News for 11 April 2020
All the news for Saturday 11 April 2020
Beating the drum for South Africa
South Africa men’s hockey team qualified for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 when they won the African continental championships in August 2019, beating Egypt in a thrilling final to take the qualification spot. The team last appeared at the Olympic Games in 2012, where they finished 11th.
Leading the team into action at the African Hockey Road to Tokyo Championship was Tim Drummond, a midfielder with more than 145 international caps to his name. Since making his senior debut in 2012, Drummond has represented South Africa at two World Cups, the 2012 Olympic Games and numerous other high level tournaments. He took over the captain's armband in 2017 at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, in front of a home crowd in Johannesburg, and has been leading the team ever since.
Aside from their victory at the Road to Tokyo event, South Africa also finished as creditable runners-up to host nation India at the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.
Looking back over a long career, Drummond says his most memorable hockey moment can be traced right back to 2012 and the Olympic Games in London. "The London Olympics in 2012 was a huge highlight," he says. "Being in an environment for two weeks where all your sporting needs are catered for, from nutrition to recovery facilities to a dentist where I had a root canal fixed."
We caught up with Drummond to find out what he and his team were doing in preparation for their return to the main stage at the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games and discovered that, up until the restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19, the team had been training hard - something that would be resumed the minute social distancing restrictions were lifted. While Drummond managed to deflect any questions about his own superstitions, we did learn that international pop sensation Mariah Carey would be a pivotal figure for at least one of the squad during their time in Tokyo.
How are preparations going for the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year?
Tim Drummond: We are the most prepared we have been for any major tournament. We played the African Continental Cup (African Hockey Federation Road to Tokyo) last year in August and we have had two really good series against the USA and Germany.
What does it mean to you and your team to be taking part?
Tim Drummond: It means a great deal to go to the Olympics for any athlete but especially for hockey as it is the pinnacle of our sport. It will be a huge privilege for the entire team and an occasion which we are all looking forward to.
What are your thoughts about the teams you will face in your pool?
Tim Drummond: The teams in our pool are obviously very strong. Any team going to the Olympics are going to be of extremely great quality. We are facing teams we have played in the past and we know they all give different challenges. We will definitely try our best to give a maximum performance in each game.
What part of the Olympic experience are you most looking forward to?
Tim Drummond: The part of the Olympics that I am most looking forward to is returning after the Olympics knowing that, as a team, we have given kids and other people in South Africa a lot of hope. We want to inspire people to play the sport and be active in general. That is a big driving force for our squad at the moment. We know we have a positive influence on many people. We also hope, as a squad, that this Olympics will be a turning point for us as a squad.
Looking at where you are now and where you hope to be, what are the main areas that you and your squad will be working on between now and the start of the Games?
Tim Drummond: The main areas we are focusing on are maintaining and growing our conditioning. We are working on our tactical capabilities and also there is a huge emphasis on our team culture at the moment. We know that preparation for every team going to the Olympics has been a huge challenge with the Corona Virus but [once restrictions are lifted] we will be doing our best to be ready for Tokyo.
A fun final question: Are there any crazy team superstitions or pre-match rituals that you can tell us about?
Tim Drummond: We have Nick Spooner who will always phone his girlfriend on the bus on the way to any game and we have Nqobile Ntuli who will only listen to Mariah Carey!
Profile: Tim Drummond - South Africa
Nickname: Drums
Position: Midfield
Shirt Number: 7
Age: 31
International appearances: 145
Non hockey-related ambition: To compete in the World Surf Tour
FIH site
Update on 2020 PAHF Scheduled Competitions
POSTPONEMENT OF THE 2020 PAN AMERICAN CHALLENGE I & II/& SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Lima, Peru
Following the earlier postponement of the Indoor Pan Am Cup, the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) continues to monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) closely.
Following consultation with the Peru Hockey Federation, the PAHF has today taken a decision to postpone the 2020 Pan American Challenge I & II/South American Championship originally scheduled for 27 June – 5 July 2020 to a date in October or November 2020.
This is due to the proximity of the dates of this event, and out of concern for the well-being and safety of our athletes, support staff, event officials and the public at large given the COVID-19 situation.
RESCHEDULING OF THE 2020 INDOOR PAN AMERICAN CUP
Further to our public release on 11th March 2020 advising of the postponement of the Indoor Pan Am Cup, and the announcement yesterday of the dates and venue for the Indoor World Cup (3 – 7 February 2021 in Liege, Belgium) the PAHF wishes to that our qualifying event will be rescheduled to a date in October 2020.
The new date will be announced by the end of June.
The rescheduling of this event is still dependent on improvements in the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation that is currently impacting the global community, and more directly, our region.
JUNIOR PAN AM CHAMPIONSHIPS (U-21)
Santiago, Chile
The Junior Pan Am Championship/Junior World Cup Qualifier scheduled for 31 November – 13th December 2020 is still on schedule, but also subject to improvements in the COVID-19 situation.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Japan Team Walk-out – India awarded match
by Dil Bahra
The Pool ‘A’ match between India and Japan at Mexico 1968 Olympic Games was played on Sunday 20 October 1968 at 1230 pm local time on pitch 2 of the Muncipal Hockey Stadium, Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City.
55 minutes and 30 seconds into an extremely important game for the seven times Olympic champions, India, the score was still 0-0 and, in view of the brave defensive performance of the speedy Japanese, the overall opinion in the stands was that the brave, little men around the cat-like goalkeeper Norihiko Matiumoto could have kept their goal intact for the remaining quarter of an hour against the desperate Indians.
With less than 15 minutes to go, the British umpire Archie Young awarded a penalty stroke against the Japanese. Inamur Rehman, who had replaced Inder Singh at inside left, was breaking into the circle when there was a clash of sticks as he went to pass the Japanese back, Katsuhiro Yuzaki. The umpire decided that Inam had been fouled and presumed that a certain goal had been prevented. He, therefore, awarded the most drastic penalty.
The Japanese did not first realize what decision the umpires had made. They thought the whistle had gone for a foul against their player. When the truth quickly became apparent, they surrounded the umpire, protesting and indicated the nature of the foul committed not by their player but by Inam.
The umpire stuck firmly to his decision indicating a second time that he had awarded the penalty-stroke.
Captain Tsureya Yuzaki, the elder brother of the player who had apparently committed the foul, threw his stick onto the grass in a rage and left the pitch in the direction of the players' bench. The rest of his team followed him immediately.
The jury of appeal chairman, Mr Stewart McIldowie of South Africa ordered the Japanese manager to get his team on the field within 30 seconds but because they were so upset there was never any chance that they would return. When the whistle went for the game to resume, the Indians were still on the field watching incredulously. At least three minutes had elapsed. The Japanese did not reappear and the umpire blew his whistle again indicating that the game was over.
India was awarded the match 5 – 0 by the technical delegates of the International Hockey Federation.
The Indian team in that match was: Munir Sait; Gurbux Singh; Prithipal Singh; Balbir Singh ‘Services’; Ajit Pal Singh; Harmik Singh; Balbir Singh ‘Railways’; John Victor Peter; Harbinder Singh; Inamur Rehman and Tarsem Singh.
For more daily facts see the Sikhs in Hockey FaceBook page
Sikhs in Hockey
EHL and Scorrd team up again for Stay@Home Fantasy League with a twist
The EHL and Scorrd are coming together once again to run the first ever Hockey Manager game with the launch today of the Stay@Home Fantasy league.
Players will engage on a completely new level of entertainment as they battle against their colleagues and friends to become the best hockey manager on scorrd.com/fantasy.
Create your own EHL Dream Team and compete against your friends while staying safe @ home!
The Scorrd Stay@Home Fantasy is based on the Euro Hockey League (EHL) FINAL8. The games will not continue in reality but they definitely continue in fantasy. Due to the current circumstances, adaptations were made.
An online simulation fantasy game, based on the matches that should have been played, was created and the championship commences. The games include the 16 teams, men and women, that would have participated. The incredible talent in these teams is only going to make the competition that much more exciting!
There is a new format for 2020. Every player signs in and becomes a team manager for one men’s team, one women’s team, or both. The mini competitions are restricted to 8 teams which are either open competitions or private competitions.
Each manager, after signing up for a competition, will be allocated a draft of 11 players. The draft is done randomly and managers will receive a budget according to the drafted team.
As a manager, you will be able to sell weaker players on the transfer market in order to buy stronger ones. Managers who follow the market closely will have the best chance of winning the championship.
BUT WATCH OUT! Once a player has been bought by a manager during the competition, that player will no longer be available on the transfer market unless he is sold.
The list of players on the transfer market will be updated every day with 12 to 15 new players becoming available and up for grabs. Managers who are watching the transfer market frequently will have the best opportunity to sign world class star players.
Scores will depend on your players’ performance based on the simulated games. The scoring criteria include: the type of goal (field goal, pc goal, stroke goal), team result, cards, goals against.
All players of each team will receive bonus points based on performance; and the captain you chose for your fantasy team will receive double points. Every manager will have unlimited player transfers before and after every round.
They must always have 11 players in their team. If players are underperforming, they can be transferred and new players can be bought. Be the best manager you can be! Prove to your competition that you have the ability to build an award winning team from your sofa @ home.
Challenge all your hockey friends with the mini leagues! Who will be crowned champion of Europe? There will be a global ranking of all team managers participating. What are you waiting for? Join the Scorrd Fantasy league on scorrd.com/fantasy.
Euro Hockey League media release
Tamsin Bunt has a Belgium Indoor Hockey World Cup goal to aim for
Anya Whitelaw
AUSSIE AIM: Tamsin Bunt hopes to contest her second indoor World Cup next year with Australian. The event will be staged in Belgium. Photo: FIH/ World Sport Pics
HER club hockey has been suspended, the state titles where she had hoped to line up for Bathurst have been cancelled, but there is finally some positive news for Tamsin Bunt.
She now knows that if she sticks to her personal training regime, if she works on her skills and fitness, she could be headed to Belgium early next year.
It has been announced that the 2021 Indoor Hockey World Cup will be staged in the city of Liège, Belgium from February 3-7.
Bathurst talent Bunt is part of the 25-player Australian open women's indoor squad which was named following the national titles.
While the players are unable to attend a camp scheduled for August - it has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic - Bunt is still in line to attend her second World Cup.
She is one of seven players in the current squad with previous open women's World Cup experience.
Bunt was named in the 2015 Australian team which was to play in Leipzig, but she was ruled out due to knee surgery.
But in 2018 she got her chance to compete against the best indoor talents from across the globe when making her World Cup debut in Berlin. Australia reached the quarter-final stage where they fell 5-2 to Belarus.
Should Bunt make the cut for the 2021 edition, she and her Australian team-mates will vie with 11 other teams including Belarus, Germany and the Netherlands for World Cup glory.
Western Advocate
India’s FIH Pro League games against New Zealand cancelled
Indian men’s hockey team’s home games against New Zealand have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uthra Ganesan
India was scheduled to play New Zealand on May 23 and 24 in Bhubaneswar. - Hockey India Twitter
After suspension of its Europe leg matches of the Pro League, the Indian men’s hockey team’s home games against New Zealand have also been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Zealand men were scheduled to play back-to-back games on May 23 and 24 in Bhubaneswar.
"Following the New Zealand government’s travel restrictions and lock-down, combined with the medical advice of team doctors and in the interests of the health, safety and well-being of our players and support staff, the decision has been made by Hockey New Zealand to cancel our tour of India (men) and China (women) at this present time,” HNZ chief executive Ian Francis said in a statement.
While expressing disappointment, Hockey India accepted that the situation was not conducive.
“It is disappointing that the matches need to be cancelled but these are unavoidable circumstances and we support Hockey New Zealand’s decision. Safety of players and their support staff is a top priority. We hope to host them again soon once the situation improves,” HI CEO Elena Norman said adding that tickets already bought for the same would be refunded.
Sportstar
Lockdown diaries: Stuck at home, Tirkey missing golf
Confined to his home in Bhubaneswar, former India hockey captain, Dilip Tirkey, who recently turned a professional golfer, is also missing golf.
Y.B.Sarangi
For the first time in his life, Dilip Tirkey could not visit a church on a Good Friday. He knows it is not possible to do so even on Easter Sunday due to the prevailing lockdown.
Confined to his home in Bhubaneswar, the former India hockey captain – who recently turned a professional golfer – is also missing his golf and his public life. But the ex-Member of Parliament understands his responsibility.
“As a player, a captain and a political leader I have performed my responsibilities. Now, I perform my responsibilities as a citizen and obey the government order to stay at home and contribute in the fight against coronavirus,” Tirkey told Sportstar on Friday.
“My family can’t go to a church this weekend. We did our prayers at home today and would have to do the same early on Sunday.”
Dilip Tirkey spending time at home with wife Meera and son Jayesh. - Special Arrangement
Tirkey – who is spending time doing exercises, watching news programmes, reading and playing hockey and ludo with his son Jayesh – couldn’t remember when he stayed at home for such a long period. “Once my ankle injury took a long time to heal, but when you are recovering from an injury the mindset is different. Now, it’s more challenging.”
Tirkey, who played in Golconda Masters in Hyderabad and in PGTI Players’ Championship in Bengaluru in February last, has gotten addicted to golf. “I am missing my golf. It’s early in my career, but I am enjoying it.”
In the time of lockdown, Tirkey feels bad for the poor boys and girls who have been sent home from different hockey academies in his home district Sundargarh.
“It’s tough for these young players. Even though they are safe at home, they get a lot of facilities at a hostel. Their daily training schedule is stopped. Some of them belong to poor families and their parents are daily wagers. It is the most difficult phase for those kids.”
Tirkey, who has been named chairman of the Odisha Hockey Promotion Council (OHPC), hoped that the newly-formed organization would begin its work for the overall development of the sport in the state soon after the lockdown.
Sportstar
Hockey players’ response to workout plan during lockdown satisfies Junaid
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hockey team’s head coach Khawaja Junaid is contended with the way players have responded to the online workout plan forwarded to them a few days back to keep them fit during the ongoing lockdown triggered by coronavirus pandemic.
“As a coach it is very encouraging for me that the players are following the workout plan with utmost commitment and dedication. The lockdown period is very difficult for everyone. Our players have also never gone through such a situation but their attitude is very positive and they are bracing it [the situation] up quite nicely,” Junaid told APP on Friday.
Spelling out the details of the workout plan for the players, the head coach said that it was mainly focused on three aspects of training. “Firstly, they’ve been asked to control their diet and avoid foods that increase fat level to an alarming level,” he said.
“Secondly, we’ve concentrated on their physical activity and in it we are targeting two things, number one the strengthening of their muscles through exercises such as planks, lunges, body squats, sit-ups, push-ups, yoga and lightweight training. And number two, cardiovascular exercises such as skipping, shuttle running and climbing stairs up and down repeatedly at home. In shutdown period all these exercises can be done in a confined area.
“Thirdly, as ultimately they’ll have to play hockey, we are focusing on skill exercises. We’ve pointed out the basic grey areas in their game and told them how these can be plugged during even such a period [lockdown],” he added.
Junaid further said that it was also being considered to start a regular online education system by sending video clips to the players. “All the players will be required to comment on these clips. We’ll wait till April 20 and if the situation does not normalise well go for that option.”
He said that in online education, there would be separate classes for goalkeepers. “The players will be reading hockey as a subject wherein they’ll be taught several things, including the structures of world’s best outfits such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Australia,” he said.
Junaid said that the players were sending their workout videos regularly every second or third day.
“We’ve a group of 50 players. Half of this group comprises junior players. We gauge their videos regularly. Then, their performance is discussed with the president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and secretary Asif Bajwa,” the head coach remarked.
Junaid also asked people to observe social distancing by staying at their homes and do some sort of exercise to keep themselves fit.
“Please also take care of the vulnerable segment of the society and donate with open hearts,” he appealed.
Dawn
Hockey amid pandemic: How Pakistan players are coping with the challenge
Pakistan coach Khawaja Junaid is happy with the way players have responded to his online workout plan
Rituraj Borkakoty
Four-time world champions Pakistan are hoping to revive their hockey fortunes (AFP)
At a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has brought the sporting world to a standstill, Pakistan's hockey team players too have accepted the new challenge of remaining fit while not playing the sport they love.
And Khawaja Junaid, the national team coach, is happy with the way his players have responded after he had drawn up an online workout plan for them at a time when the country is strictly following the social distancing rules to avoid the spread of the deadly virus
"As a coach it is very encouraging for me that the players are following the workout plan with utmost commitment and dedication," Junaid was quoted as saying by AAP.
"The lockdown period is very difficult for everyone. Our players have also never gone through such a situation but their attitude is very," added Junaid.
Indoor exercises and diet control are the two main ingredients in Junaid's plan.
"Firstly, they've been asked to control their diet and avoid foods that increase fat level," he said.
"Secondly, we've concentrated on their physical activity and in it we are targeting two things, number one the strengthening of their muscles through exercises such as planks, lunges, body squats, sit-ups, push-ups, yoga and lightweight training.
"And number two, cardiovascular exercises such as skipping, shuttle running and climbing stairs up and down repeatedly at home. In shutdown period all these exercises can be done in a confined area.
"Thirdly, as ultimately they'll have to play hockey, we are focusing on skill exercises. We've pointed out the basic grey areas in their game and told them how these can be plugged during such a period (lockdown)," he said.
Having missed the ticket to the Tokyo Olympics following their failure to qualify for the 2016 Rio Games, Pakistan, the four-time world champions and three-time Olympic gold medallists, are hoping to revive their fortunes.
And in Junaid Khan - a member of the team that won the bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics - it seems they have found a man who could set the ball rolling again.
Khaleej Times
KP hockey grounds wait for lockdown to end: Zahir
ISLAMABAD: Hockey has never died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Even the toughest of days the game has faced in the country has seen the province buzzing with activities.
When Pakistan failed to make it to the Rio Olympics in 2016 on the heels of their absence from the World Cup in Holland in 2014, hockey slummed dipped to new low in the country. No youngster was willing to take the game seriously and instead started preferring other games with cricket being top of all other sports. Even in that era of uncertainty, the action never stopped in KP. With Peshawar being the hub of hockey activities, youngsters kept on pursuing the game more in a hope that good days were just around the corner. There hopes and aspirations were backed and supported by two icons of the game in the region-Zahir Shah who now is the president of the KP Hockey Association and former IG Police Saeed Khan who has selfless love for the game and was often seen devoting time, energy and financial support to the deserving players.
Even in days of his active association with the police force, he usually was seen turning up at grounds, supporting players in their effort to raise competitive outfits for different age group national events.
Zahir Shah possibly has sacrificed his entire life to the game and it was his influence and unprecedented interest in the game that kept the activities intact in the province and in the capital city of Peshawar. Over 100 hockey players in different age groups were still busy playing the game in Peshawar when the Covid-19 hit the world. Under tight instruction of KP Government all activities came down to standstill for the very first time.
“Hockey activities never stopped in Peshawar. Even in days of terrorists activities our players kept pursuing the game. I have spent all my life on grounds and hardly a day had passed when I missed going to ground either to watch matches or to monitor training or practice. Even in the toughest of days when except from parts of Karachi everywhere clubs stopped playing the game we kept these activities running without any break.
However, for the first time we are now facing a position where not only we were forced to stop on field training, we are uncertain as when we really will be in a position to restart the outdoor hockey. As a president of KPK hockey I have already instructed all to keep following KP government orders and prefer staying at home. Whatever training and exercise they can manage, they have been told to do these while staying at home.”
Zahir Shah admitted the majority of these hockey players had been perusing the game professionally and had no other source of income but to look for generating these through such activities. “Now when the action stops, these definitely need financial backing at least enabling them to at look after their bread and butter. This is my promise that I would not let them look for any outside financial help. KPK hockey with the help of their well-wishers would make all the arrangements to look after deserving players necessities of life during this lock down period. I am keeping a close contact with those who need KPK hockey support and they would not be let down. These players are our asset. They are the one who keep hockey field busy with activities and as such need support in this hour of need.”
Zahir Shah called on all sports administrators to look after players and related support staff. “There well-being is your responsibility. It is a testing time and we must come forward to help them and do whatever we could to keep them look after themselves.”
The News International
SSTMI caught in sticky situation
By Jugjet Singh
SSTMI’s Mohamad Shamir Rizmi Shamsul celebrates after scoring in the JHL final on Aug 4, 2019.
JUNIOR Hockey League (JHL) double champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) are now caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
If the Under-21 JHL is held later this year, SSTMI will lose their Form Five players to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
And if it is completely wiped out from the hockey calendar, they will lose the chance to defend their titles this season.
And so, coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman is getting ready for both eventualities.
He is not only teaching his students, but also coaching his SSTMI players online.
“As a teacher in SSTMI, I am actively preparing material as well as teaching students online. At the same time, I am also monitoring the fitness of my hockey players.
“It is difficult times for everybody, but I hope the JHL can be held right after Hari Raya. Our Form Five students will also be busy preparing for their examinations (in October) and we can’t disturb them if the JHL is held at a later date.
“SSTMI will lose many students who also have to enrol into matriculation.
“We are not the only team affected by this. All teams are in the same boat.
“That is why I hope the dates will not clash with the SPM examinations or national duty for those who have to report to the national Under-21 squad.
“The Covid-19 has caused chaos. We have to make the best of it when the Movement Control Order (MCO) is lifted,” said Wan Roslan.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation have assured that the JHL, as well as other age-group tournaments on their calendar, will be held this year if the MCO is lifted after Hari Raya.
But in the end, it is the Covid-19 pandemic that dictates the dates, and JHL teams can only keep their players on their toes at the moment.
The boy’s JHL was initially scheduled on March 25-April 19, while the girls’ competition starts in June.
And if the JHL (boys and girls) clashes with the new dates for the postponed boys and girls’ Junior Asia Cup, then national duty will come first.
Teams in the JHL will have no choice but to rely on development players to deliver.
New Straits Times
How the Olympic Development Pathway Shaped Gonzales' Journey to the USWNT
By Linnea Gonzales, U.S. Women's National Team Athlete 
Whether you started playing field hockey as a tiny toddler with parks and recreation, joined a club team or gave the sport a shot starting in high school, we all have to start somewhere. Listening to some of my teammates’ journeys has opened my eyes to see that everyone has their very own pathway. Some of these avenues may look relatively similar and others may be navigated differently. I think that is what makes everyone’s story special - so here is mine.
I started playing field hockey when I was 7-years-old. I originally played soccer, but my sister decided to try out the sport, so of course I wanted to try it too! It was shortly after I first began that I became obsessed and was having a lot of fun. The icing on the cake was that I was surrounded by an uplifting group of coaches and a lighthearted group of girls. Something about the sound and feeling of when my stick tapped around the field hockey ball was so addicting and still is to this day. I gave up soccer and started to get really into competing.
From parks and recreation, it was then time I joined a club team. With club field hockey there is a higher level of competition. You can travel to different tournaments and events to play against challenging teams that may not be in your state or specific area. I played for H2O Field Hockey for nine years, starting in U-12 and ending U-19. Man, those were some fun times! The older our team grew together, the more high-level tournaments we were able to compete in. I think it is important that every player finds the right club team for them. You want a group of teammates and coaches who are going to challenge you, but you also want to have a blast doing it. My time on this club team was so great because I was surrounded by a group of girls who became my sisters and led by coaches like Janice Rhodes, Alice Puckett and Natalie Magdeburger.
However, on top of club field hockey and recreation, I wanted something MORE. In the summers I would go to a couple field hockey camps with my H2O teammates. I remember we would always go to the University of Maryland camp, local camps and McDonough Camp. The McDonough Camp really got things jumpstarted. I remember after that camp, one of the coaches handed me a paper to take back to my parents. It was a recommendation for USA Field Hockey’s Futures program. I was shocked and excited, I thought it was so cool! Me? You’re going to pick me? Well okay, let’s go! Futures is a program for our country that allows field hockey athletes to grow their game, compete on an elite stage and maneuver their very own pathway in addition to the elite, professional coaching.
I started the Futures program by attending training sessions throughout the year. They would have a couple sessions on weekends here and there. These training sessions were so beneficial because I would learn about the game from some of the top coaches and players in the nation. It was also insightful because they would teach us new skills and break them down for us. I still think about one of my Futures coaches who was explaining how to defend a reverse stick shot. It was like “wow, I didn’t know that...but I needed to know that, so thank you”. The skills that I learned back then became a foundation to prepare me for the platform of play for today. They were added to my toolbox and became second-nature. If you can master the basics and focus on the small details, your game as a field hockey player will elevate and become much stronger.
Anyway, these Futures sessions helped me prepare for the Regional Futures Tournament (RFT) that was at the end of the season. You could be selected for the RFT during your training sessions or be invited to join the Futures Elite training group. When I first started, I got selected for the RFT and then selected for the National Futures Tournament. Each pathway in the program that you get selected for offers a higher level competition and more challenging play. I liked competing in the National Futures Tournament when I was younger because I got to meet, play and compete against high level athletes. Not only was I learning from the coaches, but I was also learning through game experience and the players around me.
I stuck with Futures on top of playing club and that gradually led me through the U.S. Olympic Development Pathway. Each year it was another baby step (Nationals, Junior Olympic Games, Futures Elite, Junior National Camps, etc.) I remember when I got selected to my first Junior National Camp, it was overnight in Massachusetts. Our coaches were Jarred Martin and Ange Bradley. I was SO NERVOUS. I didn’t even want to go at first because my nerves were eating at me. When we hit the field I was not playing like myself. Timid, anxious, reserved. It was when Ange pulled me aside after one of our training sessions and said “just play” was it then that I began to soften up a bit and have more of a go. That was my first experience playing at the Junior National level. It was intimidating and a bit nerve-racking at the time, but the coaches believed in me and helped me through this new process and that meant a lot.
As a result of these Junior National Camps, I was able to get selected to the Junior U.S. Women’s National teams. The youngest squad I was on was U-17 for a year and then Janneke Schopman pulled me up to the U-21 team. I remember being shocked and anxious because a lot of the girls were older than me, already in college. This gradually went away the more time I spent training at that level with the girls. I was on that team for four years and we generally had the same team for a couple years. It was very rewarding looking back on how much we were able to grow together and start to become even more disciplined tactically and technically. Janneke was a great coach - you could tell how much she loved the game and wanted us to be the best version of ourselves on and off the pitch. I loved that experience on the U-21 team and hold it close because that is when we were starting to get a taste of what international field hockey was like. It is eye-opening when you travel internationally to compete against teams such as The Netherlands or Argentina. You escape the “bubble” and are exposed to a whole other world of the sport. I also really enjoyed the U-21 team because many from that group are now or currently have been on the U.S. Women’s National Team. It goes to show that hard work and dedication truly does pay off.
It makes me smile being able to look back and see where the U.S. Olympic Development Pathway has taken us all. For me, it has led me to compete at a level that I have always dreamed of, the U.S. Women’s National Team. Through club, high school, college and Futures, I was able to grow and enhance my game. This program has given me so much that I am grateful for but I don’t want to stop there. I look to continue to learn about the international game, keep gaining that experience, grow on and off the field with my team, and COMPETE at the highest level possible. Representing the red, white and blue is a sum of all the experiences, challenges and opportunities. I play for my country, myself and everyone who has helped me along the way.
USFHA media release
Irish Hockey Leagues declared null and void by governing body
John Flack
Big relief: Belfast Harlequins and Linzi Hamilton will stay in top flight
This season's men's and women's EY Irish Hockey Leagues have been declared null and void by the sport's governing body which will signal relief in some quarters and disappointment in others.
Hockey Ireland yesterday announced their strategy to resolve the various issues after declaring the current season 'finished' on March 26 due to Covid-19.
The biggest talking point will centre around the call to void the all-island top-flight competition.
According to Hockey Ireland's statement, this was "due to the fact that there were too many games left to play to determine a fair final ranking by mathematical or other method".
Lisnagarvey are unlikely to be happy at this decision as they were five points clear at the top of the table with two games in hand and seven matches left.
At the other end, Annadale, who were 11 points adrift at the bottom, now have a reprieve from likely automatic relegation.
In the women's IHL, Belfast Harlequins, who were five points in arrears at the foot of the standings with four games to go, will also remain in the top-flight.
Team captain Linzi Hamilton said: "We appreciate that Hockey Ireland have had some really challenging decisions to make but we are delighted to be able to compete in the IHL again."
The cancellation of the IHL campaign also applies to the end-of-season Champions Trophy tournament played between the top four finishers in both the men's and women's leagues.
Normally, the winners of the regulation season qualify for one of the two European competitions the following year and the winners of the Champions Trophy are awarded a place in the other continental event.
Lisnagarvey and Pegasus were to have represented Ireland in this year's European tournaments but Garvey's hosting of the second-tier competition in May has been cancelled.
Pegasus have yet to have it officially confirmed that their trip to Amsterdam for the top-tier women's European Hockey League series is cancelled.
Hockey Ireland's statement added: "European club competition places will be determined at a later stage by the board pending the outcome of the current European season and a conclusive decision from the EHF."
In addition, it has been decided that this season's men's and women's Irish Senior Cups, with Lisnagarvey, Cookstown and Pegasus still involved, could be played at the start of the new season, coronavirus permitting.
Hockey Ireland also indicated that there is a possibility that a new, full-season Irish Hockey League second-tier event could be introduced next season.
In the provincial leagues, a points percentage per games played is being used to determine league placings.
Cookstown men and Queen's women will therefore be crowned champions.
Belfast Telegraph
Scottish District hockey leagues declared null and void for season 2019/20
Districts, in collaboration with Scottish Hockey, have reached the decision to null and void all district leagues for the 2019/20 season with no promotion or relegation. This announcement does not include Scottish Hockey’s Premiership; National leagues; Regional Leagues; and Championship leagues.
It follows the decision in March to suspend all hockey activity in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in line with Government guidelines.
Given the timeframes available, and the amount of district matches that would be required to be played, it has been decided that the completion of all remaining district fixtures is not feasible.
The decision has been made with fairness in mind, and the districts with Scottish Hockey wanted to reach a collaborative decision together to ensure continuity across the districts.
Rhoda Howe – President, Women’s West District
Keith Joss – President, Men’s West District
Jamie Carnegie – President, Midlands District
Richard Gray – President, East District
Stephanie Grundy – President, North District
Scottish Hockey CEO David Sweetman said, “I would like to thank all the districts for a thorough and collaborative process to reach this very tough decision. This is an extremely challenging time and the districts working together in collaboration, with Scottish Hockey, have shown great unity in the drive to find a solution for district hockey.
“I know there may be some disappointment amongst players; coaches; and clubs, but I also know we’ll work together to make sure district hockey bounces back strong once the sport restarts.”
Scottish Hockey league competitions
A decision has yet to be reached for Scottish Hockey’s Premiership; National leagues; Regional and Championship leagues.
Scottish Hockey’s Management Committee met to discuss next steps in regards to Scottish Hockey competitions in these unprecedented times.
The situation is complex, and constantly evolving, and it was agreed that further information is required to make the most informed and fair decisions possible.
We will make an announcement on what happens next as soon as possible and thank you for your understanding and patience.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Fourways hockey player works his way to the top
Khomotso Makgabutlane
Travis Krumples is a dual indoor and outdoor hockey player hoping to take is hockey skills to the next level. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane
FOURWAYS – Sixteen-year-old Travis Krumples was selected to play in the Southern Gauteng Witsies U21 men’s outdoor team in South Africa's Inter Provincial Tournament.
A Fourways hockey player is working his way to the top leagues in the country after shining at trials since the beginning of the year.
Sixteen-year-old Travis Krumples was selected to play in the Southern Gauteng Witsies U21 men’s outdoor team earlier this month. The team competed in the Indoor Hockey Interprovincial Tournament (IPT) held in Ballito from 11 to 14 March.
While he and his indoor Witsies teammates placed seventh overall, Travis felt it was still a great experience. “It was an amazing tournament, and a really big eye-opener. I got to see what is out there not only in my province, but in others as well.”
Travis wanted to get experience under his belt and the tour was about soaking up all the knowledge he could while being around players who have represented the country.
Travis, who is currently in Grade 11 at Fourways High School said, “It was a really good first term, but I’m glad to be on holiday! Going forward, I think I can work a bit better on my time management.”
Not only is he playing and representing his school and province in both indoor and outdoor hockey, but he is also an essential player in his school’s first cricket team as wicketkeeper. Once the second term starts, Travis will have more free time as he had a jam-packed schedule.
Travis has shown a remarkable attitude in taking things in his stride and working hard to achieve his goals. “My goal was to make the outdoor SA U21 side. I unfortunately didn’t make that side. I just thought I would try even harder for the [Southern Gauteng] indoor side.
“When I got that, my mind told me I wanted to achieve even more. I love the game so much, I wanna play it for my whole life.”
Travis is currently torn between studying and playing overseas or studying in South Africa, one thing is for sure is that hockey remains a big part of Travis’ life and will continue to do so.
“I’d like to be a professional sportsman. I enjoy being outside and playing any sport, so being a professional hockey player is something I could do.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country, the South African Hockey Association has postponed all tournaments indefinitely. This includes the IPT to Port Elizabeth that was meant to take place at the end of April.
The Fourways Review
Buffaloes hockey herd set to wait before 70th Easter running at Torbay
By The Hockey Paper
The Buffaloes class of 2009 reprised for Torbay shindig PIC: Robert Excell Photography
Before lockdown, Ed Handley gave the lowdown on colourful touring side Buffaloes HC ahead of what would have been the 70th Torbay Festival at Easter
The Buffaloes was initially set up as the touring team from Smethwick HC in the early 1950s after the club had disbanded during World War II. Smethwick HC had joined with West Bromwich HC and the Buffaloes was generally ex-Smethwick players, then at Harborne HC.
Invited players quickly became the norm and this has continued to the present day. The club providing the majority of Buffaloes players has moved through Harborne and Cannock, and more recently Bournville and Stafford Hockey Clubs, although it has never been officially affiliated with any of these.
These days, without a host hockey club the team generally consists of team-mates of the captain, Ed, and those of existing Buffaloes who spread the word of their adventures; a large proportion of the current team have played at or still play for Stafford HC and Bournville HC.
Having played at different festivals including on the Isle of Wight in the very early days the Buffaloes found their home at the Torbay Easter Hockey Festival. Our first venture to this brilliant festival was 1963 and continued until 2004 with a team including three who continued into the modern day Buffaloes.
In 2009, after a brief hiatus, the team was resurrected as Buffaloes HC when the herd returned to Torbay with a team of (mostly) fresh-faced 18-21 year olds. In this modern era a group of three ever-present players have driven the team forward in terms of recruitment.
In the 1990s the Buffaloes boasted the presence of a GB Olympian (Chris Mayer) and the 2010s saw the return of a septuagenarian Grand Masters European champion who was playing with the Buffaloes in the 1970s (Percy Steele). It is believed that the longest standing herd leader is Bob Handley from the early 1980s to mid 2000s.
While the team has not always been productive in front of goal at Torbay they have played seven enjoyable and competitive games at each event. Games are played on astro turf pitches in Paignton, Torquay, Teignmouth, and Dawlish. The 10th year after the return to Torbay saw the Buffaloes crowned as top goalscorers and were presented with the Bill Stickells cup. This year the Buffaloes were registered for the 70th edition of the festival before the coronavirus forced organisers to cancel the event and look ahead to 2021.
The best thing about the Buffaloes is the sense of camaraderie and ownership of the club gained from the team spending five days a year together. We all enjoy the competitive nature of games, the good weather ‘Torbados’ has to offer, and the evening’s entertainment in Paignton.
In the good weather the team can usually be found watching the day’s other games with lunch and a cold drink, cheering on our fellow festival goers – and regularly looking out for spare players to fill-in any gaps we have in the team. We’re easily spotted thanks to our chequered flag and unicorn mascot.
Each year we have a fancy dress theme for the evening. It started with armed forces and involved topical games and once ended up with the local police having to unlock a Buffalo from himself having been wearing a pair of army issue handcuffs. Recent years have seen superheroes and alphabetical themes spelling the club name and has seen homemade works of art such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Beaker from The Muppets.
One of our hockey debutants, a guy who had never picked up a stick in his life before the day, ended up scoring a stunning hat-trick on his debut to the delight of everybody. It turns out football ability can sometimes transition to hockey. Unfortunately in the three or four years since, his goals have all but dried up!
The team has gained a big fan in one of the local landlords who often sends extra rounds and food to our table in the pub and the bar staff have been known to join in some of our drinking games. All Buffaloes so far have taken on the landlord’s chilli challenge which comprises an extra spicy infused drink on arrival. It will be no different when we return next Easter.
Stay in touch at torbayhockeyfestival.org.uk and @torbayhockfest for future announcements on the 2021 Festival
This originally featured in a previous Hockey Paper edition. Don’t miss out. Subscribe in print or in digital format.
The Hockey Paper