News for 28 February 2019
All the news for Thursday 28 February 2019
2019 Test Matches: FRA v WAL (W) - 2nd Test
Results 27 February
FRA v WAL 2 - 1
FIH Match Centre
2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - Weekend fixtures
2 Mar 2019 15:00 (GMT +11) AUS v ESP (RR) Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre, Sydney
Live streaming on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)
FIH Match Centre
2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - Weekend fixtures
2 Mar 2019 17:00 (GMT+11) AUS v USA (RR) Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre, Sydney
3 Mar 2019 14:00 (GMT+8) CHN v NED (RR) Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou
Live streaming on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)
FIH Match Centre
Learning through experience is key to USA success
The USA women’s team has had a mixed bag of results in the FIH Pro League so far, putting in a typically battling performance to draw 2-2 with the world number four team, Argentina, and then losing to the Netherlands as the Dutch turned on a masterclass in attacking play to win 5-0.
Speaking just after her team – ranked 12th in the FIH World Rankings – touched down in Australia for their third FIH Pro League match against the in-form world number three team, captain and long-serving member of the squad Kathleen Sharkey says she is conscious that for many of her players, this is the first time they have faced some of the world’s best players on the international stage.
“It was the first time playing Holland for many of our players, so it definitely provided a great learning experience. I think we played a strong second half against Holland, but it was unfortunate that we couldn’t bring that intensity and fight to the first half. Any weaknesses that you have are going to be very exposed against them.
“I think a key takeaway from both games has been the importance of everyone on the field doing their job for 60 minutes. Even if someone makes a mistake, we need to quickly react, adjust, and get back in the play. We need that focus and work rate from everyone for the entire game from start to finish.”
And for the thoughtful captain, this edition of the FIH Pro League is definitely a learning experience, both for the newer recruits to the squad and for multi-capped players like herself (currently 150 caps): “I’ve been enjoying the Pro League so far. It’s great from a player’s perspective to be able to completely focus on one game and opponent at a time. Usually you are entering a tournament where you will play five or six different opponents.
“It’s been nice to have the time to fully debrief a game with video and conversations, and to discuss and analyse your opponent without having to think too much about your next game. I think we’ve been able to learn so much and make some key steps forward and I think we’ve shown glimpses of that already in our first two games.
“Take the game against Argentina for example. We stuck to our game plan really well and were able to get an early lead. We knew they’d keep fighting and creating chances and unfortunately they were able to tie the game. Overall the game provided some key lessons to our group, but we were happy to leave Argentina with a point.”
The team is now undergoing the next big learning curve as they work to overcome the effects of long distance travel and prepare for their encounter with Australia on 2 March in Sydney before flying across the Tasman Sea to face New Zealand on 8 March.
“We just completed the long travel to Australia,” says Sharkey. “And so right now we’re focusing on adjusting to the time change and getting our bodies recovered from the trip. We’re looking forward to playing a great opponent in front of a big crowd.”
Official FIH Pro League Site
Kookaburras Make Six Changes For Spanish Clash
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia today announces the 18-member Kookaburras team to take on Spain at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre in the FIH Pro League on Saturday.
Fresh from back-to-back wins, the world number two Kookaburras will face ninth-ranked Spain from 3pm AEDT, live on kayosports.com.au and delayed from 9pm AEDT on FOX SPORTS 505.
The Kookaburras have made six changes from the side that defeated Great Britain 2-0 in Perth a fortnight ago.
NSW pair Blake Govers and Lachlan Sharp return for the match in their home state, while goalkeeper Tyler Lovell, Tim Howard, Jack Welch and Dylan Wotherspoon are all added.
Andrew Charter, Andrew Kleinschmidt, Flynn Ogilvie, Josh Simmonds, Tom Wickham and Corey Weyer make way.
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said: “We wanted to give opportunities and we’ve done that in the early part of the FIH Pro League.
“Now we’re starting to narrow with players who are in-form. It’s still a mixture of form and providing opportunity to younger players who are playing well and who will benefit with every experience at this level.”
The Kookaburras last played upcoming opponents Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2017 World League Final where Australia triumphed 4-1.
Spain have started the FIH Pro League with two shootout wins against 2018 World Cup finalists Belgium and Netherlands, as well as a thrilling 6-5 defeat to Great Britain.
“They had a disappointing World Cup and they’ve rebounded from that,” Batch said.
“They’ve had some good performances at home so far and this is their first away trip.
“We need to take some of the learnings from our daily training environment in Perth across to Sydney and hopefully have a good performance.”
Tickets are still available for the Sydney matches by ticketbooth.com.au. Gates open at 2pm AWST.
The Sydney matches are made possible thanks to the support of Destination NSW.
Saturday 2 March 2019 – Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre
Kookaburras v Spain – 3pm, Hockeyroos v USA – 5pm
*All times AWST
Kookaburras 18-member team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Jacob Anderson (Mackay, QLD)
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Johan Durst (Melbourne, VIC)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Jack Welch (Hobart, TAS)
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)
Hockey Australia media release
Kenny Returns To Boost Hockeyroos For Sydney Trip
Ben Somerford.jpg)
Hockey Australia today announces the 18-member Hockeyroos team to take on USA at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre in the FIH Pro League on Saturday.
The world number three Hockeyroos, who sit second on the FIH Pro League standings, take on 12th-ranked USA from 5pm AEDT, live on kayosports.com.au and delayed from 10:30pm AEDT on FOX SPORTS 505.
The Hockeyroos have made three changes from the side which won 3-0 over Great Britain in Perth, with co-captain Jodie Kenny leading the inclusions after a quad injury saw her miss the past three matches.
Kenny is joined by goalkeeper Ashlee Wells and Kristina Bates in the 18-member team, with Jane Claxton, Rachael Lynch and Rosie Malone (shoulder) making way.
Armidale defender Georgina Morgan, who returned from injury in Perth, will lead the side as sole captain in her home state. Overall there are six NSW players in the team for Sydney.
Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said: “It’s great to have Jodie Kenny back into the squad.
“She missed our past few games with a quad injury, so we’re keen to have her back involved.”
He added: “We’ve got a bunch of NSW girls involved as well, so it’ll be great to have them back home.”
USA have played two FIH Pro League games so far, losing 5-0 at home to world champions Netherlands last week and suffering a shootout defeat away to Argentina after a 2-2 draw.
“They’re a very physical side and they’ll work hard,” Gaudoin said.
“They’ll make a good contest of it. We’re looking to continue some of the stuff we’re working on which is going reasonably at the moment.”
Tickets are still available for the Sydney matches by ticketbooth.com.au. Gates open at 2pm AWST.
The Sydney matches are made possible thanks to the support of Destination NSW.
Saturday 2 March 2019 – Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre
Kookaburras v Spain – 3pm, Hockeyroos v USA – 5pm
*All times AWST
Hockeyroos 18-member team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW)
Kristina Bates (Melbourne, VIC)
Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) *Plays for ACT
Lily Brazel (Sydney, NSW) *Plays for VIC
Emily Chalker (Crookwell, NSW)
Kalindi Commerford (Ulladulla, NSW) *Plays for ACT
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Rebecca Greiner (Bundaberg, QLD)
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD)
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW)
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW)
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT)
Penny Squibb (Tambellup, WA)
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW)
Sophie Taylor (Melbourne, VIC)
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC)
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW)
Georgia Wilson (Mahogany Creek, WA)
Hockey Australia media release
FIH Pro League Scouting Report: USWNT vs. Australia
In anticipation of the U.S. Women's National Team's FIH Pro League match on Saturday, March 2, here is a scouting report you’ll want to review before the starting whistle.
Game Day: Saturday, March 2, 2019
Time: 1:00 a.m. ET
Location: Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre, Sydney, Australia
Live Stream: Don't miss a second of the FIH Pro League action down-under and watch the USWNT take on Australia this Saturday! The FIH has signed a four-year media rights agreement with Bleacher Report Live for the territories of Canada and the United States. Bleacher Report Live is operated by Turner Sports, a division of WarnerMedia. The platform, which is Turner’s live sports streaming service, will be the primary destination for all fans to watch FIH Pro League matches.
FIH Pro League single games are available paid per view for $2.99 per match or $19.99 for the FIH Pro League 2019 Season Pass (all matches). Click here for the FIH Pro League live stream landing page.
Opponent: Australia
FIH World Ranking: 3
Head to Head: The last time these two teams met was in September at the Sompo Cup Four Nations Women's Ibaraki International Tournament in Japan in the third pool game. The closely heated match saw USA tie the game in the 59th minute, but a late surge by Australia resulted in a go-ahead goal to give the Hockeyroos a 2-1 victory.
Prior to that USA and Australia went head-to-head three times during the 2017 International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne, Australia, played in November just before the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in New Zealand. The first game, which was a test match and did not count toward the tournament results, spanned to be an even contest with both teams seeing chances but it was Australia who came out on top with a 2-0 victory. Despite an early lead in the second match USA was cut short of victory as Australia rallied to win 3-2. The Hockeyroos scored three unanswered goals to wipe away USA’s first half advantage. Lastly, they met in the bronze medal game where Australia's huge third quarter propelled them past the USA by a final of 5-0.
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Head to Head (since 2013) |
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| 13 Previous Matches 3 Draws |
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| 8 | Won | 2 |
| 29 | Total Goals | 16 |
What You Need to Know: Australia's Hockeyroos were in brilliant form at last year's Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018, topping their pool ahead of New Zealand, Belgium and Japan before knocking out Argentina in the quarterfinals via a shootout. They were the only team that came close to beating eventual winners The Netherlands, taking the mighty Dutch to a shootout in the semifinals before suffering a heart breaking defeat. The manner of that loss certainly took its tool, with the team struggling to hit their previous heights in the bronze medal game, losing 3-1 to Spain. Despite that fairly unsatisfactory ending, Australia's stellar performance in London earned a huge amount of admiration. Under the guidance of head coach Paul Gaudoin, himself a former men's international with the Kookaburras, Australia are once again a force to be reckoned with and will be looking to bring back to the glory days.
The initial squad selected for the FIH Pro League contains the majority of the athletes that competed at last year's World Cup in London and also the Champions Trophy in China, where the Hockeyroos finished in second. Jodie Kenny and Emily Smith both having more than 200 appearances for their country, while a further six players have more than 100 international caps to their respective names. One of those is Rachael Lynch, nominated for the 2019 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award, who is likely to make her 200th international appearance in the coming months.
Recap of Australia's Previous Game: A capacity crowd of 4,000 was present at the Perth Hockey Stadium as No. 3 Australia hosted Olympic champions No. 2 Great Britain.
Great Britain had the better of the chances in the first period, with Australia goalkeeper Rachael Lynch denying Ellie Rayer while Sarah Robertson and Giselle Ansley both failed to hit the target with good opportunities. The Hockeyroos had some good chances of their own and it was the hosts who took the lead at the end of the first period thanks to Kalindi Commerford, who made the perfect connection to a cross from the right to find the net from close range.
Australia as the dominant force in the second quarter and doubled their advantage in sensational style, with Mariah Williams drilling a bouncing ball past goalkeeper Nicola Cochrane and into the roof of the net. Great Britain kept Australia goalkeeper Lynch busy, with her to make numerous saves to deny the Olympic champions a goal in a third quarter dominated by the visiting team from Europe.
The Hockeyroos were outstanding in the early stages of the final quarter, with Great Britain’s replacement goalkeeper Amy Tennant doing enough to pressurize Rosie Malone into firing wide moments before the third Australia goal was scored. Savannah Fitzpatrick scored what was the final goal of the game.
The Australia's Roster: Click Here
USFHA media release
FIH Pro League Recap So Far
The FIH Pro League has begun in New Zealand and what an exciting affair the first few matches have been. Auckland hosted the first 2 matches which saw the Belgium and Netherlands Men and Women visit. Following on Christchurch took their turn to host 3 matches where the Germany, Great Britain and China came to visit.
On January 27th the Netherlands came over to North Harbour Hockey stadium to play two incredibly exciting matches. The Men were up first and found themselves behind early after a 3-goal onslaught in the first quarter. The Black Sticks Men responded in a positive fashion with a 3 goal second quarter to tie the game heading into the 2nd half. Unfortunately, the Netherlands Men found the winning goal late in the 3rd quarter to seal the result. The next match of the evening saw the Black Sticks Women take on the Netherlands. This was a low scoring match which could have gone either way, however the Netherlands scored a 3rd quarter goal which was the difference maker.
On February 1st Our two teams then took on the teams from Belgium. These matches were set up to be two incredibly exciting matches especially on the Men’s side with Belgium being the reigning World Cup Champions and featured the World Player of the Year. The Vantage Black Sticks Women were up first as they came up against an improving Belgium Women’s team. We looked to be heading towards a 0-0 draw and a penalty shootout until the last five minutes when the match erupted. First Belgium was awarded a penalty stroke which was saved by Grace O’Hanlon and then with 2 minutes to go Belgium found the winner to upset the Black Sticks Women.
The Vantage Black Sticks Men were up next and faced what looked like a daunting proposition coming up against the World Number One and World Champions. The Black Sticks started the match in a perfect fashion when they were able to put themselves into the lead early in the match through a Hugo Inglis goal. Belgium then came storming back into the match with two quick goals to put themselves into the half time sheds in the lead. The Black Sticks Men found the strength of character to continue fighting in the match and ended the match with a 4-4 draw. Unfortunately, in the subsequent shootout Belgium came away with the result.
The FIH Pro League then shifted down to Christchurch for the next three matches and opened up Ngå Puna Wai as an international hockey venue. First up at the new venue was Great Britain Men and Women and these matches proved to be incredibly high scoring matches.
The Black Sticks Men were up first and were looking to back up an impressive performance from the week previous against Belgium. Our Men ran into an incredibly clinical Great Britain Men’s team who capatalised on their opportunities in the match and came away with a 6-2 loss to Great Britain.
Our Vantage Black Sticks Women were up against a young Great Britain side but were going to be looking for an improved performance. Looking like a side that was hungry for the win our Black Sticks Women came away with a 5-1 victory which was aided from an Olivia Merry hattrick.
We were back at Ngå Puna Wai the following Friday for the next match in the FIH Pro League as we were taking on the sides from Germany. Having had some tough results against Australia the previous week Germany would be looking to secure the much-needed points to kick start their FIH Pro League campaigns. The Black Sticks Women were up first and were hoping to build on their impressive showing from Great Britain. New Zealand hit the front early in the match through an Amy Robinson goal. However, Germany played some relentless attacking hockey and were rewarded with an impressive 3-1 win over the Black Sticks Women.
The Black Sticks Men were up next and were facing another one of the top international sides Germany. Despite some great periods of attacking hockey in the match the German Men were more clinical on attack and came away with a 3-1 win.
The final match of the FIH Pro League in Christchurch was played on the 17th February between the Black Sticks Women and China. This match was not a double header due to the Pakistan Men being withdrawn from the Pro League, as a result of this our Vantage Black Sticks Men gave their fans an opportunity to come and have a hit around on the Ngå Puna Wai turf before the Black Sticks Women took on China.
Looking for their second win of the FIH Pro League the Black Sticks came up against a strong China defence which featured one of the top goalkeepers in the world. We looked to be heading for a potential shootout in this match before a pair of second half goals to Olivia Merry saw the Black Sticks Women secure the win.
The FIH Pro League returns on March 8th where both our Black Sticks Men and Women will be in action as our Vantage Black Sticks Men take on Spain and our Vantage Black Sticks Women take on the USA. Both of these matches will be played at North Harbour Hockey Stadium.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Degroote enjoys his double as Leo beat Dragons in Belgium
©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
Royal Leopold’s Tom Degroote described his club’s 4-1 win over KHC Dragons as “really fun” as they strengthened their position in third place in Group B of the Belgian league.
“ We knew it would not be easy against the Antwerp side,” he told the Hockey Belgium website. “We were aware that we would have to defend well and that, at the same time, we would have to take the chances that would fall our way.
“We responded well after the opening goal. We were especially focused on our plans and the goals came at the best time. We can really be satisfied after this great collective effort."
Felix Denayer opened the scoring for the Belgian champions but Leo replied in kind with Manu Brunet equalising in the 26th minute from Gaspard Baumgarten’s assist. Five minutes later, Degroote put Leo in front and the game was won when Tanguy Zimmer got the Brussels’ side’s third goal. Degroote got a fourth with 15 minutes to go.
They sit third in Group B on 20 points while Dragons are third in Group A with 16. Both sides are destined for the EHL KO16 with Leo set to play Real Club de Polo while Dragons face Three Rock Rovers.
Elsewhere, the Waterloo Ducks bounced back from their first defeat of the season to beat Antwerp 9-1. They lead Group A. Racing Club de Bruxelles went one better with Tom Boon scoring five in a 10-1 win over White Star.
In the batttle of the second placed teams, La Gantoise saw off Oree 3-0 while Daring drew with Braxgata 3-3 and Herakles tied with Beerschot on the same scoreline.
Euro Hockey League media release
Arul may be unwell but UniKL won’t be ill-prepared
By Aftar Singh
Not cool: UniKL’s Robbert Kemperman received a green card during the TNB Cup semi-final, first-leg match against Maybank on Tuesday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) won their semi-final first leg (4-1) against Maybank in the absence of coach A. Arulselvaraj, who was ill.
Today, the former national coach is determined not to miss the return leg at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium.
“I must be on the ground for the return leg at any cost. It’s a crucial match,” said Arulselvaraj, who will be seeing the doctor today.
“The players did a great job under the scorching heat (in the first match played on Tuesday at 3pm).
“They know what is expected of them but a three-goal advantage is not enough. Anything can happen in the return leg,” said Arul, adding that he is pleased to see the senior local and foreign players guiding the youngsters in the team.
Team manager Datuk Amir Azhar Ibrahim and his band of assistant coaches plotted UniKL’s victory against Maybank in Arul’s absence.
The league champions played Maybank under a searing temperature of 36°C at 3pm on Tuesday.
However, the return-leg semi-final against Maybank will start at 5pm.
Former international Baljit Singh Charun voiced his concern over players picking up green and yellow cards.
“Local players, please don’t pick up cards in the return leg. We can’t afford that. I beg you all, please,” he said loudly to the players in the presence of UniKL president and chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr. Mazliham Mohd Suud and other team officials.
Dutch international Robbert Kemperman and Muhammad Hafiz Zainal received green cards while Muhammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan was shown the yellow card for offences against Maybank on Tuesday.
Baljit’s concern is understandable as UniKL will be without four foreign players for the final match on March 2.
UniKL will be without Kemperman and his fellow countrymen Martijn Havenga and Valentin Verga, and Ireland captain and goalkeeper David Harte should the team qualify for the final.
The four will return to Europe on Sunday, one day after the final, as the European Hockey Federation (EHF) window for players to play in overseas leagues ends on Feb 28.
Harte, Kemperman and Havenga play for SV Kampong while Verga represents Amsterdam.
The other foreign signings in UniKL are Australians Kieran Govers and Timothy Deavin, who are not involved in the EuroHockey League.
The Star of Malaysia
Tenaga need tons of energy to sound the board under scorching heat
KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional will face two challenges in the semi-final return leg against Terengganu at the Tun Razak Stadium in Jalan Duta today.
Tenaga’s main challenge will be to go for goals and their second challenge is to play in the scorching heat at 3pm.
Tenaga, powered by eight national players, need to overcome a 1-3 deficit after losing to Terengganu in the first-leg semi-final match on Tuesday.
Nor Saiful said they have been missing too many chances in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
“We’ll also face a tough situation playing in the scorching heat at 3pm,” said Nor Saiful.
“I’ve two very experienced strikers, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil and Firhan Ashari, but the duo are not playing to their true potential.
“They’re not sharp enough to deliver the goals. Firhan missed two golden opportunities in the first leg semi-final.
“I want the duo to buck up and get the goals in the return leg,” said Nor Saiful, who guided his team to the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup last month.
He added that his juniors like Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Muhd Noor Firdaus Rosdi and Muhd Arif Syafie Ishak also failed to deliver when it mattered most.
“I also want my captain Faiz Helmi (Jali) to marshal the defence well as Terengganu have two good penalty corner drag flickers.
“Terengganu scored two penalty corner goals in the first leg and we cannot concede penalty corners tomorrow,” said Nor Saiful.
Terengganu coach I. Vickneswaran is also concerned about playing in the torturous heat at 3pm.
“Tenaga have young players and they have the ability to withstand the heat.
“Although we have a two-goal cushion, we’ll not play a defensive game as it will be dangerous. We’ll go all out to score an early goal to put pressure on them.”
The Star of Malaysia
Hockey NZ Clarification
On Monday 25th February, Hockey New Zealand shared the key findings of the review of the Black Sticks Women’s team environment. Hockey New Zealand provided the following information to One News on the 27th Feb and Magic Radio on the 28th Feb with Peter Williams. This information is being clarified in response to certain questions that we have been asked.
Regarding the confidentiality of the review findings
Mike Bignell states “Participants in the review were interviewed confidentially and on the condition of anonymity. This was critical to allow participants to speak openly about their experiences while protecting the privacy of all individuals.
These Terms of Reference of the review were agreed with the Hockey Players’ Association and High Performance Sport New Zealand.
Hockey New Zealand needs to ensure it meets its obligations under the Privacy Act, protecting the employment rights of our employees (including our players).
However, we do welcome the opportunity to meet confidentially with anyone who believes their concerns are not being addressed.”
Regarding examples of the behaviours
There is one other point we wish to clarify from Monday’s media conference.
The report provided by Maria Dew QC very clearly sets out examples of the behaviours described by players who were interviewed. These matters were reported in the review. However the incidents were not intended to be the subject of an employment investigation.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Volunteer Appreciation #1 - Mike Paardekooper
Mike Paardekooper is our first Volunteer Appreciations acknowledgement. Mike was instrumental in 2018 when he played a significant role in bringing the Tri Nations International Hockey Series between Australia, Japan and the Vantage Black Sticks Women. Mike managed to do this all the while he was battling terminal cancer.
A few years earlier Mike had played a massive role in Cromwell receiving an upgrade to the existing facility which meant that the turf was replaced with an international playing surface and a hockey pavilion was built.
Mike was also part of the original group of people who helped fundraise for the initial sand turf more than 20 years ago where they did mountain bike races, 4-wheel drive trips and gold bar draws.
Central Otago Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie commented “He’s done so much for Cromwell for so long. Its hard to sum up in words the massive contributions that Mike has made to Central Otago.”
Not only was Mike a passionate supporter of Central Otago Hockey he was a Cromwell Businessman helping to establish a successful Paper Plus franchise and local government leader.
Sadly Mike lost his battle with Cancer in early 2019, his impact on Central Otago remains and his contributions to the region will be felt by the next generation that get to experience the amazing Olympic level facility in Cromwell.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/good-sorts-cromwell-duo-raise-millions-new-hockey-turf-not-once-but-twice
Hockey New Zealand Media release