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News for 12 May 2021

All the news for Wednesday 12 May 2021

2020-21 FIH Pro League (M) - 12 May
Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London

12 May 2021 17:30 (GMT +1) GBR v GER (RR)
13 May 2021 17:30 (GMT +1) GBR v GER (RR)

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the Watch.Hockey app, event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Live streaming and full game replay on the Watch Hockey App (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Men's Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins SO Win SO Loss Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Belgium 13 9 2 1 1 40 22 18 32 82.1
2 Germany 8 5 2 0 1 22 15 7 19 79.2
3 India 8 3 3 0 2 22 17 5 15 62.5
4 Australia 8 3 1 3 1 27 20 7 14 58.3
5 Netherlands 11 4 2 2 3 28 29 -1 18 54.5
6 New Zealand 8 2 1 0 5 15 25 -10 8 33.3
7 Argentina 12 2 1 3 6 26 35 -9 11 30.6
8 Spain 10 2 0 1 7 21 32 -11 7 23.3
9 Great Britain 8 1 0 2 5 13 19 -6 5 20.8

FIH Match Centre



2020-21 FIH Pro League (W) - 12 May
Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London

12 May 2021 20:00 (GMT +1)     GBR v GER (RR)
13 May 2021 20:00 (GMT +1)     GBR v GER (RR)

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the Watch.Hockey app, event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Live streaming and full game replay on the Watch Hockey App (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Women's Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins SO Win SO Loss Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Netherlands 11 8 1 0 1 32 7 25 29 87.9
2 Argentina 10 5 2 0 3 24 15 9 19 63.3
3 New Zealand 8 4 0 2 2 19 14 5 14 58.3
4 Germany 6 3 0 1 2 9 7 2 10 55.6
5 Australia 6 1 1 1 2 6 9 -3 9 50.0
6 Great Britain 8 2 2 1 2 10 10 0 11 45.8
7 Belgium 9 1 1 2 5 10 21 -11 7 25.9
8 China 2 0 0 0 2 2 7 -5 0 0.0
9 United States 6 0 0 0 5 5 27 -22 0 0.0

USA v NED (26.01.2020) worth double points because of the match cancelled on 24.01.2020
AUS v GBR (01.02.2020) worth double points because of the match cancelled on 02.02.2020

FIH Match Centre



Kerry expecting a spicy encounter at Lee Valley



Danny Kerry has been Head Coach to England and Great Britain men since 2018, with much of the past 18 months of that tenure heavily restricted by Covid-19 lockdown.

As the coach who led Great Britain women to victory at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Kerry gained a reputation as a coach who paid the most meticulous attention to detail, so the uncertainties and restrictions of the past 18 months will have provided a good test of Kerry’s ability to adapt and compromise. As he explains in this interview, it was a case of players and staff pulling together and working with the realisation that every nation was in a similar situation.

“With Covid and a long training phase of very little match play, we [the coaching staff] have been careful about keeping the environment fresh while still moving us on. That is a creativity challenge and the athletes have helped with that.

“We have tried to spiral around a few key areas. By that I mean, we do similar work while trying to make it feel different. That has allowed us to build our game without it becoming too ‘samey’, despite not having match play. We must have got something right because the lads were still enjoying it. As a staff and the players, we have done a good job in keeping it fresh while still focusing on the key areas.”

That said, the forthcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches could not come at a better time for Kerry and his team. While they have been sanguine about the fact that other teams, such as Belgium, Netherlands and India, have managed to get more international matches played, the team is eagerly awaiting their turn to take to the pitch.

“These two sets of fixtures are ridiculously important,” says Kerry. “We have had very few international opportunities, so these are rare and gold dust for us as matches with something on them. A Pro League match has a different tangible feel to it, rather than just a ‘behind closed doors test match’. We are really fortunate to have these matches.”

The Great Britain squad has managed to get one international trip in during the past few weeks. A recent trip to Malaysia gave the team a chance to play two other Olympic-bound teams – Malaysia and Japan. For Kerry, this was so much more than simply a chance to play international hockey.

“There was a massive heat and humidity challenge; we wanted to look at our squad; look at our substitution policies and it was a chance to play a very different style of opponent and use a wide variety of players to help finesse our thinking.”

Great Britain also played Japan during this trip and Kerry warned: “They are going to be a handful in Tokyo. Watch out if you have Japan in your pool.”

One major challenge for the Great Britain squad has been to get the balance right between preparing the players for the dual challenge of the European Hockey Championships [as England] and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 [as Great Britain] and not overloading the players with information.

“That has been a major coaching challenge,” says the Head Coach. “We have tried to ensure we play our core game enough but also keep evolving as players. We had to avoid getting too comfortable with the core game and not evolving or neglecting our core game in a bid to evolve. Getting that balance right, understanding what is our core game has been key: discovering what are our strengths but still finding time to evolve aspects of our game. I think as we get nearer to the EuroHockey Championships and the Olympic Games we will focus much more around our core game and just finesse some very small but very critical extra components of the game.”

Kerry paid tribute to his coaching staff and players, saying the group felt like a ‘team’, rather thantwo groups comprising athletes and coaching staff. He also said that even though selection for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was looming, the group had been very supportive and they had kept discussion around selection to a minimum. “The lads have been exceptional”, he added.

When it comes to the forthcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches against Germany, Kerry is expecting a stiff challenge. “It will test our capacity to play our game against a side that is in good form. Germany are a good team with good variability. They seem to have left some key players back in Germany, so there will be some young players who will be playing without fear.”

“For us it will be surreal. The lads are looking really forward to it. It is a capped game, there will be cameras, I think there will be extra spice and edge to it.”

You can watch the full interview here.

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



GB Announce Squads For First Home Matches Since November 2019



After more than 550 days of waiting, Great Britain have named their squads to take on Germany in their first capped home matches since the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in November 2019.

Both teams will be in FIH Hockey Pro League action on 12-13 May, with the men due to play at 17:30 each day before the women face Die Danas at 20:00. All the games are behind closed doors but will be shown live on BT Sport.

Olympic gold medallist Giselle Ansley is set to play her first international game since the last time the teams stepped out onto the pitch at Lee Valley Hockey And Tennis Centre, having overcome an Achilles injury. Henry Weir could also play his first matches since then too after an ankle injury sidelined him throughout 2020.

There are several changes to the squads that last played in the FIH Hockey Pro League against The Netherlands and Belgium in October and November 2020. Captain Hollie Pearne-Webb returns for the women alongside Ansley, Maddie Hinch, Shona McCallin, Charlotte Watson and Leah Wilkinson. However Emily Defroand, Tess Howard and Hannah Martin are unavailable due to injury.

David Ames is back for the men’s team and could win his 50th GB cap if he plays in both fixtures. Harry Gibson, Liam Sanford, Ian Sloan and Sam Ward are also included, as are Chris Griffiths and Harry Martin who missed the recent tour of Malaysia due to injury. Rhys Smith hasn't recovered from his injury in time to be considered for this double-header.

As well as the fact that international hockey is finally returning to Great Britain, there could also be a number of individual milestones to celebrate across the two evenings. Hinch, Sarah Robertson and Phil Roper could all play their 150th international matches and Ellie Rayer is in line to make her 50th appearance for England and Great Britain combined.

In addition, Ollie Payne, Fiona Crackles and Rupert Shipperley could all make their first international appearances for Great Britain on home soil.



GB fixtures v Germany

    Wednesday 12 May: GB v Germany (M) – 17:30 (BT Sport 2)
    Wednesday 12 May: GB v Germany (W) – 20:00 (BT Sport 2)
    Thursday 13 May: GB v Germany (M) – 17:30 (BT Sport 1)

    Thursday 13 May: GB v Germany (W) – 20:00 (BT Sport 1)
MEN
        1) George Pinner (GK) – England
        5) David Ames – England
        6) Henry Weir – England
        7) Alan Forsyth – Scotland
        8) Rupert Shipperley – Wales
        9) Harry Martin – England
        10) Chris Griffiths – England
        11) Ian Sloan – England
        13) Sam Ward – England
        15) Phil Roper – England
        16) Adam Dixon (C) – England
        18) Brendan Creed – England
        19) David Goodfield – England
        20) Ollie Payne (GK) – England
        21) Liam Ansell – England
        23) Harry Gibson (GK) – England
        25) Jack Waller – England
        26) James Gall – England
        27) Liam Sanford – England
        29) Tom Sorsby – England
        32) Zach Wallace – England
        33) Jacob Draper – Wales
WOMEN
        1) Maddie Hinch (GK) – England
        4) Laura Unsworth – England
        5) Sarah Evans – England
        6) Anna Toman – England
        8) Sarah Jones – Wales
        9) Susannah Townsend – England
        10) Sarah Robertson – Scotland
        12) Charlotte Watson – Scotland
        13) Ellie Rayer – England
        17) Leah Wilkinson – Wales
        18) Giselle Ansley – England
        20) Hollie Pearne-Webb (C) – England
        24) Shona McCallin – England
        25) Sabbie Heesh (GK) – England
        26) Lily Owsley – England
        27) Jo Hunter – England
        31) Grace Balsdon – England
        32) Amy Costello – Scotland
        33) Izzy Petter – England
        38) Fiona Crackles – England

Great Britain Hockey media release



Hollie Pearne-Webb returns to captain Great Britain for Pro League fixtures against Germany


Hollie Pearne-Webb played for Great Britain in November 2019's successful Olympic qualifiers against Chile

Captain Hollie Pearne-Webb returns to the Great Britain squad for the Pro League fixtures against Germany on Wednesday and Thursday.

The men's and women's teams will play Germany twice each at Lee Valley in their first home matches since 2019.

Pearne-Webb will be joined by fellow Olympic champions Giselle Ansley, Maddie Hinch and Shona McCallin.

In the men's squad, Olympians Henry Weir, Sam Ward, Harry Martin and David Ames are all back in action.

Rhys Smith is unavailable because of injury.

Pearne-Webb returns for the women, having missed their last Pro League matches, against the Netherlands and Belgium in October and November 2020, as she recovered from toe surgery.

But Emily Defroand, Tess Howard and Hannah Martin are injured and all miss out.

Hinch, Sarah Robertson and Phil Roper could play their 150th international matches, while Ollie Payne, Fiona Crackles and Rupert Shipperley may make their first appearances for Great Britain on home soil.

Great Britain fixtures against Germany

All at Lee Valley

    Wednesday, 12 May: GB v Germany (men) - 17:30 BST
    Wednesday, 12 May: GB v Germany (women) - 20:00 BST
    Thursday, 13 May: GB v Germany (men) - 17:30 BST
    Thursday, 13 May: GB v Germany (women) - 20:00 BST

Great Britain hockey squads

Women

Maddie Hinch (GK, England), Laura Unsworth (England), Sarah Evans (England), Anna Toman (England), Sarah Jones (Wales), Susannah Townsend (England), Sarah Robertson (Scotland), Charlotte Watson (Scotland), Ellie Rayer (England), Leah Wilkinson (Wales), Giselle Ansley (England), Hollie Pearne-Webb (capt, England), Shona McCallin (England), Sabbie Heesh (England), Lily Owsley (England), Jo Hunter (England), Grace Balsdon (England), Amy Costello (Scotland), Izzy Petter (England), Fiona Crackles (England).

Men

George Pinner (GK, England), David Ames (England), Henry Weir (England), Alan Forsyth (Scotland), Rupert Shipperley (Wales), Harry Martin (England), Chris Griffiths (England), Ian Sloan (England), Sam Ward (England), Phil Roper (England), Adam Dixon (capt, England), Brendan Creed (England), David Goodfield (England), Ollie Payne (GK, England), Liam Ansell (England), Harry Gibson (GK, England), Jack Waller (England). James Gall (England), Liam Sanford (England), Tom Sorsby (England), Zach Wallace (England), Jacob Draper (Wales).

BBC Sport



Britain to end five-month FIH Hockey Pro League hiatus against Germany

By Geoff Berkeley


Britain midfielder Sarah Evans is hoping to see off Germany in London ©Getty Images

Britain are set to end their five-month wait for International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Pro League action when they tackle on Germany in a London doubleheader.

The British men’s and women’s teams have not played in this competition since coming up against Belgium in early November, but now face Germany tomorrow and Thursday (May 13) at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Germany's women have a Pro League points percentage of 55.56, which would be good enough for fourth place as things stand.

With 45.83, Olympic champions Britain sit sixth.

The FIH has decided that points percentage will be used to determine the final standings as several matches are not expected to be completed, owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of points won over the maximum number of points available in the games a team has played will be used to determine its points percentage.

Although Britain have had several trips cancelled in the past few months, midfielder Sarah Evans said recent friendly matches against Ireland have helped to keep the team ticking over.

"We played Ireland early in the year and didn’t really hit the sort of form we wanted to, so we are pleased that we have been able to get back up to standard in these most recent games," said Evans.

"I always look forward to playing against Germany.

"It is always a tactical and physical battle.

"They play quite a similar style to us, so we are familiar with how they play.

"We will look forward to having a good game against them."

There has been some disruption to the German squad with a number of players involved in the final stages of the country’s domestic league.

"The preparation has been totally different with many players missing because of the German league finals," said striker Charlotte Stapenhorst.

"We have a lot of new players coming in but it is nice to be back with the squad.

"Great Britain is always tough to play against.

"And everyone is preparing for the Olympics, so everyone is really approaching their best now.

"We have to be really prepared for a big defensive fight."

The German men’s team sit second behind Belgium, with a points percentage of 79.17 compared to the Red Lions' 82.05.

In contrast, Britain find themselves at the foot of the table having won just one of their eight matches this season.

But German goalkeeper Mark Appel is expecting another tough examination of the team as they prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

"We need to keep in mind what we have done this year, but we also need to look forward," said Appel.

"No game is just a test match now.

"Nothing is just a development game.

"Everything is geared up to selection for the Olympic Games.

"We have to be 'on' for every game.

"Great Britain will have their best team because they, like every other team, needs to get their players on the pitch."

The season has been extended until June 2021, having originally been scheduled to finish in June last year.

Inside the Games



GB set for Hockey Pro League resumption with Olympic selection looming

By Rod Gilmour


GB took five points from six against Belgium in the autumn PIC: England Hockey

Great Britain hockey will end a 550-day home hiatus when they run out at an empty Lee Valley on Wednesday to resume their FIH Pro League campaign.

GB men and women take on Germany in their first capped home matches since the Olympic Qualifiers in November 2019.

As befits big squads, there are changes in omissions and players returning, with Olympic selection for GB also looming.

GB Hockey fixtures v Germany
Wednesday: GB v Germany (M) – 17:30 (BT Sport 2)
GB v Germany (W) – 20:00 (BT Sport 2)
Thursday: GB v Germany (M) – 17:30 (BT Sport 1)
Thursday 13 May: GB v Germany (W) – 20:00 (BT Sport 1)

Giselle Ansley is set to play her first international game since the last time the teams stepped out onto the pitch at Lee Valley, having overcome an Achilles injury.

Henry Weir could also play his first matches after an ankle injury sidelined him throughout 2020.


Adam Dixon will lead out GB men

On the women’s side, Hollie Pearne-Webb returns for the women as captain alongside Maddie Hinch, Shona McCallin, Charlotte Watson and Leah Wilkinson who all missed the autumn Pro League encounters against Holland and Belgium.

Emily Defroand and Tess Howard are injured long-term and will unfortunately miss the Olympics, while Hannah Martin is also sidelined. Meanwhile Lizzie Neal and Esme Burge are missing from squad selection.

David Ames is back for the men’s team, while Chris Griffiths and Harry Martin, who missed the recent tour of Malaysia due to injury, also return.

Luke Taylor, David Condon and Will Calnan are notable absentees for squad selection.

Following the Germany matches, GB men and women take on Spain and USA respectively on May 22/23.

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The Hockey Paper



No supporter access to GB Hockey games as venues ban lifts



GB Hockey will not be able to offer spectators entry to Pro League matches despite sporting venues being able to do so from Monday.

The matches this week against Germany are already behind closed doors while government confirmed that venues will be able to welcome back fans from May 17.

For smaller outdoor facilities, capacities will be capped at 4,000 or at 50 per cent, whichever is the lowest.

GB teams play USA and Spain on May 22/23 at Lee Valley – the final GB games on home soil before the Olympics – but the national governing body said that at the reduced capacity “it was not viable for us to sell tickets for next week’s games and that remains the case”.

While other sports have been able to offer media access, GB Hockey had already stated that there would be none for external media at the Germany games, with the games being broadcast on BT Sport.

Public Health England had requested that numbers be kept to a minimum, while GB Hockey is hoping to review the situation ahead of next week’s games.

Great Britain will be returning on home soil for the first time since November 2019 this week.

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The Hockey Paper



Listen up! FIH Hockey Pro League set for ‘radio’ debut via Watch.Hockey app



We have a real treat in store for FIH Hockey Pro League fans this Thursday (13 May), especially if you are living in a country where geoblocking restrictions are in place.

We are delighted to announce that live audio commentary of the second day of action between the men and women of Great Britain and Germany, which is being played behind closed doors at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre in London, will be available via the Watch.Hockey app.

Hockey broadcasting legend Nick Irvine will be holding the mic in the hot seat for this special ‘radio’ show, with expert co-commentary coming from revered coach and former Australian international Todd Williams. Irvine, the man often dubbed ‘the voice of hockey’, has over 30 years’ experience providing broadcast commentary at events all over the world, covering countless World Cups, Champions Trophies, European Championships as well as Europe’s premier club competition, the Euro Hockey League. Williams, who also writes a regular coaching column for The Hockey Paper, has been a regular co-commentor alongside Irvine at numerous elite events in recent years.

Talking about the differences between commenting on TV and Radio, Nick Irvine said: “The main difference is that you don’t have the pictures to fall back on; you’ve got to create the tapestry for people to use their imaginations. It is going to be a huge challenge, but I’m not one to back down from those! I am a great believer in the vehicle of radio, I think it is an underplayed medium, so I’m hoping that we can make something of it. England or GB against Germany in any sporting competition is always exciting; it always has a little bit of added spice to it.”

Todd Williams was also excited about the project. “It taps into the old medium of radio whilst also connecting to the new community of podcasts. I know from my own friends and people I work with just how much people enjoy listening to things now. Of course, if you can watch it on TV, great, but this is a really good addition.”

So, if you cannot tune into the live TV coverage, join Nick and Todd for what will no doubt be a world class commentary and expert analysis between two of Europe’s finest hockey nations. We hope you enjoy the coverage!

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Amit Rohidas feels video analysis played big role in India men's hockey team's recent succesful tours

Rohidas also said that players' sole focus is on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and the recent successful tours have boosted their confidence.


Amit Rohidas in action for India. Image: Hockey India

Bengaluru: The Indian men's hockey team defender Amit Rohidas feels that the use of video analysis during preparations has played a big role in the side's recent success during tours of Europe and Argentina.

He said video analysis has also been a useful tool to correct players' flaws in the national camp.

"Video analysis helped us on both the tours. We analysed our opponent's style of play, their movement in the attack as well as in defence, and we adapted to the situations accordingly," he said.

"We didn't have much on-field experience, but I can say we did our homework pretty well through the video analysis and it benefited us," said Rohidas, who has played 97 matches for the national side.

Rohidas is currently training with the men's senior core group at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru.

"At the camp also, with the help of video analysis, we are working on the areas where our team need correcting or need to improve. So, yeah it's one of the major assets for us to cover our bases for the Olympics."

The team had remained unbeaten in the tour of Europe in March.

India had outclassed Germany 6-1 before playing out a 1-1 draw. In the two games against Great Britain, India were held to a 1-1 draw before they ended the tour with a 3-2 victory.

During the Argentina tour in April, India won two of the practice games and won both the FIH Pro League encounters against the reigning Olympic champions.

"I feel we have gained good momentum and would like to continue what we have been doing at the camp," said Rohidas.

Talking about the experience of playing international hockey after a one-year break, the Sundergarh-born player said, "I went with the mindset that I don't have to do anything extraordinary. I just have to repeat all the things which we have done during training sessions."

"As a team also, we took one game at a time, we were not bothered about win or lose. We took it as an opportunity to prepare for the Olympics."

He emphasised that the team can improve its goal conversion rate, and for that video analysis would be a key help.

"We need to improve on our conversion rate. We can be more clinical. We should try to convert those chances as quick as we can. It will indirectly help the defence line.

"We are making the most of the video analysis to work on these areas," said the defender.

Rohidas also said that players' sole focus is on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and the recent successful tours have boosted their confidence.

Firstpost



India’s top medal prospects at Tokyo Olympics and their main challengers: Indian men’s hockey team

Once supergiants in the Olympic arena, India have much to salvage in Tokyo. The last of their record eight gold medals came at the 1980 Olympics!

By Naveen Peter



If their recent form is anything to go by, the Indian men’s hockey team will go into the Tokyo Olympics as one of the strongest contenders for a podium finish.

India’s FIH Pro League results against the reigning Olympic champions Argentina in February are a testament to their form and preparation.

Up against Los Leones in Buenos Aires, India won their first match on penalties and then went on to blank the Rio 2016 gold medallists 3-0 in the second.

It’s on the back of this performance that Graham Reid’s side will head into Tokyo 2020 with a hope of improving on their quarter-final finish in Rio.

At Tokyo 2020, the Indian men’s hockey team’s primary challenge will come from the following teams.

Belgium

World ranking: 1

Major achievements: Silver at Rio 2016 Olympics; World Cup winners in 2018; European champions in 2019.

What makes them special? One of the most improved teams in the recent times, Belgium are a modern-day hockey power house.

Their high-energy and fast-paced hockey is often hard to match. Loaded with top-quality stars in Florent Van Aubelm, Cédric Charlier, Loïck Luypaert and John-John Dohmen, Belgium have left a lasting impression on most of the big ticket competitions they have competed in.

Belgium are the reigning world and European champions, finished runners-up in the inaugural FIH Pro League in 2019 and come into the Tokyo Games as the silver medallists from the previous edition in Rio.

In the ongoing FIH Pro League, Belgium are on top of the points table. Belgium have recorded nine outright wins in the competition so far and have scored a mammoth 40 goals, including a 6-1 thrashing of heavyweights Germany.

Australia

World ranking: 2

Major achievements: Olympics gold in 2004, silver in 1968, 1976, 1992 and bronze in 1964, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012; World Cup winners 1986, 2010, 2014.

What makes them special? One of the most decorated teams in world hockey, Australia have often tried to break the European hegemony with their fiery brand of hockey at the international stage.

The Australian hockey team banks on the experience of players like Eddie Ockendenm, Aran Zalewski and Jeremy Hayward and the youthful exuberance of Tom Craig, Dylan Wotherspoon and *Jake Harvie. *

It’s this fine balance between experience and callow youth that makes the reigning FIH Pro League champions a difficult opposition to counter.

Though their recent run of form doesn’t inspire much (Australia are fifth in the FIH Pro League with just three outright wins from their eight games so far), head coach Colin Batch will be hoping for the team to start afresh at Tokyo 2020.

The Netherlands

World Ranking: 3

Major achievements: Olympic gold in 1996, 2000, silver in 1928, 1952, 2004, 2012, bronze in 1936, 1948, 1988; World Cup winners in 1973, 1990, 1998; European champions in 1983, 1987, 2007, 2015, 2017.

What makes them special? One of the successful teams in world hockey, the Netherlands are often the team to beat in any top competition.

Coached by one of the best in the business, Maximiliano Caldas, the Dutch have regularly challenged for the big prize. They come into the Tokyo Olympics as the silver medallists from the 2018 FIH Men’s World Cup and the 2019 FIH Pro League.

With the likes of Mink van der Weerden, Billy Bakker, Jeroen Hertzberger, Mirco Pruyser and Thierry Brinkman in their ranks, the Dutch will surely be an interesting proposition at the Olympics.

Their recent run of form hasn’t been disappointing either. Though they began the FIH Pro League 2020-21 on a disastrous note with losses against India in the opening two games, the Netherlands bounced back to beat Spain, Argentina and Great Britain.

Though defeats to Germany in their latest encounters could have hit the team’s morale somewhat, expect the Netherlands to be at the peak of their performance come the Tokyo Games.

Olympic Channel



75 Day Countdown – Men’s National Team builds towards Tokyo Games on historic legacy

Underdog Team Canada, consistently punching above its weight; looks to make statement in Tokyo


In 1964, the Men’s National Field Hockey Team qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time in program history. A blend of athletes from across the country met on the plane and arrived in Tokyo for a ground-breaking moment and their international playing debut. 57 years later, the Men’s National Team will land in the Japanese capital once again for an Olympic experience unlike any other.

The 1964 team notched one win, a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong, and finished T13. More important than any scoreboard accolades, the team had established a culture of pushing and driving towards the world’s biggest competitions – a culture that still pulses through the program today.


1964 team

Since that landmark moment in 1964, the Men’s National Team have, on average, qualified for every second Summer Games, including the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. The home-country heroes had a fairy-tale start to the event, taking down arch-rival Argentina in the first game of the tournament. The high didn’t last, however, as Canada was knocked out in the pool stages, eventually finishing 10th.


The 1976 Olympic team on home soil in Montreal

 Team Canada qualified for both the 1984 Los Angeles Games and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games finishing 10th and 11th respectively. The team then experienced a decade-long drought missing out on both Games in the 1990s. In 1999, however, the team fought back with a vengeance defeating Argentina during the 1999 Pan American Games Gold Medal match on home soil, in Winnipeg, to punch their ticket to the Sydney Games. It would mark the team’s third Pan American gold medal.







In 2007, the team traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the next edition of the Pan American Games. Team Canada once again dug deep and pulled out an epic shootout victory against Argentina, securing a spot at the 2008 Beijing Games. The late heroics to qualify for major championships has, since 1999, become a staple in Red Caribou lineage.  

A new generation of Red Caribou  

There may be new faces, but the culture and legacy are woven into the team. The late-match tactics continued at the 2015 World League Semifinals in Rajpur, India as Canada defeated New Zealand in a 14-round shootout to come fourth at the tournament and advance to the Rio Games. Team Canada was again ousted in the group stage, leaving the returning athletes hungry for another crack in 2020.


Canada's Scott Tupper celebrates scoring with his teammates during the mens's field hockey India vs Canada match of the Rio 2016 Olympics Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janeiro on August, 12 2016. / AFP / MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)


RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 11: Gabriel Ho-Garcia #7 of Canada defends against Jonathan Bell #4 of Ireland during a Men's Preliminary Pool B match on Day 6 of the Rio 2016 Olympics at the Olympic Hockey Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)


Netherland's Jorrit Croon (R) vies for the ball with Canada's Iain Smythe during the men's field hockey Netherlands vs Canada match of the Rio 2016 Olympics Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janeiro on August, 9 2016. / AFP / MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)

As if three consecutive one-goal decisions to qualify wasn’t enough, there came a fourth. The drama that unfolded on home soil in West Vancouver in October 2019 was movie–worthy.

In a two-game Olympic qualifier against Ireland, Canada was down three goals after a 5-3 defeat in the opening match. Down late in the second game, the team capitalized on a penalty stroke, forcing a shootout. After several suspenseful rounds, the men, again, earned their Olympic berth in dramatic, sudden-death fashion.













The current program, centralized in Vancouver, BC, is now training and preparing for the Tokyo Games. The squad consists of roughly 25-30 players with 16 to be selected for the Olympic Roster, predicted to be announced in the last week of June.

As the days go by and the Games inches closer, there’s much anticipation of what will be a return to the birthplace of the Men’s National Team international career, as well as a unique shared experience for all at home, cheering the Red Caribou on.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Our top whistlers of 2020


Gareth Greenfield and Amber Church, HNZ Umpires of the year.

2020 Hockey New Zealand Female Umpire of the Year – Amber Church (Poverty Bay)

Amber Church performed strongly across all games she umpired at the 2020 Sentinel Homes Premier Hockey League as well earlier in the year during the interrupted FIH Pro League.

In addition to her on-field efforts, it is her leadership within the umpire group that made her stand out as the female umpire of the year.

Church, who will head to Tokyo in July for her second Olympics, is a true professional and team player that leads by example both on and off the turf.

2020 Hockey New Zealand Male Umpire of the Year – Gareth Greenfield (Canterbury)

Gareth Greenfield is a ‘critical thinker’ of hockey, who consistently looks to improve both his game understanding and connection with players and coaches.

He is well regarded by his peers for his consistency in umpiring – both in his performance and in the high standards he brings to every match.

In 2020 Greenfield had an outstanding Premier Hockey League where his sound decision-making saw him appointed to umpire the inaugural league final.

2020 Hockey New Zealand Community Umpire of the Year – Georgia Mayo (Hawke’s Bay)

While Georgia Mayo’s on-field umpiring performances were outstanding within her local Hawke’s Bay community in 2020, what really impressed was an additional commitment to the coaching of umpires as well as her work in leading the YUP! programme.

During her Year 12 exams, Mayo single-handedly mentored, administrated and facilitated the YUP! programme which saw 24 youth umpires progress to the next level of umpiring – which simply wouldn’t have been possible without her support.

On top of her club and school umpiring efforts, the 16-year-old was also Umpire Manager for the Small Sticks Festival in the Hawke’s Bay.

Mayo is a true role model to youth umpires and she has the ability to work alongside all age groups as an umpire. She is frank, open and an absolute inspiration at such a young age.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



EuroHockey round-up: Club de Campo legend signs off in style



Spanish Stalwart Bosco Pérez-Pla signed off his stellar career by captaining Club de Campo to its first Men’s League Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Pérez-Pla first played for the Madrid side aged four, debuted in 2013 and had stints with HGC and a stint with HIL-side Indian Ranchi Rhinos before capping his career in fine style back home.

The 33-year-old also accrued 142 caps for Spain, taking part in the 2016 Olympics.

“I would like to be remembered as a good teammate and as a good person, both on and off the field,” he said.

“If the club needs me on time and asks for my help, I will be there.”

Meanwhile, the Madrid mayor congratulated Campo’s s men’s and women’s teams for achieving a historic double as League champions of the 2020-21 season, adding to the women’s European club silver.

In Belgium, KHC Dragons won their 12th Belgian men’s national title as they won both of their two legs over Waterloo Ducks by 4-3 and 2-1 scorelines.

Royal Léopold, meanwhile, took the third place with back-to-back wins over Orée.

Düsseldorfer HC became German women’s outdoor champions for the first time after beating Mannheimer HC in a shoot-out after the teams were locked 1-1 at full-time.

Elian Mazkour scored the only goal to dethrone his former club as men’s champions as Rot-Weiss Köln won 1-0 over Uhlenhorst Mülheim.

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Beeston Women seek coach as Colin Clarke exits



Beeston Hockey Club women’s coach Colin Clarke has left his role after five years with the Vitality Premier Division side.

Clarke has left to further his coaching roles at Nottingham Trent University and his coaching company, Sportolo Life, as well as pursue family commitments.

Finland also appointed Clarke to lead the men’s national team last year.

Under Clarke’s helm, Beeston gained promotion into the Premier Division in a historic play-off win which saw the Bees promoted ahead of Hampstead & Westminster.

The team went on to maintain their top flight status and the coming season will be the fourth successive season in the top flight.

Clarke also took Beeston to its first domestic trophy in 2020, beating Clifton Robinsons 3-2 in the final of the Investec Cup.

Beeston are currently seeking a head coach to take over the role.

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