News for 13 April 2021
All the news for Tuesday 13 April 2021
FIH World Rankings: Germany men climb; Uganda make history
Photo Credit: Argentina Field Hockey
Lausanne, Switzerland: Whilst the Netherlands women and Belgium men remain well clear at the top of the FIH World Rankings, the various FIH-sanctioned matches that have taken place in 2021 has resulted in some interesting positional changes, despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 global health pandemic on hockey’s international calendar.
Since the previous news update in December 2020, the Netherlands (2772.08 points) have extended their advantage over second ranked Argentina (2235.59) from 457 to 536 ranking points, strengthening their hold on top spot thanks to two FIH Hockey Pro League victories against Germany in March. Germany (2153.30) remain in third position, bouncing back from their two defeats against the Dutch in Amstelveen by claiming a draw and a victory against higher-ranked Argentina in Buenos Aires at the start of April.
Australia (2112.90) sit fourth, with England (2052.38) and New Zealand (1920.84) fifth and sixth respectively. Spain (7th place - 1902.12), Ireland (8th place - 1683.08), India (9th place – 1643.00) and China (10th place – 1621.00) completing the top ten.
In the men’s FIH World Rankings, reigning World and European champions Belgium (2602.31 points) sit at the summit ahead of 2019 FIH Hockey Pro League winners Australia (2nd place - 2489.53). However, Germany’s recent fine form in the FIH Hockey Pro League – where they have recorded double away wins against the Netherlands and Argentina in recent weeks – has seen them climb from sixth to third in the standings.
Germany now have 2253.48 points, with the Netherlands (2232.55) and India (2223.45) – who claimed five FIH Hockey Pro League points from a possible six against Olympic champions Argentina in Buenos Aires at the weekend – in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Argentina (1923.42) are in sixth position, followed by England (7th place – 1836.85), New Zealand (8th place – 1680.08), Spain (9th place – 1653.86) and Canada (10th place – 1517.36).
We are delighted to report that following their FIH-sanctioned matches against Kenya in March, the men’s and women’s national teams of Uganda have secured places on the FIH Rankings table. Despite two defeats, Uganda women have achieved a ranking for the very first time, claiming a total of 77.35 points to sit 76th in the rankings. Uganda men claimed two victories over higher-ranked Kenya to achieve an FIH World Ranking for the first time since 2010, sitting in 91st position but clearly ready to make progress up the standings.
The rankings calculations model that FIH introduced on 1st January 2020 moved away from the previous tournament-based rankings system to a dynamic, match-based method where opposing teams exchange points in official, FIH sanctioned games. The number of points exchanged depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match.
FIH World Rankings: The calculations model explained
Based on the Elo rating system, which is used as the basis of many other sports ranking systems
When two nations play against each other, a number of ranking points are exchanged between them
In every match, the number of points gained by one team is exactly matched by the number of points lost by the other
Teams will win more points for beating teams ranked above them, and therefore teams will lose more points for losing to a team ranked below them
Teams will win less points for beating teams ranked below them, and therefore teams will lose less points for losing to a team ranked above them
If a draw occurs, the lower ranked team will gain a small number of points and the higher ranked team will lose the same number of points
The number of points exchanged is dependent on the result of the match (win, lose, shootout win/loss or draw), the importance of the match (part of a major tournament, or a test series for example), and the relative difference in ranking points between the teams before the match
For complete information about the new match-based FIH World Rankings system, please click here.
To see our frequently asked questions information document, click here.
FIH site
India men's hockey team drop to fifth in FIH world rankings despite two Pro League wins
India registered a comprehensive 3-0 win over Argentina on Sunday in Buenos Aires in the second match of the FIH Pro League. The Manpreet Singh-led side had also won the first match in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday.
India, with 15 points from eight games, climbed up to fourth place in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings. Image Courtesy: Twitter @TheHockeyIndia
The Indian men's hockey team dropped one place to fifth in the FIH world rankings issued on Monday, despite its two wins against Olympic champions Argentina in the Pro League matches.
India registered a comprehensive 3-0 win over Argentina on Sunday in Buenos Aires in the second match of the FIH Pro League. The Manpreet Singh-led side had also won the first match in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday.
But, the Indian team moved down a rung from the fourth spot it occupied in the January rankings though it accumulated more points — 2223.458 — than the previous chart -- 2064.10.
Reigning World and European champions Belgium (2602.31 points) sit at the summit ahead of 2019 FIH Hockey Pro League winners Australia (2489.53).
Germany's recent fine form in the FIH Hockey Pro League — where they have recorded double away wins against the Netherlands and Argentina in recent weeks -- has seen them climb from sixth to third in the standings. Germany now have 2253.48 points.
Netherlands (2232.55) are in fourth, followed by Argentina (1923.42) at sixth, England (1836.85), New Zealand (1680.08), Spain (1653.86) and Canada (1517.36).
In the women's rankings, the Indian team is ninth with 1643.00 points, the same position as in the previous chart.
Netherlands (2772.08 points) have extended their advantage over second-ranked Argentina (2235.59), strengthening their hold on top spot thanks to two FIH Hockey Pro League victories against Germany in March.
Germany (2153.30) remain in the third position, bouncing back from their two defeats against the Dutch in Amstelveen by claiming a draw and a victory against higher-ranked Argentina in Buenos Aires early this month.
Australia (2112.90) sit fourth, with England (2052.38) and New Zealand (1920.84) fifth and sixth respectively. Spain (1902.12) is at seventh while Ireland (1683.08) and China (1621.00) are at eighth and tenth respectively.
Firstpost
UAE Hockey Federation embarks on a mission to make top-class national team
Amir Naqvi
Players of Federation Youth Red pose for a picture with Ismail Ali Al Banna, Atiq Juma, Abdullah Murad, Raza Abidi and other dignitaries after the presentation.
As part of their plan to build a solid national team for the proposed high-profile international championship taking place in Dubai later this year, the UAE Hockey Federation (UAEHF) organised a tournament at the Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai recently.
The UAE Hockey Federation is planning to host an international tournament involving top European teams as well as arch-rivals India and Pakistan later this year, a few weeks into one of the most spectacular events this country has hosted: Expo 2020 Dubai.
And to get UAE players in shape ahead of the mega-event, UAEHF organised a tournament which attracted three teams featured international players – Field Hockey Academy Dubai, Federation Youth Red and Youth Green. Both Federation Youth Red and Youth Green teams are composed of UAE players and were fielded by the UAEHF.
The Mohammed Atiq-led Federation Youth Red emerged winners after defeating Federation Youth Green 2-1 on penalties for the crown. William Rhys Roberts, who plays for a Scottish club, captained Federation Green.
Prizes were given away by Ismail Ali Al Banna, President UAE Hockey Federation, along with Atiq Juma, General Secretary, and Abdullah Murad, General Manager of BB Sports Dubai.
Skipper Mohammed Atiq receives the trophy from Ismail Ali Al Banna in presence of Atiq Juma.
Rahul Rajendran of Federation Green team was adjudged Best Player of the tournament, while the best Emirati player award went to Ahmed Majid of the winning team.
The matches were supervised by professional umpires like Abid Naqi, from Pakistan, and UAE-based umpires Farooq Hikmat and Safdar Cheema.
Speaking to Gulf Today, Banna said: “We are doing our best to create a perfect national team. We are getting a lot of support from other people as well and taking advice from coaches of different UAE-based academies, to gain from their experiences.
“Having a solid national team capable of competing on the international stage is our target for the future of hockey,” he added.
The UAE Hockey Federation is also in talks with Shabab Al Ahli and Dubai Municipality to get a ground for the national players.
“I wish one day we will have our own playground so that we can encourage more and more young boys to come and train,” Banna said.
Juma added: “Having missed match practice for much of last year, we have to cash in on the opportunities we get. It is good for us that we are tested against a tough opponent like Field Hockey Academy.
“We are working hard in our training camps and tried our best to recreate the intensity of a high-stakes international match.”
Despite playing for a Scottish club, William harbours dreams of representing UAE on the international stage.
After spending many years in the UAE, William went to Edinburgh for higher studies. He travelled back to the country just to play in the tournament.
“I am so happy to be involved in this tournament… it’s great for the UAE and for the hockey federation. I hope to see it grow and become more popular here. I study at Herriot Watt University in Edinburgh and whilst I play for a club in Scotland, my dream is to play full international hockey for the UAE, the country that has become my second home and one that holds a special place in my heart, which is why I travel back to train and play.
”We hope as a federation to tour as a team and play clubs in Europe with the aim of hosting an international hockey federation tournament around Expo 2020 featuring hockey’s best nations,” he added.
William’s father Richard Roberts also played for Dubai Hockey Club. “It’s great to see William playing hockey and becoming a UAE international player. He is very proud of his UAE background and having played for UAE schools in the Asian federation tournament in India in 2017,” said Richard.
Craig West, owner and head coach of Field Hockey Academy, was grateful to be invited by the UAE Federation to play in the friendly matches, although the results did not favour them as his team finished third.
“We were extremely grateful to be invited to play in the tournament and although the results did not go our way, our players got some valuable experience in competitive hockey.
“It was a great opportunity for them to learn some lessons regarding what we need to focus on to improve our players’ ability to perform at a competitive level,” said West, who is a Level 2 accredited coach with 18 years of hockey coaching experience.”
Raza Abidi, chief coordinator of the UAE Hockey Federation, thanked the Asian Hockey Federation and International Hockey Federation for their support to the tournament.
Gulf Today
Legendary Egara quartet play last game at Pla del Bon Aire
Club Egara heroes Quico Cortès, Pau Quemada, Pepe Romeu and Marc García-Chicote played their last matches on their Pla del Bon Aire home turf in the Honor Division in a 2-2 draw against Atlètic Terrassa.
All four have announced their intentions to retire at the end of the season while their last two games of the regular season will be away from home in the coming weeks while the playoffs will be played at the Can Salas.
Quemada signed off in typical fashion, scoring both the goals, including a 69th minute equaliser to cancel out efforts from Marc Bolto and Joan Tarres.
The families of the four players were in attendance for the games with the club paying tribute to their efforts, saying: “All four players exemplify the work of our staff at Club Egara and the essence of our organisation.
“As they hang up their sticks, all our fans are proud to have seen them grow and triumph in white-and-blue. From the Cesc Llongueras field to the international elite, all four have also had an outstanding career with the national team.
“The cat Quico, who, following in the footsteps of his mentor Ramon Jufresa, has been one of the best goalkeepers in the history of continental hockey. The hundreds of goals of Pau dressed in stripes, always an example of dedication and passion.
“The elegance of Pepe, a defender confident as a leader. And Marc’s talent, pure mastery of the ball, has the hallmarks of our Hockey School. All this we saw for the last time in a field that will never forget them. No doubt we will miss them but they will always be more of a reference for all the rising stars.”
Both Cortès and Garcia-Chicote played in their very first season of the Euro Hockey League with Romeu in the panel for Egara’s epic run to the FINAL4 in 2007-08, just missing out on a BRONZE in a shoot-out against HGC.
Quemada was raised at the club before embarking on a memorable Euro tour, reaching the EHL FINAL4 with KHC Leuven in 2009, before returning to the club in 2016.
Euro Hockey League media release
'It was textbook': UNC field hockey secures second consecutive overtime victory over UVA
By Karlie Nielson
Sophomore back Madison Orobono (5) strikes the ball during the game against Virginia on Monday, Oct. 12th, 2020 at Shelton Stadium. UNC won 2-1. Photo by Nour Zarrouk | The Daily Tar Heel
Coming off an impressive double-overtime win against rival Duke, the No. 1 North Carolina field hockey team went into Friday’s match against No. 12 Virginia with its heads held high.
But the Tar Heels would once again be tested in a hard-fought battle. And for the second straight game, they won the match in overtime, defeating the Cavaliers, 3-2.
“It was a very physical game," head coach Karen Shelton said. "It wasn’t a pretty game to watch; it was a hard-fought, kind of gritty game.”
The game was characterized by tough offensive attacks from both teams. Junior forward Erin Matson proved herself once again to be one of the most dangerous players in the country, although she credited her team with the victory.
“I’m really lucky to be on a team where everybody steps up every game and works together and pushes and challenges each other, and I think that’s huge for us,” Matson said. “We’re really lucky to have this kind of culture.”
Ending the first period with no score, the Tar Heels knew this bout with the Cavaliers was not going to be an easy one. UNC had to break a tie in the fourth quarter to secure a win in its previous matchup with the Cavaliers this season. However, working as a team is what carried the Tar Heels to a 1-0 lead early in the second period.
“We had to make sure that we were constantly tight on our mark, and we did this through constantly communicating with each other,” senior goalkeeper Amanda Hendry said. “I had to be super aware of all of the players in the circle and communicating to my teammates who they needed to mark.”
Eight minutes after her first goal, Matson found the back of the cage once again to put UNC up by two going into the second half.
The Cavaliers responded late in the third period, putting their first goal on the board. They used their momentum to later tie the match with a score just before the end of regulation.
This meant that the Tar Heels would be battling in overtime again to clinch a victory. It didn’t shake their confidence, though — North Carolina is trained for these circumstances.
“Coach does a great job with us, practicing situations like overtime, so once we get into situations like that in a game, we treat it just like practice so we’re prepared really well,” Matson said.
The high-pressure situation was not a new feeling for the Tar Heels. Just like they did against Duke, they were able to get the clutch goal they needed to squeak out a win.
“It helped us with our confidence going into an overtime period. We practice overtime all the time, but it is a completely different feel when you have to step up in a game,” Hendry said. “We went into overtime knowing what we had to do and having the confidence to complete it.”
And complete it they did.
Less than a minute into the overtime period, Matson scored her 21st goal of the season to give UNC its second consecutive overtime victory.
“Our team played incredibly well in the overtime period — in fact, we got the push back and UVA never got the ball back,” Shelton said. “It was textbook the way they played today, and I am very, very proud of them.”
The Daily Tar Heel
Maryland field hockey outshot No. 5 Michigan but couldn’t score a win
Shane Connuck
Midfielder Nathalie Fiechter drives the ball up the field during Maryland field hockey's 2-0 loss to Michigan on April 11, 2021. (Joe Ryan/The Diamondback)
No. 11 Maryland field hockey outshot No. 5 Michigan on Sunday, 13-6. The Terps drew seven penalty corners, more than doubling the number earned by the Wolverines, and their defense was so strong that goalkeeper Noelle Frost only had to make one save.
Despite Maryland’s stellar performance, Michigan showed why it had already secured the regular season Big Ten championship.
In a match where the Wolverines seemed to be a step behind the Terps in a number of ways, they didn’t need to score much. Their strength was at the other end, where goalkeeper Anna Spieker held Maryland to just one goal over the weekend.
“Their defense is strong,” coach Missy Meharg said. “Their goalie is upright, and in that regard, it’s a little bit different than what we’ve faced.”
Sunday’s win over Maryland was Michigan’s sixth in a row — five of which have been shutouts, Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Terps being the exception. The Terps dominated almost every column of the stat sheet. The only place they weren’t in command was on the scoreboard.
The chances were there, though.
Having drawn 62 penalty corners during the season, Maryland tried to bring new life to the unit last weekend. Meharg switched things up. The Terps went for a new look on one corner attempt. Riley Donnelly was the point player once again, receiving the ball after Nathalie Fiechter’s set.
But instead of launching a shot herself, Donnelly flicked the ball over to forward Mayv Clune, who rifled the ball toward the cage.
For all of Maryland’s adjustments, though, none of them resulted in goals on Sunday.
“Our execution was off,” Meharg said. “The speed of our push-out; the accuracy.”
Meharg has also had to make adjustments to her lineup. After starting in every match since she was a freshman, senior Brooke DeBerdine had to miss the match, and defender Rayne Wright came in from the bench. Belle Bressler and Anna Castaldo slotted into Sunday’s starting lineup.
“What is really great about this team is we have a lot of different looks,” Meharg said. “We are constantly experimenting with different shapes and presses.”
But still, the Terps came up short against Michigan in both matches. They had a bevy of chances, but they couldn’t capitalize.
“I personally would like to see more discipline in our training environment with getting the outcomes,” Meharg said.
The Diamondback
IU field hockey loses weekend series to Penn State
By Luke Christopher Norton
IU field hockey players prepare to compete against Penn State on April 11. The Hoosiers lost to Penn State 1-0 Friday and 3-0 Sunday.
IU field hockey fell in its weekend series against Penn State, losing 1-0 Friday and 3-0 Sunday in University Park, Pennsylvania.
The first match began at 3 p.m. Friday. Senior goalkeeper Sachi Ananias had her first playing time this season, recording eight saves while giving up a single goal. The single goal allowed was the Hoosiers’ best defensive performance since Feb. 27 against Iowa.
A late goal from Penn State freshman Sophia Gladieux sealed IU’s fate.
The second match, a 3-0 loss Sunday, started slowly with a single Penn State goal in the first half. The Nittany Lions added two more in the second half to take the win and series against the Hoosiers. Sophomore midfielder Kennedy Reardon took IU’s one shot on goal in the match.
The Hoosiers were outshot on the weekend, posting 11 to Penn State’s 37.
IU will return to play Thursday against Michigan State in East Lansing, Michigan, before facing Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Indiana Daily Student
Michigan, Ohio State and Rutgers Earn Weekly Field Hockey Honors
Liz Romano, Rutgers
Wolverines’ Clarke, Buckeyes’ Allessie and Scarlet Knights’ Romano claim weekly awards
Offensive Player of the Week
Mackenzie Allessie, Ohio State
M – So. – Mount Joy, Pa. – Donegal
• Totaled eight points via three goals and two assists for Ohio State in last weekend’s sweep of Michigan State
• Opened up the weekend with a goal in Ohio State’s 4-2 win on April 8
• Was an integral part of the Buckeyes’ 5-0 win on Sunday, scoring twice and adding two assists to finish the game with six points
• Earns her second career Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor and second in as many weeks
• Last Ohio State Offensive Player of the Week: Mackenzie Allessie (April 5, 2021)
Defensive Player of the Week
Liz Romano, Rutgers
D – Jr. – New Vernon, N.J. – Madison
• Helped Rutgers sweep No. 4 Northwestern, the highest-ranked wins in the program’s modern era, as she added two critical goals and anchored the back line
• Scored the game-winning goal during a 2-1 victory on April 8 and added another goal in Sunday’s 3-2 OT win
• Part of a Rutgers defense that held Northwestern to three goals on the weekend (the Wildcats came in averaging 2.5 goals per game)
• Claims her first career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award
• Last Rutgers Defensive Player of the Week: Gianna Glatz (April 5, 2021)
Freshman of the Week
Lora Clarke, Michigan
F – Shaker Heights, Ohio – Shaker Heights
• Tallied three points on the weekend to help Michigan to a sweep at No. 10 Maryland
• Scored her first collegiate and game-winning goal on April 8 in the final seconds of the third quarter to give the Wolverines a 2-1 victory
• Collected her first collegiate assist on the eventual game-winning goal in Sunday’s 2-0 win
• Garners her first career Big Ten Freshman of the Week award
• Last Michigan Freshman of the Week: Kathryn Peterson (Sept. 17, 2018)
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
March 16
O: Bree Bednarski, Sr., PSU
D: Kayla Blas, Jr., NU
F: Liz-Elaine Stange, RU
March 22
O/F: Sophia Gladieux, PSU
D: Riley Donnelly, Jr., MD
March 29
O: Kathryn Peterson, Jr., MICH
D: Anna Spieker, D, MICH
F: Lauren Wadas, NU
April 5
O: Mackenzie Allessie, So., OSU
D: Gianna Glatz, Sr., RU
F: Rayne Wright, MD
April 12
O: Mackenzie Allessie, So., OSU
D: Liz Romano, Jr., RU
F: Lora Clarke, MICH
B1G Ten media release
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Everyone at Scottish Hockey and the wider Scottish Hockey family is saddened to learn of the passing of Scottish Hockey’s patron, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The thoughts of everyone are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.
Scottish Hockey Union media release