News for 29 January 2019
All the news for Tuesday 29 January 2019
USWNT Drops First Test Series Match Against Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile – At the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile, the U.S. Women’s National Team went head-to-head with No. 16 Chile in their opening game of a two-match series. The score line doesn’t represent the possession percentage and opportunities achieved as the USWNT dropped the first game 3-2.
"These games in Chile have been very helpful in getting us prepared for our first FIH Pro League game against Argentina," said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. "The secondquarter in yesterday’s game especially showed us where some of our weaknesses are and I was very pleased to see the team bounce back in the third and fourth quarters. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game and incorporate the key lessons learned."
Despite early pressure from USA, it was Chile who was able to score off a quick counter attack against the run of play. Josefa Salas tallied the first one home for the Damas in the seventh minute to give the host nation a 1-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Play at the beginning of the second quarter deemed shareable until Chile extended their lead in the 16th minute when they earned a penalty stroke. Following a save, USA goalkeeper Kealsie Robles (Yorktown, Va.) was called for playing the athlete instead of the ball earning them the chance that Fernanda Villagran converted. This sparked the start of a 10-minute spell for USA as they struggled to find any offense threats. Chile scored again three minutes later through Consuelo de las Heras to give them a 3-0 advantage.
Following halftime, USA shifted gears and was on top of the possession and started to dominate play. They showed resiliency to get back into the game and in the 49th minute Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) deflected it into the back of the goal off a penalty corner. Seven minutes later USA earned a penalty stroke after a rebound scramble found a defender’s body on the line. Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) stepped up and successfully converted to bring USA within one goal. Late in the game, Chile’s goalkeeper Claudia Schuler made three important saves to secure the 3-2 victory.
In this first game, there were two noteworthy milestones achieves as USWNT athlete's Mackenzie Allessie (Mount Joy, Pa.) and Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) both earned their first international caps for USA. 
L to R: Mackenzie Allessie and Linnea Gonzales
The U.S. Women’s National Team will train today before their final game tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. ET. This game will not be live streamed. For more information regarding the USWNT vs. Chile series, visit the official event page by clicking here.
USFHA media release
Hockeyroos Switch To Co-Captaincy Trilogy
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia today announces a change to the Hockeyroos leadership with Emily Chalker (nee Smith), Jodie Kenny and Georgina Morgan appointed as co-captains.
The change from a sole captain, previously Chalker, to an expanded co-captaincy comes with a view to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which are just over 18 months away.
Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said: “We always wanted to re-assess the leadership structure following the World Cup, so with our 2019 programme commencing earlier this month, now is an opportune time.
“We decided we needed to change the program leadership to align with where we’re going as a group.”
The experience and leadership of Kenny and Morgan will complement Chalker who has led the Hockeyroos since September 2017.
“Jodie, Georgina and Emily all complement each other with their attributes and are focused in the same direction as the coaching staff and are keen to lead this group to a new and exciting 18 months,” Gaudoin said.
“Jodie is a natural leader. She is a de-centralised athlete but whenever she’s with the group in camp or tournaments she sets the standards.
“Georgina is a great leader by example. She has shown resilience over the past 18 months through injuries and her drive and determination hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Emily is well respected by the playing group and has gained valuable experience over the past 18 months as the sole captain.”
Wamuran defender Kenny, 30, has vast experience with 212 caps and 109 goals while Crookwell forward Chalker, 26, has 211 caps and 75 goals to her name.
Defender Morgan, who hails from Armidale in NSW, is 25-years-old and has 76 caps and 18 goals.
The captaincy will be shared around game-by-game during the FIH Pro League which commences against world champions Netherlands and Belgium in Melbourne on Saturday-Sunday 2-3 February.
Tickets are available through ticketbooth.com.au. All matches will be broadcast on FOXSPORTS and kayosports.com.au.
Hockey Australia media release
HA Announces Changes For Hobart 9 February Matchday
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia (HA) today announces tickets will be discounted and revised matchday entertainment incorporated for the Saturday 9 February fixture in Hobart following Pakistan’s withdrawal from the FIH Pro League.
The FIH announced on Thursday morning that Pakistan would not compete in the inaugural FIH Pro League citing “inevitable circumstances”, meaning their scheduled fixture against the Kookaburras from 3pm AEDT at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Hobart would not proceed.
The Hockeyroos match against China PR at 5pm AEDT on Saturday 9 February in Hobart is unaffected.
HA announces to replace the cancelled match, the Kookaburras will hold a coaching clinic and fan interaction, including signing opportunities, and an exhibition match (2x15-minute halves) from 3pm AEDT.
Ticket prices for the Saturday matchday will be reduced by 30 per cent, meaning an adult ticket adjusts from $30 to $21, while the weekend’s Super Pass will be reduced by 25 per cent.
Fans who’ve already purchased tickets for the Saturday only, will be offered a free ticket to Sunday’s double-header or reimbursed a 30 per cent discount on their original ticket.
Fans who’ve already purchased the weekend Super Pass will also automatically be reimbursed 25 per cent of their purchase.
HA regrets the inconvenience caused by Pakistan’s withdrawal and wants to ensure Tasmanian fans receive a great offering over the course of the weekend.
Matchday tickets remain the same for Sunday’s double-header against Germany from 3pm AEDT. Tickets are on sale via www.ticketbooth.com.au.
All FIH Pro League matches will be broadcast by FOXSPORTS and kayosports.com.au.
Australia’s home fixtures are as follows:
Saturday 2 February 2019 - State Netball & Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Kookaburras v Netherlands - 3pm start Hockeyroos v Netherlands - 5pm start
Sunday 3 February 2019 - State Netball & Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Kookaburras v Belgium - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Belgium - 5pm start
Saturday 9 February 2019 - Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Hobart
Kookaburras v Pakistan - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v China - 5pm start
Sunday 10 February 2019 - Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Hobart
Kookaburras v Germany - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Germany - 5pm start
Saturday 16 February 2019 - Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth
Kookaburras v Great Britain - 3:30pm, Hockeyroos v Great Britain - 5:45pm
Saturday 2 March 2019 - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Kookaburras v Spain - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v USA - 5pm start
Saturday 16 March 2019 - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Kookaburras v Argentina - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Argentina - 5pm start
Sunday 17 March 2019 - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Kookaburras v New Zealand - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v New Zealand - 5pm start
*All times local
Hockey Australia media release
Liaoning claim 'victory' in draw
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: PKS-UniTen and Liaoning HC played to a 1-1 draw in the Women's Malaysia Hockey League today, but coach Gao Lihua claimed her team won the match.
The match was highly entertaining, noisy like a fish market, and Liaoning HC even had a goal disallowed.
PKS-Uniten, who lost 2-0 to Liaoning HC in the First Round, took the lead when national player Raja Norsharina scored in the 24th minute off a penalty corner.
The Chinese club struggled for long periods even though they had the lion's share of the attack, and finally scored with six minutes remaining in the match.
At first, umpire NurHafizah Azman blew for goal, but after UniTen protested, she reversed the decision.
This upset the China players as they felt it was a legitimate goal.
And after pressing harder, they finally found the equaliser in the 59th minute off Sui Qiaomeng.
When asked about the disallowed goal, three-time Olympian Gao Lihua said: “We won the match, that's all I will say today.”
And when told that it was a 1-1 draw, the red-faced coach again replied: “We won the match, that's all.”
The China club's team manager, Eric Zacharias, charged onto the pitch after the final whistle, but was restrained by match officials.
Liaoning HC had started the WMHL on a promising note, but their standard has since dropped, and they had lost twice and drew one after eight matches.
UniTen coach Lailin Abu Hassan was fuming as well, but did not claim victory.
“After taking the lead, we could not press harder because my players' fitness is still not up to the mark. And so, we defended and relied on counter-attacks.
“We managed to hold them until that silly mistake crept in at the last minute of the match.
“But still, I see this as an improvement as we lost to them (2-0) in the First Round. Now we have to keep chasing the others and try to finish as high as possible," said Lailin, a former national player.
New Straits Times
Terengganu on guard against slip-ups after first loss
By K. Rajan
PETALING JAYA: No more slip-ups or the title race is over for Terengganu in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The East Coast side suffered their first defeat of the season after they were beaten 2-3 by leaders Tenaga Nasional at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Sunday.
With the defeat, Terengganu dropped to third in the league and they have 10 points from five matches.
UniKL are second with 13 points while Tenaga, who have played six matches, have 15 points.
Terengganu coach I. Vickneswaran said poor defending cost them the match and now they have to bounce back and go all out in their remaining matches.
He added that the team are affected by injuries and their next back-to-back away matches against UiTM on Friday and UniKL on Sunday leave their backs to the wall.
“Firdaus Omar is ruled out for the season with a broken finger while Gonzalo (Merino) who has just recovered from a hamstring injury needs time to adapt to his teammates,” said the former international.
“We have not played at the UiTM and UniKL pitches before ... it makes it that much harder as we can’t afford to drop points anymore in the league. We are in a difficult situation and we need the players to shoulder the burden.”
“I have been trying my best to get the players to cope with the adversity. Sports is unpredictable so you need to know how to react when the situation is against you. I hope the players can react to the setback.”
Despite losing to Tenaga, Vickneswaran said that his team still showed a lot of positives.
“We got our goals from penalty corners and we controlled the ball possession against Tenaga, we showed our mettle but silly mistakes in defending cost us in the end,” he added.
The Star of Malaysia
Grove Menzieshill win U18 Boys’ Indoor Cup 2019
Scottish Hockey Boys Indoor Cup winners – Grove Menzieshill – Photo by Duncan Gray
The under 18 Indoor Club Cup took place at Bells sports centre in Perth on Sunday and saw Grove Menzieshill crowned champions after a fantastic day of youth indoor hockey.
The first match in the main hall saw Grove Menzieshill take on Grange. Grove Menzieshill were quick to take the lead with a penalty corner. The ball was slipped left which beat the keeper, the defenders on the line just unable to stop the ball crossing the line. A second goal game shortly after through Samuel Knight making it a Brace with a top corner conversion. The third goal of the game went to Grove Menzieshill; Knight getting his hat trick of the match from a corner. John Stephen made it for the Dundee team on the stroke of half time from a corner. At the restart the Grange team pulled a goal back through Hamish Walker. Grove Menzieshill then converted two more a fourth for Knight and one for captain Jamie Golden. Grange pulled one more back in the dying seconds through Walker, leaving the score line 6-2 in favour of Grove Menzieshill.
Gordonians took on Western Wildcats in the second match of pool A, Western Wildcats pushed Euan Cowan scoring on in the sixth. Fraser Moran scored on the half time mark to make it two goals for the Cats before the half ended. Gordonians came out after half time and converted through Aleksander Wojciehowski. Western Wildcats then pushed the tempo and scored 7 goals in the space of 7 minutes, Cowan making a hat trick, Moran a brace and singles for Stuart Eadie and Mathew O’Toole.
The first matches of Pool B saw Perthshire and Uddingston face off and Watsonians take on Aberdeen Grammar. In the Perthshire against Uddingston match it was Perthshire that controlled the game from the outset, the first half saw two goals from Wilson and Fleming. In the second half the tempo was high and Perthshire scored two in the same minute, Wilson gaining a brace and Donnelly scoring his first. With Less than five minutes on the clock Uddingston managed to get on the score sheet. A driving run through the Perthshire defence ended up in a penalty corner, Lochrin drilled the ball low into the goal, 4-1.
In the Watsonians against Aberdeen Grammar match Watsonians ran the show. Within the first 15 seconds the ball was in the back of the goal through Fraser Heigh. Heigh then added three further goals before half time with team mate Ross Fontana scoring just on half time. Heigh added his fifth at the start of the second half. Grammar pulled a goal back with a goal for Cameron Ogilvie. Watsonians added Calum Wood and Rory Evans to the score card, the later a brace to end the match Watsonians 9 Aberdeen Grammar 1.
The second round of matches in Pool A saw Western Wildcats play Grove Menzieshill. Moran pushed Western Wildcats in front in the early seconds. A penalty corner for Grove Menzieshill gave captain Jamie Golden the chance to show his trade mark flick to the top corner to level the match. Within seconds Western Wildcats had regained the lead through Cowan. Just on the half time hooter another Golden penalty corner goal levelled the game for the half. The second half saw Western Wildcats regain the lead again, once again Cowan there to push his team forward. Not to be outdone, Golden pulled Grove Menzieshill back into the game 3-3. Grove Menzieshill took the lead for the first time in the match, Stephen converting. A minute later the match was stretched once again Knight getting the final goal of the game.
Grange and Gordonians played in the other match of Pool A’s second round. Grange had a commanding performance. The end of the match saw Grange scoring ten goals to Gordonians nil.
Watsonians and Perthshire went toe-to-toe in Pool B. Watsonians Fraser Heigh continuing his scoring from previous game. Perthshire replied quickly through Ross Fleming. The Perth team extended the lead through Alex Wilson. Wilson scored his brace to make it 3-1. Watsonians came back into it with a goal from Rory Evans. He then scored his brace to make the score 3-3 to split the points.
Aberdeen Grammar played Uddingston with Uddingston’s Ben Carroll opening the scoring within the first two minutes. He scored a brace to make the score 0-2 before Grammar replied. Gregor Morrison scored for the Aberdeen side, by way of a penalty stroke. Uddingston recovered from losing the goal with a two-goal advance. Grammar scored their second to bring the score to 2-4, Lucas Findlay getting on the score card. It was Uddingston that had the final say as they made it to 6 goals through Carroll and Lochrin.
Scottish Hockey Boys Indoor Cup – Photo by Duncan Gray
The final round of Matches in Pool A saw Gordonians playing Grove Menzieshill. There were six goals for the Grove Menzieshill Captain Golden to lead his team to top the table. The match finished 11 goals in favour of the Dundee side.
Western Wildcats and Grange completed the matches in Pool A. Western drove forward with three goals before the half. Cowan, Moran C and Moran F scoring. It wasn’t until the second half that Grange had a response. Croll making it 3-1. Tweedie then pushed the grange score line to two which left the crowd on tenterhooks for the dying minutes. The match ended with Wildcats taking the points for second in table.
Pool B came to completion with Perthshire and Grammar taking a point apiece in a 1-1 draw. And in the Uddingston v Watsonians match it was Watsonians that came out on top. Watsonians scored in the first minute through Calum Wood. Uddingston drew them back by way of a penalty corner by Gardiner. After the half, Watsonians regained the lead through Euan Burgess. It took five minutes for Uddingston to get back to a draw, Lochrin scoring for his team. Watsonians put the secured their place in the semi-finals with a goal from Heigh.
The first semi-final saw Grove Menzieshill against Perthshire. Two teams, fiercely competitive showed up for the game. Perthshire were first to score, Alex Wilson from a penalty corner. Grove Menzieshill retaliated with a corner of their own, Keir drawing the game level. This seemed to be the spark needed for Grove Menzieshill as they converted four more goals following the half time break. Setting up a final spot for the Dundonians.
In the second semi-final Watsonians and Western wildcats played for their place in the final. Heigh continued to add to his mammoth goal tally of the day with the first of the game. Moran drew the Edinburgh side back in shortly after. Watsonians pushed forward and through Heigh to make it 2-1. His hat trick made it 3-1 shortly after. Wildcats McAllister pulled a goal back for Wildcats. Just before half time Watsonians scored their fourth. In the second half it seemed that Western Wildcats came out stronger as McAllister converted twice more for his team. Western wildcats earned a penalty corner with two minutes left on the clock, Moran ripped the ball low under the keeper to sneak into the lead. Wildcats to the final.
Photo by Mark Pugh
The Final of the u18 Indoor Cup was contested by Western Wildcats and Grove Menzieshill. They previously faced off in the pool stage where Grove Menzieshill took the spoils. It was Grove Menzieshill that took the lead in the final. The ball passed out right to Keir Robb who was able to slide the ball under the keeper. Grove Menzieshill pushed forward once again, this time attacking from the left side of the pitch, it was Rice that got the final touch to go passed the keeper. Western Wildcats pulled one back through Moran to make it 1-2. Stephen for Grove Menzieshill pushed Grove Menzieshill lead back to two with less than two minutes on the clock. There was a melee in front of the goal just as the hooter sounded, but the half ended 3-1. In the second half Western wildcats had a breaking run through Menzies, the keeper came out of his goal and took out the player, a penalty stroke was given and Moran pushed the ball through the legs of the keeper to make it 3-2. Grove Menzieshill fought hard up the court and Rice scored his brace. Sam Knight was next to add to the Grove Menzieshill tally, the score becoming reminiscent of their first fixture. Wildcats gained a penalty corner which Moran stepped up to whipped the ball to the near post past the keepers shoulder. The score 5-3 with 2 minutes on the clock. Golden put a 6th on the score sheet for Grove Menzieshill. Western Wildcats pushed forward and gained a penalty corner, the hooter rang for time, Wildcats converted from an uncontested corner to leave the match at Grove Menzieshill 6 Western Wildcats 4, with Grove Menzieshill winning the under 18 indoor cup title.
View all the match information HERE
Photo by Mark Pugh
Final placing
1 Grove Menzieshill
2 Western wildcats
3 Watsonians
4 Perthshire
5 Uddingston
6 Grange
7 Gordonians
8 Aberdeen Grammar
Scottish Hockey Union media release
2019 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team and U.S. Women’s National Development Squad Named
LANCASTER, Pa. – Following a training camp in December and another held January 20-22, the U.S. Women’s National Team High Performance staff are pleased to announce the updated 2019 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team and U.S. Women’s National Development Squad.
Athletes for the U-21 USWNT were selected from the 2018 Young Women’s National Championship in June for further evaluation at last summer’s Junior National Camp and at the December and January training camps. Those named to the U.S. Women’s National Development Squad were selected through the 2018 Young Women’s National Championship route or as a result of their performances at the USWNT Trial last week, where athletes were recommended by their college coach, competed for a rostered spot within the Olympic Development Pipeline.
Congratulations to the following athletes who have been named to the 2019 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team:
Carter Ayers (Wilmington, Del.), Madeleine Bacskai (Berwyn, Pa.), Brooke DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.), Jessica Dembrowksi (Palmyra, Pa.), Lacey Frazier (Indian Island, S.C.), Greer Gill (Virginia Beach, Va.), Gianna Glatz (Medford, N.J.), Fusine Govaert (Rye, N.Y.), Kyler Greenwalt (Gambrills, Md.), Lauren Hausheer (West Windsor, N.J.), Erin Huffman (Annville, Pa.), Abigail Myers (Hartland, Wisc.), Marykate Neff (Villanova, Pa.), Halle O’Neill (Hummelstown, Pa.), Megan Rodgers (San Diego Calif.), Elizabeth Ryan (Hoosick Falls, N.Y.), Meghan Schneider (San Diego, Calif.), Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.), Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Christie Van De Kamp (Midlothian, Va.), Jillian Wolgemuth (Mount Joy, Pa.), Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.), Madeleine Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.), Brynn Zorilla (Vista, Calif.)
*Additional players who have received waiver may be added to the squad pending a trial.
The U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team will meet three times in the next two months for training camps in preparation for their international tour to Germany from April 14-22. In Monchengladbach, the U-21 USWNT will take on Germany’s U-21 Team and Great Britain’s U-21 Team.
Congratulations to the following athletes who have been named to the 2019 U.S. Women’s Development Team:
Kendall Ballard (Charlottesville, Va.), Taylor Blood (Hampton Falls, N.H.), Virginia Bramley (Elizabethtown, Pa.), Kelsey Briddell (Wilton, N.Y.), Katrina Carter (Berkeley, Calif.), Marissa Cicione (Havertown, Pa.), Cori Conley (Oak Park, Ill.), Taylor Dempsey (San Martin, Calif.), Alexandra Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), Karlie Heistand (Hamburg, Pa.), Alexa Hoover (Collegeville, Pa.), Natalie Konerth (Huntingtown, Md.), Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa.), Carrera Lucas (Brooklandville, Md.), Madison Maguire (Rumson, N.J.), Kelly Marks (Elverson, Pa.), Emily McCoy (Lititz, Pa.), Erin McCrudden (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.), Mikayla Michals (Needham, Mass.), Megan Miller (Palmyra, Pa.), Sabrina Rhodes (Wilmington, Del.), Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa.), Erin Shanahan (Pasadena, Md.), Taylor Stone (Herndon, Va.), Sophia Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Katie Walsh (Louisville, Ky.)
*Additional players who have received waiver may be added to the squad pending a trial.
Similar to the U-21 USWNT, the U.S. Women’s National Development will have one training camp in February and two in March as they prepare for their international tour to The Netherlands from April 13-22. There they will compete against the Scotland Women’s National Team and Belgium’s U-21 Team.
USFHA media release
USWNT High Performance Staff Announce 2019 U.S. U-17 and U-19 Women’s National Teams
LANCASTER, Pa. - Following a three-day selection camp held January 23-25 at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa., rosters for the U.S. U-17 and U-19 Women’s National Teams have been announced by the U.S. Women’s National Team High Performance staff.
The initial selection of athletes to participate in the selection camp were chosen from 2018 Junior National Camp which followed the 2018 Citi National Futures Championship, presented by Harrow Sports. Both named squads will take part in three additional training camps over the next several weeks to prepare for their respective Germany tours. From April 14-22, the U-17 USWNT will head to Cologne to play Germany’s U-16 Team and Belgium’s U-16 Team. The U-19 USWNT will travel to Dusseldorf to take on Germany’s U-18 Team and Belgium’s U-18 Team. Additionally, for the first time, the U-19 USWNT will take part in the Young Women’s National Championships from June 14-18, 2019.
Details regarding the team’s Germany tours, such as game schedule, are still being finalized and will be announced once confirmed.
Congratulations to the following athletes that have been named to their respective teams!
U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team Roster:
Sarah Beers (Fleetwood, Pa.), Hallie Brost (Richmond, Va.), Emila Bullard (Doylestown, Pa.), Zoe Campisi (Virginia Beach, Va.), Jordan Carr (Point Pleasant, N.J.), Anna Castaldo (Endicott, N.Y.), Regan Cornelius (New Albany, Ohio), Mia Duchars (Saint Louis, Mo.), Kelsey Felix (Hallam, Pa.), Lee Ann Gordon (Louisville, Ky.), Ryleigh Heck (Berlin, N.J.), Annika Herbine (Macungie, Pa.), Lauren Hunter (Elizabethtown, Pa.), Hannah Maxwell (Forty Fort, Pa.), Caylie McMahon (Stow, Mass.), Sofia Pendolino (Hummelstown, Pa.), Alana Richardson (Boxford, Mass.), Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.), Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.), Annabel Skubisz (Houston, Texas), Kelly Smith (Downingtown, Pa.), Sara Stone (San Diego, Calif.), Abigail Tamer (Whitmore Lake, Mich.), Claudia Thomas (Louisville, Ky.), Maddie Vicars (Moseley, Va.), Lauren Wadas (Annville, Pa.), Ella Wareham (Elm Grove, Wisc.), Makenna Webster (St. Louis. Mo.), Alexandria Wesneski (Forty Fort, Pa.), Elizabeth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.)
*Additional players who have received waiver may be added to the squad pending a trial.
U.S. U-19 Women’s National Team Roster:
Gabrielle Barraco (Allentown, Pa.), Kayla Blas (Pendleton, N.Y.), Leanne Bough (Whitney Point, N.Y.), Isabella Bressler (Leesport, Pa.), Megan Connors (San Diego, Calif.), Leah Crouse (Virginia Beach, Va.), Samantha Davidson (North Andover, Mass.), Charlotte De Vries (Wayne, Pa.), Emma DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.), Lindsay Dickinson (Glen Mills, Pa.), Riley Donnelly (Doylestown, Pa.), Peyton Halsey (Reading, Pa.), Mary Harkins (Kimberton, Pa.), Adele Iacobucci (Malvern, Pa.), Madison Kahn (Voorhees, N.J.), Margot Lawn (Pasadena, Md.), Hannah Miller (Malvern, Pa.), Samantha Popper (Blue Bell, Pa.), Hatley Post (Houston, Texas), Meghan Reese (Center Valley, Pa.), Kelsey Reznick (Drums, Pa.), Kathryn Schneider (San Diego, Calif.), Josie Varney (Smithfield, Maine), M. Grace Wallis (Blue Bell, Pa.)
*Additional players who have received waiver may be added to the squad pending a trial.
USFHA media release
Women’s National Indoor Masters Team set to take on the World in Hong Kong
Looking to build off chemistry from last summer, Field Hockey Canada sends a Masters Indoor Women’s Team to the 2019 Masters Indoor World Cup.
Field Hockey Canada is thrilled to be sending a women’s over-45 division masters team to the 2019 Masters Indoor World Cup. The competition is set for February 14-17 This is the first time the tournament will be held under the joint banner of the IMHA & WMH. The tournament will be held at the Hong Kong Football Club facilities and will feature teams from all over the world.
TEAM CANADA OVER 45
Cara Jay, Victoria, BC
Cat Jacobs, Calgary, AB
Colleen Wilkinson, Vancouver, BC
Flor Donelly, Vancouver, BC
Heather Wheatley, Victoria, BC
Helen Truran, Victoria, BC
Ilenna Tai, Whitchurch-Stoufville, ON
Maryanne Umbsaar, Calgary, AB
Paige Brodie, Boston, MA
Wendy Stewart, Calgary, AB
Coach: Sharon Rajaraman
Manager: Cora Donelly
Canada’s roster features eight returning players from the over-50 outdoor world cup squad from August 2018. This is the first time Canada’s indoor masters teams have gone to a World Cup event. Victoria’s Cara Jay, who coached the O50 team last summer is one of the key players on the 2019 Indoor O45 squad. She said indoor hockey offers a different type of challenge that she really likes.
“I love indoor,” she said. “We don’t get too much of it out in BC and I’d like to see more. It’s a great way to continue to play competitive hockey and share great experiences with friends.”
Last summer’s Masters and Grand Masters World Cups in Spain was a huge success. Dozens of teams competed in age ranges from O35 – O65. With over 345 games in the span of a few weeks on the Spanish coast, it was one of the biggest hockey events ever put on. Indoor O45 women’s national coach Sharon Rajaraman had a tremendous experience last summer as a part of Team Canada and is looking forward to the Indoor World Cup in February.
“The community really comes together at these events. We meet new people from around the world,” she said. “It’s just such a great opportunity and experience.”
Because of the overlap between the summer roster and the indoor roster this year, Jay and Rajaraman expect there to be a certain level of chemistry on the team. Leading up to the world cup next month, the team has already engaged in a competition and training schedule to prepare them. Several of the team members met up in Calgary last month, there was a tournament in Victoria and an upcoming final test in Duncan, BC this coming weekend.
“The team has bought in, we’ve done the fitness and preparation. I think we’re going to do great,” Rajaraman said. “Canada is quite small in the hockey world. It’s just such a great experience for us to go and see how big it can be.”
Rajaraman said the team is full of hockey ambassadors that will bring this experience back to their local clubs and provinces and help continue to grow the sport.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Grove through to play first-time finalists Western in Scottish indoor final
EHL KO16-bound Grove Menzieshill have advanced to the Scottish indoor National League 1 championship final where they will take on first timers Western Wildcats.
In two close semi-final encounters which went down to the wire, Grove Menzieshill saw off champions Inverleith 4-3 while Western Wildcats scratched a 5-4 victory over Grange.
The first semi-final was a close encounter that drifted in both directions, first in favour of Grange then Western clawed their way back. It stood poised at 4-4 with five minutes remaining, then a Hamish Galt strike settled the issue in Western`s favour. Apart from Galt`s late counter, the catalyst in the Western Wildcats victory was a hat-trick from Adam McKenzie.
McKenzie opened with a penalty corner conversion in three minutes, but only occasioned a Grange surge with Frank Ryan, James Nairn and Dan Coultas from the spot putting the Edinburgh side into a 3-1 lead. But just before the break McKenzie from the spot pulled the deficit back to one.
Western romped into a 4-3 lead in the first five minutes of the second half, McKenzie again for his hat-trick followed by Galt, but Grange were back level with a second strike from Ryan. But with a penalty shoot-out looming, Galt secured the winner for Western and a place in the final.
The other semi-final was equally tight, Grove Menzieshill emerging 4-3 winners over Inverleith to contest yet another indoor final.
Patrick Christie put Inverleith into an early lead but, by the interval, the Taysiders were 2-1 to the good, Albert Rowling levelled, then Ben Cromar converted a penalty corner on the stroke of half-time.
Two goals in as many minutes from Gavin Tomlinson at another set piece and Rowling again seemed to give Grove Menzieshill a comfortable 4-1 advantage, but the champions were not finished. Christie made it 4-2 and a late set-piece strike by Stephen Dick brought the gap back to a single goal, but Bruce Cuthill`s charges held on to their winning scoreline.
Euro Hockey League media release
Pak Army spokesman meets PHF chief
LAHORE - Pakistan Army Sports wing spokesman met with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar on Monday.
The spokesman offered all-out support to PHF for promotion of hockey in the country, while expressing his satisfaction on working of the federation.
He said: “We will fully cooperate with PHF in the best interest of hockey.”
Brig Khokhar thanked Pak Army for their support for promotion of sports in general and hockey in particular. He also lauded Army’s role for promotion of sports saying Army has always played key role in helping athletes and lending a helping hand towards providing security to international visiting teams.
“We are thankful to Army Sports Directorate for their support hockey and we are taking every step to help Pakistan regain lost hockey glory.”
The Nation
"SIP Project ": The Expansion of Chilean Hockey
Macarena Ilabaca Burrows
SIP: Sociedad de Instrucción Primaria De Santiago
In addition to the clubs that play field hockey, the Chilean Hockey Federation seeks to develop the sport by forming teams in different schools and, why not, find the future Chilean stars of this sport. The SIP project is now three years old and today it is located in 18 educational establishments in Santiago with the particularity that they are located in “social risk areas”.
"Through these workshops, we have managed to increase the participation of players we are preparing today for the major categories specially in men's teams, we currently have 234 players, there is a lot of future here, but it is a long-term job ", explains Álvaro Campos, SIP schools coordinator.
During this 2018, there were two festivals among the SIP schools, in which more than 300 boys and girls from 6 to 12 years old attended. The meeting was held at the Manquehue Club and had the support of Kia Motors, sponsors of the Women’s National Team “Las Diablas”.
Sergio 'Cachito' Vigil and Jorge Dabanch, both coaches of the women's and men's teams, provided hockey clinics to the children who played hockey.
"This project is very important and the work we have done over these three years has been with tremendous dedication. 13 schools out of 18 of the SIP Network took part of our workshops. Undoubtedly, the support of the clubs, our coaches (who are dedicate to develop technical and tactical aspects), plus the support of our sponsors, have allowed us to develop this great sport little by little, "says Walter Kramer, Chilean Field Hockey Federation President.
In the same line, Campos adds: "Sport always adds in a positive way, and when we talk about teaching to children who live in social risk areas, sports are extremely important and we are proud to know that field hockey collaborates in that aspect with children who do not have the same opportunity as others ".
The short term challenge is to be able to incorporate children who are part of the SIP schools to be part of the different clubs in Chile (Manquehue, Sport Francés, Universidad Católica, Prince of Wales Country Club, to name a few) and in this way keep developing hockey, especially men's league.
Up to now there are 5 players (4 women and 1 man) who have been incorporated to different clubs. The coordinator of the SIP schools, says “the challenge is accepted”, and they are working to implement uniforms, shoes, sticks, among other instruments, to encourage children to play this great sport.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release