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News for 06 February 2019

All the news for Wednesday 6 February 2019


Hockeyroos To Build On Returns In Hobart

Ben Somerford



Hockeyroos pair Mariah Williams and Georgia Wilson will be looking to step up this weekend in the FIH Pro League in Hobart following their respective returns from long-term injuries last weekend.

Williams missed more than 18 months with groin and adductor problems, while Wilson was absent for more than a year following an ACL injury.

The duo both returned in the opening FIH Pro League matches against the Netherlands and Belgium, where the Hockeyroos recorded a 1-0 win and 2-1 defeat respectively.

Australia takes on China PR and Germany this Saturday and Sunday respectively at Hobart’s Tasmanian Hockey Centre with tickets selling fast at www.ticketbooth.com.au.

“I was a little bit nervous as it’s been a while,” Williams said after Sunday’s game.

“I’ve got to take in the things I didn’t do to my best and try put on a better performance on the field.

“I’ll watch some footage and get better.”

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said the pair would be better for their returns to action.

“It’s great that they’re out on the park,” he said.

“They’ll be better for the run. It’s been a long time for both of them so I’m glad we’ve got the run into them.”

Williams pinpointed fatigue as a factor in Sunday’s defeat to world number 13 Belgium after ending almost 10 years without a win over the world champions Netherlands.

“It was really disappointing to get the loss,” she said.

“We need to back up. In the Pro League we need to back up almost every second day.

“We really need to take in the loss and think about what we did wrong.”

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras team for this weekend’s matches will be announced on Thursday.

The FIH Pro League matches will be televised on FOX SPORTS and kayosports.com.au. Tickets are available by ticketbooth.com.au.

These matches are made possible thanks to the support of Events Tasmania.

Saturday 9 February 2019 – Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Hobart
Kookaburras exhibition match & fan engagement - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v China PR - 5pm start
Sunday 10 February 2019 – Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Hobart
Kookaburras v Germany - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Germany - 5pm start

Hockey Australia media release



Vantage Black Sticks name sides to take on Great Britain



The Vantage Black Sticks Men will be looking to build on the great start they have made to the FIH Pro League when they play the first international hockey match at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch. International Field Hockey will return to Christchurch for the first time since Porrit Park was destroyed in the 2011 Earthquakes.

The Black Sticks have been impressive in their opening two matches of the FIH Pro League when they came from 3 goals down against the World Number 3 side The Netherlands before eventually going down 4-3. The following weekend they then took the World Number 1 and World Champion Belgium side to a shootout after drawing the game 4-4. The Black Sticks will look to continue their positive style of hockey they have been playing and look to put the Great Britain side on the back foot from the start of the game.

The last time these two sides met was at the 2018 Hockey World Cup when (as England) they beat the Black Sticks 2-0 to knock them out of the World Cup. The Black Sticks are playing a much more attacking style of hockey and will challenge the Great Britain defence a lot more in this match. Look out for Great Britain Co Captain Phil Roper who will consistently trouble the Black Sticks defence. Roper also has a habit of scoring when his side needs him to the most.

Hugo Inglis has been sensational up front for the Black Sticks in the first two matches having scored 3 goals and playing a great facilitator role in setting up the other attackers. Inglis is currently the leading goal scorer of the FIH Pro League and will look to continue this rich vein of form and help the Black Sticks as they look to upset the Great Britain side.

Nic Woods will line up for his 100th test match. Nic at the age of only 23 has established himself as one of the most reliable and exciting midfielders in international hockey. Against the World Champions last weekend Nic showed class to provide a lot of set up play and shut down the electric Belgium midfield.

Darren Smith says “Great Britain is a well organised side which moves the ball around really well. They will be another tough challenge for our team.”

Vantage Black Sticks Men vs Great Britain Men. Friday 8th February at 5:00pm. Coverage is on TVNZ 2

Name

Position

Caps

George Enerson

Goalkeeper

45

Richard Joyce

Goalkeeper

60

Shea McAleese

Defender

279

Dane Lett

Defender

44

Blair Tarrant

Defender

195

Harry Miskimmin

Midfielder

52

Kane Russell

Defender

134

Arun Panchia

Defender

262

Nic Woods

Midfielder

99

Nick Ross

Midfielder

100

Sam Lane

Striker

33

Marcus Child

Midfielder

143

Mac Wilcox

Midfielder/Striker

21

Hugo Inglis

Striker

218

Hayden Phillips

Striker

47

Jared Panchia

Striker

107

Stephen Jenness

Striker

224

Dylan Thomas

Striker

9

The Vantage Black Sticks Women are going to look to bounce back from the shock of losing to Belgium in the last minute of play this past Friday. The Black Sticks have created a number of opportunities in the opening matches of the FIH Pro League however their final touches have not happened yet. Look for an improved focus on the offensive end for the Vantage Black Sticks as they look to spoil Mark Hager's first game in charge of Great Britain and give the kiwi side their first win of the league.

The Vantage Black Sticks Women have made two changes to the side that took narrowly lost to Belgium which sees young Midlands midfielders Alia Jaques and Shiloh Gloyn come back into the side.

The last time these two sides met was the Semi Final at the Commonwealth Games where the Black Sticks Women came out victorious in a penalty shootout win.

Sean Dancer’s Black Sticks Women have looked incredibly resolute on defence only conceding 2 goals through the first two rounds of the FIH Pro League. Both goalkeepers used so far in Sally Rutherford and Grace O’Hanlon have looked dynamite in goal and have had a fantastic support from Brooke Neal and Liz Thompson who have been shutting down whatever the oppositions have been throwing at them.

Sean Dancer commented ahead of the match against Great Britain “We are creating a number of opportunities but not getting the result which is going to be an important focus for this game.”

Vantage Black Sticks Women vs Great Britain Women. Friday 8th February at 7:00pm. Coverage is on TVNZ 2

Name

Position

Caps

Sally Rutherford

Goalkeeper

172

Grace O’Hanlon

Goalkeeper

40

Sam Charlton

Defender

228

Tarryn Davey

Defender

39

Frances Davies

Defender

55

Shiloh Gloyn

Midfielder

76

Ella Gunson

Defender

198

Megan Hull

Defender

6

Alia Jaques

Midfielder

4

Rose Keddell

Defender

185

Olivia Merry

Striker

207

Stacey Michelsen

Defender

263

Brooke Neal

Defender

156

Kirsten Pearce

Striker

105

Olivia Shannon

Striker

2

Kelsey Smith

Striker

88

Liz Thompson

Defender

175

Amy Robinson

Striker

58

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Hockey NZ and the Vantage Black Sticks provide an opportunity to get on the turf with the Vantage Black Sticks Men



The FIH and Hockey NZ announced on the 24th of January that Pakistan would not be taking part in the inaugural FIH Pro League. This reduced the number of teams that would be competing in the Men’s competition from 9 down to 8. This decision has resulted in the cancellation of the Vantage Black Sticks vs Pakistan match that was due to be played on Sunday 17th February at Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub Christchurch.

As a result of this decision the Black Sticks Men and Hockey NZ wanted to provide the loyal Black Sticks fans with an awesome opportunity.

This is your chance to go one-on-one with a Black Sticks goalie, learn skills and tricks off the best strikers or see if you could beat a Black Stick in the Sentinel Super Shot. This will be 'On Our Turf' between 3:30-4:30 pm on the match day before the Vantage Black Sticks Women take on China. 

Your normal match ticket will give you entry into this event and is open to all ages.

Please see below ticketek terms and conditions should you wish to not attend the match due to these changes.

General Terms and Conditions

Ticketek acts as agent for the Seller in the sale of all tickets. As such, except as specified in these Terms and Conditions, all claims in connection with tickets or events are the sole responsibility of the Seller and, except to the extent required by law (including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993) Ticketek otherwise has no liability to you.

Refunds, exchanges and replacements

  •     Ticketek will only offer a refund or exchange of a ticket if an event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated by the Seller (and you cannot or do not wish to attend the rescheduled or relocated event), or to the extent otherwise required by law (including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993). You must apply for a refund within a reasonable time. Ticketek does not offer refunds or exchanges as a result of a change in your personal circumstances.Â
  •     If an event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated by the Seller, to the fullest extent permitted by law all liability is limited to the amount for which the ticket was purchased (including any fees or charges). Proof of purchase may be required for any refund or exchange. To the fullest extent permitted by law neither Ticketek nor the Seller will be liable for any other losses incurred by you as a result of the cancellation, rescheduling or relocation of an event, including any travel and accommodation expenses.
  •     Ticketek will only replace lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed tickets if the authenticity of the ticket can be verified, including proof of purchase, and if you give reasonable notice before the event. Ticketek may charge a reasonable fee for the replacement of tickets. Ticketek may not replace tickets where seating is unallocated (general admission tickets).

Variations to performances or events

    The Seller reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programs, prices, venues, seating arrangements (including ticket categories) and audience capacity.

We thank you for your continued support of the Vantage Black Sticks.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



FIH World Cups: Australia, Germany, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Spain bidding to host next edition



Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has received bidding dossiers from Australia, Germany, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Spain to host the next edition of FIH’s flagship event for Men or Women. Bidding countries had to indicate until the deadline of 31 January 2019 also their preferred time window, either 1-17 July 2022 or 13-29 January 2023.

The following bids have been received:

For the preferred time window 1-17 July 2022:

-        Germany: Men’s or Women’s World Cup
-        Malaysia: Men’s World Cup
-        Spain: Men’s World Cup

For the preferred time window 13-29 January 2023:

-        Australia: Women’s World Cup
-        India: Men’s or Women’s World Cup
-        New Zealand: Women’s World Cup

FIH will now start the evaluation process of the bids. The Executive Board will make the final decision on both hosts in June 2019.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “FIH is glad to have received such strong bids. This confirms how appealing our events are. We’re looking forward to two great FIH World Cups, both Men’s and Women’s, and a lot of excitement for players and fans!”

#HWC #WorldCup

FIH site



India presents bid to host next edition of World Cup


Indian women's hockey team , PTI

India are among the six countries that have presented bids to host the next edition of the hockey World Cup, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced Tuesday.

India have proposed conducting the event for either men or women in the January 13 to 29, 2023 window, which has also been preferred by Australia and New Zealand. India have hosted the men's World Cup thrice, the latest being last year in Bhubaneswar.

Spain, Malaysia, and Germany have proposed organising the event in the July 1 to 17, 2022 window.

"Bidding countries had to indicate until the deadline of 31 January 2019 also their preferred time window, either 1-17 July 2022 or 13-29 January 2023," the FIH said in a statement.

FIH will now start the evaluation process of the bids and its Executive Board will make the final decision on both hosts in June this year.

"FIH is glad to have received such strong bids. This confirms how appealing our events are," FIH CEO Thierry Weil said.

Daily News & Analysis



Irishman Mitch Darling Retires From International Hockey



Mitch Darling has today announced his retirement from international hockey following more than a decade at the top of the game. Darling earned 183 international caps, the first of which came shortly after his 18th birthday against England in Poland and scored 51 goals for the Green Machine. He has been a Three Rock Rovers man from the start and has been heavily involved in much of the clubs most successful periods. Over the years, Darling has plied his trade amongst the best in the Dutch league with successful stints with clubs such as Rotterdam, Den Bosch and SCHC.

Darling was cognisant to recognise the coaches at all levels who played a role in his successful career “I want to thank the coaches who contributed significantly to my development during the early years from Wesley College and Three Rock Rovers. I’m eternally grateful to the Irish support staff and management, both past and present, who went above and beyond to help us perform on the pitch. As a player I think I really flourished under the tutelage of Paul Revington and Craig Fulton; incredible men and detailed coaches that revolutionised both the game and the players in Ireland”

Mitch Darling has been a constant figure for many of the Green Machine’s most memorable moments over the last several years including a European bronze medal in 2015 and historic Olympics Games and World Cup appearances. “When I got my first cap in 2006 I could never have dreamed reaching the heights we did. I am definitely privileged to have played with some of the best players to ever wear a green shirt. Being involved in such a special era holds some amazing memories and undoubtedly the biggest career defining moment was the Rio Olympics, an experience to be cherished forever”.

Head coach Alexander Cox paid tribute to Darlings’ contribution to the Green Machine “I want to congratulate Mitch on an amazing international career with The Green Machine. He has had an important influence on the successes that the team has enjoyed over the last 10 years. Not only because of his outstanding qualities as a player, but also as a great person in the group, we will miss him. As a new chapter in his life starts, I wish him all the best with his family and professional career”.

Darling concluded by thanking all those who played a role off the pitch “Thanks to everyone who has supported the team over the years, the supporters undoubtedly helped propel the team to where they are today. Thank you to Hockey Ireland and all the sporting bodies who supported us during the years. A huge thank you to my wife Erika, Mum, Dad, my brothers and sister for their unconditional support all along the way.

Finally, I just want to wish both the men’s and women’s teams all the very best for the upcoming qualification for Tokyo 2020”.

Hockey Ireland wants to thank Mitch for all he has done for the Green Machine and wish him every success for the future.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Sub-committee formed to analyse reasons behind hockey decline

Kashif Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-provincial Coord­ination (IPC) on Monday formed a sub-committee to investigate reasons behind the ailing state of Pakistan hockey.

The committee meeting, held at the Parliament House, was chaired by Sen­ator Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar who expressed concerns over the national game’s constant decline after Pakistan’s victory in the 1994 World Cup.

Nasar said massive steps have to be taken to re-lift the sport and therefore appointed the three-member sub-committee featuring senators Walid Iqbal, Lt. Gen (retired) Salahuddin Tirmizi and Seemee Edzi.

The committee will look into Pakistan Hockey Federation’s performance in the recent years and is responsible to identify the events that led to the disastrous state of the national sport. Meanwhile, Senator Iqbal directed the PHF to furnish the audit reports of the last three years to the committee.
Article continues after ad

After the national team’s withdrawal from the FIH Pro Hockey League, PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed had resigned from his position apparently to put pressure on government to release funding for PHF. The resignation request, however, was turned down by the national hockey body’s president.

Both officials, through a presentation, told the committee that the PHF received Rs542 million from federal and provincial governments from August 2015 to December 2018, out of which it spent Rs531 million.

The officials said the PHF does not have a regular source of income and a fragile domestic structure and lack of interest at the grass-root level is also adding to the tough situation.

They said departments, banks and service institutions who previously used to maintain and manage hockey teams are also withdrawing their involvement from the sport.

They also complained about the lack of astroturf grounds and that out of 24 synthetic surfaces, 10 are in dilapidated and unplayable condition.

Dawn



Butali raid Police, make away with two strikers

By AYUMBA AYODI


Kenya Police's Amos Barkibir (left) celebrates his goal with Calvins Kanu during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match against Parkroad Badgers on November 19, 2017. The two have joined Butali Sugar Warriors ahead of the 2019 season. PHOTO | FILE |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Defending men's champions Butali Sugar Warriors have plucked striker Amos Barkibir from arch-rivals Kenya Police ahead of the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Premier League season.

Barkibir is among five players Butali Sugar have signed for the new season as they beef up in pursuit of their fourth Premier League title and ultimately Africa Club Championships crown later this year.

Head coach Dennis Owoka said that they have signed three strikers, a defender and midfielder for the new season that starts on March 2.

Owoka revealed that they have brought on board another Kenya Police striker Calvin “Kanu” Otieno besides Multimedia University forward Moses Ademba.

Also joining the 2014 and 2015 champions are midfielder Francis Kariuki from Strathmore Gladiators and defender Arif Shah, who has re-joined the Kisumu-based side from Nairobi Simba.

Owoka revealed that Dutch Maarten Fonteyn, who joined Butali Sugar mid-last season, will be with the club for the season and is likely to be joined later by a fellow countryman.

“We shall disclose him later when time comes,” said Owoka.

However, Butali Sugar have released their striker Lawrence Okubasu, who is likely to re-join United States International University and defender Deo Okungu, who is headed to Kisumu Youngsters.

“We have recruited heavily this year primarily for the Africa Club Championships, since we just want to confirm our Premier League victory this year ,” said Owoka.

Daily Nation



Indoor hockey – a sport for all ages

Sarah Juggins


2019 Indoor WC - Canada   

The Masters Indoor World Cup is taking place in Hong Kong in mid-February (14-17 February). The event is another demonstration of the life-long appeal that hockey holds for so many participants.

More than 25 teams from nine countries will be taking part across three age groups (40+, 45+ and 50+) for both male and female teams.

It is a historic occasion because for the first time the Masters Indoor World Cup is being held under the joint banner of the International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) and the WMH (World Masters Hockey) – a collaborative move that has been some time coming to fruition.

From the PAHF region, two nations are represented, Canada and USA. Other competing nations include Australia, England, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland and two giants of the indoor game, the Netherlands and Germany.

Canada is entering two men’s teams into the event, a 45+ team and a 50+ team and a women’s team into the 45+ age group. USA are entering teams in both men’s age groups and the women’s 40+.

When it comes to experience of Indoor World Cup action, the Canada men’s 45+ team has within its ranks three members who all played in the inaugural Indoor World Cup in 2003 – Ken Pereira, John de Souza and Gary Singh. The three men were all part of a Canadian team who finished a respectable sixth out of twelve participating nations.

Experience is also a key component of the USA women’s team. Competing in the women’s 40+ event, there are three former members of the national indoor squad, Nickey Hitchens, Maria Keesling and Denise Zelenak. Zelenak captained the national indoor team from 2004 until 2010. Taking charge pitch side will be head coach and former national player Debbie Phillips.

One of the wonderful things about the age-group events is the fact that many of the players will be familiar faces for those taking part. Just as 10-15 years ago, the players were doing battle for their country as full-blown internationals, now they are competing with the same players again – same high standard, possibly slightly slower speed of movement.

That said, Canada’s Ken Pereira is one player who does not seem to have allowed age to slow him down at all. His colleague John de Souza emphasised the Peter Pan-like nature of his team mate: “When all else fails we will be turning to the ageless wonder Ken Pereira to bail us out where ever he can.”

We caught up with both Pereira and de Souza ahead of the Masters Indoor World Cup to find out how their team’s preparations were going and why indoor hockey hung onto its participants so successfully.

The first point to make is that the Canadian 45+ team members are making things extra tough for themselves as they are competing in the 40+ age group, meaning that all of the players are giving their opponents five years and, for some of the players it is even more years, as John de Souza explains.

“I am over 50, and we have four athletes that are doing the same. This is going to be a massive disadvantage but we knew what we were signing up for.  When we decided to do this we made a commitment to each other that we would train hard and be the best that we could be. 

“To date, we have been pretty good and have motivated each other to get into the gym. We have done what we can at practice to get up to speed with the feel and pace of the game. We had a festival weekend against the USA and that was great preparation.”

The squad has been doing two hour training sessions every week in preparation for the Masters Indoor World Cup. Even this can be a big commitment for the players. Travelling to the venue, juggling work, family and training – these are things that are a regular part of the lifestyle for international players in their 20s and early 30s but, as a Masters athlete the demands change with age. These athletes have gone into the challenge knowing it will be a tough few months of preparation and competition. And as de Souza explains, the task has been made even harder because it took the players a while to decide to go for it. 

“We bantered the idea around but didn’t really decide for definite until December. Our biggest hurdle besides getting fit – which is actually just a better word for losing weight – was finding enough people to make the commitment. Then it was about finding the facilities in which to practice. The hurdles continue to be the same as we lack good competition to prepare and the availability of facilities in which to practice.”

The team persevered though and in the final weeks before the teams jet off to Hong Kong, the training intensity will ramp up, with two tough training sessions a week.

For the ever-green Pereira, the sessions he does with the Masters team are just one part of his hockey training schedule. De Souza’s comment about his team mate’s fitness levels become clear when you learn that Pereira still trains and plays with his club side, sometimes playing as many as four or five matches at the weekend, with club matches combined with sessions with the Masters team.

“I would say I still train the same way I did 20 years ago,” says Pereira. “I haven’t altered my program too much, I train with the same intensity but maybe add a few more rest days. I am probably a bit smarter with my body in order to prevent injuries but I keep my cardio and strength at the highest level I can.”

Both Pereira and de Souza feel the game has become much quicker since that first Indoor World Cup back in 2003.

“It’s all about speed,” says de Souza. “Everyone is fast now. The ball moves quicker and the tactics have changed significantly to generate opportunities. No one plays one position so you really cannot be a one dimensional player and expect to succeed at the higher levels. Goalkeepers are also way better at defending the corner, which makes it all the more important to be good in free play.”

For people who have not seen a Masters event, there is the potential to dismiss the action as less intense than its regular international counterpart. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once on the field of play, the action is fierce and hugely competitive and both de Souza and Pereira are incredibly proud to be pulling on the maple leaf and belting out the national anthem.

“It is always an honour to wear the Canadian colours and represent your country,” says de Souza. “I have been blessed to have had that honour as a player and coach in this great sport of hockey.  I love the challenge of playing against the best in the world and nothing makes me prouder than seeing our teams do well on the world stage.”

Pereira agrees: “Yeah, I always get excited when putting on the maple leaf, no matter if it’s indoor, outdoor or for my first Masters event. I have pulled on the jersey more than 400 times and every time it feels great. I cherish every moment I get to represent Canada.”

Canada has a strong tradition in indoor hockey; both the men’s and women’s teams have held high world rankings and both have had regular forays into the ‘best of the best – the Indoor Hockey World Cup. De Souza says the game is an “easy sell” when it comes to getting people to get involved in the sport. Some of that is because the game is a lot like ice hockey, even more so with boards and the fast nature of the game. 

“Provinces like Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario are forced to have long indoor seasons and we have now been working with USA to foster club tournaments to create more of a competitive atmosphere,” he says. Adding that he hopes to see both the USA and Canada entering more indoor events in the future.

For both the Canada and USA teams the competition in Hong Kong will be fierce. The presence of indoor giants Germany and Netherlands, as well as top ranking nations such as England and Australia, means a top four finish will be a highly creditable achievement.

To wrap up the conversation, we asked both de Souza and Pereira what was the great draw of international indoor hockey for them at a time when they might reasonably be hanging up their boots?

“For me, I think if you are having fun, keep doing it,” says de Souza. “That goes for hockey or whatever you enjoy in life. Hockey is also a great way to stay in shape and keep healthy”.

“Specifically talking about indoor hockey, I think it helps that you don't need as many people to get a game going. I also believe that in the outdoor game there is less opportunity to get the ball while in indoor it’s so hard to hide. You are always involved in the game. You are always moving and you really don't have to cover that much space to get from one end to the other.”

“To be honest, I think we just have a lot of fun,” says Pereira. “That’s what has kept my career going, just enjoying the camaraderie, the jokes, the ribbing of one another and the excitement to compete.”

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

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