News for 07 November 2020
All the news for Saturday 7 November 2020
'That’s what we train for': Shelton sets all-time win record following 4-3 OT thriller
By Mary Mac Porter
Junior forward Erin Matson (1) scored the second goal of the ACC Semifinal game against Syracuse. The Tar Heels won 4-3 in overtime on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Cynthia Liu
In a record-breaking win for head coach Karen Shelton, the North Carolina field hockey team was forced into overtime by a last minute goal for the second time this season on Friday night. The Tar Heels, however, managed to survive 4-3 in overtime against Syracuse allowing them to advance to the ACC championship game.
Watching Shelton on the UNC bench before overtime play began, it was impossible to tell that the Orange had just tied the game in dramatic fashion. The veteran head coach sported a smile that, to the average viewer, seemed more fitting for a large victory.
Yet Shelton knew her team and knew that countless hours had been spent on seven versus seven competitions in practice by the Tar Heels — part of their preparation strategy for overtime.
Her relaxed demeanor certainly paid off when just five minutes into overtime, junior forward Erin Matson forced a stroke that led to senior forward Bryn Boylan’s second goal of the game and secured a North Carolina victory — breaking the NCAA record of most wins by a field hockey coach: 701.
It’s fitting that Shelton’s record-breaking win came in overtime because every player on the team spoke about how often they'd practice for seven versus seven situations. Despite their recent dominance in collegiate field hockey, Shelton has her players practice for the unexpected, ensuring they are never unprepared.
The Daily Tar Heel
Karen Shelton earns historic win No. 701 in UNC field hockey's 4-3 win over Syracuse
By Mary Mac Porter
Redshirt junior back Cassie Sumfest (12) prepares to pass the ball as members of the Syracuse team look on at Karen Shelton Stadium on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Cynthia Liu
The North Carolina field hockey team defeated Syracuse, 4-3, in overtime on Friday in the ACC Championship semifinals. UNC will advance to face top-seeded Louisville, the only team to beat the Tar Heels this season, in the ACC Championship final on Sunday.
What happened?
The Tar Heels struck first with a goal from senior midfielder Bryn Boylan that was assisted by sophomore back Madison Orobono on a penalty corner by UNC. Syracuse tried to respond but North Carolina goalkeeper Amanda Hendry came up with a save for the Tar Heels.
The Orange had offensive numbers in the final minute of the second quarter, but the UNC defense found a way out of the dangerous situation to hold the Orange scoreless in the first half. The Tar Heels were scoreless in the second quarter and entered the second half holding on to a narrow lead.
Syracuse came out hot on offense to start the second half, scoring its first goal off a corner play less than a minute in. Despite a couple more corner opportunities for the Orange, the score remained 1-1 at the end of the third quarter.
The Tar Heels capitalized on a breakaway opportunity from forward Meredith Sholder, who assisted forward Erin Matson’s goal. The Tar Heels struck again moments later when Matson assisted wide-open sophomore midfielder Paityn Wirth to push the lead to 3-1.
The Orange responded quickly, ending the North Carolina momentum and cutting the lead to just one goal. In the final minute of the second half, Syracuse scored the game-tying goal off a Hailey Bitters deflection.
UNC only needed five minutes in the overtime period to convert a winning goal and end the game after Boylan finished a penalty stroke that was awarded to the Tar Heels on a penalty against the Syracuse goalkeeper.
Who stood out?
Matson is always a standout in North Carolina field hockey games, and she drew the penalty stroke that ultimately won the game for the Tar Heels once Boylan sealed the win with her successful attempt.
When was it decided?
The last minute goal by Syracuse’s Bitters forced overtime against the Tar Heels. The Orange started with the ball in the overtime period, but the Tar Heels countered to force the Syracuse goalie to leave her line two times, with the second of those instances resulting in the penalty stroke that ended the game.
Why does it matter?
The win Friday night sent the Tar Heels to their sixth consecutive ACC Championship final and sets them up with a rematch against the team that broke their two-season-long undefeated streak. With the potential for an NCAA Tournament in the spring, an ACC Tournament title goes a long way on a team’s resume.
The victory was also enough for UNC head coach Karen Shelton to break a tie with UConn’s Nancy Stevens to move Shelton into the top spot on the NCAA’s all-time wins list as a coach with 701 victories, further cementing her as one of the key leaders of collegiate field hockey.
When do they play next?
The Tar Heels will play again Sunday against No.1 seeded Louisville for the ACC championship.
The Daily Tar Heel
With win over Syracuse, UNC field hockey will have a shot at redemption
By Jeremiah Holloway
Members of the UNC Field Hockey team celebrate after junior forward Erin Matson (1) scores the second goal of the game against Syracuse. The Tar Heels won the ACC Semifinals with a 4-3 score on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Cynthia Liu
Following UNC field hockey's 4-0 win in the ACC Championship quarterfinals on Thursday, the Tar Heels had a much more eventful game Friday night in the semifinals game against Syracuse, where UNC came away with a 4-3 victory.
“It was dramatic, back and forth,” head coach Karen Shelton said, who set the NCAA all-time record for wins as a field hockey head coach with 701 wins following the victory. “We still found a way to win. That’s just how sports (are) sometimes, but our kids hung tough.”
The majority of the game was defensively intense — North Carolina scored the only goal of the first half early in the first quarter. Both teams had difficulty moving through the opposing defense and making good passes. Each team ended the first half with three shots on goal, while the Tar Heels doubled up with eight total shots to Syracuse's four.
UNC field hockey will play Louisville in the ACC Championship on Sunday at noon.
Entering the fourth quarter, the teams were tied 1-1 with their respective seasons — and a shot at an ACC title — on the line.
With 11:29 remaining in the fourth quarter, junior forward Erin Matson scored her first goal of the game to take a 2-1 lead. Moments later, Matson dished an assist to sophomore midfielder Paityn Wirth to go up 3-1.
Though North Carolina had momentum going and the crowd in its favor, Syracuse responded with a goal to cut the lead to 3-2 with 8:38 remaining.
“We had a let down, and they came down and scored right away," Shelton said.
With 48 seconds left in the game, Syracuse scored a goal on a shot from Hailey Bitters, forcing the game into overtime.
“We needed to make sure that we had our heads on straight,” Matson said. “I think we all do a good job of coming together and saying, ‘Screw what just happened, let’s move on. Focus on shutting them down and sending them home.’”
Knowing how the team prepares for this moment, Shelton was not concerned when overtime began.
“Knowing our kids, how much time each week that we spent on overtime, that we carried a little bit of extra confidence going into it,” Shelton said. “I felt like, ‘This is our time. We’re ready for this. Bring it on.’”
After Matson drew a penalty shot opportunity, senior midfielder Bryn Boylan won the game for the Tar Heels by converting the opportunity in the fifth minute of overtime. It was just her second goal of the season and propelled the Tar Heels to the ACC Championship.
“I didn’t know that it was gonna be me when we did earn the stroke,” Boylan said. “Coach said ‘Who do you want it to be?' and Erin said ‘I want Bryn to take it.’”
With UNC securing the 4-3 victory on Friday, the team will now have a shot at redemption against the team that broke the Tar Heels' historic 47-game winning streak earlier this season: Louisville.
The rematch is set for Sunday, with UNC entering as the two-seed against the ACC regular season champion Cardinals.
“Obviously, we’re not happy that they’re the ones that cut our streak,” Matson said. “But I don’t think we really focus on it too much. We’re just treating it like it’s just another game.”
Entering Sunday’s game, Shelton says she recognizes that her team has become an underdog, but she is eager for the challenge.
“It’s been three years since we’ve been the underdog,” Shelton said. “That’s an easier position to be in. So I like it. I like the revenge factor, and I like that we’ll be the underdog on our home field. All I can ask of our kids is to give it their best effort.”
The Daily Tar Heel
Virginia Field Hockey falls 5-2 against Louisville in ACC Tournament Semifinals
By Mike Shiers
UVA Field Hockey (Source: wvir)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Louisville blew open a tie game with three goals to start the second half, and the top-seeded Cardinals defeated the UVA field hockey team 5-2 on Friday in the ACC Tournament semifinals in Chapel Hill, NC.
The Card’s scored less than two minutes into the match to take the lead, but sophomore midfielder Adele Iacobucci got UVA on the board with a goal later in the quarter.
The game was still knotted 1-1 at halftime, but three goals from Louisville in the first nine minutes of the 3rd quarter put the game out of reach.
After the Cardinals pushed the lead to 5-1 in the 4th, junior Peyton Tollaksen scored her first goal of the season for the game’s final margin.
NBC29.com
'See the payoff': Duke field hockey battles, eventually falls in OT in ACC quarterfinals
By Sasha Richie
Freshman Darcy Bourne has emerged as a star on offense, notching a goal in each of the Blue Devils' final three games of the season. Photo by Courtesy of Nat LeDonne/Duke Athletics | The Chronicle
CHAPEL HILL—For a while it looked like an ACC tournament semifinal appearance was a realistic possibility.
But in the end, it just wasn’t meant to be.
No. 6 seed Duke took on No. 3 seed Syracuse in the ACC tournament quarterfinals Thursday night at Karen Shelton Stadium, ultimately falling 3-2. After a tense 60 minutes of regulation, the Orange ended the game three minutes into overtime. Still, it was an impressive showing for a team that started the season 0-6.
“I was super proud with our performance overall and the energy in which we came out and finished,” Blue Devil head coach Pam Bustin said.
Overtime was a thriller, as most extra periods are. Sophomore Hannah Miller came inches from clinching the victory with a goal less than two minutes in, but the ball was blocked by a Syracuse defender. Immediately after the clutch defensive save, the Orange rushed across the field, and sophomore Laura Graziosi sniped the ball into the back of the cage, ending the game and Duke’s fall season.
The Blue Devils (2-7, 1-4 in the ACC) started off the contest hot. Just a minute in, Miller rushed across the field and into the scoring circle, getting the ball in front of the net. Then, as the ball emerged from the blur of feet and rolled outside Syracuse goalie Syd Taylor’s reach, freshman Alayna Burns dove to her knees to sweep the ball into the goal.
Eight minutes later, freshman Darcy Bourne found the back of the cage with a snipe right off a penalty corner to give Duke an early 2-0 lead.
The Blue Devils tallied six shots in the first quarter while limiting the Orange (5-4, 3-2) to a single shot, looking no part like the underdog they were heading into the game.
“I think our energy and our will to just keep working was fantastic,” Bustin said. “We were very persistent around the goal box, and we got some great things out of it.”
However, Syracuse turned up the heat in the second quarter, racking up five shots, with Graziosi eventually notching her first goal of the game to cut the Orange’s deficit to 2-1.
Then early in the third quarter, Syracuse freshman Eefke van den Nieuwenhof knotted up the score with what ended up being the final goal of regulation.
While Duke was held scoreless for the final 52-plus minutes of the contest, there were some close calls that could have put the game to bed. Early in the second period, junior Olivia Sahaydak took a shot that bypassed the goalie into the cage during a penalty corner, but the shot was called off. In addition, that corner came after a penalty stroke opportunity was recalled. Either of those chances could’ve given the Blue Devils a commanding 3-0 edge.
Despite the game and tournament not finishing as hoped, Duke has a lot to look forward to. Both of its goals Thursday were scored by freshmen, and fellow first-year Piper Hampsch was an absolute standout in goal. Hampsch faced 11 shots on goal Thursday, totaling five saves and keeping the Blue Devils in the game during the team’s weaker moments.
The story of the season was one of persistence and improvement, with Duke entering the ACC tournament on a two-game win streak after a rough start to the season, and Bustin believes in her squad’s ability to carry that performance into whatever kind of season it has in the spring.
“Our season has been one of absolute growth and strengthening and improvement, and fun,” Bustin said. “We're really starting to see the payoff.”
The Chronicle
Jaskaran Singh: “The more I play at the highest level, the better I will get”.
Bengaluru: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team Midfielder Jaskaran Singh, who has played six matches for the national side, expressed that he has learned a lot from experienced campaigners such as Manpreet Singh and Chinglensana Singh Kangujam during the Senior National Camps. The 26-year-old has been constantly speaking to his seniors to get better at his game.
Jaskaran is son of former player of repute, Rajinder Singh Jr, who also got Dronocharya award for his excellence in coaching.
“It was really nice to play six matches last year and kickstart my international career. I am still finding my feet at the international level, however, it’s been terrific to be practicing alongside Manpreet Singh and Chinglensana Singh Kangujam. I have learned a lot from them, not just about hockey techniques, but about aspects off the field as well. I keep speaking to my seniors constantly to attain knowledge about the game of hockey and to get better as a player. Manpreet and Chinglensana have played over 200 matches each for India and they have a lot to share from their experiences,” said the Midfielder.
Jaskaran Singh against Australia in the 2019 tour
The 26-year-old added that he would like to have more exposure in the international circuit once the Indian team starts competing again.
“I am definitely looking to have more exposure in the international circuit. I want to have small targets at the moment and not think about too many big goals. The more I play at the highest level, the better I will get. It’s about believing in my abilities and I will be fully confident of my abilities once I perform well against the top teams on a regular basis,” said Jaskaran.
When asked about how he dealt with the lockdown phase, the Midfielder said that he found a way to stay positive and focussed a lot on maintaining his fitness.
“The lockdown phase was tough for everyone, but we found a way to stay positive via our fitness drills. I put all my energy into maintaining my fitness. Hockey India’s support has helped us tremendously during this difficult time. We didn’t have to worry about anything as everything was taken care of by Hockey India and SAI. We are very thrilled about being back on the pitch for sports activities. Right now, we are just looking to give our best and improve as athletes everyday,” said Jaskaran.
Stick2Hockey.com
For women’s hockey coach Marijne good results a reflection of improved mindset
A motivational speaker himself, chief coach Sjoerd Marijne believes in building a strong mental resolve within the team to tackle problems.
By Naveen Peter
When Sjoerd Marijne took over as the chief coach of the Indian hockey women’s team in 2017, the team had just returned from its first Olympic Games experience in over three decades.
Whilst the tasting the Olympic experience again was an achievement in itself, the team were not able to launch a medal challenge.
They returned to India without a win and a number of the senior players deciding to retire.
A rebuilding had to be done. It fell to the Dutchman Sjoerd Marjine, a motivational speaker, to take up the challenge.
Sjoerd knew he had to get down to business at the earliest. While the team’s skill level was unquestionable and fitness could be worked upon in the coming months, an area that Sjoerd Marijne believed needed a radical change was the mindset.
A motivational speaker, Sjoerd Marijne believes half the battle is won with a strong mental approach. Photo: Hockey India
He wanted to ensure that the girls, at no point during the match, caved in. Though it took a while to instill, the Indian hockey team has taken on board this mental fortitude.
“It’s all about the mindset the way I am thinking. And yes, we’ve taken some big steps (in that direction). Otherwise, we wouldn’t have qualified (for the Olympics),” Marijne told the Olympic Channel.
Leaders on the pitch
One of the things that has been different the Sjoerd Marijne-era has been the emphasis that he has put on having leaders on the pitch. For someone who enjoys being hands-on with his job, the Dutchman has worked on assuring that the players take it upon themselves to find solutions on the field.
“Every coach is different in nature and style. He has a different style to go about with players,” Indian drag flicker Gurjit Kaur pointed out.
“He wants us to find an answer to the problem we face. Yes, he’s always on the pitch to help us when we need, but with Sjoerd, the onus is on us to find ways.
“He’s open to our feedback and helps them out wherever required. He helps solve problems on the ground and is a good guide,” Gurjit Kaur added.
This change has come in handy for the Indian women’s hockey team in its recent encounters against some of the best in the world.
Be it taking the fight to the reigning Olympic champions Great Britain in their home den or lining up against the 2018 FIH Women’s World Cup bronze medallists, Spain, the Indian team has never shied away from a challenge.
But nothing showcases this better than the two matches that the team played against the USA in their FIH Olympic qualifiers last year.
While the first match forced the Indian eves to switch tactics to bypass a dominant American midfield to score the goals, the second match tested their defensive resolve and character under mounting pressure. And Sjoerd Marijne believes the girls excelled well.
“Normally the team would give up two-three years ago. But now they spoke to each other and changed the match completely and this is because of their improved mental health,” Marijne said.
It’s this mental toughness that the chief coach is banking on as the team prepares for an uncertain journey in times of a pandemic.
“We were ready for (for the Olympics in) July this year,” he remarked. “But I think we have a young squad and they will only get better.
“The more we are together with each other, the better. We have a lot of time in our hands and I’m really happy about that. It will only make us stronger.”
Olympic Channel
MHC eye healthy return next year after virus turmoil
By Jugjet Singh
Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh
AFTER almost all local and international tournaments were wiped out by Covid-19, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) want to start next year with a bang.
Competitions committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh said the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) on Jan 8-Feb 28, will mark the re-start of local hockey.
However, this is still subject to the pandemic circumstances.
This year, MHC could only organise the MHL which ended in February followed by the Razak Cup. But the Junior Hockey League, national Under-16 and Under-14 tournaments could not be held because of Covid-19.
"The MHC executive board have agreed to hold the MHL in January, provided the Covid-19 situation improves and we get an approval from the relevant government bodies.
"If all goes well, we will be able to complete the MHL by the end of February. We will write to the National Security Council, Ministry of Health and Sports Ministry on our intentions and get their feedback.
"I hope there will be more teams next year to make the MHL more competitive in both the men's and women's categories," said Anil Jeet.
This season, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) won a treble under coach Arul Selvaraj but he has since moved to the national team, and the university side will have to look for a new coach.
This year, eight teams competed in the men's and six in the women's MHL.
The international tournaments, which Malaysia were supposed to play in, but disrupted by Covid-19 are the Azlan Shah Cup, men's and women's Junior Asia Cups, as well as men's and women's Asian Champions Trophies.
New Straits Times
Athlete Spotlight: Dean Schiller
Each athlete that wears the red, white and blue has a unique story to how their careers came to fruition. From the junior level to the senior squad, USA Field Hockey is putting national team athletes under the spotlight to share their journeys.
Sometimes, some sports just aren’t the right “fit” for an individual. For Dean Schiller, all it took to be hooked on field hockey was a little curiosity at a young age, and quickly became recognizable face in the U.S. Men’s Olympic Development Pipeline, now as a member of the U.S. U-21 Men’s National Team.
At the age of 11, Schiller found himself uninterested in soccer and decided to quit. Seeking a new challenge and a new sport, he quickly caught word about boys playing at a big tournament. Turns out it was the National Indoor Tournament, and after quickly catching on, he wanted more playing opportunities and quickly began to hone his skills.
“So, I decided, why not,” recalled Schiller. “Then I practiced for a couple of months and then went to my very first National Indoor Tournament.”
The Virginia native continued to play every chance he could over the next several years, including playing with various clubs in the southern region of the state, including Hawks Premier, Saints and Stick Power. After moving to Alexandria, Va., Schiller found more chances to play as high school began. 
“In high school I primarily played with an adult league with the DC Dragons, which did pickup at the University of Maryland, about a 45 minute drive from my house,” continued Schiller. “It definitely made me feel like this would be a sport that I wouldn’t lose opportunities for after graduating high school.”
Schiller has moved on to study at Maryland and is currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology, with hopes to become a practicing chiropractor. In the meantime he is not currently active with any clubs but is heavily involved with the Terrapins’ field hockey team in practices.
“I’ve been with [the team] throughout college and have gotten super close with all of them,” added Schiller.
He is currently on track to complete his studies in 2023.
“College life has luckily treated me pretty well,” said Schiller. “I came into college with a semester's worth of credits. If it weren’t for that balancing my academics with field hockey would’ve been a lot more difficult.”
Despite the hardships that have been brought on this year due to COVID-19, Schiller has considered himself lucky in remaining healthy and focused in studies. He added that being able to live on campus with friends has contributed heavily to balancing himself academically, athletically and socially.
“Training has been very difficult [with COVID-19], in many cases it was impossible to get onto fields, so the only real option was to go on runs,” said Schiller. “Only recently have I been able to get back onto the field and train. I’m definitely rusty, but more than happy to have the opportunity to get touches on the ball.”
As college life unfolds, he cannot wait to continue his development with the red, white and blue. His first time wearing the uniform was on an international tour to Holland in 2017.
“It was honestly incredible,” said Schiller. “I was super happy to be selected at all, and getting the chance to compete as a representative of the United States was not something I thought was possible for a while. My favorite tour is a toss-up between the Sultan of Johor Cup [in 2017] and the Rohrmax Cup tour [in 2020]. The reason being is that they were both probably the biggest tournaments I’ve ever been a part of. For the Sultan of Johor it was easily the farthest I had traveled, and it was a huge learning experience letting us know just how strong the international competition was. For the Rohrmax Cup it was the first big indoor international tournament I participated in, and being the youngest member on the team made me feel like I had to prove myself. Even though every game was tough, I was happy to go against all of the powerhouses of indoor field hockey.”
Schiller’s passion for the game has been steadily increasing over the past several years. Now entering a new decade he hopes that trend continues as he progresses through the Men’s Olympic Development Pipeline. Along the way he’s gained friendships and relationships around the globe, with field hockey as a universal language.
“The sport has given me some of my closest friends, that I know no matter what happens I can go to them and they will understand me,” continued Schiller. “I know that no matter where I am in the country I always have someone I can consider almost family to be there for me, just as much as I will be there for them. The fact that I had the chance to make such a widespread network of people I trust and love is something I couldn’t have imagined without this sport.”
While the Junior Men’s National Team awaits to return to the pitch once more as a full unit, Schiller also has remained active in volunteer work. He is currently involved with the Leaders’ Club, an initiative through the YMCA which teaches children the values and importance of leadership and how it effects those around them.
“It focuses on getting the kids to be more open and understanding to the world, and the people in it,” said Schiller. “It teaches about the different ways people operate, and how to best maintain your health, and your relationships with others.”
I know that no matter where I am in the country I always have someone I can consider almost family to be there for me, just as much as I will be there for them.
Dean Schiller
USFHA media release
Hall of Fame - Lorraine Packham
Lorraine (Laurie) Packham was an exceptionally fast, agile and skillful left winger who was an all Australian representative for nine consecutive years and captain in 1966 and 1967.
The 187th player capped for the Hockeyroos, Laurie made her debut against New Zealand in September 1960 and played a total of 28 matches and scored five goals.
She competed at two World Championships in 1963 (Baltimore) and 1967 (Leverkusen, Germany), the latter as captain and playing coach. She also played against Malaysia in 1967 and a Test against New Zealand in 1960.
Laurie was a tenacious, speedy forward with excellent passing and ball control skills. As well as scoring goals she was responsible for the setting up of countless others and was an important player in the short corner battery. A testament to her ability and skill was that she played first grade hockey for 25 years.
Her hockey prowess has been acknowledged as she became an inaugural member of the Western Australian Hockey Champions Room.
Laurie’s induction into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame was ratified in 2019.
What she said…
“Firstly I have to say my proudest moment was being selected as captain of my country in 1967 to lead a team to a world tournament. Now to be named in the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame with all those great players before me is a very special moment in my hockey journey. Thank you.” Lorraine Packham
From those in the know…
“Laurie was a very quick and skillful left winger and a teammate at Fremantle Ladies Hockey Club. Her calm, unflappable demeanour stood her in good stead as our captain. I remember that in her day Laurie was an athlete who used to stretch before a game - way before it was the thing to do. Her induction to the Hall of Fame is richly deserved.” Wendy Pritchard (former teammate and Hockey Australia Hall of Fame Committee Member)
Hockey Australia media release
North conference continues in another weekend of competitive action
With West and East being in Level 3, and now joined by Midland, competitive hockey will be confined to the North for this coming weekend with two men`s and two women`s games scheduled.
Ellon women have played all three games in the North women league, and if captain Louise Gordon`s reaction is anything to go by, her charges have relished the occasion of playing in the league.
Although Ellon lost their first outing to Premiership Gordonians, they have built on the experience with two consecutive victories and sit top of the table, albeit with more games played.
On Saturday they entertain Granite City Wanderers who finished fourth in National League division two last season. Two weeks ago the sides met for their first encounter and Ellon emerged with a hard-fought 3-2 win. Former Scotland striker Nikki Kidd, now playing for Ellon, scored twice, and taking her total to five in three outings – a phenomenal return.
A similar result would certainly provide strong evidence of Ellon`s progress in such a short period of time.
The other women’s fixture pits Gordonians against Aberdeen University, both have only had one outing in the conference so far and will look to add points to the board. Gordonians currently have one victory and are in second spot while Aberdeen University will hope to get their first points of the campaign.
The North men`s league has also played three games, and Gordonians and Granite City Wanderers are still unbeaten – and both will hope things will remain that way after taking on Aberdeen Grammar FPs and Ellon respectively on Saturday.
Both Aberdeen Grammar FP and Ellon however will look to bounce back strong after heavy defeats last time out, so these will be tasty encounters.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Adult indoor season cancelled for 2020/21
Scottish Hockey has announced the cancellation of all adult indoor competitions for season 2020-21. We will be working with districts and clubs to establish the possibility of indoor youth matches within the new government guidelines.
As we continue to navigate the return to hockey there continues to be significant challenges surrounding indoor sports. The introduction of the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 protection levels means indoor contact sports are only permitted at level 0 (excluding professional sports & U18s).
Given the current restrictions and no timeline for the relaxation of guidelines it is not feasible to run an indoor season. It is unlikely for all regions across Scotland to reach Level 0 by January 2021.
In addition to the current guidance there are still ongoing challenges around facilities; the traditional indoor format where multiple teams are present in a multi-game format when considering government guidance; and the little, or no, flexibility in rearranging any postponed indoor games.
Although disappointing, making the decision now to cancel all adult indoor leagues will allow clubs to plan for December and January without the uncertainty of whether these competitions will be held or not.
The cancellation of the indoor programme may also allow the opportunity to continue outdoor activity in our regional conferences, offering competitive activity in a safe environment in line with guidance.
We will hold club engagement discussions with all Indoor National League 1 teams next week to discuss options around a condensed format competition to determine European places, should Scottish Government guidance permit.
Youth players can, however, continue to play indoor hockey up to Level 3 under the current guidelines. We will therefore work with the districts and clubs to understand whether we can run some U18 indoor matches and competitions, based on availability of facilities while following all Covid-19 guidance.
Scottish Hockey CEO David Sweetman said, “It’s disappointing to have our adult indoor season cancelled although it’s understandable given the restrictions. We’re engaging regarding indoor European places and U18s matches, and working hard to find the best solutions possible.
“Covid-19 will still be with us going forward and we must all do what we can to deliver a good level of competitive activity as safely as possible, while following all guidelines.
“The cancellation of the indoor programme may allow the opportunity to continue outdoor activity in regional conferences in line with government guidance, offering competitive hockey for our members.
“This is Scottish Hockey’s most challenging season, and I’d like to thank all the clubs, members, volunteers and staff for their hard work during this time.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Digital platform set to showcase European hockey clubs
EHF look to boost club profiles CREDIT: Theresa Waight
The European Hockey Federation has launched EHTV+, a digital platform which it hopes will professionalise the sport, showcase clubs across the continent and broadcast more high-quality hockey.
The EHF is inviting leagues and clubs to consider using the platform which will be run in conjunction with its stakeholders, infrastructure specialist Recreational International Systems (RSI) and Scorrd, known for its fantasy leagues.
EHF Director-General Angus Kirkland said: “We want to find the answer to the elusive question around how to professionalise our sport.”
With thousands of matches taking place across Europe, the EHF added that it was looking to leverage and showcase clubs to a wider audience wanting to watch more hockey online. THP has asked the EHF to clarify the cost to clubs.
Those clubs who get on board will be supplied with multiple 4K cameras, and software will include live streaming, video analysis tools for coaches and automated highlights.
The EHF will utilise clubs’ coverage on social media after partnering with Hockey Filmpje, the social media specialist.
Meanwhile, Studio Hockey will create a weekly video magazine on Europe’s top hockey leagues with highlights, insights, and interviews.
Kirkland added of the platform: “It offers clubs the ability to bring our sport to the next level and not just for the top teams. With the live streaming options, clubs can ensure that grandparents who can’t always make it to the club, never miss a game of their grandkids.”
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EHTV+ the ground-breaking ecosystem for club hockey in Europe
The European Hockey Federation in conjunction with our stakeholder partners Recreational International Systems (RSI) and Scorrd is delighted to launch EHTV+. The EHTV+ project has been in development for the last year. The brainchild of likeminded committed entities in hockey in Europe (The European Hockey Federation, RSI, Scorrd, Team TV, Studio Hockey and Hockey Filmpje) have come together to find a solution to showcase our clubs.
The EHF Director-General, Angus Kirkland said:
“Today we formally launch the EHTV+ collaboration and we are delighted to invite our leagues and clubs from all over Europe to consider just how this great team of stakeholders (The EHF, RSI and Scorrd) can deliver something unique for our sport. We want to find the answer to the elusive question around how to professionalize our sport.”
“EHTV (EuroHockeyTV.org) is the EHF’s OTT video platform and has over 100,000 subscribers who are looking for more high-quality hockey but on a more regular basis. Club hockey is the beating heart of hockey in Europe and with thousands of club games happening every week from September until May, it was logical for us to look for solutions to help our clubs to showcase themselves.”
Recreational Systems International (RSI) is a proud Innovative, sustainable, conceptual and hockey-passionate infrastructure partner of the EHF. Within the EHTV+ project, RSI supplies the first smart & high-quality automatic camera system (capturing 4k images) and its AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven software for live streaming, broadcasting, highlights, and analysis, specially provided to capture the best insights of our sport.
Business Manager Bart van den Acker said:
“We are very excited about our fantastic developments between the entire hardware and software combination and the enormous capabilities of the entire EHTV+ solution, it will definitely give our sport its necessary boost in terms of Fan Engagement for Club Hockey!”
Sven Böhne, Partner, Scorrd added:
“In Scorrd we’re passionate about communities. We love to find ways to connect people through innovative and cool content. We believe that EHTV+ is a perfect match for us as this important Ecosystem is being brought towards the clubs. It is crucial for our clubs to improve and professionalize their internal organization and to increase monetizing opportunities.”
“EHTV+ is made for and by hockey-people and I am delighted that Scorrd is a stakeholder of this game-changing project for hockey. Within the EHTV+ project, Scorrd becomes the central community platform for the clubs and the leagues all around Europe.”
“Scorrd will also stream all youth and non-honour/top-division games as well as highlights of all matches of the clubs. Showcasing club sponsors and engaging with club members with features like the well-known Scorrd Fantasy games.“
In addition to the stakeholders, the EHF has partnered with Team TV, our software provider, aligned with RSI, to ensure that we can capture the data from the AI cameras.
Hockey Filmpje is the biggest social media specialist in hockey, they will create the clips we love on social media, showcasing the unique skills in our game of hockey.
Furthermore, Studio Hockey will create a weekly video magazine about our top hockey leagues with highlights, insights, and interviews with our hockey heroes.
Angus Kirkland concluded “We believe that this brilliant collaboration will bring you high-quality (4k) cameras, powered by AI, video analysis tools for all, automated highlights, a weekly video magazine and a full digital content plan for social media.” “It offers clubs the ability to bring our sport to the next level and not just for the top teams! With the live streaming options, clubs can ensure that grandparents who can’t always make it to the club, never miss a game of their grandkids!”
“In short, the goal of EHTV+ is to make our clubs stronger because they are the foundation of our game of hockey in Europe.”
Hockey World News
Gyanendro Ningomban elected as Hockey India president
Gyanendro Ningomban was elected unopposed at a congress held in New Delhi, while Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad will be senior vice-president.
Uthra Ganesan
Gyanendro Ningombam’s ascension as Hockey India president was formalised after being elected unopposed at the 10th Hockey India Congress here on Friday.
Ningombam had been designated officiating president after former president Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad had been forced to resign on July 7 following pressure from the sports ministry in adhering to the sports code. Mushtaque is now back in the HI Executive Board after being unanimously elected as the senior vice-president, the post Ningombam held, the two effectively exchanging positions.
Ningombam, elected for a period of two years, had previously been CEO of Manipur Hockey from 2009-2014. The Congress was attended virtually by most members due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- HI advertises for HPD, analytical coach -
Hockey India has also finally advertised for a new High Performance Director and an analytical coach for the men’s team with November 15 being the last date for application. The posts have been vacant ever since David John and Chris Ciriello quit in the midst of the pandemic citing health reasons.
However, the conditions set by HI put it beyond most available coaches across the world and almost all Indian ones. For the HPD, HI has mentioned 'minimum 10 years' of experience at high-performance level, including Olympic Games and World Cup experience’ and preferably a 'minimum of FIH Level 3 coach certification’. For the analytical coach, ‘experience of successful performance achievements at the highest coaching level,’ is important. Only former coach Harendra Singh fulfills the criteria.
With the initial tenure only till September 2021 (Tokyo Olympics), it would be a tough ask to find suitable candidates. Most of the established names are already committed and HI might have to restrict itself to the unattached ones. Applications have also been invited for coaching positions at various High Performance Centres across the country, including Bhopal and Bengaluru.
- Mizoram best unit -
Hockey Mizoram has been awarded as 2019-20’s best state unit for working towards the growth of hockey at all levels and developing a well-oiled coaching setup equipped with modern techniques. Javed Shaikh was named the best umpire.
Sportstar
Manipur’s Gyanendro becomes 1st president of Hockey India from Northeast
According to sources from Hockey India, the Governing Body for Hockey held its 10th Hockey India Congress & Elections on Friday in New Delhi where the newly
Sobhapati Samom
Gyanendro Ningombam
Manipur’s Gyanendro Ningombam was elected unopposed as the President of Hockey India while former President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad is back in the Hockey India Executive Board after being Elected Unopposed for the Senior Vice President post.
According to sources from Hockey India, the Governing Body for Hockey held its 10th Hockey India Congress & Elections on Friday in New Delhi where the newly elected President and Senior Vice President officially took charge of their duties.
On being elected unopposed, Gyanendro becomes the first President from the north east India to spearhead Hockey India. He will serve as Head of the national federation for two years.
Congratulating Gyanendro on being elected as new President of Hockey India, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a tweet on Friday wrote, “Congratulations to Shri Gyanendro Ningombam on being elected unopposed as Hockey India President at the 10th Hockey India Congress & Elections held in New Delhi. Gyanendro Ningombam becomes the first President from the North East India to spearhead @TheHockeyIndia.”
Manipur Hockey congratulates Gyanendro Ningombam on his election as the full-fledged President of Hockey India.
Earlier, Gyanendro Ningombam has been serving as the Officiating President of Hockey India since July 2020, following the resignation of Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad on July 7, 2020 due to his personal and family commitments.
Gyanendro has been associated with the discipline of Hockey in Manipur for the last 40 years, and has impressed with his work at the grassroots level. He was Senior Vice President of Hockey India, Senior Vice President of Manipur Hockey, and also Chief Executive Officer of Manipur Hockey. He also served as the editor of Meeyam, an evening daily in Manipur.
Meanwhile, Manipur Hockey is planning to organise a Grand Reception Ceremony of Gyanendro on his arrival at Imphal International Airport at 1pm on November 8.
Hindustan Times