with Varun Kumar flicking home from open play before Tom Craig’s scrappy finish gave the world champions a 2-1 score-line to take into the second quarter.

A rasping penalty corner drag-flick from Jeremy Hayward rattled the frame of PR Sreejesh’s goal midway through the second period, with Sreejesh also producing a wonderful stick save from another Hayward set piece as India tried to contain an Australia team that were threatening to take control of the contest. The champions of Asia had chances of their own, but failed to make the most of the opportunities, particularly from penalty corners.

The Oceania champions were outstanding in the third quarter, with Trent Mitton claiming his third goal of the competition by glancing home early in the period after a fine run and pass from Craig. India shot-stopper Sreejesh was called into action on numerous occasions, pulling off some world class saves to keep his team in the contest going into the final 15 minutes of the match.

India threw everything at Australia in the dying stages of the match, replacing Sreejesh with an outfield player in a bid to rescue a point from the contest. It was a move that paid off almost immediately, with Harmanpreet Singh slamming home a penalty corner to give India a lifeline two minutes from time. A last minute penalty corner proved to be India’s final opportunity, with Harmanpreet seeing his powerful flick brilliantly charged down by Jeremy Hayward to seal victory for Australia.

“As usual it was tough against India, they are very quick and super skilful”, said Australia’s Jeremy Edwards after the match. “We got a bit further ahead just after half time but we couldn’t quite put them away and they came on really strong towards the end. They really made us work. Great credit to Jez Hayward towards the end for charging down the penalty corner - it was a huge part of the win. In a tournament like this where every game is so vital, a draw in that match would have really opened things up so the win really helps us.”

The Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 continues on Thursday 28th June 2018 with all six competing teams in action. The day’s play begins at 15:00 Central European Standard Time (UTC +1) when reigning Olympic champions Argentina aiming to keep their title chances alive when they face bottom of the table Pakistan, before India take on Olympic and European silver medallists Belgium, a team still searching for their first victory of the competition, at 17:00. The day’s play will conclude at 19:30 with a re-match of the 2014 World Cup final, with reigning world champions Australia playing European champions the Netherlands in what has the potential to be one of the games of the competition.

A full schedule as well as broadcasting and official competition information can be found on FIH.CH, with extended coverage coming via the FIH social media channels.

A number of spectator tickets are still available for the remaining competition days. For more information, please click here.

#HCT2018

FIH site

Kookaburras Defeat India In Champions Trophy Nail Biter

Alexie Beovich



The Kookaburras remain unbeaten at the 2018 Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands, after defeating India 3-2 in a nail biting performance on Wednesday night.

A frenzy of first quarter goals from Lachlan Sharp, Tom Craig and Indian player Varun Kumar set the tone for Wednesday’s intense game. The Kookaburras looked good heading into the fourth term off the back of a Trent Mitton goal. But the pressure filled match went down to the wire as India converted off a corner penalty in the dying seconds, bringing the score to where it would finish at 3-2.

Trent Mitton’s third quarter goal brings his tally for the 2018 champions Trophy up to three, having scored a field goal in each of Australia’s matches. His attacking form will be vital as the undefeated Kookaburras head into Friday morning’s match against home-side the Netherlands.

Kookaburras Coach Colin Batch was buoyed by the work of his defensive group after the match.

“The back group has been solid all of the time, we’ve had good contribution from our deep defenders. Our penalty corner defence was very strong today which is important against India because they have some quality there.

“Tyler Lovell has played all three games for us and he’s been playing consistently well…we’ve been pretty good with our corner defence throughout the tournament, it’s something the boys really pride themselves on.” Said Batch.

Looking to tomorrow’s clash with the Netherlands, Batch says maintaining possession will be vital.

“It’s a basic thing but if we’ve got possession of the ball and maintain it and not give it back in turnover situations that’ll be a key part of the game.”

The Kookaburras found their first goal through Lachlan Sharp in the fifth minute of the match. The goal came after Co-captain Eddie Ockenden created space in the D with some fancy footwork before finding an open Sharp for the goal. India answered through Varun Kumar in the 11th minute after he scored off of a missed penalty corner trap.

The final goal for the first term came through a strong strike by Jeremy Hayward which was deflected into the path of Tom Craig who put the Kookaburras up 2-1 heading into the second term.

The second quarter failed to see a goal scored by either side despite a myriad of opportunities. At the conclusion of the first half, Manpreet Singh was issued a yellow card which left India with only ten players on the field for the first five minutes of the third quarter.

Just moments into the third quarter Trent Mitton scored via a fantastic pass through traffic from Tom Craig, Mitton was able to deflect a field goal through to the back of the net, pushing Australia’s lead out to 3-1.

It wasn’t until the 58th minute of the match when the next goal was scored by India after they elected to pull their goalkeeper. Harmanpreet Singh was able to convert from the third of three consecutive Indian penalty corners leading to a stressful final few moments.

Despite some pressure filled possessions and a potential injury to Flynn Ogilvie who caught a stick to the ribs in the final three minutes of the match, Australia was able to hold onto to their lead and remain undefeated at the 2018 Champions Trophy.

The Kookaburras next match is against the Netherlands at 3:30am AEST on Friday morning.

Australia 2 (Sharp 5’, Craig 15’, Mitton 30’)
New Zealand (Varun 10’, H. Singh 58’)

Hockey Australia media release

Australia come out victors in a close contest

s2h team



India suffered defeat at the hands of Australia when it could put on board only two goals against the gifted rival's three on Wednesday in the only match played at Breda Champions Trophy.

The match started on a brisk note with Lalchan Sharp latching on to a cross to put Australia ahead, only to see five minutes later Varun Kumar levelling the score following a failed penalty corner attempt. The first minutes action set the turf on fire.

Tom Craig bounced on to a rebound off penalty corner at the closing seconds of first quarter (2-1).

Trent Mitton was quick to add another three minutes after half time, which turned out to be the winner in the end. But the interrggnum saw spirited action from both sides, making the game one of the best played in Breda so far.

Trailing 1-3, India put up a brave fight, and slotted a goal out of four penalty corners it got in the spell. Wearing red shirt, Harmanpreet Singh, who came in for replaced inform goalie Sreejesh with just 3.20 minutes left in the clock, sent a stunner of a grounder to reduce the margin to 2-3. But it proved too little and too late to bring even a draw. Australia collected full points.

With three teams having won two of their three matches, Australia topped the pool followed by Netherlands and India.

The contest between the two finalists of the previous edition, was well contested. India however lost the plot in the first half when it players seemed haste, individualistic and lacked precision. It wasted five penalty corners in the first half alone.

However, India displayed its wares in full measure in the fourth quarters. SV Sunil, Sardar Singh, Vivek Prasad had a chance to enter their name in the scoreboard but their first timers were well blocked by equally brilliant Australian goalie.

Both sides missed out on the penalty corners. India wasted as many as five while its one less for their famed rival. India failed to stop the pushed ball in the first two PCs when Australia was not scoreboard. There seemed ground conditions was so dry that the Indian team seeing pouring water from a cane.

Over all, India used one of 9 while Australia lost all its seven penalty corner chances.

At half time India was trailing by a goal in three.

Varun Kumar struck for India following a failed penalty corner attempt. However in the following moments, Sunil sent a cross from deep right backline, even as Mandeep failed to anticipate and deflect, Varun at the other far end pushed hard to beat the goalie (1-1).

Stick2Hockey.com

India go down fighting to Australia

The loss meant India slumped to third spot in the standings with six points from two wins.


Harmanpreet Singh celebrates a goal during a Champions Trophy match in Breda. Photo Credit: PTI

India fought valiantly before going down 2-3 to world champions Australia to slump to its first defeat in the FIH Champions Trophy hockey tournament, in Breda on Wednesday.

Australia produced their best show of the tournament and scored through Lachlan Sharp (6th minute), Tom Craig (15th) and Trent Mitton (33rd) to secure full points.

The Indians, however, did not give up and fought till the end, scoring through Varun Kumar (10th) and Harmanpreet Singh (58th), producing a nail-biting finish.

The loss meant India slumped to third spot in the standings with six points from two wins behind hosts Netherlands (6 points), while Australia climbed to the top with seven points from three games.

The top two sides after the round robin stage of the six-team event will play in the final of the tournament on Sunday. India will next play Belgium on Thursday.

The Hindu

India fight hard but fail to rein in Australia

World champions Australia win 3-2, go top of the table


India's midfielder Manpreet Singh tries to force his way between the two Australian players during their Champions Trophy match on Wednesday. PTI

Breda (Netherlands), June 27India put up a valiant fight before defending champions Australia pipped them 3-2 in an absorbing encounter in the six-nation Champions Trophy hockey tournament, here today. The reigning World Champions produced their best show of the tournament, scoring through Lachlan Sharp (6th minute), Tom Craig (15th) and Trent Mitton (33rd) to secure full points.

The Indians, however fought till the end, scoring through Varun Kumar (10th) and Harmanpreet Singh (58th), producing a nail-biting finish.

The defeat means India have slumped to the third spot in the standings with six points from three games while Australia climbed to the top with seven points from an identical number of matches. Netherlands are second in the table with six points.

The top two sides after the round robin stage of the six-team event, will play in the final on Sunday. India's next match is against Belgium tomorrow. The match witnessed a plenty of scoring chances earned by both the sides in the form of penalty corners. While Australia secured seven penalty corners, India could make use of just one of its nine set pieces.

Australia got off the blocks quickly and took the lead in the sixth minute through Sharpa, who tapped home an Eddie Ockenden's feed from close quarter. Varun levelled the scores for India soon when he slammed home SV Sunil feed from the right flank.

Thereafter, Australia dminated the match and pumped in two more goals. Trailing by two goals, India exerted pressure on the Australian defence towards the end and secured three penalty corners in succession, the last of which was converted by Harmanpreet, two minutes from the hooter.

The Tribune

Stats Speak: India in must win situation against Red Lions today

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

From Johannesburg Champions Challenge Cup (2011) Belgium has emerged top team in World Hockey.

Silver medalists In Raipur Hockey World League (2015), Rio Olympics (2016) and Amsterdam Euro Hockey Cup (2017) Red Lions will face India today in Breda CT(8:30pm IST).Silver medalist of  London CT(2016) India is in must win situation. Statistical highlights of these two are:

India-Belgium: at a glance

 Fieldhockey.com

Shahnaz Sheikh calls for operation clean-up in PHF

Islamabad - Former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh Wednesday called for an operation clean-up in Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and players after green shirts dismal performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy and series against Canada.

Shahnaz said with every passing day the performance of the team is getting worse whether it is of the Pakistan development squad or the seniors. "Pakistan has lost every match in Champions Trophy and Pakistan development squad is also not at all performing in the series against Canada," he said.

Shahnaz questioned the federation of what have they been doing this whole time as no good results have been produced by the national teams. "Under my stint as coach Pakistan qualified for 2014 Champions Trophy final after 16 years which was a great achievement," he said and added that no improvement is seen under the current federation or team management.

He pointed that what type of decision was to put forward additional player by withdrawing the goal keeper in the last five minutes of the game against India in Champions Trophy. "That move backfired and provided India an opportunity to score two more goals in the last stage of the game," he said.

He said I resigned from my post in 2015 when the national team failed to qualify for the Olympics. "Why isn't the current federation resigning for their posts when they don't have failed to bring any improvement in the game," he questioned? "We have been attached with the game of hockey for many years and people inquire us when the team fails to produce good results and we are answerable to them," he said.

Shahnaz also termed the scraping of the Champions Trophy Tournament as part of the Indian lobby's plan to isolate Pakistan. "International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Narinder Batra is an Indian and is working against Pakistan," he said. "Major tournaments like World Cup, Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and Junior World Cup had been introduced by Pakistan and India will try their best to scrap all these," he said.

In the only other match of the day, Olympic champions Argentina drew with Belgium 1-1. Penalty corner expert Gonzalo Peillat put Argentina ahead in the 14th minute. But Belgian equaliser came through a field goal by Amaury Keusters in the 37th minute.

The Nation

Hockey Series Open - Singapore 2018 (Men) - Day 4
Singapore (SGP)

TPE v INA (RR)     9 - 0
MYA v THA (RR)     3 - 4
HKG v SGP (RR)     2 - 6

Pool standings

Hockey Series Open - Singapore 2018 (Women)
Singapore (SGP)

THA v MAS (RR)     0 - 4
HKG v KAZ (RR)     0 - 3
SGP v INA (RR)     7 - 0

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Our girls storm into hockey final

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stormed into the final of the women’s World Hockey Series with one match in hand.

They outplayed Thailand 4-0 for their fourth consecutive win at the Sengkang Hockey Stadium in Singapore yesterday.

Malaysia will wrap up the round robin fixtures against hosts Singapore tomorrow.

Malaysia, who needed a win against the Thais to reach the final, went on the offensive from the start but had to wait until the 23rd minute to score their first goal off a penalty corner converted by Fazilla Sylvester Silin.

Barely a minute later, Nuraini Abdul Rashid doubled the score through another penalty corner shot.

Nur Amirah Shakirah Zulkifli increased the lead off a field goal in the third quarter before Hanis Nadiah Onn completed the rout in the 53rd minute.

Team manager Lailin Abu Hassan said the players took some time to find their rhythm in the match.

“We missed a number of sitters in the match and this is one area we need to rectify,” he said.

the former international.It was the fifth goal for Hanis in four matches.

The Star of Malaysia

Hockey Series Open - Zagreb 2018 (Men) - Day 3
Zagreb (CRO)

AUT v CRO (RR)     3 - 2

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

2018 4 Nations Invitational Tournament (W) (NED) - Day 2
Breda (NED)

ESP v JPN (RR)     1 - 3
NED v CHN (RR)     7 - 0

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Green energy will power Ireland at Women's World Cup


Ireland's Graham Shaw is aiming to stun opponents at the World Cup Photo: Hockey Ireland

In this week's Coaches Corner, we meet the man who has steered Ireland women to their first major international competition.

When Ireland women’s hockey team arrive at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup, London 2018, for many of the players it is the culmination of a lifetime’s sporting endeavours. For Head Coach Graham Shaw, managing his players emotions is likely to be one of his biggest challenges.

On their day, the Ireland team are energetic, speedy and hungry for success. But, says the canny coach, they also have the potential to lose focus if the occasion gets the better of them.

Graham Shaw is a fantastic hockey player in his own right, with 151 international caps to his name. He was Assistant Coach in 2015 when Ireland just missed out on qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics, so he knows just how much qualifying for this World Cup means.

“A lot of the players have been chasing this for a long time, so there will be a lot of emotion, which we will have to manage. A lot of players have been after this moment all their lives.”

Shaw is also a realist. He says his team are under no illusion that they may win the World Cup but, he also knows that the team will want to put in a great performance every time they step on the pitch at Lee Valley.

“Every match in our pool will be like a final,” says Shaw. “They are three different teams, with three styles of play, so we will have a different plan for each game.”

Ireland are in pool B, along with India, USA and the host nation England. It is this final opponent that has seen Shaw playing music loudly while his players train, “to get them used to situations where they can’t hear each other,” he explains.

“We are definitely getting stronger and stronger and improving with every session. The squad is 30 per cent fitter than it was two years ago and there is a lot of experience in the side: we are right up there when it comes to international caps, several players have more than 100 caps."
Graham Shaw, Ireland Head Coach

Certainly, each game at the World Cup will be unlike anything Ireland has experienced before and when the players step into the cauldron to take on England, thousands of England hockey fans will make life very difficult for the team in green.

Ireland are one of the teams whose athletes are not on a full-time programme. Until Christmas, the team met once a week, on Sundays. They then trained in smaller groups depending upon where they lived one evening during the week.

Since Christmas, the squad has been getting as much international practice as possible. Matches against Spain, a training camp at Bisham Abbey, test matches against Canada and a Three Nations event in Germany have all been instrumental in gaining the players as much experience as possible.

“The players have been on a semi-full-time programme since May,’ says the Head Coach. “It is fair to say that since we qualified our programme has been bit stop, start.”

But Shaw is looking on the positive side. “Obviously it is not ideal but we are doing well considering we spend so little time together. I guess, because we are not together all the time, there is a lot of hunger in the squad to do well and prove something. There is also the fact that there is always something fresh, something new in training. They bring a lot of energy into those shorter blocks of training. You can also see massive strides in performance, which might not be the case if you saw the players day-in, day-out.

“We are definitely getting stronger and stronger and improving with every session. The squad is 30 percent fitter than it was two years ago and there is a lot of experience in the side: we are right up there when it comes to international caps, several players have more than 100 caps.”

Shaw comes from a generation of coaches who see the benefits of looking closely at every detail when it comes to preparations. Over the past few months the team has been replicating game day at the World Cup. The players arrive for their fixtures with the same amount of warm-up time as they will have at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. They have been leaving the pitch a little early between warming up and playing a game, to replicate the process that takes place during the World Cup. They have even had practices in dealing with any media interviews that might impinge on a half-time team talk.

As the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 draws ever closer, Shaw is doing his best to keep a calm countenance but he can barely suppress the bubble of excitement as he talks about his team’s prospects. “We play a high energy game where we put opposition under pressure. And we possess a lot of speed in the team so we are good in a counter-attack situation.

"What we must do, is take any chances that we create – that has let us down in the past. We must also remember our roles when we are under pressure.

“I see us playing a little like the USA did in 2014, and creating a few surprises. We will come out with a good tempo to our game and we just want to make a good showing.”

#HWC2018

FIH site

Paton delighted with World Cup selection


University of Johannesburg player Kristen Paton is delighted to be in the South African hockey squad to compete in the World Cup tournament, which starts in London on July 21. Picture: Saspa

University of Johannesburg’s Kristen Paton has been pinching herself as her hockey career continues to progress.

Paton, who played in the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, has now been included in the South African team to play in the World Cup tournament that starts in London on July 21.

“I have to keep reminding myself that everything that happened this year was actually real,” said the 21-year-old chiropractic student.

“Less than a year ago I wasn’t even considered as part of the national team. To have a Commonwealth Games and soon a World Cup behind my name just eight months down the line is an incredible feeling.”

Despite receiving the vote of confidence from the national selectors, she said she never felt sure of being selected.

“There are always nerves. Every time a team is announced, it’s a massive relief when you do get the call.”

Paton said she had learned a great deal from the Commonwealth Games in Australia where she experienced a range of emotions, from nerve-racking to sheer excitement, when she competed against some of the world’s top players.

“I loved being able to measure myself against some of the best players in the world.

“It’s easy to be a critic from your couch but when you physically play against top players, you quickly realise how difficult international hockey is,” she said this week.

“It was a massive learning curve for me and I realised just how much more work I had to do to be able to compete.

“You need to adapt and you need to do it quickly, otherwise teams will punish you. That was a great challenge for us.”

International hockey required of players to be effective on attack, she added.

“You don’t necessarily need most of the possession, but you must be able to convert your opportunities and apply scoreboard pressure.

“You can only defend for so long before you concede goals, so you must be able to shift the momentum. Learning to deal with pressure, both mental and physical, is also a major factor.”

Paton and her teammates in the national squad are now preparing to put those lessons into use at the World Cup, which she feels will be a much tougher environment.

“I obviously cannot speak from experience, but I think the World Cup, compared to the Commonwealth Games, is like chalk and cheese.

“The standard of hockey increases tenfold. This means your basic skills, technical ability and fitness must be better.

“Your ability to execute game plans is critical and any mistake is punished, so attention to detail is very important,” Paton added.

The team will prepare for the World Cup tournament during a 15-day training camp in the Netherlands before heading to London for final preparations.

Fullstop Communications media release for University of Johannesburg Hockey

Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 - Quarterfinals
Real Club de Polo de Barcelona

Pool stages results
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens 60+
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens 65+
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens 70+
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens 75+
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Womens

Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens TT 60+
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens TT 65+
Grand Master Hockey World Cup 2018 Mens TT 70+

FIH Match Centre - Masters

Hockey players are not the retiring sort!

Sarah Juggins


Canadian Men’s Masters (50+ and 60+). (Photo: Jim Knight )

Playing sport and keeping fit is no longer the preserve of the young. More and more people are not only living longer, but they are staying fit and active for much longer as well. And we are not talking about Yoga and Tai-Chi here: septuagenarians and octogenarians can be found scaling mountains, running ultra-marathons or cycling the length and breadth of the continent.

One burgeoning area of participation is the Masters hockey scene. From club teams to national teams, more and more people are continuing to play hockey or returning to hockey after an absence. And many of them are living proof that while we might slow up a little with age, we don’t lose the skills and game understanding as we get older – if anything our tactical intelligence gets better with age.

There is also no lessening in terms of competitiveness as players get older. Just as the 20-somethings are always chasing the win, so it is with the 50-year-olds or the 80-year-olds. That desire to top the podium certain doesn’t diminish with age.

And with this being World Cup year, it is not only in London and Bhubaneswar that the best of the best will be competing. From 27 July until 5 August some of the great ‘Golden Oldies’ will be taking centre stage at the Exin Masters World Cup in Egara, Spain while, earlier in June, the Grand Masters World Cup took place at the Real Club de Polo in Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain.

The International Masters Hockey World Cup competitions are being held in Egara for +35, +40, +45, +50, +55 and +60-year-old men and women, while the 60+, 65+, (men and women) and 70+ and 75+ (men only) age groups are catered for at Grand Masters level in Barcelona. These events provide a real showcase for sporting endeavor and excellence at all ages.

With teams from Argentina, Canada, Chile and USA taking part in many of the age groups, the PAHF is well represented at the Masters World Cup and the Grand Masters World Cup. While the number of competing teams has increased each year, it is now becoming clear that the organization at the very top needs to align with the demand for Masters hockey. A goal for the International Hockey Federation is to merge the two organizations that currently provide international Masters hockey – the International Masters Hockey Association and the World Grand Masters Association – into one unified body (“World Masters Hockey”). This body comes into existence officially in January 2019.

The teams that will run out onto the pitch this year at both Terrassa and Egara are a mixture of seasoned internationals, who have continued to play the game throughout their lives, and players who have taken the step from club hockey to international representation later in life.

Ian Baggott is one such player. President of Field Hockey Canada and a member of the Canadian Grand Masters side that recently competed in Barcelona, Baggott first became involved in the sport in 1988 after his three sons introduced him to field hockey.

In those early days of involvement in field hockey, Baggott was largely to be found in a sports administrator’s role, working in junior, club, provincial and national level. His hockey playing experience had been limited to school-age hockey and then, at 45, he took up the game again.

This year, he has reached the pinnacle of his sport, playing in the Canadian Grand Masters, 60+ team, making his international debut at 70 years old.

“I love the nature of hockey,” says Baggott. “From the health aspects of physical fitness required, team bonds established with fellow players, rivalry but also respect and camaraderie for other teams and players. I particularly enjoy watching our younger generations getting to know the game, the thrill of new friendships and bonds between team-mates.”

Baggott explains that Canadian Masters is a "work in progress": after a 20-year gap in competition, the 2016 Masters World Cup in Canberra was the first foray onto the field, with one men's and one women's team participating.

This year Canada is fielding three teams in Terrassa and a team at the Grand Masters. The lack of sufficient players at each age group to make a team is why Baggott finds himself taking to the field with players up to 10 years younger. However, the hope among the Master’s community is that the numbers of participants will grow after each event.

For Baggott, his time as an ‘older' player has been nothing but positive. “This is my first experience with Masters, albeit I have enjoyed Golden Oldie festivals over many years. I have been impressed by the friendship at the event: despite strong on-field team rivalry, teams have a healthy respect for other players and teams.

“And on a personal level, the experience and preparation has brought rewards with better physical fitness – I run twice weekly and do regular gym sessions – as well as improved hockey skills. Both my fitness and game skills have improved, particularly as we play against younger rival teams during the regular league season.”

Another player who has moved seamlessly from administration back into playing is Aaron Sher of Team USA.

Sher was competitions director at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and a former International Hockey Federation (FIH), Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) and USA Field Hockey Association Executive Board Member.

As a youngster, Sher played in South Africa, although the international ban on South Africa prevented him from representing his country. He moved to the USA where his knowledge of the game made him a perfect candidate to run the hockey venue at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Sher’s continued involvement at the highest level of administration meant he didn’t pick up a stick again for many years.

Sher is a champion of the proposed merger of the International Masters Hockey Association and the World Grand Masters Association. The merger, says Sher, is just another sign of the custodians of the game moving things along, something he has witnessed throughout his long involvement in the sport.

“Now we are having a Grand Masters World Cup, that has also come from meetings of Boards who try to move things forwards. Huge respect has to go to all those guys who have moved the sport on. It used to be about moving from grass to turf, now it is all about television and replays and broadcast. And this drive for a coherent Masters scene is just another development along the way.”

Sher says Masters events need the support of the national associations if they are to thrive. “It is a funding thing, no question about it. I think the National Associations should be supporting the Masters and taking a role within it. And it makes sense financially, there has to be a number of people across the globe who are financially established within the Masters community; they can definitely help develop the sport.”

As Sher also points out, there is huge potential for expansion within the social Masters hockey scene. Festivals, leagues and cup competitions attract large numbers of competitors and these are often people who are at a stage in their lives where they have time and money to help the sport develop.

Away from the strategic thinking, Sher is loving his return to the playing side of the game. Even after a long absence, the skills and tactical nous have not deserted him. But, like many others, it is the social side that really makes these events standout. “There is a social aspect. You play an intense game and then you stay and have a beer and a chat. And you don’t really talk about the game, although you might talk about games that took place 20 years ago.

“There are also some pretty cool traditions. After each game the captains exchange pennants. Opposing teams nominate a player to receive a ‘player of the match scarf’. The Scottish team give their opponents a bottle of Scotch whisky. It all adds to the atmosphere.”

With FIH, the IMHA and WGMA all in talks to make the Master’s scene one coherent whole, the future of hockey for the older players looks both bright and promising.

At grass-roots club level, keeping players in the game has numerous benefits. An article written on the World Grand Masters Association website by Adrian Stephenson says: “Masters Hockey can play an important role in the future wellbeing of the game through encouraging older players to continue playing and therefore being active members of their clubs and, in many cases, other hockey organizations.”

By keeping players involved in the game for longer, hockey is catering for the very people who are role models for the next generation, administrators/managers for other teams and potential benefactors or sponsors. By providing enjoyment in hockey for players of all ages and abilities, Masters hockey is retaining in the game a pool of men and women who are essential to the success of our sport and providing a fun and social way to keep competitive and active in a sport they love throughout their lives.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Argentina hockey star Delfina Merino joins Dutch side SCHC

By The Hockey Paper


Delfina Merino won world player of the year in Berlin PIC: FIH

Hockey’s two world players of the year will be playing in the Netherlands next season after it was confirmed that Argentinian international Delfina Merino will join SCHC.

The move had been mooted for some time and Merino, voted 2017 Female Player of the Year earlier this year, now joins Belgium’s Arthur Van Doren in Dutch domestic hockey.

Van Doren, who won the men’s vote at the Hockey Stars Awards, joined Bloemendaal earlier this year ahead of his first tilt in the Netherlands.

On signing, he became the third player of the year to don the orange of Bloemendaal after Teun de Nooijer and Jamie Dwyer.

Meanwhile Merino, 28, is no stranger to Dutch hockey and will start her third stint at the club, having first joined in 2010, the year Argentina won the World Cup.

She told Dutch media: “Stichtsche is really my club in the Netherlands and I look forward to being part of the team again and working with Nettie van Maasakker, whom I know well from the past.”

Stephan van der Vat, chairman of SCHC, said: “Delfina has been a big young talent at SCHC and knows our club well, and we are happy for her to return as an experienced international player.

“It is not only a focused strengthening of our selection, but also she will be able to blood our young talents.”

The Hockey Paper

Rotterdam sign World Cup winner Glenn Turner for next season


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

HC Rotterdam have made the exciting signing of Australian Glenn Turner for the upcoming season.

The 34-year-old attacker has played a total of 124 times for the 'Kookaburras' and scored 90 goals in those games.

With Australia, he participated in two World Cups, winning gold both times, and once at the Olympic Games (bronze) and once at the Commonwealth's Games (gold). Since last year, he is no longer part of the Australian team.

Turner also participated three times in the Hockey India League and played together with HC Rotterdam’s Jeroen Hertzberger in the Malaysia Hockey League this year.

“Glenn is a very experienced player of world class, '' said HC Rotterdam chairman Diederik Chevalier. “He is not only a direct reinforcement for our selection but also someone from whom other players can learn a lot.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Oliva a huge signing for Polo for 2018/19 season


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

Roc Oliva has agreed to make the move to Real Club de Polo for the next two seasons, switching from Atlètic Terrassa to join the Spanish champions.

The three-time Olympian gives Polo another big addition to their midfield, bringing in an experienced player who has a silver medal from Beijing in 2008.

"The truth is that I did not imagine I would ever end up playing for Polo,” Oliva said of the move. “But all the conditions put in front of me made it an attractive proposition, I am living and working in Barcelona, I have great friends in the team and, above all, the sports project is very ambitious and I'm very excited.”

On the verge of turning 29 years old, Oliva added that: "this is one of the last opportunities to play in a club like Polo and I did not want to miss out on the chance.

"I move with a mixture of feelings. I am very grateful to Atlètic for everything they have given me and I am sure it will continue to be my home but this opportunity has made me very excited."

Having spoken to coach Carlos García Cuenca and some of the Polo players, Oliva is convinced that "next year we will go for all the titles, not only the national ones but also the Euro Hockey League. That is very clear and I want to help to achieve it.

"It is not an unknown environment for me. I have played many times against them but we have also been together in the national team with David Alegre, Alex Casasayas and Xavi Lleonart. I have good friends in the team and that has had a positive influence. I know they will help me a lot.”

Euro Hockey League media release

South African Hockey Sides named for the Youth Olympics Qualifiers

Innovation is the key to success. This is a mantra particularly relevant to sport, and one that will be put into practice in October when hockey 5s features on the programme for the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, four years after debuting at the Youth Olympic Games Nanjing 2014.

The 5-a-side rather than traditional 11-a-side version of the game, which is played on a smaller pitch, was a big hit in China, and the game’s governing body hopes that the second appearance of hockey 5s at the Youth Olympic Games will bring the sport to a wider audience and increase player numbers.

The Summer Youth Olympic Games took place for the first time in 2010 in Singapore, and are limited to the age groups of 14-18.  In 2010 South Africa took part in the girl’s tournament of traditional 11-a-side hockey. That team featured some stalwarts of the SA Women’s Hockey game including World Cup bound pair Quanita Bobbs and Phumelela Mbande. That team also featured the likes of Tiffany Jones, Stephanie Baxter and Jacinta Jubb who featured heavily at the recent IPT in Kwazulu Natal.

In 2014 the South African boys took part in the first Hockey 5’s competition and finished fourth losing to Spain in the Bronze medal match, while the girls finished 8th losing to Germany in their playoff game. A host of the players that featured in Nanjing have since gone on to represent the country and gain full national colours including Tyson Dlungwana, Kristen Paton and Bili Ntuli, further emphasizing the value of a Youth Olympic Games on player development.

The qualification criteria as set by the IOC stipulates that each National Olympic Committee can only send 1 Team sport per gender. That means SASCOC will only be allowed to send one boys and one girls team across football, hockey, rugby and handball. In order to be considered for this spot the SA boys and girls must ensure they qualify through the African Qualifier at the Youth African Games.

In the girls tournament the sides competing will be Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa and the hosts Algeria, while the boys competition will be competed between South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Zambia

The South African sides to compete in Algiers have been announced by SASCOC:

SA Hockey wishes the young boys and girls the best of luck as they look to secure victory in Algeria!

SA Hockey Association media release

2018 Junior Premier Outdoor League Crowns Champions



The 6th annual Junior Premier Outdoor League (JPOL) came to a close on June 3. Junior Premier Hockey (JHP) would like to recognize and celebrate all of the victors and show their appreciation to all participants, supporters, volunteers and sponsors.

After several league dates of competitive field hockey, JHP can truly say that the benefits of participation and growing the game can be attested by many throughout the nation. The improvements in the quality of games from the first weekend in April to the various Championships is commendable and reflects the commitment of the players, parents, coaches, umpires, technical staff and many others.

The continued success of this league would not be possible without the support of many who tirelessly give their time and experience. Much appreciation to the club directors, coaches and their membership who join each spring to make this league possible. Many thanks to the umpire managers and technical directors and their staff of dedicated technical officers, umpires and parent udges. You all give so much of your time and talent to be part of this event and its continued successes.

Special thanks to JPH Directors, Rachael Bloemker, Nigel Traverso, Lurah Hess – Technical Director, Wendy Stewart – Director of Umpiring, Kim Scott – AltiusRT Director, and Ridge Bair – Communications Officer, who contribute countless hours of dedication behind the scenes to help make JPOL the event it has become to date.

Recognition must also be given to the college and university coaches who took the time to be present. JHP hopes that you were pleased with the level of competition and the organization of the event.

Much appreciation to the universities and private institutions for granting JHP access and use of your facilities year after year. JHP hopes to continue developing great relationships with you all. Thank you!

Special recognition to title sponsors World Camp USA and Sport EuroTour, official ball supplier, Dita USA, official awards sponsor, Harrow Sports. Thank you for your continued support and believing in this event!

To USA Field Hockey and staff who worked closely with JPH throughout the season, we appreciate the continued support shown in working together for the good of the sport and your membership. We thank you and look forward to building and strengthening our relationship as a sanctioned event, that benefits the membership and at the same time helping to growing the sport by creating opportunities.

JHP would now like to recognize and congratulate the 2018 Champions and Special Award recipients from each of the participating regions for an outstanding performance.

U-14 DIVISION

    Champion – Spirit of USA
    Harrow’s Most Valuable Player – Olivia Bent-Cole, Spirit of USA
    Harrow’s Top Goal Scorer – Isabella Bianco, Uprise FHC

U-14 Region 8 Division (New)

    Co-Champions – TCOYO & Saints FHC
    Harrow’s Most Valuable Player – Lucy Osherow, Charlotte Ambush
    Harrow’s Top Goal Scorer – Elizabeth Adams, TCOYO & Rylie Wollerton, Saints FHC

U-16 DIVISION

Champions

    R1-4 – ADK Gold
    R5 – Xcalibur FHC
    R6 – Uprise FHC
    R7 – Freedom HKY
    R8 – Saints FHC

Harrow’s Most Valuable Players

    R1-4 – Hanke Govaert, Hudson Valley
    R5 – Cheyanne Downin, Central Penn FH
    R6 – Megan McKenna, Jersey Intensity & Elise Pettisani, Uprise FHC
    R7 – Esha Shah, Freedom HKY
    R8 – Courtney Tyson, Saints FHC

Harrow’s Top Goal Scorers

    R1-4 – Taryn Ringer, ADK Gold
    R5 – Sophia Gladieux, Xcalibur FHC
    R6 – Cassie Boyce, NJ Starz & Amanda Middleman, Uprise FHC
    R7 – Samantha Mogar, Freedom HKY
    R8 – Jordan Krauss, Rampage FH

U-19 DIVISION

Champions

    R1-4 – Hudson Valley
    R5 – Xcalibur FHC
    R6 – Jersey Intensity FH
    R7 – H2O
    R8 – Metro HC

Harrow’s Most Valuable Players

    R1-4 – Julianna Cappello, Hudson Valley
    R5 – Kelsey Reznick, Xcalibur FHC
    R6 – Kali Williams, Jersey Intensity FH
    R7 – Rachel Borzymowski, H2O
    R8 – Aaryn Boatwright, Typhoon Elite

Harrow’s Top Goal Scorers

    R1-4 – Lillian Hickey, ADK & Madison Baciuska, Hudson Valley & Emma Rutledge, Maine Styx
    R5 – Madeleine Zimmer, Alley Cats
    R6 – Nicole Krozser, Jersey Intensity FH
    R7 – Mackenzie McKillop, TNT FH
    R8 – Maggie Goodwin, Metro HC

On behalf of Junior Premier Hockey and its Directors, Rachael Bloemker and Nigel Traverso, many thanks to all for your hard work, dedication, commitment, support and cooperation in making this Junior Premier Hockey event a continued success. We wish you all much success the rest of the year and look forward to your continued support and participation in 2019.

If you or anyone you know has any pictures you would like to see featured on the JHP website or social media pages. Be sure to tag them @JrPremierHockey and #JPOL2018 or email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If your region is not represented and your club would like to be part of any of the Junior Premier Hockey events, please contact us at your earliest. JHP are also looking for any hockey enthusiasts who would like to contribute their talents as a volunteer. Check out our technical & umpires section for several areas where you can give back to the game. Training is provided!

For all results, final ranking and other information, please visit our JPOL landing page and view results by region.

Content Courtesy of Junior Premier Hockey

USFHA media release