News for 09 March 2021
All the news for Tuesday 9 March 2021
Indian hockey men’s team ends European tour unbeaten
Mandeep Singh’s last-gasp goal gave India a 3-2 victory over Great Britain in the final match of their tour against Germany and Great Britain.
By Rahul Venkat
Photo: Hockey India
The Indian men’s hockey team beat Great Britain 3-2 in their final match of the European tour in Antwerp, Belgium on Monday.
A brace from striker Mandeep Singh, which included a final minute winner, and an early strike from vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh gave the Indian hockey team its second win of the four-match tour.
As a result, India ended their European tour unbeaten, securing two wins – one each against Germany and Great Britain - and two draws.
India attacked early to earn themselves a penalty corner in the very first minute of the final match. The effort was rifled home by Harmanpreet Singh to give his team the lead.
Young custodian Krishan Pathak then made a smart save to ensure India maintained the lead through the first quarter. However, Great Britain soon equalised.
They worked a smart field move, which was finished off by midfielder James Gall in the 20th minute. Captain PR Sreejesh then made a recovery save from a penalty corner to keep the score at 1-1.
India soon regained the lead through forward Mandeep Singh, who was alert enough to poke home a rebound from a penalty corner in the 28th minute to make it 2-1, which they carried into half-time.
The match remained goalless despite India’s best efforts in the third and fourth quarter and was destined to end that way. However, the contest sprung to life in the 55th minute.
Great Britain striker Alan Forsyth equalised from a counter-attack to set up a nervy end to the match.
India looked set to end with a third draw in as many games before Mandeep Singh sneaked ahead of the Great Britain defence to nab a winner in the 59th minute.
It ensured that the Indian hockey team ended its first tour in a year on a high.
Olympic Channel
India beats Great Britain 3-2 to end Europe tour on unbeaten note
The PR Sreejesh-led side had secured a 6-1 win and a 1-1 draw before striker Mandeep Singh's brace set up India's third win on Monday.
Striker Mandeep Singh struck a brace as the Indian men's hockey team eked out a close 3-2 win over Great Britain to end its Europe tour on an unbeaten note on Monday. (FILE PHOTO) - The Hindu
Striker Mandeep Singh struck a brace as the Indian men's hockey team eked out a close 3-2 win over Great Britain to end its Europe tour on an unbeaten note on Monday.
Harmanpreet Singh's strike in the very first minute and two goals by Mandeep in the 28th and 59th minutes helped India remain undefeated on the tour.
For Great Britain, James Gall (20th) and striker Adam Forsyth (55th) were the goal scorers.
In its previous match, India's Simranjeet Singh had scored a late goal to hold Great Britain to a 1-1 draw and against Germany, the PR Sreejesh-led side had secured a 6-1 win and a 1-1 draw respectively.
On Monday, India started off aggressively and earned itself a penalty corner in the very first minute of the game. The opportunity was duly converted by India's vice captain Harmanpreet to give his side an early lead.
The early advantage helped India maintain pressure on its opponent, ending the first quarter with a 1-0 lead.
Great Britain restored parity in the 20th minute through midfielder James Gall's field goal.
The much-needed equaliser helped his team gain the right momentum. Putting India under pressure, Great Britain earned themselves a penalty corner, but its attempt was derailed by a brilliant save by India skipper Sreejesh.
India's moment to regain the lead came in the 28th minute when forward Mandeep successfully converted a penalty corner on the rebound.
Ahead by a goal, India rallied to extend the lead further with aggressive play in the third quarter.
Though India secured a penalty corner in the early minute of the third quarter and even made as many as five circle entries, it was denied each time by Great Britain defence.
India's defence, however, remained resolute as it held on to the 2-1 lead.
India dominated the proceedings at the start of the fourth quarter, but a quick turnaround saw Great Britain grabbing the opportunity as Alan Forsyth scored an equaliser in the 55th minute.
The last few minutes was a battle of nerves as both the teams lived up to the billing, but it was Mandeep who rose to the occasion as his late strike helped India cap off their first assignment of 2021 with a 3-2 win.
Sportstar
Mandeep on target, India end Euro tour on a high
Mandeep Singh scored twice to lead India to victory. Hockey india
The Indian hockey team ended the tour of Europe with a splendid 3-2 win against Great Britain here today, with Mandeep Singh scoring twice, including the winner in the 59th minute.
Harmanpreet Singh had put India in the lead in the very first minute, while Mandeep scored his first in the 28th minute and then the winner to ensure India remained undefeated on the tour. James Gall (20th minute) and Adam Forsyth (55’) scored for Great Britain.
In their previous match, Simranjeet Singh had scored a late goal to help the team hold Great Britain to a 1-1 draw. This time, Mandeep’s late strike helped India cap off their first assignment of 2021 with a hard-fought win.
The Tribune
Great Britain Hockey winless in Belgium and India matches
GB travelled for four uncapped friendly matches PIC: GB Hockey
Great Britain men were undone by late goals which left Danny Kerry’s side without a win from four games in their uncapped series of matches in Antwerp.
Mandeep Singh scored a last-minute winner on Monday as India won 3-2 in the final round of friendly matches in Belgium.
GB twice levelled but were undone at the death as India finished their European tour unbeaten.
In their opening match against Belgium, the world champions proved far too good as Tom Boon netted four times in a 5-1 win, Jack Waller scoring for the visitors.
It proved a tighter affair in the second friendly as final quarter goals from Boon and Nico de Kerpel handed the world No 1 side a 2-0 win.
Belgium were too good for GB PIC: Hockey Belgium
On Saturday, Simranjeet Singh’s late equaliser saw India draw 1-1 with Kerry’s side after a second quarter goal from Alan Forsyth.
It is difficult to ascertain how to view these uncapped games due to the matches not being broadcast while The Hockey Paper has not sought interviews from coaches or players. England Hockey do not historically report on uncapped matches.
GB had welcomed back Sam Ward for the first time since the 2019 Olympic qualifiers, while David Ames returned following injury.
Following the birth of his first child, Phil Roper remained in the UK, while there were a raft of injuries which saw Ashley Jackson, Henry Weir, Rhys Smith, Harry Martin, Chris Griffiths and Liam Ansell unable to travel.
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Senior hockey team’s training camp starts today
KARACHI: The third phase of Pakistan senior team’s training camp will start from Tuesday (today) at National Hockey Stadium in Lahore.
PHF has released the names of the 12 players who will be part of the training camp. Talking to ‘The News’ on Monday, the head coach of Pakistan senior team Olympian Khwaja Junaid said that due to COVID-19, the training is being organised for players in groups.
He said that in this training camp the team management would focus on the hockey skills of the players with physical training. “We will focus on the abilities and improvement of attacking and defending game of our players during the two sessions, morning and evening, on daily basis,” he said.
He said that there were two goalkeepers and two penalty corner specialists and the rest of the boys forwards and defenders. Junaid said that there were no international hockey assignments in the near future and due to the pandemic no country was interested in bilateral series. “We have no option but to keep our players in action and super fit and to organise maximum number of domestic hockey tournaments as well as training camps. And that’s what we are doing,” he said.
He said that as far as lack of match practice was concerned, there was no issue as they were playing continuously rigorous domestic hockey tournaments, including national championship.
The head coach admitted there was lack of experience of international matches. “But in these circumstances we are doing our best to groom our players, making them learn about the requirements of international competitions through training camps. We are removing their weaknesses which we find during the camp training,” he added.
“We have found talented fresh and budding players through a comprehensive process of selection and trials. Now these selected players are passing through a tough training programme which will prepare them for tough international competitions,” he said.
The players called to the camp are Amjad Ali (SSGC), Munibur Rehman (SSGC), Mubashir (SSGC), Azfar Yaqoob (SSGC), Umer Bhutta (WAPDA), Abubakar Mehmood (NBP), Ali Shan (SSGC), Ijaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Ammad Shakeel Butt (NBP), Tanzeemul Hasan (Mari Petroleum), Rana Riaz Sohail (SSGC), and Hamza (SSGC). Ajmal Khan Lodhi will be the coach and Abid Amin the physical trainer.
The News International
Sultana Bran Hockey One League Season 2 fixtures announced
Australia’s new premier domestic men’s and women’s hockey competition, the Sultana Bran Hockey One League, is back and gearing up for a massive second season following the release of the 2021 fixtures.
After COVID caused the postponement of last year’s edition, the 2021 season will take place from 1 October and culminate with the men’s and women’s grand finals on 21 November.
Sultana Bran Hockey One League 2021 Schedule
The season will again feature seven rounds as well as a new finals format, with every match LIVE on Fox Sports or Kayo.
The Sultana Bran Hockey One League will also head to a regional area for the first time as McGlynn Sports Complex in Parkes, New South Wales hosts the Round 2 encounter between NSW Pride and Canberra Chill.
Heavyweights HC Melbourne and NSW Pride open the 2021 season on Friday night 1 October at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre.
The other Round 1 fixtures see the Tassie Tigers host the Brisbane Blaze and Perth Thundersticks welcoming Adelaide Fire to the Perth Hockey Stadium. Canberra Chill have the bye.
With every round consisting of double headers (a men’s and women’s match) in prime times, including every Saturday night, the second season of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League promises exceptional family sporting entertainment.
Hockey One General Manager Tony Dodemaide said the anticipation is high for the 2021 edition.
“The excitement, colour, quality and freshness of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League saw it penetrate the Australian sporting landscape in its inaugural year and signal a new chapter for hockey in Australia. We cannot wait for Season 2 to start,” said Dodemaide.
“With every fixture a double header comprising a women’s and men’s match back-to-back, it is the only elite domestic league that is truly gender equal. It’s one of the fantastic and unique things about hockey at all levels that we are keen to emphasise and celebrate in our competition.”
The proximity of the season to the upcoming Olympics will bring extra attention to the competition.
“Starting only months after the Games in Tokyo, the Sultana Bran Hockey League will give the Australian sporting public the opportunity to see the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos stars who will hopefully be fresh off claiming medals,” said Dodemaide.
“We are blessed to have some of the best men’s and women’s players on the planet on our doorstep and playing in the league.”
A finals festival, instead of separate weekends for semi-finals and grand finals, is one of the exciting new changes for Season 2.
“We believe the Finals Festival will be a great innovation,” said Dodemaide.
“Having all men’s and women’s qualifying teams in one location to decide the respective champions will create a real carnival atmosphere and be a great opportunity for viewers at home, as well as travelling fans, friends and families, to see eight cut-throat matches live in one weekend.”
“We’ll be making further announcements about the location of the Finals Festival closer to the start of the season.”
A player having an automatic one-on-one shootout with the goalkeeper for the chance to score an extra goal when they score a field goal or penalty stroke will remain an initiative after proving popular in the first season.
Every match will again have a result with games that are tied at full time to be decided by a penalty shootout.
All teams will play each other once with the top four sides after seven rounds qualifying for the semi finals.
Membership and ticketing details for each club’s home matches will be released in due course.
Features of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League 2021 Season
The Sultana Bran Hockey One League 2021 men’s and women’s seasons will be played over seven (7) rounds (total of 42 matches) followed by the 2021 Finals Series.
Every match will be shown LIVE on Fox Sports and/or Kayo.
All fixtures will be double headers comprising a women’s match and a men’s match (the order of matches is TBC).
HC Melbourne and NSW Pride open the season on Friday night 1 October at the Melbourne State Netball and Hockey Centre.
Women’s Grand Final rematch between Brisbane Blaze and HC Melbourne to take place in Round 2.
Men’s Grand Final rematch between NSW Pride and Brisbane Blaze to take place in Round 3.
Round 2 double header between NSW Pride and Canberra Chill will be played at McGlynn Sports Complex, Parkes NSW.
Finals Festival (semi finals and grand finals) to be played over one weekend 19-21 November at a central location (venue TBC).
Sultana Bran Hockey One League Clubs
Adelaide Fire #ADL)
Facebook: Adelaide Fire | Twitter: @AdelaideFireH1 | Instagram: @AdelaideFireH1
Brisbane Blaze #BBZ
Facebook: Brisbane Blaze | Twitter: @BrisbaneBlazeH1 | Instagram: @BrisbaneBlazeH1
Canberra Chill #CCH
Facebook: Canberra Chill | Twitter: @CanberraChillH1 | Instagram: @CanberraChillH1
HC Melbourne #HCM
Facebook: Hockey Club Melbourne | Twitter: @HCMelbourneH1 | Instagram: @HCMelbourneH1
NSW Pride #NSW
Facebook: NSW Pride | Twitter: @NSWPrideH1 | Instagram: @NSWPrideH1
Perth Thundersticks #PTX
Facebook: Perth Thundersticks | Twitter: @ThundersticksH1 | Instagram: @ThundersticksH1
Tassie Tigers #TIG
Facebook: Tassie Tigers | Twitter: @TassieTigersH1 | Instagram: @TassieTigersH1
Sultana Bran Hockey One League Media release
NSW Pride Head to Regional NSW for 2021 Hockey One Season
Australia’s new premier domestic men’s and women’s hockey competition, the Sultana Bran Hockey One League, is back and gearing up for a massive second season following the release of the 2021 fixtures.
For the very first time, the competition will head to a regional area with the NSW Pride’s first home game set to take place at McGlynn Sports Complex in Parkes.
A hot-bed for hockey talent in NSW, Parkes will host the Pride’s October 6th clash with the Canberra Chill in front what is expected to be a sold-out local crowd.
Local Parkes products, Hockeyroo Mariah Williams and Kurt Lovett from the Kookaburras will be fan favourites as they run out onto the field named in Mariah’s honour.
The NSW Pride will then head back to their Sydney Olympic Park home – the Lion’s Den – for their two remaining home games against the Brisbane Blaze (16/10) and Perth Thundersticks (30/10).
The home-match against the Blaze will be a heavyweight matchup, with the 2019 men’s grand finalists squaring off against each in a replay that is sure to fiery.
In a much-anticipated away game, HC Melbourne will host the NSW Pride in the opening match-day of the 2021 season on Friday October 1st at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.
After COVID caused the postponement of last year’s edition, the 2021 season will take place from 1 October and culminate with the men’s and women’s grand finals on 21 November.
The season will again feature seven rounds as well as a new finals festival format, with every match LIVE on Fox Sports or Kayo. Once again, every match-day will feature a men’s and women’s double header, with all games being played back-to-back.
Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson is incredibly excited about the upcoming season and the opportunity to take the NSW Pride to regional hockey fans.
“It’s going to be hard to top the fantastic inaugural season our team had in 2019, but we’re on a mission to make this upcoming season bigger and better both on and off the field,” said Thompson.
“The NSW Pride are a team for the entire State to get behind and to do that, we knew we had to bring the competition to new locations across NSW. Nearly 70% of our hockey community in NSW live regionally, with a large percentage of those based in the Central West. So it made sense to take one of home games to a great regional hockey centre like Parkes.”
“It will be a fantastic sight to see hometown heroes Kurt Lovett and Mariah Williams play on the field named in honour of Mariah in front of their family and friends.”
Hockey One General Manager Tony Dodemaide said the anticipation is high for the 2021 edition.
“The excitement, colour, quality and freshness of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League saw it penetrate the Australian sporting landscape in its inaugural year and signal a new chapter for hockey in Australia. We cannot wait for Season 2 to start,” said Dodemaide.
“With every fixture a double header comprising a women’s and men’s match back-to-back, it is the only elite domestic league that is truly gender equal. It’s one of the fantastic and unique things about hockey at all levels that we are keen to emphasise and celebrate in our competition.”
The proximity of the season to the upcoming Olympics will bring extra attention to the competition.
“Starting only months after the Games in Tokyo, the Sultana Bran Hockey League will give the Australian sporting public the opportunity to see the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos stars who will hopefully be fresh off claiming medals,” said Dodemaide.
“We are blessed to have some of the best men’s and women’s players on the planet on our doorstep and playing in the league.”
NSW Pride memberships and tickets for the 2021 season will go on sale shortly. Follow the team’s social media pages for all the details.
Sultana Bran Hockey One League Media release
Canberra Chill factor: Hockey One returns in 2021
Caden Helmers
Canberra Chill star Naomi Evans. Picture: Jamila Toderas
The Canberra Chill will end a near two-year absence from the national scene when Hockey Australia relaunches its top flight competition in October.
The Hockey One season is slated to start on October 1 to end a long wait from the sporting landscape after last season's edition was postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Matches will be played as double-headers, with Canberra's men's and women's teams opening their campaign against the NSW Pride in Parkes in round two on October 9, following a first round bye.
"Starting only months after the Games in Tokyo, the Sultana Bran Hockey League will give the Australian sporting public the opportunity to see the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos stars who will hopefully be fresh off claiming medals," Hockey One general manager Tony Dodemaide said.
"We are blessed to have some of the best men's and women's players on the planet on our doorstep and playing in the league."
A finals festival including semi finals and grand finals will be played over one weekend from November 19-21 at a central location to be confirmed.
Every game of each competition will be televised or streamed live on Fox Sports or Kayo.
CANBERRA CHILL HOCKEY ONE FIXTURE 2021
Round two: Saturday, October 9 - NSW Pride v Canberra Chill at McGlynn Sports Complex, Parkes, from 3pm.
Round three: Friday, October 15 - Canberra Chill v Adelaide Fire at National Hockey Centre, from 6pm.
Round four: Saturday, October 23 - Canberra Chill v Perth Thundersticks at National Hockey Centre, from 2pm.
Round five: Saturday, October 30 - Brisbane Blaze v Canberra Chill at State Hockey Centre, from 6pm.
Round six: Thursday, November 4 - Canberra Chill v Melbourne Hockey Club at National Hockey Centre, from 6pm.
Round seven: Friday, November 12 - Tassie Tigers v Canberra Chill at Tasmania Hockey Centre Hobart, from 7pm.
Canberra Times
FINAL4 check-in: Léo, Atlèti and Campo all make big gains in title chase
Royal Léopold and Atlètic Terrassa’s men both recorded big wins over top-level rivals while Club de Campo’s women opened up a lead at the top of their table as the EHL FINAL4 clubs aim to hit their stride at the right time.
For Léo, they produced an outstanding comeback against La Gantoise to leap-frog their Flandrian opponent and move top of their section. La Gantoise started brilliantly, leading 2-0 after 12 minutes thanks to goals from Leandro Tolini and Charles Masson.
But the Bruxellois fought back and were in the game when Tom Boon netted from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute. Arthur Verdussen equalised in the 56th minute and the winner came five minutes later when Boon set up Tom Degroote. Goalkeeper Romain Henet preserved that narrow 3-2 lead for top spot in Pool A, backing up their win over Dragons a week earlier.
For La Gantoise, it was a second successive defeat since the end of the winter break having gone unbeaten before Christmas. They still have a four-point gap, though, to third place Dragons following their 1-0 win over Racing.
In Pool B, Waterloo Ducks beat Beerschot 4-3 while Orée defeated Leuven 7-3. The WatDucks will assure themselves of a top two spot in the group with one more win from their last four games; Orée, meanwhile, are eight points above Leuven in the gap between second and third.
In Spain, Atlèti won a rip-roaring contest over table-toppers Club de Campo 5-4. They raced into a 3-0 lead in the first quarter with Joan Tarres, Marc Escude and Pau Cunill all on the mark.
Campo, though, bossed the second quarter and were level at 3-3 on the half hour via Alvaro Tello, setting up a lively second half.
But another Cunill goal and another from Marc Bolto put them in the clear at 5-3 with six minutes to go with Jose Maria Basterra’s last minute goal too late to change things.
The result sees Atlètic Terrassa move to within one point of Club de Campo at the top of the table. In the other top-four clash, Club Egara drew 1-1 with Real Club de Polo, a result which denied Egara the chance to move level with Campo on 37 points.
Campo’s women, meanwhile, thrashed RS Tenis 11-1 with two goals each for Laura Barrios, Lucia Abajo, Carmen Cano and Bea Perez.
Nearest rivals Junior FC fell to a shock defeat to ninth place Real Sociedad 3-2, falling three points off the pace with a game extra played.
Euro Hockey League media release
Hockey star Margot van Geffen recovering after ice skating fall
Margot Van Geffen
Influential Dutch player Margot van Geffen hopes to recover in time for the EHL play-offs after breaking her elbow in an ice skating accident.
Van Geffen, who has played over 200 times for Oranje women, landed on her arm two weeks ago and after undergoing surgery will be sidelined for two months.
Due to the recent cold weather, the popular Dutch sport saw plenty of action with canals and lakes frozen over.
Initially, she thought nothing of her fall on the ice and woke up the following morning where she completed an S&C work out with the national squad.
After returning home and the bruising beginning to show, she was advised to go to hospital for an X-ray.
“I really didn’t believe there was much going on,” she told hockey.nl. “I went just to be on the safe side. Immediately after the result I had [team-mate] Ireen van den Assem On the line. All I shouted at her was, I don’t believe this, I don’t believe this!”
Van Geffen has already started her rehabillation on her road to recovery and was missing from Holland’s Pro League outings at the weekend.
The Den Bosch midfielder is marking a decade in the Holland squad since making her international debut in 2011.
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On the shoulders of giants: stories that celebrate International Women’s Day
Five continents, five different messages, five strong and inspirational women. The FIH chose to mark this year’s International Women’s Day by inviting people from across the international hockey community to share their thoughts about the women who had supported them on their journey.
We heard the eloquent words of England and Great Britain’s super striker Alex Danson-Bennett as she recalled the people who had helped her as a young, emerging talent – her mum, her PE teacher, her first England coach and the CEO of England Hockey. And then we heard the tear-inducing comments about the athletes who had been part of the Great Britain Olympic squad but not part of the team that had played. For Alex, their support to the team was something that will stick with her forever.
The second guest speaker was member of the current Australian women’s team whose own success in the game is built partially on the greatness of the generation before her. Kaitlin Nobbs hails from hockey royalty: her mum, dad, aunt and uncle all played international hockey, and her mum was part of the Hockeyroos gold-medal winning side of 1988. Kaitlin generously credits her own success to those family influences.
Jacqueline Mwangi just makes things happen. Her mother impressed upon her that “there are no short cuts in life”, and that is the message that Mwangi has memorised as she has pursued a hockey journey that has encompassed a long career as an international player for Kenya; a place on the FIH Athletes’ Committee; a position within the Africa Hockey Federation and now, Head Coach to the national women’s team.
With humble graciousness, Jackie pays tribute to other female members of the Athletes’ Committee, perhaps not realising they may very well find her equally inspiring.
Losing your father at an early age, seeing your mother struggle through a financial crash, living in a community where sport is not readily accepted as a career choice for young women are all reasons that Neha Goyal may not have made it as a international hockey player.
The India national team player pays a heartfelt tribute to her mother and her first hockey coach for ensuring that, despite the challenges, she has been able to rise up and fulfil her potential – becoming a role model to thousands of others in the process.
The final two guests were mother and daughter duo Cherill and Ayanna McLean from Trinidad and Tobago. While it is Ayanna who will be taking her place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as an umpire, it was her mother who led the way as both an international umpire and as the first female sports reporter on the Caribbean Island. The easy chemistry between the two underlies a relationship that has given Ayanna the confidence and attitude to achieve highly in sport and the business world.
As an aside, but equally important to note, is the recent celebration of the first ever women's international match between Ireland and England in 1896, 125 years ago. Played in Dublin, the match attracted 2,000 spectators and Ireland emerged 2-0 winners. Reporting at the time struck a very different tone to today's match reporting, where all the emphasis is on the match action. The Irish Times reported: "When the teams took up their positions they made a pretty scene, the English players wearing red skirts and white bodices and caps, while their opponents were arrayed in green blouses and dresses of a similar but deeper hue, and as the colours mingled and co-mingled during the course of the match, the spectacle was quite animating, not to say charming.”
Summing up the five messages from across the week, FIH Executive Board member, Chair of the FIH Women in Sport Committee and member of the IOC Women in Sport Commission, Marijke Fleuren says: “What is a better way to celebrate the International Women’s Day than to give the floor to athletes and officials from all over the world.
“Each of them has a story to tell. About how they enjoy their sport, and about the women who have been their support and inspiration along the way.
“For sure they will share who were their female role models and, through their achievements, behaviour and now their words, they will inspire the next generations of girls and boys to see that in hockey we are Equally Amazing!”
#ChooseToChallenge
#IWD2021
#StrongerTogether
FIH site
Field Hockey Canada Celebrates International Women’s Day
Field Hockey Canada joins the global community in celebrating international women’s day. This day serves to highlight the many barriers that numerous women and girls still face when accessing sport. To ensure we play an active role in removing said barriers, FHC works hard to apply our gender equity lens to all aspects of our work as we build and shape our Team of Teams. Today, we are proud to celebrate some of our amazing women leading change.
FHC’s commitment to equity is evident at all levels, beginning with our board of directors. Chaired by Ann Doggett, our board is fortunate to boast 5 female directors, including Olympians Vice-Chair Deb Whitten and Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Mollenhauer. The value of gender balance on the board ensures diverse voices are heard at all times.
Our visible commitment to equity continues in senior management with CEO Susan Ahrens at the helm. Supporting her work, some of our key committees are driven by strong, knowledgeable women leading coach and umpire education programs. The organization has made big leaps forward over the past year under the guidance of Jenn Beagan and Laurie Hogan respectively, whilst our Hall of Fame committee flourishes under Dr. Sue Neill’s steady hand.
As Ahrens highlights, “We are very proud of female representation within Field Hockey Canada at all levels. All our female contributors are highly qualified and inspirational. Whether it’s board or committee members, staff, volunteers, or our wonderful athletes, all [of them] share a knowledge of and passion for the sport, putting in countless hours to make our sport better. More accessible, inclusive, diverse and equitable.
“Today is a fitting day to thank all of them, not only for helping drive our sport in an immediate sense, but for their contribution to driving this necessary societal change to bring about real and lasting change for future generations of women.”
Our most visible women are our Women’s National Team. Currently ranked 14th in the world, the Canadian Wolf Pack are leading the way when it comes to choosing to challenge and fighting for what they deserve. As they embark on the road to qualifying for the FIH World Cup, this group of dedicated and fierce women won’t settle for less.
It is important to note that Field Hockey Canada’s work in gender equity goes beyond today’s celebration. We believe it is important to embed equity and drive change and opportunity at all levels and in all the work we embark on with our teams, from national team programs to coaching and officiating. Beyond our nation, we are proud to be part of a global hockey community led by the FIH, which celebrates our men’s and women’s game of equal importance. Today and every day we ask you, our teammates, to be part of this change.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Field Hockey Canada media release
Northwestern falls in a shootout to Penn State, beats Maryland for the second time
Gabriela Carroll
Northwestern field hockey huddles before a game. The team won one of its games this weekend. Courtesy of Northwestern Athletics
Northwestern split the weekend’s slate of games in Virginia Beach, falling in a shootout to Penn State but topping Maryland 2-1 for the second time this season.
In Friday’s matchup against the Nittany Lions, the Wildcats (3-1) struck first, with senior forward Sabrina Solomen scoring in the second quarter with a hit from the center of the circle.
Penn State outshot NU 12-3 in the first half, but failed to score on any of those shots. The Cats’ defenders were formidable. With freshman goalie Annabel Skubisz in goal all weekend for her second and third starts, the defensive line kept many of the Nittany Lions’ shots from ever seeing Skubisz’s pads.
“It’s an experienced backfield,” coach Tracey Fuchs said. “We have four back, with Kayla (Blas) being the general as the defensive midfielder. For them to step up, and with (senior goalie Florien Marcussen’s) injury with a first-year goalkeeper in there. She has so much experience around her that it just made everything click.”
The Nittany Lions scored in the second half off a breakaway in transition, but NU kept the ball in their offensive zone for much of the half, outshooting Penn State 13-3. But much like the Nittany Lions in the first half, the Cats were unable to connect on any of those shots, and the game advanced to overtime.
In the overtime period, NU failed to take advantage of a penalty that left a Penn State player off the field for two minutes. The Cats drew a penalty corner, but couldn’t score with that chance, even with an extra player. The game advanced to a second overtime period in which neither team scored.
During the shootout, Skubisz made two saves, but three out of five NU players failed to score, and the Nittany Lions secured the win.
“That pressure at the end of the game, you just can’t replicate it at practice,” Fuchs said. “Certainly we’re going to work on that, and our goalie came up with two big saves, and that should be enough to win a shootout. We just couldn’t put a few home that we had our chances to put away.”
After the loss, the Cats needed to rally quickly for Sunday’s rematch against Maryland.
In their previous matchup, NU started slowly, allowing seven Terrapin penalty corners in the first quarter, barely settling into the game until the second. On Sunday, the Cats were aggressive offensively right off the bat. Though no goals were scored in the first quarter, the teams each took two shots.
NU scored its first penalty corner goal of the season in the second quarter, off a deflection from sophomore midfielder Ana Medina Garcia, to go up 1-0. But Maryland responded early in the third quarter to tie the game up at one apiece off of a shot from the top of the circle.
For a while, it looked like the Cats might again be playing extra minutes. But with just over six minutes left, sophomore forward Bente Baekers scored her first goal of the season in transition after a long one on one with her defender. NU held on to pull out their second consecutive win over the Terrapins, 2-1.
“That was a heartbreaker Friday,” Fuchs said. “You don’t get to win all the games that you deserve to win, so we really just tried to put it behind us, and look at what we did well and what we could improve on for Sunday. For our kids to come back and play as well as they did on Sunday and beat typically a top five team in the country is pretty impressive.”
The Daily Northwestern
‘Cats go 1-1 in Virginia Beach
Tracy Fuchs’ squad continued their hot start to 2021.
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Northwestern field hockey is headed home from Virginia Beach with a 3-1 record, the squad’s best start through four games since 2014.
The ‘Cats suffered their first loss of the season on Friday in a hard-fought contest against Penn State. After both teams came up empty in the first quarter, NU struck first, as Sabrina Solomen converted on a pass from Bente Baekers to tally her first career goal just after the 19-minute mark.
After nearly 20 more minutes, the Nittany Lions tied it up with a transition goal from Bree Bednarski, who tipped in a shot from Abby Myers and tie the game. The teams were scoreless for the remainder of regulation and would eventually send the game into the first shootout of the Big Ten season. PSU emerged victorious, 4-3 in shootouts.
NU outshot PSU 24-18 in the matchup, including nine shots from Baekers and six that were on target. Despite drawing nine penalty corners on the day, the ‘Cats struggled to convert on offense. Northwestern’s defense, anchored by Christen Conley and goalie Annabel Skubisz, put on another strong performance.
On Sunday, NU faced off against Maryland for the second time this season, as the Terps looked to extend their two game winning streak. Ana Medina Garcia got the ‘Cats on the board first when she tipped in a shot from Lakin Barry on a penalty corner in the 24th minute.
Maryland emerged from halftime hungry to tie it up. Early in the third quarter, Bibi Donraadt did just that, scoring off a shot from the right side. Both teams struggled to convert, as it looked like NU would be headed into its second consecutive overtime contest. However, in the 54th minute of action, Bente Baekers tallied her first goal of the season after beating a defender in a one-on-one. The ‘Cats held onto the lead for the rest of the game, earning their third win on the season.
Northwestern will take on Indiana in Evanston on Friday, March 12.
Inside NU
IU field hockey falls to Michigan, Michigan State during weekend matchups
By Luke Christopher Norton
Then-sophomore midfielder Mary Kate Kesler runs downfield Sept. 7, 2020, at IU Field Hockey Complex. The Hoosiers lost their match to Michigan 1-2 on Friday, then lost to Michigan State 0-2 on Sunday.
IU field hockey fell 1-2 to Michigan on Friday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before traveling to East Lansing to face Michigan State on Sunday. The Hoosiers were defeated by the Spartans 0-2.
The game served as Michigan’s season opener, with its two previous matchups postponed. The teams played at Phyllis Ocker Field in Ann Arbor.
IU scored its first goal of the season on Friday, with freshman back Emma Martin finding the back of the Wolverines’ cage during her first career start off of a deflection from Michigan’s goalkeeper.
Michigan scored two goals during the first two quarters for a 2-1 lead, which it would maintain for the remainder of the game.
The Hoosiers then faced the Spartans at Ralph Young Field in East Lansing, falling 0-2 and recording a single shot late in the fourth quarter.
The Hoosiers were outshot 5-29 along with having a 2-24 disadvantage in corners on the weekend.
The team’s next matchup will be two games against Northwestern on March 12 and 14 in Evanston, Illinois.
Indiana Daily Student
Iowa, Maryland and Rutgers Earn Weekly Field Hockey Honors
Hawkeyes’ Nijziel, Terrapins’ Donnelly and Scarlet Knights’ Molyneaux claim weekly awards
Offensive Player of the Week
Riley Donnelly, Maryland
D – Jr. – Doylestown, Pa.– Central Bucks East
• Registered three points via a goal and an assist as the Terrapins went 1-1 against Ohio State and Northwestern in Virginia Beach, Va.
• Netted a penalty stroke in the final minute against Ohio State to seal the victory and three points in the standings
• Fed Bibi Donraadt for the tying goal against Northwestern in the eventual 2-1 loss
• Earns her first career Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor
• Last Maryland Offensive Player of the Week: Madison Maguire (Oct. 28, 2019)
Defensive Player of the Week
Anthe Nijziel, Iowa
D – Jr. – Eindhoven, The Netherlands – Van Maerlantlyceum
• Led the Hawkeyes to an undefeated weekend against Rutgers and Penn State in Virginia Beach, Va.
• Played all 120 minutes this weekend aiding Iowa to two shutouts against the Scarlet Knights and the Nittany Lions
• Stifled the competition as Rutgers was held without a shot and Penn State only posted one
• Claims her first career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award
• Last Iowa Defensive Player of the Week: Katie Birch (Sept. 17, 2018)
Freshman of the Week
Bridy Molyneaux, Rutgers
F – Fair Haven, N.J. – Lawrenceville
• Tallied two points in Rutgers’ 1-1 weekend against Ohio State and Iowa in Virginia Beach, Va.
• Netted the game-winning goal against Ohio State in the third quarter
• Earns her first Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor
• Last Rutgers Freshman of the Week: Milena Redlingshoefer (Sept. 10, 2019)
2020-21 Big Ten Field Hockey Players of the Week
March 1
O: Peyton Halsey, So., NU
D: Gianna Glatz, Sr., RU
F: Maddie Zimmer, NU
March 8
O: Riley Donnelly, Jr., MD
D: Anthe Nijziel, Jr., IOWA
F: Bridy Molyneaux, RU
B1G Ten media release
Riley Donnelly named Big Ten offensive player of the week
Shane Connuck
Defender Riley Donnelly challenges for a ball during Maryland field hockey's 3-0 win over Iowa on Oct. 11, 2019. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
Riley Donnelly stood at the penalty spot, 6.4 meters away from the cage with just under a minute left in Friday’s win over Ohio State. She already had one goal in the young season, and coach Missy Meharg sent her out after Maryland field hockey earned its first penalty stroke attempt.
The junior toed the pitch just to the left of the ball. She aimed low and fired a shot that snuck between Buckeyes goalkeeper Aaliyah Hernandez and the right post, extending the Terps’ lead to 2-0.
Donnelly has been an integral component of Maryland’s offense this year. Through the first two weeks, she has netted two goals and collected three assists.
And it’s for those performances that she’s been named Big Ten offensive player of the week.
The Doylestown, Pennsylvania, native assisted each of Maryland’s goals scored in its season-opening 2-0 win over Michigan State. Then, she scored the lone goal in the Terps’ first loss of the season, where it fell 2-1 to Northwestern. And she kept rolling this past weekend.
Not only did Donnelly drill the penalty stroke that sealed Friday’s victory, but she also fed Bibi Donraadt for the only goal Maryland scored on Sunday — one that brought the Terps back into the match.
Maryland continues its season this weekend. The Terps travel to State College, Pennsylvania, for a pair against the Nittany Lions on Friday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at noon.
The Diamondback
FIH signs media rights agreement with For the Fans (FTF) in USA and Canada
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a non-exclusive media rights agreement with the 24/7 streaming network For the Fans (FTF) for the remaining matches of the 2020-2021 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
An FIH Hockey Pro League broadcast partner since 2020, this new agreement covers the United States and Canada, where the matches will be available either live or on demand.
Commenting on the news, FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “The FIH Hockey Pro League – ‘Hockey at its Best’ – is not only a top-flight competition for athletes but also a great event for hockey fans and for promoting hockey all around the world. Therefore, we’re glad to be partnering with For the Fans to add to the exposure of the FIH Hockey Pro League both in the USA, where the women’s team is one of the participants, as well as Canada.”
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the FIH Hockey Pro League,” said Dave Gross, president of Lax United Marketing, the holding company that owns FTF. “As FTF continues to grow its audience throughout the world, partnerships such as this one for world-class field hockey will ensure that we are delivering upon our brand promise to bring the best sports actions for the fans.”
FTF, a multisport 24/7 sports network, is available in 115 million households via Samsung TV Plus, Xumo, The Roku Channel, Twitch, DistroTV, Local Now, Fanatiz, SelecTV and Zingo. For more information on FTF, go to www.ftflive.com.
For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.
FIH site