News for 02 July 2019
All the news for Tuesday 2 July 2019
Executive Board rates FIH Pro League’s first edition a success
Lausanne, Switzerland: The FIH Executive Board (EB), chaired by FIH President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, took advantage of the FIH Pro League Grand Final to hold its second meeting of the year in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on 28-29 June.
While acknowledging that, like for every project coming to birth, some areas will require adjustments, the EB expressed its high satisfaction with the first edition of FIH’s global home and away league. The top level of play, the regular frequency of high-quality matches, the abundance of home games and, for some teams, the attendances were assessed as particularly positive outcomes.
The EB also confirmed that a long-term plan for a “Pro League 2” – no official name has been given yet – would be established before the end of the year.
The next big FIH events will be the FIH Olympic qualifiers, which will take place end October-early November. The winners of these qualifiers will join Japan and the continental champions at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
The EB decided to put together a 4-year plan for the development of a global Hockey 5s event which will involve continental qualifications leading to a World Cup in the future. This plan will be finalised later this year.
FIH global supplier Polytan reported on their progress made in developing a dry hockey turf. Last year, FIH had revealed its will to find an alternative to watered pitches by 2024, therefore contributing significantly to a more sustainable environment. This process will be conducted with all relevant stakeholders being consulted - first and foremost the athletes - with a view to reach the same quality as the current water-based fields.
Finally, the EB decided to stage the 2020 FIH Congress in India.
It was the first EB meeting of Clare Prideaux (AUS) - recently elected as President of the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) - in her capacity of FIH EB member.
The next EB meeting will take place on 8-9 November.
FIH site
Latest world ranking list narrows range of possible Olympic qualifier options
The Irish women walk-out at Banbridge. Pic: Adrian Boehm
The Irish women look all but assured of a home draw for the Olympic qualifiers later this year while the men are likely to be on the road following the release of the latest world ranking list over the weekend.
For the Green Army, their recent second place finish at the FIH Series in Banbridge saw them stay in eighth place in the world and also guaranteed them a place in the Olympic qualifiers process.
That looks set to be against one of China, Korea, USA and Chile at this stage based on an open draw following the release of the final rankings in early September following the completion of the continental championships.
Ireland’s performance at Bann saw them qualify alongside winners Korea. From the FIH Series, Spain and Canada (from their tournament in Valencia) and India (from Hiroshima) also earned a qualifier place.
The Netherlands, Australia, Germany and Argentina earned a ticket for the qualifiers via the Pro League.
They will form part of 14 teams involved in those playoffs and will be divided into seven pairs, each playing a two-legged match at one venue with the aggregate score deciding the winner.
The remainder of the places will be filled by the next best placed sides in the world rankings.
However, any of those side can forego the qualifiers should they win their continental championships in the next few months and earn a direct ticket to Tokyo 2020.
Should they be the same as one of the sides confirmed for the Olympic qualifiers, they will be replaced by the next best placed side on the world rankings. Japan have already qualified as both hosts and Asian champions.
When it comes to the draw for the qualifiers, the seven match-ups will be semi-seeded; the top seven sides on world ranking will be assured of home advantage.
This will be further divided with the top three ranked home sides going into a pot to face the bottom three ranked sides of sides with an away draw.
The next four home seeds – the bracket Ireland currently fall into – will be drawn against one of the remaining four away seeded sides mentioned above.
This could change under a couple of circumstances. First, an Ireland win at the Euros to go straight to Tokyo 2020. Should Ireland reach the Euro final and Germany endure a blow-out and suffer relegation, there is a chance of jumping into the top bracket.
In terms of opponents, should USA win the Pan-Am championship, bringing India onto the list of potential opponents.
Ireland’s men ahead of their recent tie with USA. Pic: Adrian Boehm
As for the men, the process follows a similar format. Ireland earned their ticket for the qualifiers with their second place finish in Le Touquet along with France and remain in 11th place in the world rankings.
India and South Africa won through from Bhubaneswar while Canada and Malaysia went through from Kuala Lumpur. From the Pro League, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain and the Netherlands have a qualifier ticket already assured.
In the current position, Ireland are first on the list of top four away ranked sides which would mean, as it stands, an away date with Germany/Great Britain, Spain, Canada or New Zealand.
However, should any of these sides win their continental championships, that could bring India or Argentina into the mix.
To earn a home draw, Ireland would need a run to the European final to overtake Canada in 10th place or, alternatively, USA to beat Canada out of the top two in Pan-America.
As an addendum, with the Green Machine one place outside the home draws, there is considerable frustration that New Zealand remain in eighth place in the world rankings and out of range.
They failed to win any of their matches in the invitational Pro League but still earned 100 more ranking points for their efforts. With no other entries to the Oceania Cup in September other than Australia, they will be given a home draw for the Olympic qualifiers without potentially winning a ranking game of any description.
The Hook
Women’s hockey team rise in rankings, Dharma can stick to his job
By T. Avineshwaran
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women’s hockey team have jumped from 22nd to 20th in the latest ranking list released by the Federation International Hockey (FIH) on Sunday and that is music to coach K. Dharmaraj’s ears.
And, naturally, the coach is elated. For him, getting recognition for the national women’s hockey team has been his foremost task since taking over in 2016.
“It’s wonderful. In the past, nobody looked at the women’s team. The focus was on the men’s and junior teams. I’ve coached the men and juniors all my life and at the time, I didn’t see much in the women’s team.
“But the current batch is a game changer. People are now watching the women play. You also read about the exploits of women players in the news. Usually, it’s about men, but now we can see women gaining prominence.
“Also, top teams are looking at us. Our players are moving to a level where they can call themselves world class.”
Dharmaraj is hoping that Malaysia can maintain the ranking when the new list comes out in August after the completion of the European Championship in order to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games playoff.
“In the last three-and-a-half years, we have worked hard, collected points and our good run in the recent FIH World Hockey Series Finals certainly helped us move up the rankings. We hope to gain a spot in the Olympic playoffs and if we remain in the top 20 after August, we will be involved.
“Even if we don’t get to the playoffs, we have to move on. I want to see our girls playing in the European League. The league starts in September, and it would be great to see some of our girls playing against the best there.”
The Star of Malaysia
Irish underage sides win seven out of seven against Scotland
The Irish underage men’s teams picked up seven wins out of seven over the weekend against Scotland in Ulster with the Under-21s running up three out of three.
They opened up on Friday with a 4-1 success with Ben Johnson starting the run before Ali Empey stretched the lead out to 3-0. Johnson completed the scoring before the end of the third quarter.
Day two saw Ireland come back from behind to win 4-2 with David Mawhinney and Calum Robson getting two goals apiece.
And they finished off on Sunday at Stormont with a 3-1 victory with Ben Palmer, Johnson and Guy Sarratt on the mark.
It marks a strong performance from the side ahead of their European Junior Championships II campaign which begins on July 14 in Litice, Czech Republic.
They are in a group with Turkey, the hosts and Belarus, bidding for a top two finish to earn promotion.
At Under-18 level, the boys in green won their first game on Sunday 7-3 with Evan Jennings scoring twice early on for a 3-1 lead, adding to a Troy Chambers goal.
The Scots got it back to 3-2 but a Chambers corner made it 4-2 and he completed his hat trick before the end of the third quarter. His fourth and one for Mark Duggan completed the victory.
On Monday, Ireland won 8-1 with Evan Jennings and Josh Greaney scoring twice each for a 4-1 lead at half-time with Ryan Spencer, Stewart Wylie, Ollie Kidd and Troy Chambers getting second half strikes.
The Under-16 boys also started their series in rude health with an 8-1 victory. Rory Treacy scrambled in the first after eight minutes before Adam Galbraith stretched the lead to two.
Scotland got one back before Conor Matthews and Paddy Rose combined to make it 3-1 going into the final quarter.
Galbraith went on to add another couple along with goals for Kent Irwin and Matthews to close out the victory.
In game two, Galbraith scored his fourth goal of the weekend to make it 1-0 before Paddy Rose grabbed the winner with two minutes to go in a 2-1 success.
Both the Under-18 and 16 sides are building up to Six Nations tournaments in Eindhoven in the coming weeks.
The Hook
Scotland U21 men defeated in series against Ireland
Scotland`s under-21 side went down 3-1 to Ireland in the final test match at Stormont yesterday in the final preparation game before the European Championships 11 in Czech Republic in two weeks’ time.
Although the young Scots lost all three matches, coach Graham Moodie is now focused on the forthcoming Euros. “It has been three really tough games and good learning for the team. We will now select our squad for the Euros next week.”
For Europe Moodie should have the benefit of the return of James Nairn, out with a broken finger, and also senior squad players Aidan McQuade, Callum MacKenzie and Cameron Golden as he looks to select his squad.
The Scots youngsters made a slow start to yesterday`s contest and found themselves two down after the first quarter.
Just after half-time Scotland pulled one back through a penalty corner conversion from Clydesdale`s Struan Walker. But a counter-attack strike by Ireland not long after put paid to any comeback. The Irish had a number of players in the sin-bin towards the end of the game but the Scots failed to capitalise.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Scotland Grand Masters bronze medal success
On the final day of action at the Grand Masters Euros, both Scotland o60 international sides (Scotland Men and Scotland Women) won Bronze.
The Germans were the reigning world bronze medallists, but Scotland o60s men took the game to them from the start. The Germans scored early but Scotland equalised through Gurdi Duhre for the score to be 1-1 at half time.
A well worked penalty corner saw the Germans retake the lead but a goal from Alan Kerr got Scotland back on equal terms. A penalty stroke by Alan Kerr saw Scotland go in front and then a back post flick by Niall Sturrock saw the Scots go two up. A goal eight minutes from time saw a frantic last period but Scotland saw it out to win the European bronze medal 4-3.
Not to be outdone, Scotland Over 60 Women beat Netherlands 2-1 to win Bronze in the Over 60 Women’s European Cup. Finally, Scotland Over 65 finished the tournament undefeated, beating Ireland 3-0 to secure fifth place in the Great Grand Masters European Cup.
Scotland were represented by three international sides in the Men’s Grand Masters European Cup at Brasschaat, Belgium on 19-29 June 2019: at Over 60, Over 65 and Over 70 level. Scotland’s Over 60 Women competed in the Women’s Over 60 European Cup at the same venue, and Scottish Thistles had teams in the Over 60 and Over 65 Tournament Trophy.
Scotland Over 65 men beat Ireland 3-0 in their crucial final match, with both sides having a 100% record in the round robin for places 5-9 but with Ireland having a better goal difference. Nothing less than a win for Scotland would give them fifth place in the Great Grand Masters European Cup and a 3-0 victory sealed it for them.
The final situation for each of the Scottish teams is:
Over 60 beat Germany for Bronze on 29 June
Over 65 beat Ireland on 29 June for 5th place
Over 70 beat Ireland to finish 7th on 28 June
Over 60 Women beat Netherlands for Bronze on 29 June
Thistles Over 60 finished fourth in Over 60 Tournament Trophy
Thistles Over 65 finished ninth in Over 65 Tournament Trophy
Scottish Hockey Union media release
HC Minsk complete Belarus double to earn return to EHL
HC Minsk’s men won the Belarussian championship with a clean sweep of the final playoffs against SC Stroitel Brest to secure their return to the Euro Hockey League next October in Barcelona.
They won the opening tie 6-4 with Uladzislau Belavusau scoring a hat trick as they scored three times in the first eight minutes.
Brest fought back to level the game at 3-3 and went in front in the 21st minute only for Belavusau, Ivan Lutsevich and Yauheni Mikheychik to swing the game back Minsk’s way.
A day later, Minsk won 7-1 a day later to complete the title victory and they completed the clean sweep in game three when they won a shoot-out after a 3-3 draw in normal time.
Lutsevich was recognized as the best player of the championship, Alexander Povchenets (HC Gomel) was the goalkeeper and Igor Yegoschenkov (SC Stroitel) was the topscorer, Alexander Grachev was recognized as the best judge.
The result means HC Minsk will be represented in both the EHL Men and EHL Women this season.
Euro Hockey League media release
Pearson and O’Flanagan head up Muckross coaching team
Simon Pearson and Irish star Anna O’Flanagan will head up the Muckross coaching team for the 2019/20 season, taking over from Sarah Scott.
For Pearson, he steps up from the assistant coach role he held for the second half of last term, helping their efforts to retain their place in the EY Hockey League via a playoff win over Queen’s.
Pearson steered the second team to both league and cup titles last season before linking up with William & Mary Field Hockey in the US as an Assistant Coach before returning to Ireland.
Having played a key role in the team retaining their spot in what was their debut EYHL season, the club “are delighted Pearson will be assuming the mantle of MHC Head Coach for the upcoming season”.
He will be working closely with Anna O’Flanagan, who is assuming the role of assistant coach/player within the squad.
She is returning to Ireland after two seasons in the Hoofdklasse with HC Bloemendaal and then Pinoke, helping both to their best performances in the Dutch top tier in recent times.
O’Flanagan – Ireland’s all-time top goalscorer – is a graduate of Muckross Park College and so will be familiar with the surrounds on Marlborough Road. She and the club will hope she can impart some of her goalscoring know-how to a very young side who only mustered 11 league goals in 18 games.
Elsewhere, Phil Mills has taken on the coaching job at Belfast Harlequins, making the switch from Ards.
In the men’s competition, Joe Brennan has taken over the reins at Corinthian as head coach for their maiden tilt at the EY Hockey League.
The Hook
Barbour retires after a quarter century in red
Andy Barbour in action for Cookstown in 2017. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Cookstown legend Andy Barbour has called time on his time with the first team after 25 seasons playing at the top level for the Coolnafranky club.
“It has been quite a journey, but a journey I’m privileged to have had a chance to travel,” said Barbour.
“Hockey has given me the chance to go around the world, to play against the best, to win and lose, to experience unbelievable highs and devastating lows, to blast out my national anthem, to perform and underperform.
“Most importantly to make great friendships and the best memories.”
Barbour, now 41, won 86 international caps, scoring 12 goals between 2003 and 2008 and he won the Irish Senior Cup with the side in 2011. In addition, he helped land the Ulster league three times, five Kirk Cups and the Anderson Cup with the Tyrone club.
“There are so many people I need to thank for helping me along the way. Mum and Dad have been brilliant. I hope I’ve done you proud. Thanks for being there for everything.
“I’m lucky to have played in the same team for so long as my brother, Philip. Every team needs a Phily B. My only regret is that you were not in the squad when we won the Irish Senior Cup in 2011, but sure we won it plenty of times in our backyard in the 1980s!
“I’ve only been able to keep going this long thanks to unbelievable support from my wife, Emma. If our kids have the same enthusiasm for life as you, they will do great.
“I’d like to thank the current Cookstown team for letting an old guy continue to chase his goals the last few years. I wish you all the best for the upcoming season. I’ll always be here to help.
“I’ve been lucky to have shared a pitch with some brilliant players and some even better people. It has been some craic!
“Thanks to everyone at Cookstown Hockey Club for all the support over the years. There has been plenty of highs and lows, some great days and some great nights. Thanks for making me feel more special than I actually that I was.
“And to our opposition players and supporters, we might not always have seen eye to eye but sure we were only trying to do the best for our team. No hard feelings and hopefully we’ll keep at it to see our great game getting stronger and better. Hopefully, I’ll catch you all near a pitch soon.”
The Hook
Player/coach wanted for Brighton and Hove HC men's national league squad
Brighton and Hove Hockey Club is looking for a player/coach for the men's first-team squad as they prepare for life in the highly competitive Division One (South) of England's national Men's Hockey League next season.
The club seeks players with the proven playing ability and experience to make a significant contribution on the field of play while an additional (and possibly linked) role involves coaching the flourishing junior teams. Full support in the role is provided and the successful applicant will be working alongside an experienced FIH coach in Jon Royce. Starting date will be September 2019.
The role would particularly suit a qualified or aspiring coach who wishes to add to or learn coaching skills at the highest level at a progressive club.
Brighton and Hove HC is seeking to build on the improvement and progress of recent years throughout all its sections and the club has a long-term strategy to build a sustainable future through investment in its youth section.
Full details of the position and how to apply can be found in advertisements posted on both the England Hockey and Recruitment4hockey websites with a closing date for application of Wednesday July 31, 2019 at:
http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/jobs.asp?itemid=45894&itemTitle=Player+Coach§ion=29§ionTitle=Jobs+in+Hockey
http://www.recruitment4hockey.com/jobs/player-player-coach/
The contact at Brighton and Hove HC for this position is Luke Owen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Brighton and Hove HC media release
Olympic Day: the Field Hockey Community Gives Back
Image Taken by Mark Palczewski
On Saturday, June 22, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and USA Field Hockey joined together around the FIH Pro League game between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Germany to celebrate Olympic Day.
Established to unite the world around the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect, Olympic Day and the Olympic movement is based on three pillars: move, learn and discover. Olympic Day was first celebrated on June 23, 1948. It is not only celebrated around sporting events but has been incorporated into concerts, school curriculum and exhibitions.
“Every year, Olympic Day allows the whole world to unite behind the Olympic Dream.” - Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
USA Field Hockey celebrated Olympic Day through the FIH’s initiative, Sticks for the World, a global development initiative that works to provide greater access to the sport by reducing the barrier to entry. A total of 140 sticks were donated from national team athletes from USA and Germany, as well as players, coaches and fans during the National Futures Championship, presented by Harrow Sports. In addition, equipment bags, balls, cones, pinnies and an activity have been donated by the FIH and GO Balls have been donated by USA Field Hockey. The equipment is being donated to programs in California to help grow the game leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
USA Field Hockey would like to say thank you to everyone that donated a stick for this initiative. Together you have helped creating a more inclusive and accessible playing field for all.
Click here to learn more about the FIH’s development program. For any questions about growing the game in your community, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
USFHA media release