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News for 10 January 2020

All the news for Friday 10 January 2020


2020 Test matches POL v RSA (W)

9 Jan 2020     POL v RSA     2 - 0

FIH Match Centre



SPAR South Africa open Polish series with defeat



The positivity around the SPAR South Africa side is so high right now that as the 16th ranked nation in the world travelled to play the World Number 6 side in their own back yard expectation was high. The South Africans completed a fantastic 2019 winning 22 of 28 test matches including series victories against Ireland and Switzerland and sharing a series with the Czech Republic side in Prague.

Poland finished third at the 2014 Euro Hockey Indoor Championship as well as losing to eventual champions Germany in the 2018 Indoor World Cup Quarter-Final. They are using the series to prepare for their upcoming EuroHockey Indoor Championship in Croatia taking place at the end of the month.

This was the first meeting between the two nations since Poland’s 5-1 win against SPAR South Africa at the 2015 Indoor Hockey World Cup. Only four players from the South African side that day are in the current squad including captain Cindy Hack, Jess O’Connor, Kara Botes and Amy Greaves (although Greaves did not play that game). Poland themselves also featured four players from that encounter with Dominika Nowicka, Amelia Katara, Anna Gabara and Paula Slawinska all reprising their roles from 2015.

Its no surprise that the encounter was a tactically tense affair, with the South Africans having developed remarkably since that game where they 2-0 down at half time. This time round it was 0-0 at the break with both teams having opportunities to break the scoring, but with defensive brilliance and rusty finishing both teams missed out. Poland were a little bit brighter coming off a series victory against Belarus last week, and ultimately, they struck first blood through 21-year-old Paulina Reder. She later, in the final 30 seconds of the game, made it 2-0 to add a little bit of gloss onto a score line.

Coach Lennie Botha had been glowing in his praise of the hosts in terms of the hospitability and the venue and was equally humble in defeat. “We had a lot of chances, but this is a great developmental opportunity for the youngsters. We showed tonight that we can compete, and we aim to do that consistently over the course of the series. We need to remove the errors and have a bit more composure. I’m proud of the effort of the team and of course supremely grateful to SPAR for supporting us in doing this.”

SPAR South Africa vs. Poland Indoor Hockey Series (Times are in Poland - GMT+1)

1st Test – 9 January – Poland 2-0 SPAR South Africa
2nd Test – 10 January – 11:00
3rd Test – 10 January – 19:00
4th Test – 11 January – 18:00
5th Test – 12 January – 15:00

SA Hockey Association media release



2020 FIH Pro League (Women)

11 Jan 2020 14:00 (GMT +8)     CHN v NED (RR)     Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou
12 Jan 2020 14:00 (GMT +8)    CHN v NED (RR)     Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

FIH Match Centre



China and Netherlands raise curtain on FIH Hockey Pro League season two



The FIH Pro League second season gets underway on 11 January 2020 with an exciting clash between Asian giants China and the world number one team and reigning FIH Hockey Pro League champions, the Netherlands. The second fixture between the two teams will take place 24 hours later, in line with FIH changes to the structure of the league, which reduces the travel undertaken by teams.

China, who are ranked 10th in the world, finished the first season in seventh place, with four wins to their name. Under new Head Coach Wang Yang, they will be looking to finish much higher in the table this time around. The team has a tremendous fan base with Chinese supporters flocking to the Wujin Stadium in Changzhou and really embracing the opportunity to watch top flight international hockey.

However, to get a good result in their opening match, the Asian team will need to turn things around against their European counterparts. The previous two meetings between China and the Netherlands saw the European team boss the fixture winning 1-2 and 6-0.

Here long serving defender and captain Cui Qiuxia talks about her expectations for China’s opening match in the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League.

What are you expecting from the first match of the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League season?
Cui Qiuxia: “It will be a really challenging game for us [versus the Netherlands] but hopefully we can do well.”

What do you need to do as a team to beat the world number one side?
Cui Qiuxia: “First we have to make sure we don’t allow our opponents to score. Once we have sorted our defensive structure, then we need to create scoring opportunities.”

How important will the home support be for China in the opening game?
Cui Qiuxia: “Whether it is the first game or any other game, the supporters are very important to us.”

What is your message to the fans?
Cui Qiuxia: “I love our fans. If you can, come along to the game and support us. You will see amazing hockey from some of the best players in the world. I hope you enjoy it.”

#FIHProLeague
#Hockey Invites

Official FIH Pro League Site



India's Mandeep Singh eyes winning start in FIH Pro League

The Indian team takes on Netherlands in the first leg of the competition on January 18 and 19.


Mandeep Singh... “We believe we have improved as a team with good structure and scoring capabilities.”   -  PTI

After having skipped the inaugural edition of the Pro League last year, India will take on Netherlands in the first leg of the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar on January 18 and 19. Mandeep Singh, the striker, believes the World No. 5 host will give the Dutch side, ranked third, a tough fight in the upcoming contests.

“We have always played close matches against the Netherlands and although we have not played them over the past year, we believe we have improved as a team with good structure and scoring capabilities,” said Mandeep, who scored maximum goals for India last year.

“Also, we are playing at home, so we would definitely not want to let our fans down. We want to make a winning start to the season,” he added.

Mandeep feels the share of his success should also go to his team-mates, without whose help it wouldn’t have been possible for him to shine on the turf. “If I am scoring goals then it is because of the assists I am getting from my team-mates. My understanding with seniors S. V. Sunil, Ramandeep [Singh] and Akashdeep [Singh] is much better as we have spent more time together. We discuss and debate a lot off the field and try analyse how we played and where we could have created gap and how we need to work inside the circle. This has really helped me a lot to improve as a striker.”

Fitness and recovery

Mandeep said with back-to-back matches against the Netherlands scheduled, the team management’s primary focus during the national coaching camp that started here on December 29 was on fitness and recovery.

“Since we will be playing back-to-back high intensity matches in the FIH Hockey Pro league with little less than 24 hours of recovery time between matches, the training sessions are planned in such a way that we have red sessions (high-intensity training) on back-to-back days and then rest or train light the next session,” he said.

“Robin Arkel (Scientific Advisor) planned extremely tough gym sessions in the previous camp. Even though we are a fit team, the focus was to build on our strength much more. The effort has paid off because our scores in Yo-Yo test this time has been better than before. This was important as speed and fitness is going to play a major role in the next seven-eight months of intense hockey that we will play,” he added.

Sportstar



Irish Women's Indoor Squad Announced for Euro Championships

The following have been selected for the European Championship III event in Bratislava 24-26th January:

National Senior Indoor Team
European Indoor Womens Champsionship Slovakia 23-27th January

1, Caroline Adams, Ards LHC
2, Sophie Barnwell, Muckross LHC
3, Amy Benson, Ards LHC
4, Chlor Brown (Vice Capt), East Grinstead LHC, England
5, Naomi Carroll, Catholic Institute LHC
6, Orla Fox (Capt), Railway Union HC
7, Erin Getty, Queens University HC
8, Hannah Humphries (GK), UCC
9, Ali Meeke, Loreto LHC
10, Sarah Patton, UCD LHC
11, Orla Patton, UCD LHC
12, Millie Regan (GK), East Grinstead LHC, England

Non-Travelling reserves:
1. Victoria Hastings Queens University HC
2. Holly Jenkinson Railway Union HC

Management:
1. David Passmore Head Coach
2. Gareth Myburgh Manager
3. Mike Hughes Assistant Coach
4. Amy Phelan Athletic Therapist
5. Liam Passmore Video

Venue:
Sport Hall Dom športu, Junácka 6, 831 06 Bratislava, Slovakia

Quotes:
“There has been plenty of competition for the final squad, and not having the complete group of players together has challenging but I am happy this is the group best placed to represent us in a fortnight. Several players were very close to selection and the final places came down to small margins. Having not competed at this level before, and never in in the European championships it is hard to know what to expect”

“Spain will be the obvious favourites but each of the other nations would see indoor as more of a strength than their outdoor game and breaking these teams down will need patience and good decision making. South Africa gave us good preparation time together and one thing we can say is this is a tight group who are keen to learn and compete for their country at senior level”

Irish Hockey Association media release



Indoors could provide avenue to Irish Olympic squad

Ali Meeke and Naomi Carroll will be some of those hoping to impress Sean Dancer

Johnny Watterson


Ireland’s Ali Meeke will be part of the Ireland squad for the European Indoor Champsionships. Photo: Joe Toth/Inpho

World Cup silver medallist Ali Meeke will be one of the faces in the Irish women’s team which takes to the indoor arena in two weeks time. Having been involved in a series in South Africa last month, Division Three of the European Championships is Ireland’s first competitive dip into the indoor version of the game in over 20 years.

Loreto’s Meeke, who was part of the triumphant team that made it to the final of the World Cup in London in 2018 but was controversially left out of the squad that recently qualified for this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, is part of the indoor selection along with Catholic Institute’s Naomi Carroll, who has recovered from a cruciate injury. Carroll, like Meeke, is hoping to break back into the outdoor squad for Tokyo.

“Sean (Dancer, outdoor women’s coach) is very positive about both of them playing,” said indoor Irish coach Dave Passmore.

Ireland take part in the Indoor event in Bratislava on January 24th and play two games a day for the first three days with the top two earning promotion. They face Portugal and favourites Spain on day one followed by hosts Slovakia and Denmark before finishing with Finland and Slovenia. It reads like Spain will come out on top and it is all about who can win the second place.

There have been some issues getting the entire Irish squad together with a few of the players including former Ards and currently East Grinstead’s Chloe Brown not able to make it back to Ireland. The vice-captain has, however played indoors with her club.

Leinster players, who make up five of the 12-woman travelling squad, have been playing in an extended indoor league this season with Ulster players continuing with the outdoor game. In that respect it’s difficult to know where Ireland stands in terms of their level.

“We’ve had the advantage of playing South Africa but they are different to the European style,” said Passmore. “We’ve trained trying to replicate what we might face but it has been difficult to prepare. It is very much unknown. Some of the teams don’t play so much outdoors so indoors is their game. Spain have re-entered so we probably have to make sure we are the best of the rest.”

Railway Union’s Orla Fox captains the squad.

Ireland women’s squad (for European Indoor Champsionship III, Bratislava, January 24th-26th): Caroline Adams (Ards), Sophie Barnwell (Muckross), Amy Benson (Ards), Chloe Brown (Vice Capt, East Grinstead), Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute), Orla Fox (Captain, Railway Union), Erin Getty (Queens University), Hannah Humphries (UCC), Ali Meeke (Loreto), Sarah Patton (UCD), Orla Patton (UCD), Millie Regan (East Grinstead). Coach: Dave Passmore.

The Irish Times



Scotland women’s indoor Euros squad announced

The Scotland women’s indoor squad has been announced for Women’s Indoor EuroHockey Championship II. The tournament will be held in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia, on 24-26 January 2020.

Scotland, coached by Iain Strachan (Head Coach) and Vikki Bunce (Assistant), will take a strong squad to the competition where they will face Croatia; Lithuania; Poland; Russia; Turkey; and Wales for battle to win promotion to the top tier for European indoor hockey.

Ranked 22 in the World for indoor, Scotland are fifth highest ranked of the seven teams in the tournament. In 2008 the Scots finished in seventh spot ahead of Wales.

Head Coach Iain Strachan said, “Training has been going well over December and the players have been working hard, showing a great willingness to get to grips with the technical and tactical styles we are trying to implement. This is an exciting squad which has a good balance of youth and experience.

“We have a number of the squad who have competed in at least one other Indoor European competition and a number of players who bring experience of senior hockey from the outdoor game. This year was very competitive and selection was not easy but we are confident that we have selected a good blend of players for the challenge ahead.

“We are delighted that we also have a number of players who will be receiving their first senior indoor caps – Jess Ross, Sarah Jamieson, Rachael Mack, and there will be first senior caps in both indoor and outdoor for Ruth Blaikie and Ellie Wilson.

“With regards to the tournament we will be setting a number of goals with the ultimate aim being to get into the top two places – gaining promotion into the A division. The B division is a tough competition with some very experienced teams to play but we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Squad

Ruth Blaikie (AMVJ Dames)
Jess Buchanan (Clydesdale Western)
Emily Dark (Dundee Wanderers)
Carmin Dow (Dundee Wanderers)
Jen Eadie (Clydesdale Western)
Heather Howie (Dundee Wanderers)
Sarah Jamieson (Inverleith*)
Fran Lonergan (Clydesdale Western)
Rachael Mack (Leicester)
Jess Ross (Dundee Wanderers)
Becky Ward (Dundee Wanderers*)
Ellie Wilson (Dundee Wanderers)

*Indoor only

Fixtures (local time)

Friday 24 January

13:30 | Scotland v Croatia
18:15 | Scotland v Lithuania

Saturday 25 January

12:30 | Poland v Scotland
17:15 | Scotland v Wales

Sunday 26 January

08:15 | Scotland v Turkey
12:15 | Scotland v Russia

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Midfielder Caro Announces Retirement from USWNT



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Catherine Caro (Martinsville, N.J.) has announced her retirement from the team. The 24-year-old competed in 15 international matches and has been one of the most recognizable athletes in the Olympic Development Pathway over the past several years.

Caro first picked up the game in middle school from the influence of her older sister, Maria, who she always looked up to. “I had played soccer since I was about three or four and was convinced I would continue to play in high school,” said Caro. “But once I picked up a stick I immediately fell in love with the game and have been playing ever since.”

With Maria moving on to play at The College of William and Mary, Caro knew she wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps. She was a four-year starter at Bridgewater-Raritan High School helping the team to four straight conference, county and state sectional championship appearances. She also played with the Spirit Eagles club team, and through it all, Caro noted she was fueled by wanting to grow and develop as an athlete after high school.

“I loved the camaraderie, commitment and sportsmanship the game provided and I really wanted it to be a part of my college experience.”

Caro then moved on to play at Princeton University from 2013 to 2016, accumulating honors that include Second-Team All-Ivy league (2014, 2015) and First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region (2015, 2016). She served as team captain for two years and in her senior season, Caro was named to the Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association Division I All-America First Team, NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team, First-Team All-Ivy League and Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. Helping the team to three-consecutive Ivy League titles and an appearance in the NCAA Final Four are among her favorite memories as a Tiger.

Her journey through the Olympic Development Pathway began in 2011 when she was named to the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team. In 2016, she played a key role in helping USA claim the silver medal at the Women’s Junior Pan American Games in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as an eighth-place finish at the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

In December 2017, Caro was named to the senior USWNT and earned her first international cap one month later against The Netherlands.

“Being able to represent my country and play the sport I love at the highest level was a huge honor,” said Caro. “Being on the USWNT was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my life. The coaches and young women on the USWNT exemplify determination, commitment, grit and perseverance. We all worked incredibly hard on maintaining the highest level of play while promoting good character, accountability and dependability.”

“Being a part of Team USA has truly been unique and a life altering experience for me,” continued Caro. “I have been very fortunate to have been able to play with some of my teammates since the junior level where we embarked on this unforgettable journey. We've overcome injuries, hardships and personal obstacles. We've listened to each other laugh, vent, rant, joke and sometimes cry. Through it all we always had each other to lean on for support and guidance. It is this undeniable and unfaltering bond that I will forever be grateful for and feel blessed that they are my life-long friends.”

Following her first international appearance, Caro battled two anterior cruciate ligament tears. She had the unwavering support of all her teammates throughout the recovery process. “The recovery from that injury was grueling but the feeling when I stepped back on to the field with my teammates was euphoric,” noted Caro. “The ACL rehabilitation process is long and arduous. Again, the love and support from my family, teammates and coaching staff helped me remain positive.”

Caro would like to thank her family above all, especially her parents, Joe and Dina, her sister Maria and brothers Lena and Michael. “Thank you for your endless and steadfast support throughout my entire career,” said Caro. “You have always been there to celebrate my successes, as well as help me get through the hardships, injuries and losses. Thank you for always encouraging and inspiring me to dream big, work hard and enjoy the journey.”

She also woud like to thank her high school coach Kathie DeBonis, club coach Marc Waldron, former Princeton head coach Kristen Holmes Winn and coaching staff, current Princeton head coach Carla Tagliente and coaching staff, her mentor and USWNT goalkeeping coach Dave Williamson and former USWNT head coach Janneke Schopman. Each of these individuals played a unique and integral role in the player and person she has become.

Next, Caro would like to thank all of her former teammates, from Bridgewater-Raritan to the Spirt Eagles, Princeton and the USWNT, especially those who were a part of her injury recovery through 2019. Finally, she would like to thank sponsors Longstreth and TK Hockey, as well as the Drayer Physical Therapy staff in Lancaster, Pa. and Lititz, Pa. for providing world-class care and playing a major role in her ACL recovery.

USA Field Hockey would like to send best wishes to Caro in her future endeavors.

USFHA media release



Hardy Appointed as USWNT Assistant Coach



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey is pleased to share that Marc Hardy has been appointed the assistant coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Alongside USWNT Head Coach Caroline Nelson-Nichols, Hardy will instill his front-foot style coaching philosophy to help guide Team USA’s international pitch presence in 2020 and beyond.

“I am delighted to have Marc join the USWNT coaching staff,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “He has done very well with the U.S. Women’s National Development Team and now has the opportunity to make an impact with the athletes on the senior squad.”

Hardy brings a wealth of knowledge pitch-side having served as a coach both nationally and internationally, and most recently being at the helm of the U.S. Women’s National Development Team. He is a USA Field Hockey Level 2 Certified Coach and plans on using his prior experience to lead the senior USWNT.

Mixing his past knowledge and coaching philosophy, Hardy is keen on playing an aggressive front-foot style of field hockey, providing the platform for a lot of shots and goal scoring chances. He believes the basis of any good performance is the ability to work hard and execute basics especially when under pressure or fatigue.

Hardy got his first look into the American collegiate coaching system having spent the 2017 season at Columbia University. Prior, he served as the head of physical education at the Whitgift School (2012-16) and was also the head coach of the Bromley and Beckenham Club Men’s 1st XI team (2012-14).

Hardy has had his hand in coaching other various schools and teams in England. Most noteworthy is the Lewes HC Men’s 1st XI Coach and Director of Coaching (2009-11) and Horsham Ladies HC Head Coach (2004-06), where he was the youngest head coach in national league history to win a league, at the age of 21. In his new role, Hardy wants to bring a strong sense of technical and tactical knowledge to the game.

“My experience working with various teams in England and my time as the U.S. Women’s National Development Team head coach has equipped me with a broad knowledge base that I will draw upon over the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League,” added Hardy.

The USWNT will have their first 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League game on Friday, January 24 against No. 1 The Netherlands at Karen Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. With the addition of Hardy just prior to the home-and-away league start, it will round out the USWNT staff as they look to continue to develop and create strong game plans for the matches to come.

“I am proud and honored to be appointed as the assistant coach of the USWNT,” commented Hardy. “This is a very exciting time to be part of the program and I cannot wait to get started working with the team.”

With this announcement, Lawrence Amar will be transitioning to the U.S. National Teams Manager.

Join USA Field Hockey in welcoming Hardy to Team USA!

USFHA media release



Poncelet facing injury layoff as Eaton gets call for Red Lions



Royal Leopold’s Nicolas Poncelet is facing a six-week layoff through injury after he suffered a double fracture to his forearm.

It means the 20-year-old will miss out on the early part of the year with the Belgian Red Lions who jetted out to the southern hemisphere this week for the first part of their Olympic preparations which involved a series of Pro League games with Australia and New Zealand later this month.

As such, the target will be to try and get back into action for Leo soon with their return for the second half of the outdoor season starting on February 23 against Leuven with the EHL FINAL8 also on the horizon at Easter.

Leo club mate Lewis Eaton, meanwhile, has travelled with the Red Lions down under for his first trip away having earned three caps before.

At 25, he is a late bloomer and had not played in a Belgian underage side since the Under-15s and he told Tip-In he will enjoy the opportunity.

“I am not a stressed person by nature,” he said. “I’m going to play as usual, have fun and do my best. If it goes well, all the better; if not, no problem.

“If I have the chance to definitively join the team after the Olympic Games, that would be great but I don’t really set myself specific goals. I’m going to play without thinking too much about it, I think that’s the key.”

He joins fellow Leo men like Max Plennevaux and Tom Boon in the Belgian panel for the Pro League.

Also at the club, Leopold team mates Tom Degroote, Romain Henet and Tanguy Zimmer, meanwhile, have been named in the Belgian national indoor squad. They will line out in Berlin in a group featuring the Czech Republic, Germany and the Netherlands.

Euro Hockey League media release



Marcano brothers out Hockey qualifiers

by Nigel Simon

Re­cent­ly re-ap­point­ed na­tion­al T&T men's in­door hock­ey coach Raphael Govia will have to do with­out the ser­vices of Eng­land-based Mar­cano-broth­ers, Tariq and Teague for the four-team Dou­ble Round-Robin 2020 In­door Pan Amer­i­can Cup in Lan­cast­er, Penn­syl­va­nia, USA from March 25 to 29.

The tour­na­ment will in­volve reign­ing Pan Amer­i­can In­door cham­pi­ons T&T as well as host USA, Cana­da and Ar­genti­na from which one team will qual­i­fy to the 2021 FIH In­door Hock­ey World Cup at a venue and date to be de­ter­mined.

Three years ago at the In­door Pan Amer­i­can Cup qual­i­fiers in George­town, Guyana, the Govia-coached "Ca­lyp­so Stick­men" crushed pow­er­house Ar­genti­na 7-0 in a lop­sided fi­nal led by a pair of goals from Mick­ell Pierre and Akim Tou­s­saint to se­cure a first-ever In­door World Cup ap­pear­ance at the 2018 edi­tion of the 12-team FIH In­door World Cup at the Max-Schmel­ing-Halle, Ger­many.

The trio of cap­tain Solomon Ec­cles, Mar­cus James and Aidan De Gannes were al­so on tar­get in the win over Ar­genti­na while T&T al­so de­feat­ed the Ar­gen­tines 5-2, Guyana 4-0, Bar­ba­dos 8-2, Mex­i­co 13-2, and Cana­da 7-5 for a per­fect 5-0 round-robin record in the six-team tour­na­ment.

How­ev­er, at the In­door World Cup, the "Ca­lyp­so Stick­men" end­ed in the tenth spot be­hind cham­pi­ons Aus­tria, Ger­many, Iran, Aus­tralia, Czech Re­pub­lic, Bel­gium, Poland, Switzer­land and Rus­sia.

Com­pet­ing in a round-robin Pool A se­ries, T&T de­feat­ed Kaza­khstan 6-4 in their third match but was beat­en by Poland 5-11, Aus­tralia 6-7, and Ger­many 10-2 to end with a 1-0-4 Group A record and three points, just above win­less Kaza­khstan.

And in the ninth to tenth spot play­offs, Rus­sia edged T&T 3-2

The T&T team back then in Ger­many com­prised Ron Alexan­der, An­drew Vieira, De Gannes, Ec­cles, Jor­dan Vieira, Tou­s­saint, Kristien Em­manuel, James, Pierre, Shaquille Daniel, Jor­dan Reynos, and Tariq Mar­cano.

But reached for com­ment with re­gards to the team's com­po­si­tion so far, Govia was quick to ad­mit he was a bit dis­ap­point­ed not to have the chance of hav­ing Teague, 19, and Tariq, 23, who both play with St Al­bans in the Eng­land Hock­ey League Con­fer­ence East, and are stu­dents at the Uni­ver­si­ty of Hert­ford­shire avail­able to him.

He said, "In in­door hock­ey, it's al­ways a bless­ing to have young tal­ent to choose from and the Mar­cano boys are no doubt two of the best we have.

"I know they are back home now and have par­tic­i­pat­ed in the re­cent in­vi­ta­tion­al in­door com­pe­ti­tions and it would have been nice to see how they would gel with the team, but they won't be avail­able to us for the Pan Amer­i­can qual­i­fiers due to school com­mit­ments, so I un­der­stand their de­ci­sion not to join the train­ing ful­ly," said Govia.

With re­gards to his team's train­ing ses­sions at the Wood­brook Youth Fa­cil­i­ty (WYF), Govia says he is not hap­py with how much time is be­ing al­lowed to the na­tion­al team.

Oth­er mem­bers of the se­nior men's hock­ey team coach­ing staff in­clude for­mer na­tion­al cap­tain Dar­ren Cowie and Dwain Quan Chan as as­sis­tant coach­es and man­ag­er Kirth Davis.

The Trinidad Guardian



Preview: Who will make it through to the Jaffa Super 6s Finals?



The battle for a top four place in the England Hockey Jaffa Super 6s Premier Divisions - which brings qualification for the Jaffa Super 6s finals - recommences this weekend.

Women's Premier

In the Women’s Premier Division holders East Grinstead and Bowdon Hightown both won all four games last weekend and look in a strong position. Sutton Coldfield are also well placed in third on 10 points but face the top two in their last two games.

Buckingham are on 7 points and Slough and Holcombe a point further back and it looks like the final qualifiers will come from this group as they all play each other on Sunday whilst the bottom three teams, Leicester, Clifton Robinsons and Surbiton are all yet to register a point.

Men's Premier

The situation looks tighter in the Men’s Premier where five teams, Holcombe, Sevenoaks, Surbiton, East Grinstead and Wimbledon are on 9 points after three wins last weekend and Hampstead & Westminster three points back.  Reading and Bowdon each have one point and Canterbury yet to register.

With a number of the challenging teams facing each other over the weekend the Top 4 picture may not become any clearer until the last matches on Sunday. Sevenoaks look to have the toughest schedule with four games against teams in the top six.

Top scorers

Sally Walton leads the way in the Women's Premier with 15, while Sophie Bray is next on eight; all from open play. In the men's top flight, Alan Forsyth has 15 for Surbiton, ahead of Rory Patterson on 9.

Follow the action

You can see the current standings, results, fixtures and follow the action, including live scores, on the England Hockey match management system https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com

England Hockey Board Media release



HockAdemy join MHL fray

By Jugjet Singh


Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman (standing centre) with the HockAdemy men’s and women’s players who will be competing in the MHL at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. PIC BY OWEE AH CHUN

HOCKADEMY is the new face that will add an exciting element to the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) which starts today.

The Kuala Lumpur-based HockAdemy will compete on two fronts in the national league: men’s and women’s divisions.

They want to make an instant impact in the women’s category with a top-two finish.

But as for the HockAdemy men, they are not as ambitious as their women, they will be happy to avoid the bottom spot.

Yes, that would be good enough, according to Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman.

“We have assembled a development squad peppered with three seniors for the men’s MHL challenge, so we do not expect much from them.

“All we want is for them to enjoy the sport, and try and avoid the bottom spot among eight teams.”

The three seniors are Baljit Singh Sarjab, Harvinder Singh and Harmesh Singh. HockAdemy's foreign players from Pakistan are Riaz Rana Suhail, Nadeem Ahmad and Ali Rizwan.

“As for the women, we have managed to secure six national players and so their target will be a top-two finish in the League,” said Megat.

KLHA will compete in the MHL for the first time, and Megat hopes their effort is emulated by other states and clubs.

“In recent times, the MHL has become very expensive to compete in and the top rich clubs have the resources to get national, as well, as top foreign players.

“KLHA want to break this tradition because we want to propagate ‘'hockey for everybody’.

“That is why we have included as many young players as possible to give them a chance to play in the elite league.

“We might not produce results, but we will give more budding players a chance to play in the MHL,” said Megat.

The other teams in the men’s category are Maybank, Tenaga Nasional, NurInsafi, TNB Thunderbolts and Universiti Tecknologi Mara.

In the women’s category, HockAdemy will be challenging Terengganu Ladies Hockey Team, the League champions, for the major titles.

“We have invested in the women's team and got two guest players from Australia this season. KLHA plan to secure more quality players next season,” said Megat.

HockAdemy’s two Australian “signings” are Hannah Kate Astbury and Ashley Kate Fey.

The MHC Charity Shield will begin with Overall champions Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) battling League champions Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) today at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

UniKL will have to do without Irish No 1 goalkeeper David Harte as he will only arrive in Malaysia on Jan 15.

That means THT will have a better chance of beating UniKL for the Charity Shield as well as getting three points today.

New Straits Times



Roel has striking role for champs UniKL

By AFTAR SINGH



KUALA LUMPUR: Dutch international Roel Bovendeert (pic) wants to add firepower to Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) which begins today.

Reigning league champions UniKL face defending overall champions Terengganu in the Charity Shield match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

This year, UniKL are planning on wresting the the overall champions’ title from Terengganu.

Bovendeert’s experience playing in the Champions Trophy in Breda, Holland, in 2018 and last year’s FIH Pro League will definitely play a big part in helping UniKL bag the double – league and TNB (overall) Cup.

The 27-year-old Bovendeert, who plays for Dutch club HC Bloemen-daal, said it was always a new experience playing in a foreign league.“I am excited to be here, excited to be welcomed by my teammates. Even the rain is welcoming me (it rained when UniKL had their training on Wednesday night at the Bukit Jalil Stadium), ” said Bovendeert, both hands pointing to the sky.

“I learned a lot about UniKL and the MHL from my Dutch teammates like Robbert Kemperman, Valentin Verga and Martijn Peter, who played in here last year.

“They spoke highly of UniKL and the opposition teams.

“It is a good league and I am looking forward to having an enjoyable outing.

“I hope to add more bite in the forwardline and start the league by collecting full points in the Charity Shield match, ” added Bovendeert.

UniKL are also powered by three other imports in Australians Kieran Govers and Timothy Deavin and Irish international goalkeeper David Harte.

Harte, however, will not play in the first two matches against Terengganu today and Hockey Academy of Kuala Lumpur on Sunday as he will only arrive on Jan 15.

Sabah-born goalkeeper Adrian Andy Albert will play in his absence.

Eight teams will feature in the men’s league.

Besides Terengganu, UniKL, powered by seven national players, will also face a strong challenge from Tenaga Nasional who have 13 national players.

Meanwhile, UniKL unveiled their new jersey and introduced players for the 2020 MHL at the Tengku Abdullah Hockey Stadium in Bangi yesterday.

Also present were UniKL director of sporting club and assistant manager Jaldin Ahmad, head coach Arul Selvaraj, team captain Marhan Mohd Jalil and players.

Representing UniKL hockey president Datuk Amir Azhar Ibrahim at the event, Jaldin said UniKL have renewed hope and optimism for the MHL.

“For the first time, we have set our target of a double after winning the TNB Cup in 2018 and league title last year.

“Our greatest challenge is expected to come from Terengganu and Tenaga Nasional and we are also not underestimating any team in the league, ” added Jaldin.

The Star of Malaysia



Police won't recruit new players, says Mugambi

By AGNES MAKHANDIA


Edmond Makona (foreground) of Kenya Police shields the ball from Wazalendo's Kennedy Munialo during their Kenya Hockey Union men Premier League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi on December 1, 2019. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya Police coach Patrick Mugambi has said there will be no new additions to his side as the Kenya Hockey Union transfer window deadline approaches.

The transfer window was opened on December 23 last and will close on January 19.

The law-enforcers last won the KHU premier league title in 2017 before they finished third last season behind winners Butali Sugar Warriors who defended the title and the much-improved Wazalendo.

Despite Police losing ground on the title challenge early last season, Mugambi remains adamant they will retain the current squad as they target to challenge for the gong this season.

“Our hands are tied as far as getting new players on board. I’m glad many players who had been transferred to other places last season are now back and we should be a one unified outfit,” said the tactician.

“While we lost two of our key players last season to Butali in Calvin “Kanu” Otieno and Amos Barkibir and in a way we were destabilised, I believe we have moved on and we should do well this season. We will hold a meeting with the playing unit next week and plan the way forward.”

Mugambi at the same time said Titus Kimutai is fit ahead of the season having stayed out for the better part of last season due to a leg injury.

“It’s unfortunate we will start our campaign without the services of Levis Otieno and Kennedy Sibweche who are both still nursing injuries but I’m optimistic they will return as the league gathers ground.”

Daily Nation



Hockey Australia adds its support to aid bushfire recovery

Hockey Australia, together with a host of its corporate partners and the nation’s hockey community, has committed to contribute to the Bushfire Relief Appeal and those affected by the ongoing crisis.

With fires ravaging towns and areas of the country, Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier announced a fundraising initiative that would incorporate the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos’ upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Sydney, with donations going to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

“Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with all of those people who have been affected by these catastrophic fires in one way or another,” said Favier.

“The devastation caused by the fires is incomprehensible, and with this catastrophe affecting so many people, we acknowledge the exhaustive work and amazing job being done by emergency services and organisations such as the Red Cross.”

“While nothing can fully recover what has been lost in this tragedy, Hockey Australia will donate $500 to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal for every goal the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras score during their upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Sydney.”

“With the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras each playing four matches in Sydney, hopefully there will be plenty of goals coming from the sticks of players in the green and gold and we can make a worthy contribution to the Red Cross in their efforts to assist those who have suffered loss in the fires.”

Hockey Australia’s corporate partners Ausdrill and its parent company Perenti, Westfund Health Insurance and TigerTurf have each pledged to match the $500 for each Australian goal scored.

In conjunction with Ticketek, Hockey Australia is also offering free entry for Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers to all Pro League match days in Sydney. RFS and CFA volunteers can apply for their complimentary tickets by clicking here.

Additionally, Hockey Australia and a number of Hockeyroos and Kookaburras players have organised their own fundraising efforts for the cause through auctioning various items of memorabilia and pledging donations.

Details of these fundraising campaigns including how to donate can be found on the Hockey Australia website here.

This includes Kookaburra legend Jamie Dwyer who has pledged that anyone who donates to the Red Cross through his JustGiving page will go into the draw to win his signed playing shirt and stick from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hockey’s Member Associations are also doing their bit. Hockey Victoria are donating $5,000 towards the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, while Hockey ACT has partnered with Canberra’s other major sporting teams to provide support through the #WeAreOne campaign.

“We urge everyone to contribute in some way, whether it is through these fundraising initiatives or by their own accord to whichever cause they choose. Every bit counts!” said Favier.

“Tragedy often brings the best out of people and we are glad that we can play some small part in helping with the recovery process.”

Hockey Australia encourages people to use the #WeAreOne and #HockeyCommunity hashtags to signal their donations to the cause.

To donate to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal visit https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate

Other notable organisations include the NSW Rural Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Authority, and WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation.

Tickets for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos FIH Pro League matches in Sydney and Perth are available through Ticketek.

Hockey Australia media release

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