News for 05 January 2020
All the news for Sunday 5 January 2020
USA Shows Strong Second Half Performances on Competitive Day 2 of Rohrmax Cup
Image Courtesy of Katherine Hennessy
VIENNA, Austria - January 4, 2019 - The second day of the 2020 Rohrmax Cup saw the Indoor USMNT and both USWNT squads battle throughout the day at USZ Hietzing in Vienna, Austria. The red, white and blue showed strong second half performances but could not claim victory in their respective outings. USA Blue played first where it was a tale of two halves against the host nation as they lost 3-9. The USMNT then took the court and faced the Czech Republic falling 1-13. USA Gold wrapped up the day versus Belgium in a close matchup where a late push to tie the game came up short in a 1-5 final.
USA Blue 3 - 9 Austria
Austria was efficient in taking advantage of USA Blue's unforced errors. Austria had eight shots in the first half from 2-on-1 situations which stemmed from defensive turnovers. Seven of those attempts were goals as Austria gained a 7-1 advantage at the half. USA adjusted and positioned better in the second half and the scoreline reflected accordingly. Both teams were able to tally two goals apiece to make the final score 9-3 in favor of Austria. Ali Campbell (Lancaster, Pa.), Annika Herbine (Macungie, Pa.)and Makayla Gallen (Glen Mills, Pa.) scored for USA.
Czech Republic 13 - 1 USA
The young Indoor USMNT faced an uphill battle against the Czech Republic in their second outing of the tournament as the opposition came out with heavy pressure to start the match. After failing to convert on their first penalty corner opportunity, the Czech Republic took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute. Followed by subsequent attempts on USA, Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.) pushed back with a direct shot on goal but came from just outside the circle and went uncredited. Continued effort from the Czech Republic squad produced a goal on a breakaway in the 12th minute and was followed up by a successful conversion on their second penalty corner. Just before the half concluded, a shot which appeared to be wide deflected off the post and was redirected into the back of the goal to give the Czech Republic a 4-0 advantage.
USA’s Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas) launched the second half by quickly maneuvering into the Czech Republic circle in search of an opening. A turnover followed by a breakaway left USA defending desperately as the Czech Republic found their stride and manufactured three goals and a penalty corner conversion to show for their efforts. The red, white and blue battled to regain their footing as they moved into the middle of the period. Goalkeeper Scott Sherban (Dublin, Ohio) provided a save that turned into a scoring chance led by Grassi. USA's action resulted in a goal on a penalty stroke for the Czech Republic to make it 9-0. The team's lone goal was scored by Dean Schiller (Alexandria, Va.) who fired low between the Czech Republic goalkeeper's feet. It was as close as USA would get as the Czech Republic continued to exert their dominance and experience over the younger USA team. USA continued to fight in the final minutes of the game and denied a final penalty corner conversion but was unable to capitalize on a penalty stroke opportunity. At the final buzzer, the score stood at 13-1 in favor of the Czech Republic.
"We faced a very solid team with lots of experience in all levels," said Alex Gheorghe, Indoor USMNT Head Coach. "The Czech Republic National Team capitalized on their opportunities and scored four goals in the first half, three from open play and one from a penalty corner. In the second half we experimented with different systems and we are certain that the players will learn from this challenge."
"Today was another test against a very high quality team," added Grassi. "We were able to make some good improvements from last game but the Czech Republic team took advantage of any small mistake we made. Our team has a lot to take away from a game like that and we look forward to making more corrections for our game tomorrow against No. 1, Austria."
Belgium 5 - 1 USA Gold
In a tight, physical game, an outstanding performance by Belgium's goalkeeper proved to be the difference between the teams. Strong penalty corner attempts from Elizabeth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.) and Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) flew just over the bar. It was only Rose, who created space in the circle, that was able to beat the goalkeeper with a hard, well placed shot. With USA down 1-2, they pressed hard for the equalizer but three Belgium countered with three goals in the final minutes to go down 1-5.
For more information regarding the upcoming Rohrmax Cup, including the full schedule and results, visit the event page by clicking here.
USFHA media release
Battling Scots U18 Girls’ defeated by Ireland in Dublin
Ireland held off a battling Scotland U18 Girls’ performance to win the final test match 3-2 in a three-match series. Ireland won the series as Scotland begin preparations in a year that will see them take to the pitch at the U18 EuroHockey Championships in Russia this summer.
Scotland started the game well and imposed their play on the hosts but it was Ireland who opened the scoring when Emma O’Sullivan scored to make it 1-0 to the Irish.
Scotland started quick out of the blocks again in Q2 and scored a deserved equaliser from a short corner. Anna Hoolaghan showed good skill to beat two players and win the corner. Hoolaghan struck the resulting effort goal ward and Ava Smith deflected the ball into the net for 1-1.
Scotland had lots of possession high up the pitch but got caught by a swift counter attack. Jen Tait deflected an Ellie MacKenzie shot just wide for Scotland before a quick restart by Ireland allowed Emma Paul to stroke a lovely diagonal through ball to Nikki Barry who finished for 2-1.
Svotland U18 Girls’ squad v Ireland Jan 2020 Photo by Dave McCarthy
Ireland pegged Scotland back in the third quarter and the Scots had to dig deep to keep them out, which they did, but in the final quarter it went to 3-1 to the hosts. There was a great first save by Jess Buchanan from Eva Lavelle’s initial shot before Allie Heatherington slotted the rebound in for Ireland.
Scotland once again punched straight back at Ireland and scored from a short corner. This time Lucy Williamson found the net to pull it back to 3-2.
The Scots rallied but Ireland held off a late surge for an equaliser and took a series victory on home patch.
Scotland U18 Girls’ Head Coach Keith Smith said, “It was a different game from the previous matches and a positive performance despite the result. We were the better team in the first half and didn’t deserve to be 2-1 down at half time. The legs started to go in the third but the players showed grit to hang in there and come back in the final quarter.
“The matches have been a tough test and fitness probably told in the end, but it shows us the level where we need to be. The players worked hard and learned a lot and it was pleasing to see good progress every day; it was a positive weekend.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Sjoerd Marijne: Small group of probables will raise quality of training
Sjoerd Marijne: "We are all looking forward to an exciting 2020 and all the challenges that will come in the year." - SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Indian women’s hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne is aiming to raise the quality of training during the 17-day camp after Hockey India announced a 25-member probables list for the upcoming tour of New Zealand later this month.
After a successful 2019 where the Indian women’s team succeeded in qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, the side is scheduled to begin the new year with a tour of New Zealand where it will play four matches against the World No. 6 side and one against Great Britain.
Besides working on key areas such as fitness, ball-handling, structure and strategies, the upcoming camp will see a rejuvenated Indian side get into the groove ahead of the Olympics.
Exciting season
“We are all looking forward to an exciting 2020 and all the challenges that will come in the year. We start the national coaching camp with 25 players who have been selected to compete for the final 16 spots in the Olympic team. Because the group is smaller now, we can raise the quality of training even more in the upcoming 17 days,” Marijne said.
Last year India produced some outstanding performances across tournaments, winning the FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Test Event in Japan, and the Olympic qualifiers, along with victories during the tours to Spain, Malaysia, Republic of Korea and England.
List of probables
Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Reena Khokhar, Salima Tete, Manpreet Kaur, Gurjit Kaur, and Nisha. Among
Midfielders, Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sonika, Namita Toppo.
Forwards: Rani, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Jyoti, Sharmila Devi, Udita.
Sportstar
Powered up Thunderbolts fear nobody in MHL
By Jugjet Singh
NSTP/ AZIAH AZMEE
AFTER finishing fifth last year, Tenaga Nasional Thunderbolts have higher ambitions in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) starting on Jan 10.
With 15 national juniors to bank on, Thunderbolts coach Nor Saiful Zaini sees no reason for his boys to fear any team.
Saiful, who was a National Juniors coach until the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) “terminated” all their coaches except for Roelant Oltmans, also has eight TNB development players who have matured.
“There is no reason to fear any team as we have 15 national juniors as well as eight TNB development players to make an impact in the MHL.
“The only two teams which we will have a tough time against are UniKL (Universiti Kuala Lumpur) and THT (Terengganu Hockey Team),” said Saiful.
The MHC gave their coaches a three month “break” and all of them can re-apply for their positions which will be advertised in the media soon.
In the meantime, the coaches can secure jobs with clubs in the MHL.
“We played a friendly against UniKL recently and the final score was 5-5. But we can’t take anything but experience from this game, as UniKL did not have their four foreign signings with them for the match.
“THT will be another challenging side, but I believe there should not be any excuses against the rest,” said Saiful.
The others are NurInsafi, Maybank, Universiti Teknologi Mara and HockAdemy KL.
The MHL will also serve as training for Saiful’s juniors to prepare for the Junior Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“The Dhaka tournament is a Junior World Cup Qualifier, and it is good to have the bulk of our players in one team in the MHL,” said Saiful.
Thunderbolts will open their campaign against Tenaga Nasional, their sister club, on day one itself and their true strength will be known early.
New Straits Times
Terengganu’s Fitri dreams big thanks to Dharmaraj’s arrival
By AFTAR SINGH
Fitri: ‘Dharmaraj is a vastly experienced coach, I am sure he can guide us to the double.’
KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Fitri Saari (pic) believes Terengganu have what it takes to win a double in this year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
Fitri, who has been captain since 2017, feels more confident of bagging the league title as well as the TNB Cup with the arrival of former national women’s coach K. Dharmaraj.
“Dharmaraj is vastly experienced and has guided KL Hockey Club to win titles in the league and I am sure he can guide us to the double, ” said Fitri, whose elder brother is national forward and penalty corner specialist Faizal Saari.
“We have started our training one week ago under coach Dharmaraj and we are all ready to put up a strong challenge in the MHL.”
Fitri not only commands the midfield well but he guided the East Coast team to win titles every year in the MHL since 2017.
Terengganu bagged the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup and TNB (overall) Cup in 2017 followed by the league title the following year.
Last year, they won the TNB Cup.
Terengganu will be powered by four foreign players – two South Koreans Jang Jong-hyun and Jung Manjae and two Pakistanis –Ammad Shakeel Butt and Mohd Umar Bhutta.
Jong-hyun is the drag flick expert and was the top scorer for Terengganu last season with 22 goals.
Fitri added that they have two very experienced drag flickers to deliver goals in the MHL and hope to rise to the occasion again in the league this year.
“We also have the services of five national players.
“Our main challenge is expected to come from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), who are powered by four foreigners and a few national players, ” said Fitri, who has 174 international caps.
Besides the Saari brothers, the other national players in the Terengganu team are goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman, defenders Luqman Nul Hakim Ahmad Shukran and midfielder Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor.
Eight teams will feature in the MHL and Terengganu will face UniKL in the Charity Shield match on Jan 10 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Fitri has been playing in the league since 2008 and he was named the best player in 2015.
The Star of Malaysia
SIS, Police into UWI hockey semis
By NIGEL SIMON & WALTER ALIBEY
SIS women’s team was one of four clubs to advance to the semifinals of the University of the West Indies’ third annual Invitational Indoor Hockey Tournament on Saturday, after an almost flawless display.
They joined Ventures, whom they will face in the first semifinal match, for a chance at a final berth from 10 am today, along with Magnolia and Paragon, both of whom will square-off in the other semifinal encounter.
Among the men, Police 1 will be up against Queen’s Park from 10.45 am, a game that will be followed by an equally entertaining encounter between Malvern and Defence Force from 12.15 pm.
SIS’ passage to the final four featured a more-than-convincing 9-0 rout of Police courtesy beaver-trick by Brittney Hingh and a hat-trick by Krizia Layne. The SIS women also edged Paragon 2-1. However, they will have to keep their eyes open for the Magnolia women, who were equally ferocious on the day in a 7-0 hammering of UWI.
In the men’s division, Paragon looked good with a 4-3 victory over Police among other wins, while the hosts (UWI) got the better of Police II 3-2 in another hard-fought result.
On Friday’s opening night, Queen’s Park’s men and Ventures’ women flicked off the defence of their respective titles with victories.
Playing in the lone men’s Pool B encounter, the Parkites got beaver-tricks from Shawn Lee Quay (1st, 12th, 17th, 19th) and Marcus Pascal (13th, 13th, 21st, 22nd) as they trashed Police II 13-1.
The duo of Dominic Young (15th, 30th) and Mahinder Mali (2nd, 26th) added two goals each for the Parkites while Aidan De Gannes got one before Antonio Quashie got a late consolation for Police II.
In Pool A, which comprises only three teams, Pool I defeated Paragon 3-1 led by a brace from Jordan Reynos, before the latter rebounded to edge Malvern 8-7 in an entertaining contest behind five goals from Joel Daniel.
Ventures also made a positive start with Gina Voisin (7th), Anya Sealy (24th) and Kristin Abreu (27th) on target to cancel out Gabrielle Thompson’s 16th-minute item for UWI.
There also wins for Paragon, Magnolias and SIS, comprising several national players in training for the Pan American Indoor Cup in the USA in March.
Paragon crushed Police 7-0 with the trio of Monorka Lewis-Weekes, Naomi Sampson and Felicia King scoring two goals each; Magnolias punished Police 8-0 inspired by Kaitlyn Olton’s beaver-trick and SIS slammed UWI 8-1 thanks to Zene Henry’s hat-trick.
The Trinidad Guardian
Hockey academy launched in Kisumu
VICTOR OTIENO 
Former Butali Warriors coach Dennis Owoka trains a section of boys and girls who have been admitted to a new hockey academy at Rata, Seme in Kisumu County. The project is being undertaken by Tunza Sports and was launched on January, 3, 2020. PHOTO | COURTESY |
There is a glimmer of hope that hockey in Kisumu will return to its old days of success following the establishment of a hockey academy in the Kenyan region.
The facility, which is on it's initial stages of development is located in Rata, Seme sub-county and is the second in Kenya, after the one in Mombasa, which was opened in January 2017.
The projects are being undertaken by Tunza, a sports organisation that was founded by former Kenya international Raqel Otieno.
On Friday, Otieno and former Butali Warriors coach Dennis Owoka presided over the Kisumu’s facility opening ceremony, where they exuded confidence that the project will go a long way in reviving hockey.
“Hockey has gone down in this area (Kisumu) and also in the entire country, the national teams no longer shine in international competitions. We expect the players who will go through this training to turn things around,” said Otieno.
Apart from football, the other sporting discipline that Kisumu County has been known for is hockey. Kisumu Simba ruled the game until 2008, before financial constraints started taking a toll on them. At the time, the club had won the national league five times and produced some of Kenya’s best players.
Daily Nation
“Matriarch” of Field Hockey: Celebrating the Life of Betty Shellenberger
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey celebrates the life of Betty Shellenberger, a Honorary Member and legend of the sport, who passed away peacefully on December 30, 2019. Among her many accomplishments, accolades and nicknames, “Shelly” was also known as a matriarch of field hockey in the United States for her immeasurable contributions to the sport over her many decades.
“Betty was an icon and played such a huge role in so many capacities to help shape the sport,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “She was a huge supporter of USA Field Hockey and helped the organization develop. She will be dearly missed.”
“Shelly was by far one of the biggest legends we’ve had in our sport,” added Pam Hixon, the U.S. Women’s National Team coach for the 1994 World Cup and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. “She was just an amazing person and a true role model and ambassador. She did it all - played, umpired, served on the board and was a lifelong field hockey philanthropist. Shelly was one of our sport’s greatest pioneers.”
“U.S. Women’s National Team players will never forget her unconditional support at every tournament, donning the red, white and blue,” continued Liz Tchou, USA Field Hockey’s Senior Manager of Coach Education and Atlanta 1996 Olympian. “Betty humbled us every time she and her peers told the amazing hockey stories and challenges they faced in the early days of competition, from the crazy travel just to get to tournaments, to hearing about the teammates that became forever friends. Thanks to Betty and so many others for paving the way for all of us who love the sport. Your legacy will live on.”
Shelly was born August 8, 1921 and picked up a field hockey stick for the first time at the age of 10, a moment that would define her life for more than eight decades. The mere mention of her name in a nation where women actively played field hockey in the mid-1900s would be instantly recognizable. The combination of skill on the field, a fierce competitive nature, administrative talent and the lifetime belief in service instilled by her parents made Shelly a true, respected and revered legend around the world.
Her roots to the game date back to her time as a student at The Agnes Irwin School. Her field hockey coach at the time was directly tied to the Mt. Pocono Hockey Camp that was founded in 1922 by Constance M.K. Applebee, who was instrumental in the foundation of the game in the United States. Shelly would hold on to that moment for years to come, citing that the invitation to that camp by her coach was the single most important factor to her success.
No college competition existed by the time Shelly graduated from The Agnes Irwin School. Instead, she represented the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the oldest country club in the United States, and was the youngest athlete named to the U.S. Women’s National Team at the age of 18. She was a member of the team across four decades, totaling 21 years between 1939-41, 1946-55 and once more in 1960, a record career that still stands today. Only due to World War II did Shelly pause from playing with the team as she served her country in the US Marine Corps. She represented the red, white and blue at four International Federation of Women’s Hockey Association (IFWHA) Tournaments and several U.S. National Team tours.
“Shelly was the 'face' of the USA Field Hockey Association to the field hockey world beyond the United States,” said Sharon Taylor, 2014 USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame Honorary Member and former USA Field Hockey President. “But her contributions to, and associations with, a host of sport and civic organizations, as a participant and as a leader, were legendary. Betty Shellenberger was one of the women who must be remembered in the annals of women's sport in the United States as one who made that pursuit possible for tens of thousands of other girls and women. No job was too big, or too insignificant, for Shelly to take it on in the sports she served. Shelly was a remarkable athlete, official, administrator and benefactor. She stands in the minds of so many of us, along with her good friend and mentor, ‘The Apple,’ as a treasured foremother of field hockey. Thank you, Shelly, and we wish you a well-deserved and peaceful rest.”
Shelly also excelled beyond the playing field as an umpire, a role she held more than 70 years on the national level. Following her playing career, she expanded to umpiring on the international level.
Because of her commitment to the profession, the USA Field Hockey Association created the Shellenberger Umpiring Award, which recognizes long-term service on and off the pitch, honoring Shelly by making her its namesake. On the technical side, she played a major role in the adoption of the “American Corner” rule, which significantly improved the game in the United States.
“Betty was so passionate and gave so much to USA Field Hockey,” said Tracey Fuchs, Northwestern University Head Coach, former USWNT athlete and two-time Olympian. “Throughout my 17-year career, she and the ‘Golden Girls’ traveled the world to support us and cheer us on. I will treasure the stories and memories that we shared and will miss her dearly.”
“What an amazing woman and true legend in the field hockey world and promoter of the game,” added Barb Marois, former USWNT captain and two-time Olympian.
“What a wonderful gift to the field hockey community she was,” said Laurel Martin, Atlanta 1996 Olympian.
Shelly also served for 23 years between the IFWHA International Rules Committee and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Rules Committee. Despite never representing USA as an athlete in the Olympic Games, Shelly attended the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games as a judge and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games as a technical organizer.
“There are few women who are known by just one name, like Cher or Madonna for instance,” said Barb Carriero, 2018 USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame Honorary Member and former Board of Directors member. “For USA Field Hockey that woman was Shelly. She showed up everywhere there was a U.S. function, be it a Board of Directors meeting, Umpiring Committee meeting, National Hockey Festival as a Masters player or umpire, and as one of the world traveling 'Golden Girls' following the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her love and dedication to USA Field Hockey was an inspiration to all who knew her. I am proud to say she was one of my mentors and role models who taught me how to give back and support the sport we all love.”
As an administrator, Shelly served USA Field Hockey as a recording secretary and treasurer. She was also the first executive secretary from 1955-78. In 1956 she was named secretary of the IFWHA, a position she held until 1963. That same year she was elected vice president.
Shelly was also head coach at Chestnut Hill College from 1964-77 where her playing history in lacrosse mirrored that of field hockey. Because of her overall contributions to both sports, she is a member of multiple Hall of Fames, including the inaugural USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 1988. She is also enshrined in the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1986), The Agnes Irwin Athletic Hall of Fame (2005), Eastern Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2008) and Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2009). Shelly also founded both the Chestnuts and Hillers Hockey clubs of the Philadelphia Field Hockey Association.
In 1987, she was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania for her contributions to sports in general and for the historic preservation of Germantown in the Philadelphia area.
She lived a life that only few have the chance to. Shelly’s impact on the sport, from future athletes to coaches, umpiring and administration, will continue to resonate for generations to come. The entire USA Field Hockey Family would like to extend its condolences to Shelly’s family, friends and extended field hockey network around the globe. An event to celebrate her life is planned for later this spring with more details to come in the coming weeks.
Thank you, Shelly. You will be dearly missed.
USFHA media release