News for 13 May 2021
All the news for Thursday 13 May 2021
2020-21 FIH Pro League (M) - 13 May
Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London
12 May 2021 GBR v GER (RR) 5 - 3
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 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 20 | 5 | 19 | 70.4 |
| 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 | Great Britain | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 22 | -4 | 8 | 29.6 |
| 9 | Spain | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 21 | 32 | -11 | 7 | 23.3 |
2020-21 FIH Pro League (W) - 13 May
Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London
12 May 202 GBR v GER (RR) 2 - 3
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 | Germany | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 13 | 61.9 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 8 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 14 | 58.3 |
| 5 | Australia | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 9 | 50.0 |
| 6 | Great Britain | 9 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 11 | 40.7 |
| 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
Great Britain men & Germany women triumph in London
Image courtesy of Great Britain Hockey.
The FIH Hockey Pro League returned to London’s Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre on Wednesday evening, with two pulsating matches generating a total of 13 goals as Great Britain men and Germany women emerged triumphant.
The action began in the men’s competition, where Great Britain came out on top in an eight-goal thriller against Germany. A 5-3 victory over the Die Honamas, who remain second in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings, was only the second win of Great Britain’s prolonged campaign.
The two teams traded seven goals in the first half, with Germany taking the lead inside a minute thanks to Moritz Röthlander before strikes from Liam Ansell, Brendan Creed and Phil Roper put the hosts 3-1 up. Germany’s Thies Prinz and Paul Doesch found the target either side of a fine finish from Chris Griffiths, with GB taking a 4-3 lead into half time. Harry Martin’s superb penalty corner deflection just two minutes after half time proved to the final goal in a game, with GB controlling the latter stages to seal all three points.
"It was good fun, good to get back out there", said Great Britain's Zach Wallace, who was named Player of the Match. "I know that Germany have a few guys that have stayed at home, having been playing in their various league finals, but they still have a load of guys who I grew up playing junior stuff with, all really good players. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we managed to control it at the end, so it was good to come off the pitch with a win."
When asked what he made of his team's performance, Germany captain Tobias Hauke said: "It is hard to say, directly after the game. To be honest, if you concede five goals, I think it is clear that we have to be better in the defence tomorrow. We really tried to win today and were emotional from the first second, and directly scored. So, the beginning was quite good, but you could see it was the first time that we have had this [group of players] on the pitch. I think over the 60 minutes you saw that we probably needed this time for a better performance tomorrow."
More information can be found by clicking here.
Germany’s women avenged the loss suffered by the men’s team by claiming a fully deserved triumph over reigning Olympic champions Great Britain. Germany – who have been in excellent form of late, but like their men arrived in London with numerous regulars missing – sit third in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings, with GB down in sixth position.
Die Danas were the dominant team for large periods of the contest, but twice found themselves trailing the hosts. GB struck the first blow when Sarah Robertson scored from close range against the run of play in the first quarter. However, Germany were soon level thanks to Jette Fleschütz, who buried a penalty corner rebound with lightning quick reactions.
Susannah Townsend restored GB’s lead with a looping effort in the opening minutes of the third period before Lena Micheel’s thumping drive tied the scores at 2-2 going into the final quarter. Germany piled on the pressure in the latter stages and got their reward, with Charlotte Stapenhorst's smart turn and shot deceiving GB goalkeeper Maddie Hinch and finding its way into the bottom left corner.
Germany's Pauline Heinz, who was named Player of the Match, said: "It was a really tough match, but we did it well, I think. In the end we were very aggressive, a bit more than GB. With this new team, with many players missing, we did very well."
More information can be found by clicking here.
The FIH Hockey Pro League will continue on Thursday, with Great Britain and Germany facing each other once again at Lee Valley. More information can be found by clicking here.
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.
FIH Hockey Pro League
Wednesday 12 May 2021 – London (GBR)
Men
Great Britain 5, Germany 3 [Match 1 of 2]
Player of the Match: Zach Wallace (GBR)
Umpires: Martin Madden (SCO), Paul Walker (ENG) and Sarah Wilson (SCO - video)
Women
Great Britain 2, Germany 3 [Match 1 of 2]
Player of the Match: Pauline Heinz (GER)
Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO), Hannah Harrison (ENG) and Martin Madden (SCO - video)
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Official FIH Pro League Site
GB men win 5-3 thriller in home return
Great Britain’s men impressed in their first FIH Hockey Pro League match of the year as they defeated Germany 5-3 in a gripping encounter at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Liam Ansell, Brendan Creed, Phil Roper and Chris Griffiths all found the net in a relentless first-half that ended with seven goals and GB holding a slender advantage.
Though the goals didn’t flow as regularly in the second-half, with Harry Martin’s solitary strike proving the difference maker, the excitement didn’t end there with both sides creating plenty of chances.
After a long-awaited return for international hockey in the UK, the action came thick and fast right from the off. In a lightning fast start, Germany took an immediate lead through Moritz Rothlander to mark a perfect start for the visitors.
The lead didn’t last long though as Ansell, who had put in fantastic work to earn a penalty corner just a minute prior, levelled the scores with a skilful finish.
One goal was quickly followed by another, a constant theme through the match, as Brendan Creed latched onto a loose ball following a scramble in the circle from a penalty corner, sparking jubilant celebrations from the defender in scoring his first international goal.
Three goals in the space of just four minutes followed, Roper commencing the frenzy with a brilliant drag flick before Thies Prinz responded straight from the restart to capitalise on a rapid attack. Griffiths ensured GB would maintain their two-goal cushion with a sublime solo goal after pinching the ball high up the field and producing a tidy finish to make it 4-2 to the hosts.
That wouldn’t be the last of the scoring in the half, Paul Doesch converting with a powerful effort from a penalty corner just before the whistle sounded to end a frantic half.
The excitement didn’t end with the first-half though. Dixon’s effort from a penalty corner was expertly deflected by the diving Martin to divert the ball past the German ‘keeper just two minutes after the restart.
Whilst the goals dried up, the energy certainly didn’t. First, terrific interplay between Forsyth and Ansell saw the latter released downfield, he beat the defender with pace but couldn’t get past the ‘keeper on the reverse.
Sam Ward and Roper also came close to adding to the score line but couldn’t find their way past the German ‘keeper.
At the other end, Payne put in another masterful performance with brilliant blocks on several occasions, the best of which coming in the final minutes of the match. With Germany trailing by two goals, the visitors removed their goalkeeper for an extra outfielder and quickly accumulated a couple of penalty corners only to be thwarted on both occasions by the young goalkeeper.
Despite several chances falling their way at the end, GB secured an impressive win on their first home match since the 2019 FIH Olympic Qualifiers with a 5-3 victory in a memorable occasion.
After the match, Brendan Creed commented: “It’s as close to normality as we’ve been in a long time and it’s really nice to be back playing. With everything that’s been going on we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and this is kind of it for us in terms of the light, it’s just so nice to be playing games again.
“It’s great way to spark momentum, which is what we’ve spoken about a lot in training recently. To get the win here is big especially since we haven’t got that many games in the build up to the Euros and Olympics. The game was a bit higher scoring than we’d hoped in terms of goals conceded but at the same time that’s the sort of thing we need to work on so it’s a good experience.
“It’s been five years since I’ve scored competitively, which was in the league, so for me it was the unknown and not knowing how to react when the ball came to me!
“We’ll prepare for tomorrow’s game the same as we always do. We’ll have a look over the video, make sure we recover well with ice baths in the morning to make sure we’re ready to go from the moment the whistle goes again.
“From one point of view, without having the fans here, it was much easier to hear each other talking which was great as communication was a lot easier. At the same time, would we rather this place be packed, you bet we would! We’re excited for when it happens again when we can have fans back, but at the same time we’re almost used to having no fans after the past year without any.”
Great Britain 5 (4)
Ansell (9’ FG); Creed (13’ PC); Roper (20’ PC); Griffiths (24’ FG); Martin (32’ PC)
Germany 3 (3)
Rothlander (1’ FG); Prinz (20’ FG); Doesch (28’ PC)
Starting XI: Forsyth, Shipperley, Sloan, Ward, Roper, Dixon (C), Payne (GK), Sanford, Sorsby, Wallace, Draper
Subs (Used): Martin, Griffiths, Creed, Ansell, Waller, Gall
Subs (Unused): Pinner (GK)
Great Britain Hockey media release
Late defeat for GB women in first Germany match
Great Britain’s women’s first FIH Hockey Pro League match since November 2020 ended in defeat as Charlotte Stapenhorst’s strike three minutes from full-time condemned the team to a loss.
Sarah Robertson had opened the scoring on her 150th international appearance, whilst Susannah Townsend also got on the score board for GB.
However, two unanswered goals from Germany ensured they would take the spoils in GB’s first match on home soil since the 2019 FIH Olympic Qualifiers.
GB got off to a fantastic start, Shona McCallin’s searing run into the circle enabled Ellie Rayer to deliver the ball to the perfectly positioned Robertson to prod home from close range to open the scoring.
The lead wouldn’t last long though as Germany responded less than five minutes later courtesy of a penalty corner. With the initial slap well saved by Maddie Hinch in the GB goal, Jette Fleschutz was lurking and latched onto the rebound to put Germany on the score board.
Both sides were looking very evenly matched as the half wore on with neither allowing the other many clear-cut chances.
When the visitors did gain their second penalty corner of the match, Lily Owsley bravely charged it down before the ball could reach its target.
Neither side was giving the other an inch as the scores remained level heading into the half-time break.
Much like the first-half, GB flew out of the blocks after the restart with another early goal. This time Susannah Townsend found herself with time and space inside the circle to shoot on goal and give GB the upper hand.
It wasn’t to last as Lena Micheel produced a moment of magic. With excellent close control, Micheel fired from the edge of the circle, her shot rocketing into the far corner of the goal to level the scores.
Both sides were working hard to take the lead and conjured several meaningful chances. The first fell to Robertson who couldn’t quite control a challenging aerial into the circle.
Izzy Petter come agonisingly close as her deflection from a penalty corner went just over the crossbar.
Germany had their chances too, Maddie Hinch being called into action several times as the visitors ramped up the pressure.
Their efforts paid dividends as Germany found the all-important break-through just three minutes from time as Stapenhorst’s late drive secured the three points.
After the match, Sarah Robertson commented: “Despite the result, it feels amazing to be back out here. I think it was around 18 months ago we were last here for the Olympic Qualifiers against Chile, so it felt amazing to be back, although we’re disappointed with the result.
“They had a lot of ball, we need to go away and have a look at how we can get a bit more pressure on them. They’re obviously renown for keeping the ball for long periods of time, I think it was a competitive, physical game. We just need to be better, we’ve got another match tomorrow night so we’ll go away and look to come back better then.
“We’ll be using the ice baths, recovering, and looking over some video footage before going again tomorrow night.
“Germany are a team we should be beating, they’ve obviously got some world class forwards and that showed tonight, but I think we can definitely up our game.
“It’s awesome to pick up my 150th international appearance, it seems that only recently I got my 50th for GB and soon the 100th will come for Scotland so it all seems to be happening at once! It’s nice to have scored on both of them too, keep the milestones coming and the goals might keep coming too! It’s a special occasion, it means a lot to me to play for Scotland and GB so it’s a memorable might even if we didn’t get the result.”
Great Britain 2 (1)
Robertson (10’ FG); Townsend (32’ FG)
Germany 3 (1)
Fleschutz (14’ PC); Micheel (41’ FG); Stapenhorst (57’ FG)
Starting XI: Hinch (GK), Unsworth, Toman, Jones, Robertson, Rayer, Ansley, Pearne-Webb (C), McCallin, Owsley, Crackles
Subs (Used): Evans, Townsend, Wilkinson, Hunter, Balsdon, Petter
Subs (Unused): Heesh (GK)
Great Britain Hockey media release
Bottom-of-the-table Britain stun Germany in men's Hockey Pro League
By Ali Iveson
Britain's men moved off the bottom of the Hockey Pro League table with a surprise victory against Germany ©Getty Images
Germany's men's suffered a costly defeat to Britain in the Hockey Pro League in London.
Knowing a victory would see them leapfrog Belgium at the top of the table, after the International Hockey Federation adopted points percentage rather than total points as the mechanism to decide the standings, the Germans instead succumbed to a 5-3 defeat.
Germany's women beat Britain 3-2 in the later game.
In the first match at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, Germany started brilliantly and were ahead within a minute thanks to Moritz Rothländer.
Goals from Liam Ansell and Brendan Creed turned the game on its head as the hosts fought back, however, and Britain had the lead at the end of the opening quarter.
The sides exchanged two goals each in the second quarter as the action refused to slow down, with Phil Roper and Christopher Griffiths on target for Britain and Thies Prinz and Paul Dösch producing the German reply.
The second half proved to be more sedate and Germany could not breach the British defence, with a Harry Martin goal after 32 minutes the last of game as the home team held out to win 5-3.
It is only Britain's second win of the coronavirus-interrupted Pro League campaign, and lifts them off the foot of the table.
In the women's encounter, Germany twice came from behind to beat the Olympic champions.
Sarah Robertson opened the scoring in her 150th international match, but Jette Fleschütz levelled from a penalty corner.
Susannah Townsend put the hosts back ahead shortly after the interval, but Lena Micheel drew Germany level before Charlotte Stapenhorst produced a winner three minutes from the end.
Germany are now third in the women's standings, with Britain sixth.
The men's and women's teams are set to face off again at the same venue tomorrow.
Inside the Games
Great Britain and Germany serve up goal feast
By Rod Gilmour
If this rare Test match could be Covid-bottled and sent to Tokyo, then we are in for a treat at the Olympics.
While Germany sent in their young Bundesliga battalion, GB’s men from Bisham weathered the storm. Zach Wallace confirmed his status as one of world hockey’s rising stars, Liam Ansell continues to marvel when breathing down any defence and the hosts looked consistently dangerous at penalty corners. A second FIH Pro League win, their first in four was welcome for Danny Kerry’s side.
Perhaps the madcap tone of this first Lee Valley clash since November 2020 was down to Germany fielding nine players with seven caps or less and their main stars left at home. Perhaps it was down to the novelty factor of playing outside of intra-squad or uncapped matches. Don’t tell that to Brendan Creed, though, who struck his first international goal.
Yet for all the entertainment on show, danger lurks and it starts in defence. Both sides were guilty and surely the second of the double headers will attempt to address the deficiencies at the back.
On the counter, GB were superb and there was only one way forward after confusion in the defence saw Ollie Payne unable to clear and Moritz Rothlander tapping home after 42 seconds.
The east London mob of goals started when Ansell latched on to a Chris Griffiths pass on the edge of the D, blazed through, juggling expertly and and scooping over Mark Appel.
Moments later Sam Ward, returning for the first time at Lee Valley since his head injury, then had his back to goal, swivelled and found Appel’s left post.
From the resulting PC, Creed, GB’s injector, was on Appel’s right post and found himself a swipe away from his first GB goal. Seconds later the jubilant defender was mobbed by team-mates, Creed’s eyes showing signs of joy and disbelief. After an ACL injury had kept him out for so long, the celebration was not muted.
No let up in the second quarter, a video review saw a GB reprieve and Phil Roper opened his shoulders and found the net via a deflection. Both defences were now creaking and for the second time, GB couldn’t clear on the line and Thies Prinz tapped home.
When Griffiths feigned a strike on goal and smothered under Appel for GB’s fourth, the resulting celebration now felt like a training match. Six goals in 22 minutes and with no control from either side, Paul Doesch notched his first goal for Germany with a clean strike from the castle.
Once Harry Martin deflected in via Adam Dixon’s PC hit two minutes after the break, we were looking at a record scoreline between these two rivals. But while the goals dried up in the third quarter, the end-to-end chances continued apace, mixed in with an array of turnover ball and Payne, who played the full 70 minutes, racked up several impressive glove saves.
Somewhat predictably, the fourth quarter failed to find any goals. After 26 shots on goal, 44 circle penetrations in all, who was complaining?
Great Britain 5 (Ansell 9, Creed 12, Roper 20, Griffiths 22, Martin, 32)
Germany 3 (Rothlander 1, Prinz 21, Doesch 28)
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The Hockey Paper
Germany strike late to take Hockey Pro League first honours
Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst continued to be the scourge of Great Britain with another late winner at Lee Valley.
Stapenhorst, an Old Reptonian, scored three minutes from the end of a tight tussle, which Germany prevailed 3-2, and were stronger throughout the four quarters.
But with so little proper Test match play, GB will have savoured Wednesday night’s return to the TV cameras while Germany’s players have had the luxury of club hockey – despite several high-profile names left at home.
GB had started the brighter, the in-form Sarah Robertson finding the net from close range on the left early on before Jette Fleschütz converted a penalty corner rebound for the visitors.
After the break, Susannah Townsend scuffed a shot on goal and claimed the goal gleefully with a smile, despite Sarah Evans perhaps offering a touch.
Having already picked up a green for indiscipline, a yellow for Fiona Crackles then saw Germany exploit space. A minute later Die Danas duly levelled through Lena Micheel with GB’s defence on the retreat and the visitors racking up mounting momentum.
In the final quarter, Maddie Hinch was equal to Emma Boermans one-on-one chance and smothered the chance with ease.
And with a shoot-out looming, Stapenhorst’s shot into the ground found its way through a crowded defence.
In Pro League 1, Stapenhorst earned victory for Germany at the same venue, striking 19 seconds from the hooter.
Both sides return on Thursday for their second encounter.
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The Hockey Paper
GB Men down Germany in eight-goal thriller
S2H Team
Great Britain climbed out of the cellar with a 5-3 win over Germany in the first of the FIH Pro League men’s doubleheader at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London on Wednesday.
Germany’s women, however, beat GB, the Olympic champions, 3-2 in a match played later in the day.
GB’s men will view the result in perspective. Germany rested a host of experienced players including Florian Fuchs, Christopher Ruhr and Martin Haner and it was bound to tell.
Still, GB playing at the FIH Pro League level after more than six months will relish victory gained with an aggressive performance backed by speed and control but will reflect on defensive uncertainties especially in the first session.
The Germans, on their part, will take heart from a plucky display from their young guards but like GB will also introspect on their defence.
Besides grabbing full points, what’s heartening not just for GB but the hockey community as a whole, was the sight of Sam Ward playing his first international after coming back from a horrific injury sustained in an Olympic qualifier against Malaysia in November 2019 that has left him visually impaired in the left eye.
Sporting a face mask, it would have been fitting that he got on to the score sheet which he almost did with a shot that hit the post in a rousing first quarter.
Germany stuck with the game only 42 seconds old when Moritz Rothlander exploited a defence in disarray but GB recovered not only to equalise but lead 2-1 at halftime.
Liam Ansell scored a gem of a goal, volleying the ball past the experienced Mark Appel in goal in the ninth minute following GB’s high press.
After Sam Ward rattled the crosspiece, GB’s persistence led to their first PC in the 13th minute leading to Brendan Creed scoring his first international goal.
George Pinner, GB’s first-choice goalkeeper remained on the bench throughout the encounter but his understudy Oliver Payne proved his worth with a hatful of quality saves
GB appeared to gain a stranglehold with a penalty corner goal through Phil Roper in the 20th minute to go 3-1 ahead but within the minute Germany pulled one back when Prinz punished a faltering defence.
GB, though, weren’t to be denied a two-goal cushion again when Christopher Griffith got around Appel to finish in style in the 24th minute. Paul Doesch, however, converted Germany’s first PC to reduce the margin to 3-4.
The roles were reversed in the second half when this time it was GB who scored an early goal – Harry Martin’s spectacular deflection of Adam Dixon’s pass amid a PC going high into the German goal to make it 5-3 with the quarter not quite two minutes old.
There was drama at the start of the final quarter with German captain Tobias Hauke shown the yellow card for an error of numbers which saw an extra player on the pitch.
And another yellow with three minutes remaining saw Jack Waller suspended with Germany firing on all cylinders for the equalizer.
GB, however, held fort for three points and arrest Germany’s impressive run in the league that had seen doubleheader away wins over The Netherlands and Argentina.
“It was good fun, good to get back out there,” said Great Britain’s Zach Wallace, who was named Player of the Match. “I know that Germany have a few guys that have stayed at home, having been playing in their various league finals, but they still have a load of guys who I grew up playing junior stuff with, all really good players. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we managed to control it at the end, so it was good to come off the pitch with a win.”
Germany captain Tobias Hauke said: “It is hard to say, directly after the game. To be honest, if you concede five goals, I think it is clear that we have to be better in the defence tomorrow. We really tried to win today and were emotional from the first second, and directly scored. So, the beginning was quite good, but you could see it was the first time that we have had this [group of players] on the pitch. I think over the 60 minutes you saw that we probably needed this time for a better performance tomorrow.”
The teams meet again on Thursday with Germany second on the table with 19 points from nine matches at a percentage success of 70.37.
GB are eight out of nine with eight from nine at 29.63.
Belgium lead the table with 32 points from 13 matches at 82.05%.
Germany’s women occupy the second spot and have 13 points from seven matches at 61.9 %. GB, are at sixth with 11 from nine at 40.74%.
The Netherlands are runaway leaders with 29 points from 11 matches at 87.88% followed by Argentina with 19 from 10 at 63.33%.
Stick2Hockey.com
Hosts men win but women lose in Pro League
Liam Ansell and Jack Waller celebrate. Great Britain are due to face Germany in the group stages of the rearranged Tokyo Olympics this summer
Great Britain's men overcame Germany but the women lost in their first home games in 18 months in the FIH Pro League.
The men recovered from conceding after only 42 seconds to lead 4-3 at half-time before eventually winning 5-3.
The women, who are Olympic champions, led twice but conceded with three minutes to go to suffer a 3-2 defeat.
The two sides had not played at home since securing Olympic qualification in November 2019.
The men's game saw Liam Ansell, Brendan Creed, Phil Roper and Christopher Griffiths and Harry Martin score for GB.
Germany, who are ranked third in the world, pulled their keeper Mark Appel and GB's Jack Waller was yellow-carded in the final minutes, but the hosts defended two penalty corners to hang on for the win.
In the women's game Sarah Robertson, who was making her 150th international appearance, and Susannah Townsend put GB ahead either side of a Jette Fleschutz goal.
Fiona Crackles saw yellow for GB which allowed Germany to move level in quarter three, before Charlotte Stapenhorst secured a late win.
Both sides are action again on Thursday with the men's game at 17:30 BST and the women's at 20:00.
BBC Sport
Creed confident thrilling Germany victory can provide 'spark' for GB men's hockey
Brendan Creed celebrate - GB men's hockey
Brendan Creed wants Great Britain’s men’s hockey team to use their FIH Pro League victory over Germany as a spark of momentum for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
On their return to international action, GB edged a thriller 5-3 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, in a match that swung back and forth for 60 minutes.
A frantic first half saw Liam Ansell, Creed, Phil Roper and Chris Griffiths all find the net for the hosts, yet Moritz Rothlander’s goal just a minute in, combined with strikes from Thies Prinz and Paul Doesch, kept the visitors in the contest at 4-3 behind.
A slightly less dramatic second half ensued but Harry Martin diverted Adam Dixon’s effort from a penalty corner into the net to extend GB’s advantage and goalkeeper Ollie Payne then performed heroics to repel the Germans at the other end and seal the win.
Victory over Germany is always sweet and Creed – after scoring his first competitive goal in five years – is eager for the triumph to be used as a platform with Tokyo 2020 edging ever closer.
“It’s as close to normality as we’ve been in a long time and it’s really nice to be back playing,” he explained.
“It’s a great way to spark momentum, which is what we’ve spoken about a lot in training recently. To get the win here is big especially since we haven’t got that many games in the build-up to the Euros and Olympics.
“The game was a bit higher scoring than we’d hoped in terms of goals conceded but at the same time that’s the sort of thing we need to work on so it’s a good experience.
“It’s been five years since I’ve scored competitively, which was in the league, so for me it was the unknown and not knowing how to react when the ball came to me!”
Liam Ansell celebrates scoring one of GB's five goals agaisnt Germany © Getty Images
The men’s contest was the first of a double-header at Lee Valley as GB’s women’s side also faced Germany, only to slip to a last-gasp 3-2 defeat.
Charlotte Stapenhorst struck three minutes from time to secure victory for Germany after Lena Micheel’s moment of magic drew them level 11 minutes into the second half.
Sarah Robertson had opened the scoring for GB on her 150th international appearance and although Jette Fleschutz equalised, Susannah Townsend’s goal just after half-time looked to have put the hosts on course for victory.
But the Germans refused to lie down and eventually turned things around, although Great Britain will have an immediate chance for revenge, with rematches of both the men’s and women’s contests to be played on Thursday evening.
Team GB
Great Britain back on even terms for Hockey Pro League tilt
By Rod Gilmour
A walk in the Olympic Park this week? Great Britain will be back on an even keel against Germany in the FIH Pro League this week after playing teams with FOUR more players in a bid to be Tokyo fit.
During the recent uncapped matches in the energy-sapping heat of Kuala Lumpur, Danny Kerry’s side played with 16 in their squad to replicate the numbers allowed for the Tokyo Olympics, while Japan and Malaysia started each game with their full 20-strong quota.
Zak Jones, GB men’s assistant coach, said: “Our boys were breathing quite hard! It was hard to get a realistic measure of where we were because of that factor but it proved a very worthwhile trip.”
After quarantining for a week and then playing five games in seven days, Great Britain are in the best possible position, continuing the methodical preparation which also saw them take their own chef as an England side to the last World Cup in Bhubanweswar, India.
The humidity in Tokyo will be a different beast, with GB set to play several Pool matches which finish around lunchtime. Jones said exposure to the heat in Malaysia was “massive”, while there will be more heat chamber work after the EuroHockey Championships next month.
Wales’ Rupert Shipperley and England’s Henry Weir are in the GB squad
By then, the Team GB squad will be known, when the current squad of around 26 will be whittled down to 16, meaning around 40 per cent of the Bisham programme won’t be selected.
Jones added: “There is a really good atmosphere and sense of togetherness with everyone knowing there are some big dates coming up with selection and tournaments.”
Jones will be experiencing his first Olympics on the coaching staff after leaving the Welsh programme and taking the nation to the EuroHockey elite. Due to the GB Hockey contract, he will be on the sidelines with the England team in Amsterdam.
“It was a tough decision I had to make,” Jones admitted. “Luckily we aren’t in the same Pool at the Euros and I will have one eye on how well Wales do. I still have an affinity with the Welsh players and staff and want to see them do well, but not at our expense.”
The Welshman says that coming from a camp-based programme to a full-time environment opened his eyes when he joined last summer. “The level of detail that it allows you to get into has been great and allows you to really dig into certain aspects of the game,” he added.
One coaching job he has held on to was his two-decade long tenure as Buckingham Women’s coach. There has been limited access at their home ground at Stowe, while the squad turned down the chance to play in the London Cup. “We’ve been out for so long now and we wanted it to be a gradual return and to put in a really good pre season,” he said.
Buckingham will also be partaking as England’s indoor representative in Europe early next year.
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Katie Glynn returns to Olympic Park after 2012 hockey injury
By Rod Gilmour 
Katie Glynn takes a blow to the head during Olympic semi-final
“There are some good memories but also some tough times,” says New Zealander Katie Glynn, now Great Britain women’s assistant coach, who returns to the Olympic Park for the first time on Wednesday after experiencing a horror injury at London 2012.
Many will remember Glynn’s tenacity at the London Games when she was hit flush in the head from an accidental swinging stick by Holland’s Ellen Hoog during the Olympic semi-final, with blood pouring, only to return soon after with stitches and a bandage.
Nine years on, and after a stellar career with the Black Sticks which was ultimately ended by a back injury, she has joined former coach Mark Hager with GB women, the team which subsequently beat New Zealand to bronze after the Dutch had won their semi-final shoot-out at the old Riverbank Arena, less than a mile from Lee Valley.
“At the time in a semi-final of an Olympic Games, adrenaline takes over,” Glynn recalls to The Hockey Paper. “I remember I was taken off where the doctors were, someone gave me a phone to watch the action on the pitch and I wasn’t paying much attention to what was happening with my head. I just wanted to get back out there.”
And back she came, with staples in the head, a bandage – which she later admitted to looking like a ‘conehead’ – and out for the second half.
“I’d like to say I was a pretty tough player,” Glynn says of a 134-cap career, “took the knocks and kept going. It was a game I will remember for a long time for lots of reasons.”
Glynn retired in 2014 after the Commonwealth Games following a prolonged back injury. She admits: “I had ongoing problems for a few years and I was in the gym one day and I haven’t been able to get back into any social sports since I retired.”
And so after assisting as a Black Sticks coach, she left a fractious programme to join the Australian in September, taking another step in her burgeoning elite coaching career.
“Getting the job was really exciting and when it happened there was a lot of uncertainty. But it was an amazing opportunity,” says the 32-year-old.
“You hear what they [GB’s Bisham Abbey HQ] have but it’s not until you get here do you realise just how amazing it is, the facilities, resources, setup and full-time programme and it’s one of the best in the world – and they have earned it with the results they’ve achieved.”
Glynn is charged with overseeing GB women’s forward cohort – the Kiwi finished with a national record 77 goals for the Black Sticks – and penalty corner routines. “I’ve got a lot of young, eager players who’ve made real progress over the last months,” she adds.
Not only that but the youthful forward line – most of whom have yet to experience an Olympics – is also prone to ask for extra tuition after training sessions.
“They have a full-time programme and they always ask for more after training,” she smiles. “They’re all really keen to improve, get out there and keep chipping away. As a coach, that’s what you want, you want them hungry for more. I love their attitude towards training; it keeps me on the turf for longer, but that’s where I like to be.”
Glynn took the tough decision to leave New Zealand with her fiancée left at home. While the world is currently full of uncertainties, the Olympics are still scheduled to go ahead and only then will the Kiwi’s future become clear.
“Taking the job on it was clear that we would not see each other for a year. We made that commitment and worked through it,” she says. “I’m not sure what will happen after Tokyo, there will be a review and we’ll see what happens then.”
Mark Hager and Katie Glynn, GB women’s coach and assistant coach
Hager on ‘hard-nosed’ Glynn
“She was a striker who had the ability to put the ball in the back of the net from anywhere in the circle. She had that goal sense about her and the different type of shots and she just developed her own style.
“It was difficult to keep her off the pitch. She had to retire due to back problems, her last game was the bronze match at the the 2014 Commonwealth Games and it was sad that her pain cut a very fine career short.”
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Germany set to play GB in London but wary of India, X-factors at Tokyo
S2H TEAM
As Germany prepare for their FIH Pro League double header against Great Britain in London due to take place on Wednesday, goalkeeper Mark Appel looked forward to the Olympics and cited India as one of the teams to be feared.
Much of this accrues, according to Appel from the Covid pandemic-induced slowdown of international activity which has meant that it’s difficult to gauge India’s tactics and strategies.
The German goalkeeper reportedly said: “They (India) beat us up (6-1 recently), if I’m honest, when they played us recently. This is what can happen. We still don’t know what is going on there in terms of squad preparation. We just don’t know what steps teams such as Australia or New Zealand have or haven’t made.
“This could be a major factor at the Olympics, you could get a lot of surprises, particularly in the group matches. For me, India is the perfect example of this, they have made huge improvements since last year.
Germany’s matches against India schedule to be held on May 22 have been postponed because of Covid issues. India’s other encounters against Spain and Great Britain scheduled in May have also been postponed. This is not only a setback for India but for their opponents too who in all probability were eager to size up their Asian opponents before the July’s Tokyo Olympics.
Of course, there are other teams who have been under the radar because of the rarity of international activities and that will be crucial according to Appel at the Tokyo Olympics especially in the pool stages.
Under head coach Kais Al Saadi, Germany have been blooding youngsters for the future – a strategy traditional to the country’s think-tank.
“For these two matches against Great Britain, we will be looking to maintain a high base level of performance, especially with a lot of new guys. It is important that they can all identify themselves within the team and we can get the mentality of playing for the German team as high as possible,” Appel asserted.
Germany are second in the table after leaders Belgium. They have 19 points from eight matches with a success percentage of 79.17. Belgium have 32 from 13 with 82.05.
Great Britain have just five points from eight matches at only 20.83 percentage success and are bottom of the nine-nation table.
In the women’s league, The Netherlands are well ahead of the pack with 29 points from 11 matches at 87.88%. Great Britain are fourth with 11 points from eight at 45.83%. Germany are fifth with 10 from six at 55.56%.
Percentage success may determine final standings if the league is further hampered by the pandemic.
The teams clash on both days at 2200hrs (IST). The women’s matches will be held at 0030 hrs (IST) on Thursday and Friday.
Stick2Hockey.com
Leah Wilkinson: Wales and Great Britain hockey player explains why she went back to school
By Tom Brown
Wilkinson plays alongside partner Sarah Jones for Wales and Great Britain.
For most athletes, training for an Olympic Games would be intense enough.
But Leah Wilkinson has added in a day at work too.
The Wales and Great Britain hockey player teaches history to sixth form students alongside her full-time training schedule with GB Hockey.
"I did miss teaching," said Wilkinson, who had taken a sabbatical from her job when she joined the Great Britain programme.
"For me it was really important I had a rounded approach. That involves being in touch with my work and being to use my brain in different ways away from the pitch.
"So it was a no brainer really."
Wilkinson made her debut for Great Britain in October 2019 and helped them qualify for the Tokyo Olympics less than a month later.
The 34-year-old earned a record 169 caps for Wales before making her Great Britain debut in the autumn of 2019.
Just weeks later she had helped GB qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and earned a full-time contract.
She took a six-month sabbatical from her teaching job in Surrey to train full-time for the Games. But their postponement in March 2020 meant it turned into a much longer time away from her school.
So earlier this year she opted to return to the classroom - either for real or virtually - for one day a week.
"The hockey was so exciting," Wilkinson continued. "But there were elements of me that missed a bit of routine.
"My life has been run by a bell for most of it. So I missed that, but also I missed my colleagues, I missed the kids - I can't believe I'm saying that - and I also missed actually teaching and the satisfaction of that.
"The one day a week this year has worked out absolutely perfectly."
The Pro League resumes
Wilkinson and her Great Britain team-mates will play their first competitive home internationals for more than 550 days this week.
Back-to-back matches against Germany in the Pro League will be followed by a double-header with the USA later in the month.
Crucial preparation for the Tokyo Games and potentially one final audition ahead of a competitive Olympic selection process for the players.
Only 16 women will make the final cut for the Olympics.
For Wilkinson, she is not just hoping to secure her own spot, but also hoping her partner and team-mate Sarah Jones joins her.
"I don't know if you can quite put into words what it would be like to be selected for an Olympic Games," Wilkinson continued.
"When you pick up a stick for the first time, it's the ultimate thing to be an Olympian. So to be within touching distance is magical.
"For us to both go would be absolutely amazing. I've seen how hard Sarah has worked for the four or five years she's been involved with the [GB] programme and the progress she's made. I really hope it'll happen."
Wilkinson's return to school is in preparation of being a full-time teacher again after the Games.
She and Jones, who got engaged in 2019, will also resume their wedding planning.
But for now there is an Olympic Games to prepare for - and nothing will get in the way.
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
BBC Sport
Four debutants in Black Sticks squads for Trans-Tasman series
Four uncapped players feature in the Vantage Black squads to face Australia in the Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series in Palmerston North in two weeks.
Head Coaches Darren Smith (men) and Graham Shaw (women) have today named squads of 22 for the four doubleheaders at Massey University from 27 May to 1 June.
Likely to make their debuts are Wellington defender Oliver MacIntyre and the Hawke’s Bay pair of Sean Findlay (midfielder) and Sam Hiha (striker), while Auckland striker Tyler Lench is the only uncapped player in the women’s squad.
Smith said it would be a special moment to see the men’s trio make their debuts.
“Sean, Oliver and Sam will get to pull on the black jersey for the first time – something that’s long been a dream of theirs and will now become a reality.”
The Black Sticks Men will welcome back prolific goalscorer Nick Wilson who last played for his country five years ago at the Rio Olympics. Wilson will play in front of his home crowd in Palmerston North for the first time despite having 170 caps for his country.
Smith said there was nothing like playing international hockey to fully test where we are at.
“The benefit of playing Australia is that their quality will fully run the ruler over our players and what we are trying to achieve as a team.”
The squads also feature six women (Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Samantha Charlton, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry and Kayla Whitelock) and five men (Steve Edwards, Shea McAleese, Stephen Jenness, Hugo Inglis and Blair Tarrant) with more than 200 caps.
Shaw felt he’d named a very strong side that will compete well against our rivals from across the ditch.
“There’s a group of very experienced players along with a number of really exciting youngsters including Tyler who has been working hard to get this opportunity.”
The matches will be the first internationals in New Zealand since the FIH Pro League was interrupted by Covid-19 in March last year.
“There’s real excitement in the squad about the opportunity to play an international after nearly 15 months without a game. The players have been craving this for quite a long time now,” said Shaw.
The Black Sticks squads for the Tokyo Olympics will be named in the week after the Trans-Tasman series.
Vantage Black Sticks squads for the Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series
Men: Steve Edwards, George Muir (North Harbour); Leon Hayward (GK), Jared Panchia (Auckland); Nic Woods (Waikato); Sean Findlay, Sam Hiha, Shea McAleese, Dylan Thomas (Hawke’s Bay); Nick Wilson (Manawatu); Stephen Jenness, Dane Lett, Oliver MacIntyre, Jacob Smith (Wellington); David Brydon, George Enersen (GK), Sam Lane, Dominic Newman (Canterbury); Hugo Inglis, Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Blair Tarrant (Otago).
Women: Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen (Northland); Steph Dickins (North Harbour); Katie Doar, Julia King, Tyler Lench, Grace O’Hanlon (GK), Liz Thompson (Auckland); Tarryn Davey (Thames Valley); Alia Jaques (Waikato); Samantha Charlton, Frances Davies, Rose Keddell (Tauranga); Holly Pearson, Hope Ralph (Taranaki); Georgia Barnett (GK), Kayla Whitelock, Olivia Shannon (Manawatu); Megan Hull (Wairarapa); Kelsey Smith (Nelson); Olivia Merry (Canterbury); Tessa Jopp (Otago).
Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series
27 May – 1 June
Massey University, Palmerston North
Thursday 27 May
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
Friday 28 May
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
Sunday 30 May
1pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
3pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
Tuesday 1 June
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
Tickets can be purchased at www.blacksticksnz.co.nz
All eight matches will be broadcast live on SKY Sport.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Four uncapped players to feature for Black Sticks in trans-Tasman hockey series
Nick Wilson, left, returns to the Black Sticks for the first time in five years against Australia in his hometown of Palmerston North. David Rogers/Getty Images
Four uncapped players have been named in the Black Sticks’ squads to face Australia in the upcoming trans-Tasman series in Palmerston North.
Head coaches Darren Smith (men) and Graham Shaw (women) have named squads of 22 for the four doubleheaders at Massey University from May 27-June 1.
Likely to make their debuts are Wellington defender Oliver MacIntyre and the Hawke’s Bay pair of Sean Findlay (midfielder) and Sam Hiha (striker). Auckland striker Tyler Lench is the only uncapped player in the women’s squad.
Smith said it would be a special moment to see the men’s trio make their debuts.
“Sean, Oliver, and Sam will get to pull on the black jersey for the first time – something that’s long been a dream of theirs and will now become a reality.”
The Black Sticks men welcome back prolific goal scorer Nick Wilson who last played for his country five years ago at the Rio Olympics. Wilson will play in front of his home crowd in Palmerston North for the first time, despite having 170 caps for his country.
Experienced Black Sticks women's hockey player Kayla Whitelock will be a vital figure against Australia. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Smith said there was nothing like playing international hockey to fully test where they were at.
“The benefit of playing Australia is that their quality will fully run the ruler over our players and what we are trying to achieve as a team.”
The squads also feature six women (Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Samantha Charlton, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry, and Kayla Whitelock) and five men (Steve Edwards, Shea McAleese, Stephen Jenness, Hugo Inglis, and Blair Tarrant) with more than 200 caps.
Shaw felt they had named a strong side that would compete well against Australia.
“There’s a group of very experienced players along with a number of really exciting youngsters, including Tyler [Lench] who has been working hard to get this opportunity.”
The matches will be the first internationals in New Zealand since the FIH Pro League was interrupted by Covid-19 in March last year.
Auckland’s Tyler Lench, pictured in 2014, is the only uncapped player in the women's Black Sticks to play Australia. Olivia Langford-Lee/Stuff
“There’s real excitement in the squad about the opportunity to play an international after nearly 15 months without a game. The players have been craving this for quite a long time now,” Shaw said.
The Black Sticks squads for the Tokyo Olympics will be named in the week after the Trans-Tasman series.
AT A GLANCE:
Black Sticks men: Steve Edwards, George Muir (North Harbour); Leon Hayward (GK), Jared Panchia (Auckland); Nic Woods (Waikato); Sean Findlay, Sam Hiha, Shea McAleese, Dylan Thomas (Hawke’s Bay); Nick Wilson (Manawatu); Stephen Jenness, Dane Lett, Oliver MacIntyre, Jacob Smith (Wellington); David Brydon, George Enersen (GK), Sam Lane, Dominic Newman (Canterbury); Hugo Inglis, Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Blair Tarrant (Otago).
Black Sticks women: Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen (Northland); Steph Dickins (North Harbour); Katie Doar, Julia King, Tyler Lench, Grace O’Hanlon (GK), Liz Thompson (Auckland); Tarryn Davey (Thames Valley); Alia Jaques (Waikato); Samantha Charlton, Frances Davies, Rose Keddell (Tauranga); Holly Pearson, Hope Ralph (Taranaki); Georgia Barnett (GK), Kayla Whitelock, Olivia Shannon (Manawatu); Megan Hull (Wairarapa); Kelsey Smith (Nelson); Olivia Merry (Canterbury); Tessa Jopp (Otago).
Stuff
Indian women's hockey team midfielder Neha Goyal aspires to realise her Olympic dream in Tokyo
'There is enough competition within the core group to make the final squad. I understand this Olympics may be very different from the previous ones. But representing India at the Olympics Games is every sports person's dream,' Goyal was quoted as saying by a Hockey India release.
File image of Neha Goyal. Image: Hockey India
Bengaluru: Representing India at the Olympic Games is every athlete's dream and she is no exception, says women's hockey team midfielder Neha Goyal, insisting that she would do all it takes to make the cut for the showpiece event.
The Olympics are scheduled to be held in July-August this year.
"There is enough competition within the core group to make the final squad. I understand this Olympics may be very different from the previous ones. But representing India at the Olympics Games is every sports person's dream," Goyal was quoted as saying by a Hockey India release.
"Listening to those very many stories from the seniors who played in Rio, obviously you don't want to miss a chance. It's this motivation that makes all of us give our 100 percent in every training session.
"I am definitely looking forward to make the team for my maiden Olympic Games," she said.
The Indian women's hockey team made history when it qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics after 36 years, and then followed it up with another ticket to the quadrennial event, this time in Tokyo to be held from 23 July to 8 August.
"Our focus now is to stay fit mentally and physically, improve our speed and stay injury-free in the build-up to the Games," Goyal said.
Firstpost
We need to score more goals: women's hockey forward Lalremsiami
Some important lessons learnt from a recent tour of Germany, India women's hockey team forward Lalremsiami said the team will look to become a better goal-scoring machine as it gears up for the Olympic Games.
Lalremsiami has played 64 matches for the national side and said that the tour of Germany in February-March this year as been quite an eye-opener.
"The tour of Germany was a tough one for us, but we got a chance to learn many things about our own game in the four matches that we played on the tour," shewas quoted as saying in a Hockey india press release.
"I think we needed to create more goal scoring opportunities in the tour of Germany and that will be our main focus this year. If we can create more goal scoring opportunities, then it will definitely hold us in good stead, especially in an Olympic year," added the 21-year-old.
Lalremsiami also said that she is looking to make a bigger impact for the Indian team this year.
"I have been in the team for four years now and 2021 will be the most important year in my career because it's an Olympic year. I have been very satisfied with the way my career has gone so far.
"However, I am looking to make a bigger impact...especially in the Olympics. I am very confident about my abilities and I sure that I can make more contributions to the Indian team's victories in the upcoming months," said the forward.
The Tribune
Stacia Strain appointed Jillaroos Head Coach
Former Hockeyroo Stacia Strain is the new Head Coach of Australia’s Under 21 Women’s Hockey Squad, the Jillaroos.
Strain has been appointed until the end of the year to guide and oversee the Jillaroos’ 2021 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup campaign.
The mother of two will perform the role on a part-time basis on secondment from her position as the Head Coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Women’s Hockey Program, a job she has held down since 2016.
Strain takes on the role left vacant by Katrina Powell following Powell’s appointment as the new Hockeyroos Head Coach.
“Stacia has played an integral role in the development of numerous current and former Hockeyroos, not only in helping them become elite players but also well-rounded people off the field,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.
“She has an impressive and proven track record and is familiar with the majority of players in the Jillaroos squad.”
“We are delighted Stacia has accepted the position on secondment and we are thankful to the Victorian Institute of Sport for allowing her to undertake the role.”
Strain, who was part of the Hockeyroos program as a player from 2009-2012, was a Jillaroos Assistant Coach for a Tri Nations Tournament in December 2019.
She took last year off on maternity leave, the timing a blessing in disguise with minimal hockey played because of COVID.
Now, after attending a Jillaroos camp back in March, she is excited to be given the opportunity to be heavily involved with the current crop of aspiring Hockeyroos.
“It is a really talented group of girls,” said Strain.
“The goal is to obviously go and win a gold medal at the Junior World Cup but it’s really about developing a holistic program for the girls to develop both individually as hockey players and as people.”
“Ultimately, this program is about preparing these girls to step into the Hockeyroos and for the Hockeyroos to be successful, so it’s an educational program.
“I am really passionate about that holistic approach as it can’t just be about their athletic prowess and abilities…it’s also about building their confidence and self belief.”
In addition to coaching Victorian state teams at senior, Under 21 and Under 18 level, Strain’s coaching qualifications include undertaking the AIS High Performance Coach Development Program in 2018 before being part of the AIS HP Coach Talent Program the following year.
“The Victorian Institute of Sport is thrilled for Stacia’s appointment as Junior World Cup Head Coach,” said VIS CEO Anne Marie Harrison.
“Stacia has made a significant contribution to the VIS Women’s Hockey program and has lead players through to the National Program.”
“At the VIS we are committed to support the development of our emerging coaches and this is an important step in Stacia’s career.
“We are excited to be able to support her and Hockey Australia through the process. We will be working with Hockey Australia to cover the gap in her absence.”
Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern said he is delighted to see Strain appointed to the national role.
“Stacia has made an incredible contribution to the development of female talent within Victoria,” said Skillern.
“Her experience will provide the emerging talent around the country with on and off field skills to prepare themselves for a long career in our sport at the highest level.”
One of Strain’s first responsibilities will be to attend the Australian Under 21 Championships in Moorebank NSW in late June where she will contribute to selection of the 27-athlete 2021 Junior World Cup squad.
The 2021 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa in December.
Hockey Australia media release
FIH Congress: 10 days to go!
Lausanne, Switzerland: Ten days ahead ofthe 47th FIH Congress, which will be held virtually on 22 May 2021, here’s a summary of the most important information to know:
Agenda
The agenda includes, amongst others:
- Elections for the position of FIH President and for four positions of EB Ordinary Member
- A vote on the admission of the following nations as new FIH Members:Gambia, Saudi Arabia and Timor Leste (all approved as provisional Members by the FIH Executive Board on 22 October 2020);
- A vote on the admission as FIH Member of a new National Association (NA) in Indonesia, which is recognised by the Indonesian NOC. This is due to the non-fulfilment of their obligations by the current NA. It requires however that the Congress first expels the current NA;
- A decision to approve the use of gender-neutral terms in the FIH Statutes;
- A decision to extend FIH’s purpose and powers within its Statutes to any virtual or e-gaming activities and competitions for the future
Elections
Elections will be conducted via e-voting (art. 6.3 c) FIH Statutes) and overseen by the FIH Elections Oversight Panel (EOP), as stipulated in the FIH Elections Manual (art. 11). UK company Lumi will operate the e-voting process. Furthermore, FIH has appointed an independent notary (from UK firm Cheeswrights Scrivener Notaries LLP), who will chair and oversee the election process. His powers are delegated by the Elections Oversight Panel.
Regarding the elections for the positions of EB Ordinary Member, Ediga Bede Agbo (NGR) has informed the FIH Elections Oversight Panel that he had withdrawn his candidacy.
Congress live on Watch.Hockey
The whole Congress will be live on Watch.Hockey.
It will start at 11am CEST on 22 May and is tentatively planned to finish at 3:30pm CEST (the end time is of course flexible).
Post-Congress press conference
The elected FIH President and the FIH CEO will hold a press conference which will start 45 minutes after the end of the Congress (note: since the time of the end of the Congress is flexible, it is not possible to give a more precise starting time for this press conference).
This press conference will be held online on Zoom.
Media representatives wishing to attend this press conference are required to register here until 17 May. Registered media representatives will receive the Zoom link in advance.
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
Vale Meg Wilson
Hockey Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of former Hockeyroo Meg Wilson (née Weaver) OAM AM on 7 May 2021.
Born on 22 January 1925 in Tasmania, Meg became the 122nd player capped for the Hockeyroos, making her debut on 4 September 1948.
Meg made a profound contribution to women’s hockey in Australia and was a devoted and tireless servant and ambassador for the sport throughout her life. Her contribution to the game she loved was felt not only in her homeland but around the world.
As a player, Meg represented Tasmania from 1946-1950, captaining the state team for three of those years. She was selected for the All Australian team at each of her five interstate tournaments and was a member of the 1948 Australian Touring Team to New Zealand.
Following her successful playing career Meg became a state A Umpire. She began coaching the Tasmanian team in 1958 and held that position until 1963, then after a four-year break resumed coaching the state team from 1968 to 1980. She also coached and managed the Australian team at the IFWHA Tournament in 1975.
In 1971 Meg was awarded Life Membership of the Australian Women’s Hockey Association (AWHA) where she fulfilled the role of President between 1985 and 1996. Meg was an inspired choice as President, proving to have the leadership skills needed to lead the association toward becoming the leading women’s hockey nation.
She was also President of the Tasmanian Women’s Hockey Association (TWHA) from 1966-1989, an Association she would become a Life Member of.
Meg received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the sport of hockey in 1985, and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to hockey in 1991.
Her administration acumen and knowledge of both the on and off field aspects of hockey saw Meg appointed Vice President of the Oceania Hockey Federation, a role she fulfilled for two decades. For a period of this time Meg was also a selector for the AWHA and convenor of the AWHA Selection Committee. She also sat on the board of the Tasmanian Sports Institute.
She was appointed as the first Australian Women’s Hockey Association (AWHA) representative to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Council in 1986 and quickly earned the respect of other representatives. Induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame followed in 1990.
Meg’s passion for the sport at all levels saw her develop and introduce the games of Minky and Half Field hockey (both modified rules for juniors) to be promoted at primary schools throughout Australia.
Making Meg’s life and what she gave of herself even more remarkable was the fact her husband Bill died when she was only 28 years old leaving her widowed with a six-month-old daughter.
The Australian hockey community extends its condolences to Meg’s family and joins them in acknowledging her remarkable life and achievements.
Hockey Australia wishes to thank and acknowledge Janet Beverley, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Hockey Tasmania for the information.
Hockey Australia media release
Former hockey umpire Ravinder Sodhi dies of COVID-19 complications
Former hockey umpire and technical official Ravinder Singh Sodhi died here on Wednesday due to coronavirus-related complications.
He was 66.
"He passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday, 12 May 2021 following Covid-related complications," a Hockey India (HI) release stated.
HI President Gyanendro Ningombam condoled the death of Sodhi.
"We at Hockey India are extremely saddened to hear the news of Ravinder's demise," he said.
"His passing away has shocked the hockey fraternity. We extend our deepest condolences to his family in this moment of grief." Sodhi had officiated in several top domestic hockey events. He had also officiated at the 1988 Indira Gandhi International Hockey Gold Cup in Lucknow.
The Tribune