News for 19 December 2019
All the news for Thursday 19 December 2019
Germany favours new FIH Hockey Pro League format
The FIH Hockey Pro League second season gets underway in January 2020 after a hugely successful first edition. We caught up with the coaches and players from the participating teams as they prepare for the new look FIH Hockey Pro League season to get underway. In the following interview, Germany women's super striker Charlotte Stapenhorst, talk about the forthcoming season and what the FIH Hockey Pro League means to her and the team.
Germany (FIH World ranking: 4) finished in third place in the first season of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Their 2020 campaign starts with a home fixture against Belgium on 19 March 2020 at the Hockey Park, Monchengladbach.
What did you learn from the first FIH Hockey Pro League and how will you prepare for the second season?
Charlotte Stapenhorst: “We learnt loads of stuff and we had some good games. There was loads of travelling. We must recover well. The new format, home and away in the same place, will be loads better travelling wise, so that is a good thing.”
What are your ambitions for the second edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League?
Charlotte Stapenhorst: “Well, we came third so we can always look to get better. It’s just right before the Olympics so we will be working on becoming a really good team. The main goal is the Olympics, that is a fact. We want to play good games against the main nations, so third again would be good.”
The second season has a new format, what difference will that make for your team?
Charlotte Stapenhorst: “It will make such a big difference. There just won’t be so much travelling. That first season we went to New Zealand, Australia and Argentina in one trip, I think this way it will just be much better.
Which fixture you are most looking forward to and why?
Charlotte Stapenhorst: “Well, that’s not hard. Now we have Monchengladbach and other different cities, Berlin and Hamburg. Hamburg is my home club, Berlin is my home town so both are really, really good. And Hamburg is a real hockey city so loads of people will be coming to watch and support.”
What was your #MyProLeagueMoment of season one?
Charlotte Stapenhorst: “I think I had quite a good game against Belgium when I scored three goals. That was definitely my Pro League moment but every match spent travelling with the team, it is a really cool environment [to be in].”
What is your message to the fans?
Charlotte Stapenhorst: “Guys, come out, watch hockey. It is such a great sport. Support us in our home towns of Hamburg, Berlin and Monchengladbach and enjoy watching really, really good hockey.”
#FIHProLeague
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Official FIH Pro League Site
Pakistan to participate in Azlan Shah Hockey Cup
LAHORE - The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) on Wednesday extended an invitation to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for participation in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be played in IPOH from April 11 to 18, 2020.
The PHF has confirmed the participation of Pakistan hockey team in the 29th Edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Men Hockey Tournament 2020.
A Total of six teams will feature in 29th edition of event.
The national team will take part in the cup next year, as the participation in this prestigious event will provide fast track, more exposure and experience to men in green.
The Nation
Chris Cargo retires from International Hockey
Cargo made his debut in the 2009 Celtic Cup scoring on debut as Ireland defeated France 3-1 in Edinburgh. 11 years, 195 matches and 28 international goals later he has decided to call time on his international career.
Performance Director Adam Grainger congratulated Chris on his career on behalf of Hockey Ireland, saying “Congratulations on your Hockey Ireland playing career, you have a lot to be proud of. We have no doubt you’ll be successful in everything you undertake off the pitch.
Please do keep in touch with Hockey Ireland, the experiences retired internationals can put back into our system is invaluable.”
Chris came through the ranks of Bangor Grammar and played for the seaside club whilst also having played in England and Europe during his illustrious career.
He was part of the Irish side who made history winning the first senior European medal when they defeated England 4-2 in London in 2015 to win bronze at the Europeans and then made history again to qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Chris played all 5 matches and unfortunately the side were not able to repeat the feat when the lost on penalties to Canada in their bid to qualify for Tokyo.
In all he played in 3 European A division championships alongside the Olympic games winning 77 of the 195 matches he played for Ireland. He finishes his Irish career 8th on the all-time caps list, with 28 goals and captaining the team twice against Pakistan in Lisburn in 2017.
“I have loved wearing the green shirt for 10 years in countries all over the world and making history with this group,” said Cargo.
“I would particularly like to thank Paul Revington for giving me my first opportunity to wear a green shirt. I had given up on that dream so I will always be truly grateful to him for giving me that chance and changing my life. He made me, and the whole group, believe that we could make history and instilled in us a huge drive and determination. To Ned, for galvanising the team after the disappointment of 2012, you pushed us on again through our “No excuses” mantra. Finally, to Tum for coming in and making this group enjoy their hockey again.
I have been very lucky to have been playing in an Irish shirt during a period when, in my opinion, some of the best players in Irish history were playing alongside me. To all the lads I have shared a pitch with over the years; Thanks! It was an amazing journey and I was lucky enough to forge some enduring friendships, whilst making history with this team and having a great laugh along the way. There have been many low points on the journey, but they make the successes so much sweeter.
To my parents, thank you for all your support along the way and for trusting and backing me in all the decisions I have made. To Sarah, my fiancée, thank you for being so understanding and allowing me to chase my dreams with unconditional support. Furthermore, thank you to all the families in Dublin, especially the Loughreys, who have welcomed me into their homes.
I look forward to wearing my green shirt as a supporter of Irish Hockey in future years. Irish hockey is in rude health with the ladies representing us in Tokyo next summer and I believe that the correct support for both teams will mean that we will see both in Paris and for many more Olympics to come.”
Irish Hockey Association media release
Chris Cargo: Ireland player ends international career after winning 195 caps
Chris Cargo made his Ireland debut against France in 2009. He played in all five of Ireland's games at the Rio Olympics
Ireland player Chris Cargo has announced his retirement from international hockey at the age of 33.
Cargo won his 195th and final cap in Ireland's controversial Olympic play-off defeat by Canada in October.
The county Down man made his debut against France in 2009 and ends his international career eighth on the country's all-time caps list.
"I have loved wearing the green shirt for 10 years in countries all over the world," said Cargo.
"I would particularly like to thank Paul Revington for giving me my first opportunity to wear a green shirt.
"I had given up on that dream so I will always be truly grateful to him for giving me that chance and changing my life."
Cargo's career highlights include helping the Irish earn bronze at the 2015 European Championships and playing in all five Ireland matches at the Olympics in Rio a year later.
He captained the Irish on two occasions against Pakistan in 2017 and scored 28 international goals.
Hockey Ireland Performance Director Adam Grainger congratulated Cargo on his career.
"You have a lot to be proud of. We have no doubt you'll be successful in everything you undertake off the pitch," said Grainger.
"Please do keep in touch with Hockey Ireland, the experiences retired internationals can put back into our system is invaluable."
Cargo and his Ireland team-mates missed out on a second successive Olympic spot in heartbreaking fashion as Canada were awarded a penalty stroke following a controversial video umpire's decision after the full-time hooter had already sounded in the second leg of the play-off in Vancouver..
The Irish were already celebrating apparent qualification but Canada's successful video referral led to a penalty stroke which they converted to ensure a shootout which the hosts won to book a spot in Tokyo.
After starting his club career for his native Bangor, Cargo had stints with Reading and Racing Bruxelles before joining Hampstead & Westminster in 2017.
BBC Sport
'I have been very lucky': Bangor's Chris Cargo retires from international hockey but predicts bright Ireland future
Chris Cargo has retired with 195 caps for Ireland and a European bronze medal.
Bangor's Chris Cargo has predicted a bright future for Irish Hockey as he announces his international retirement.
The 33-year-old, who now plays in England for Hampstead & Westminster, says he expects both the men's and women's teams to reach plenty more Olympic Games in the future.
He's one of the lucky ones in Ireland's hockey history - and he knows it.
Cargo played five games at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the first time an Irish side had qualified for the games in more than 100 years.
Four years on and the women's team have followed suit, while Cargo and his team-mates were denied a spot in Tokyo in now infamous circumstances as a contentious last gasp video umpire decision allowed Canada to take the Olympic spot on penalties.
"Irish hockey is in rude health with the ladies representing us in Tokyo next summer and I believe that the correct support for both teams will mean that we will see both in Paris and for many more Olympics to come," he said.
Despite his final cap heartache, Cargo knows he can look back at a career most can only dream of, with 195 caps, two as captain, 77 wins, 28 goals and a European bronze medal to hold dear.
“I have loved wearing the green shirt for 10 years in countries all over the world and making history with this group,” he reflected.
"I have been very lucky to have been playing in an Irish shirt during a period when, in my opinion, some of the best players in Irish history were playing alongside me.
"It was an amazing journey and I was lucky enough to forge some enduring friendships, whilst making history with this team and having a great laugh along the way. There have been many low points on the journey, but they make the successes so much sweeter."
Cargo made his Ireland debut in the Celtic Cup in 2009 aged 23, scoring in a 3-1 win over France in Edinburgh.
"I had given up on that dream so I will always be truly grateful to Paul Revington (then coach) for giving me that chance and changing my life," he continued.
"He made me, and the whole group, believe that we could make history and instilled in us a huge drive and determination. To Ned (Craig Fulton - caoch 2014 to 2018), (thank you) for galvanising the team after the disappointment of 2012 (Olympic qualifying defeat to South Korea).
"Finally, to (Mark Tumilty - coach for recent Olympic play-off) for coming in and making this group enjoy their hockey again."
Cargo came through the ranks at Bangor Grammar and played for his hometown club before moving to England, where he has represented Team Bath and Reading as well as his current club. He has also played for Racing Bruxelles in Belgium.
Belfast Telegraph Digital
For hockey striker Tengku Ahmad, it’s love you 300
KUALA LUMPUR: National forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil will turn 34 on Jan 5. With 13 years of service in the national team and 299 caps, he could be forgiven for thinking about putting his foot up.
But not Tengku Ahmad, he is looking for cap No 300 - and more.
The Kangar-born player is not about to retire and believes he can still play for another two years.
His last assignment with the national team was in the two Olympic qualifying matches against Britain in London last month.
Malaysia lost 9-3 on aggregate and failed to qualify for Tokyo.
Tengku Ahmad, who has represented Malaysia since 2006, said that if his services are still required by the national team, he would continue to play for the national team.
“I believe I can still contribute to the national team for another two years, ” said Tengku Ahmad.
“I finished national team training last week and all the players have been released to play in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL). I will focus on the MHL.
“I hope I can impress the national coaches enough in the MHL to receive a call-up to play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh (from April 11-18), ” said Tengku Ahmad.
The father of two children played for Tenaga Nasional for the last three years and helped them win the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup this year.
“But I have received another offer to play for defending overall champions Terengganu next year.
“I am still negotiating with both clubs as I want the best offer before I sign the contract. I will decide by the end of this week as the training begins next week, ” said Tengku Ahmad, who has featured in the MHL since 2003.
Tengku Ahmad made his MHL debut in 2003 by playing for Sapura before joining Ernst and Young (now called KL Hockey Club) in 2004.
He played for KLHC for seven years before joining Terengganu in 2012 for four years. Tengku Ahmad has helped all four teams win MHL silverware.
The Star of Malaysia
The on-going process of coach education
Learning from each other is at the heart of Hockey New Zealand’s coaching philosophy. It doesn’t matter whether someone is a coach or match official with more than 30 years’ experience or someone new to the game, there is always something to be learnt. Also demonstrating the national association’s willingness to gain breadth of support when it comes to supporting its coaches and officials, Hockey NZ invited officials and coaches from the world of rugby and netball to share their own knowledge and experiences during the delivery of the courses.
Three recent courses provide great examples of the level of importance Hockey NZ attaches to the training and education of its officials and coaches.
At the start of November, in Stratford, Taranaki, 30 coaches took part in an FIH Hockey Academy Level One Coaching Course. Then, just a few weeks later, a further 16 coaches took part in a Coach Developer course in Palmerston North. Running at the same time, in Auckland, was a Sport NZ Match Officials Coach Developer Project. A further 16 participants took part in this three-day course.
The Level One course was facilitated by Hockey New Zealand Coach Developers, Jolene Casey and Jude Menezes. It was a well-planned combination of theory and practical, concentrating on creating positive learning environments; developing communication and group management skills; and planning effective sessions.
The feedback comments from the assembled coaches were positive. “The coaches set a good example for us to follow. Content was good, enjoyed being challenged,” said one participant. Another course attendee spoke of the benefits of “meeting other coaches and understanding their way of coaching/developing.”
In preparation for their role as course facilitators, both Casey and Menezes had attended the early pilot Coach Developer Courses that Hockey New Zealand have been running since the start of 2019.
These pilots, which are run in alignment with the Sport New Zealand Coach Developer Programme and the FIH Hockey Academy Coach Educators Programme, aim to work with local and regional associations to identify and support coach developers.
Among the many skills that are honed through the pilot programmes are the ability to observe, question and listen before providing salient feedback.
The pilot programmes are part of a drive to improve the delivery of on-going learning experiences to coaches at all levels of the game and at all stages of coaching experience. Whether someone is a new recruit to coaching or a Master Trainer, the philosophy of Hockey New Zealand is that everyone can benefit from on-going learning through shared experiences.
The Coach Developer course in Palmerston North was the third pilot to be held, and a number of changes had been implemented based on feedback from the previous two courses.
This year’s pilot was facilitated by Hockey New Zealand trainers Jamie Carroll, Ben Owers and Hymie Gill, along with Rugby New Zealand’s Michael Marnewick. Supporting the delivery team was Master Trainer Pat Barwick, who has a strong background in physical education, coach development and elite level coaching.
Building on the momentum of the Coach Developer Pilot, Hockey New Zealand in partnership with Netball New Zealand instigated the first Sport NZ Match Officials Coach Developer. Seeking the same objectives and philosophy, the pilot allowed the information to be tailored specifically to how coach developers support coaches of match officials.
Through a mix of workshops, shared experiences and practical examples, all of which focused on observation; learning through ‘doing’; and self-reflection, the project aims to increase the knowledge and expertise of match officials.
The course was facilitated by Pat Barwick, Craig Gribble, Nicole Youman, Jason Fletcher (Regional Sport Trust), Colin French and Garrat Williamson (of Netball NZ).
“We were stretched, placed outside our comfort zone, but ultimately grew together as a group,” was the feedback from one of the candidates.
Hockey New Zealand Community Coaching Manager Nicole Youman explains the philosophy behind the Hockey NZ approach: “Hockey NZ are working hard to enhance the coaching space, to better support coaches to provide positive experience of players and opportunities such as the FIH Level One Coaching course are great development opportunities.”
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