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News for 04 June 2021

All the news for Friday 4 June 2021


EuroHockey Championship 2021 Men - 4 June
Amsterdam, Netherlands

4 Jun 2021 17:00 (GMT +2)     GER v WAL (Pool B)
4 Jun 2021 20:00 (GMT +2)      NED v FRA (Pool B)

5 Jun 2021 11:00 (GMT +2)      ENG v RUS (Pool A)
5 Jun 2021 13:15 (GMT +2)      BEL v ESP (Pool A)
5 Jun 2021 20:15 (GMT +2)      FRA v WAL (Pool B)

FIH Match Centre



Fans to attend EuroHockey Championships in The Netherlands

By Liam Morgan


The Netherlands will be aiming for a third straight women's EuroHockey title ©Getty Images

Hosts The Netherlands and Belgium will bid to retain their respective women's and men's titles in front of fans at the EuroHockey Championships in Amstelveen.

The European Hockey Federation said "thousands" of spectators will be inside the Wagener Stadium throughout the tournament, which begins with two men's matches today.

Fans have been absent from hockey grounds across the world for the best part of the last 18 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Dutch women and the Belgian men will compete at the continental tournament fresh from wrapping up the Hockey Pro League titles last weekend.

The Netherlands - the three-time world champions who are seeking a third consecutive women's crown - will play Ireland in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, as well as Spain and Scotland, in Pool A.


Belgium are seeking to retain their men's title, which they won for the first time in 2019 ©Getty Images

England, Italy, Germany and Belgium make up Pool B of the women's event.

Belgium's men also arrive at the EuroHockey Championship as the reigning world and European champions, and the top-ranked team in the world.

They have been drawn with Spain, who they beat to win their first EuroHockey Championship in 2019, England and Wales in Pool A.

Pool B comprises the hosts, Germany, Wales and France.

The top five finishers will qualify for the 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup, due to be held in India.

Germany are scheduled to open the event against Wales today, before the Dutch play France.

Inside the Games



Olympic Selection: Will the threesome make it a hat-trick?

K. ARUMUGAM



Getting selected for the Olympics even once is a dream for any player. If one gets into the Olympics team twice is in itself a feat. Third is definitely a leap into history books. Currently, three Indian captains in the Olympics Core Group — PR Sreejesh, SV Sunil, Manpreet Singh — are in the reckoning for their third number, and thus just moments away from entering the elite echelon.


P R Sreejesh

Since synthetic turf was introduced in the 1976 Olympics, only EIGHT players have  obtained the distinction of triple Olympians. They are 80s stars MM Somaya, Mervyn Fernandis, Md. Shahid and Pargat Singh and then the 90s trio of  right winger Mukesh Kumar, centre-forward Dhanraj Pillay (we went on to play four times), Defender Dilip Tirkey and inside-forward Baljit Singh Dhillon.

Its stressed that some players like Ajit Pal Singh too figured in three Olympics (1968 to 1976)  but one of them was on grass. This article deals triple Olympians on synthetic turf.

Eleven Olympics have taken place from Montreal (1976) to Rio (2016), About 150 Indian players have taken part in them. Out of the stock, only  eight players have got the Triple-Olympian tag. This speaks for the rarity of triple Olympians. It is subject matter for research on the specifics of how they survived such long spell of competitive hockey.

Now, let’s come to current crop of Olympic hopefuls undergoing the last phase of practice, and trials matches at Bengaluru,

The threesome — goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, forward SV Sunil and Manpreet Singh — are in the real chance of making it their third.


Manpreet Singh

It seems both Sreejesh and Manpreet will definitely make it to Tokyo. A shade of doubt persists with respect to resilient Sunil.

SV Sunil, who  made his international debut in 2007, is on his 14th year of competitive hockey. But for India missing out the Beijing number, he could now be running for his fourth Olympics

Manpreet played for India four years after Sunil’s debut. Unlike Sunil, he played his first Olympics the very next year.

Goalie PR Sreejesh, who India at Rio, made his debut technically in 2004 against visiting France, but it was considered B team of India. He again played for India two years later at the South Asian Federation Games (2006). Here too, the second team of India took part. He cemented his place in the senior team since playing in the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. By age, caps and longevity, he stands heads and shoulders above the two.

It is to be seen that whether all the three players, who are doing immense service to our sport, will be able to make a historic triple Olympian label.

It is expected that the Indian men’s hockey team for the Tokyo Olympics will be announced in about a week’s time.

The focus when it happens, will be to locate all the above three names.

Stick2Hockey.com



Indian women's hockey team biological clock already on Tokyo time

The members of the Indian women's hockey team have been training for the upcoming Olympics in such a manner that their biological clock is already set to the Tokyo time


Indian women's hockey team | Photo: Official Website Of Hockey India

The members of the Indian women's hockey team have been training for the upcoming Olympics in such a manner that their biological clock is already set to the Tokyo time, says senior mid-fielder Namita Toppo.

With less than 50 days to go for the Tokyo Games, there is a lot of excitement among the members of the Indian women's Olympic core probable group which currently training in a bio-secure environment at the SAI Centre here.

"Fitness continues to be a key area of focus," Toppo said in a release.

"The weather in Tokyo is going to be quite challenging and our training sessions are planned in such a way that our biological clock is set to the time we will be playing matches in Tokyo.

"We are also playing a lot of internal matches to build that match-momentum. There is just a lot of enthusiasm in the team with less than 50 days for the Games to begin and we are not letting any external factor affect our excitement," Toppo added.

The selection of the final 16 players who will represent the country in Tokyo is awaited and Toppo said there is no dearth of talent in the squad with several youngsters rising the ranks.

"Over the past three years, a very talented bunch of young players have made it to the senior core group who have really done well for the team in international tours, and they have also gained experience of playing in big-ticket events including the Asian Games and the World Cup...

"...so in that sense, it's not guaranteed that any players has an assured place in the team for the Olympics."

Toppo, who has over 160 international caps and was also part of the team that represented India at the Rio Olympics for the first time in 36 years, said that all the players will have to give it their all in every single session if they want to see themselves in the final 16 for Tokyo.

Speaking of the prospects of playing at the Olympics for the second time, Toppo said, "It would be fantastic if I get to play in the Olympics for the second time. But for now, my focus is to continue working hard and execute on a daily basis what is expected of me from the coaching staff.

Business Standard



2 Indian hockey umpires training hard for Tokyo Olympics

Raghuprasad RV and Javed Shaikh are among a panel of 14 umpires who have been picked to officiate at the Olympics, scheduled to be staged from July 23 to August 8.

Two Indian hockey umpires who will officiate at the upcoming Olympic Games are getting ready for the assignment by carrying out varied fitness training, including the yo-yo test. Raghuprasad RV and Javed Shaikh are among a panel of 14 umpires who have been picked to officiate at the Olympics, scheduled to be staged from July 23 to August 8.

"I am currently doing my fitness training at home in Bengaluru. I attend online fitness classes every morning. I basically carry out strength and conditioning exercises, which strengthens my mobility and agility skills," said Raghuprasad, who has umpired at Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Cups.

"We are doing briefing sessions with the FIH for the Tokyo Olympics as well. We are shown clips from previous matches, and we discuss an umpire's decision-making for certain scenarios such as penalty corners, video umpiring and so on," he said.

Shaikh, who has also officiated at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the World Cup, said the fitness schedule includes yo-yo tests.

"We have been giving FIH fitness tests every two-three months in the last one and a half years. Fitness tests include a yo-yo test and repeated sprint ability (RS) test. We have to record our tests on video and send it to the FIH umpires managers, who grade us according to our performance," he said.

Times Now



Second European Tour sets up final training block before Tokyo Games

Men’s National Team returns from Europe with Tokyo on its mind


Feature Image: Emma Van Mol Photography

Going on training tours and playing practice matches is common practice when preparing for major tournaments. With that in mind, there has been nothing common about the 2021 season for the Men’s National Team.

At the start of the new year, it appeared there may be no international travel. But adhering to rigorous caution and COVID-19 guidelines, the Men’s National Team was able to travel to Europe for a training tour in April. The experience was unique with rapid tests, masks, and quarantines. But, it proved to be safe, and set a precedent for the team to be able to travel and play safely.

Over the last two weeks, the team traveled again to Belgium and Germany to train full-time and play practice matches against international teams. For forward, Matt Sarmento, it felt like a return to the norm in some ways.

“The team is used to being on tour in preparation for major tournaments, so this really felt like we were back,” Sarmento said. “Especially after such an extended pause in competition then getting that first tour under our belts. It really felt good to get back and get competitive games.”

Sarmento admits, due to all the regulations and guidelines, it isn’t the exact same. But the important part is to get those matches against strong sides. The team played against France, Belgium, and Germany; all ranked inside the top-12 in the world.

“The access to competition is crucial to our preparations, even more so that we have a new coaching staff this year,” Sarmento said. “Nothing compares to the competition environment. Considering everything, it’s been a luxury to face a bunch of top-10 teams in the last few months.”

For Head Coach Pasha Gademan, the priority has been simply getting that vital competition exposure. From there, he and his staff are working to nail down the style of play that fits this team and player group. The original plan was to play Argentina twice prior to playing France and Belgium, but with Argentina pulling out due to travel restrictions, the team was forced to adapt.

“Quite simply, I’m happy that we got to play competitive matches against good teams,” he said. “You can train as much as you want but you never really know how you are doing until you’re tested in a game situation. The game scenarios expose your stronger points and your weaker points.”
















Canada played against Belgium, France and Germany during their May tour to Europe. Photos: Emma Van Mol

For Gademan, these training tours are about focussing on the process. He and the MNT coaching staff build on the strengths and work to mitigate gaps. The tours are about perfecting the structures that will have the most success in Tokyo. The practice matches haven’t been all about the wins and losses, but as a competitor, he confessed that he feels the game pressure just the same.

“I’ll admit that it definitely felt nice to get that win against France,” he said. “And then at the same time, we had some tough losses where we can expect more from ourselves. After a rough start to the tour, I think the team responded well. Now, it’s about how we can use our performances to set ourselves up for Tokyo.”








The Red Caribou winning their practice match against France, 4-3. Photos: Lars Kopp (@lars.kopp.photosport)

THE HOME STRETCH

The team is back, centralized in Vancouver, BC. As soon as they complete their mandatory return quarantine, the team will be back on the pitch, in the gym and pushing hard for the finish line.

The original plan was to stage prior to the Olympic Games in Fukui, Japan and get acclimatized. Due to the state of emergency in several Japanese areas, this early departure has been cancelled. Safety of the people in Fukui as well as Field Hockey Canada’s athletes, coaches and staff come first. The High-Performance leadership and coaching staff are currently doing everything they can to set the MNT up for some pre-tournament prep, whatever that may look like.

As a result, the team will double-down on their work in the domestic training environment to simulate game situations, engage in intra-squad scrimmages and set themselves up the best they can at home.

“We’re going to take what we learned on tour and hammer through our systems and structures. We’ll have an intense block of training starting now,” Sarmento said. “The energy is really positive in the group. Everyone is super excited to be preparing for the Olympics.”












The Men’s National Team now returns to the domestic environment for the final training block prior to the Tokyo Games.

With the final Olympic roster yet to be determined, this block is also the last evaluation period for the coaching staff. According to Gademan, the internal pressure can build but never at the expense of everyone’s drive to make the team better. He said the team will take every advantage over the next two months to prepare for success in Tokyo.

“This is a unique group of guys. They have a camaraderie that is so rarely seen. Even in the fight for nomination for the team, they are so supportive of each other. This is one of our strongest points,” Gademan said. “We will make the best out of the time we have here in this training environment.”

The Men’s National Team coaching staff will be nominating 16 players (plus reserves) to represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympic Games. This roster announcement will happen at the end of June. Stay tuned and join the Men’s National Team’s Road to Tokyo here.










Photos: Lars Kopp (@lars.kopp.photosport)

NEW: LISTEN TO FIELD HOCKEY CANADA’S NEW PODCAST

The Scoop is a Field Hockey Canada interview show co-hosted by Kevin Underhill and Ali Baggott. The show shares the voices and stories of the Canadian field hockey community. Season one of the Scoop will follow the Men’s National Team on their Road to Tokyo. Each episode will feature an interview with an athlete or coach and will be centred around their hockey experiences and their preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Oman to host first-ever FIH Hockey5s World Cup



Lausanne, Switzerland: Upon recommendation from the Task Force Events Bidding (comprising of EB Members of all five Continental Federations), the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed Oman as the host country for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cups (Men and Women) to be played in January 2024. Matches will take place in Oman’s capital city, Muscat.

The Hockey5s’ flagship event is a brand-new FIH competition. 16 teams per gender (3 per continent + Oman, as hosts) will take part in this very first edition.

FIH had also received bids from India, Pakistan and Singapore to host this event.

Continental Hockey5s qualifiers for the World Cup will be organized in 2022.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “We’re looking forward to a wonderful inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman. This surely will be a great boost for the promotion of hockey both in the country and in the whole region. We’re convinced that Hockey5s will play a key role in the growth of hockey worldwide. This is why this World Cup has been created, as well as a Hockey5s World Tour which we are currently working on and which fans and athletes will have a glimpse of soon with the FIH Hockey5s Lausanne 2021 event.”

Oman Hockey Association President Captain Talib Al Wahaibi said: “I am very pleased and delighted. We happily undertake this great responsibility to deliver the first ever FIH Hockey 5s World Cup at the highest possible standard. We will build state-of-the-art facilities and provide best conditions for the athletes. It is a matter of pride for me, Sultanate of Oman, and Oman hockey. Our sincere gratitude for giving us the responsibility of hosting the FIH Hockey 5s World Cup for Men and Women. Winning the rights to host this innovative and attractive hockey tournament will open up great horizons and showcase the Sultanate of Oman around the world.”

In 2019, the FIH Executive Board decided to create an FIH Hockey5s World Cup, with a view to further boosting the development of hockey globally through the promotion of its 5-a-side format.

Hockey5s is played with 5 athletes per team. It is particularly known for its non-stop end to end action, since the ball is in play for about 90% of a match, thanks to rebound-boards placed against the outside of the side-lines and back-lines. Furthermore, there are usually more goals with Hockey5s than with the more traditional 11-a-side format of hockey, since players can score from anywhere after the attacking line.

Played in about 70 countries in the world, Hockey5s was the most attended sport at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with no less than 200’000 spectators!

For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels - FacebookInstagram and Twitter – and website.

FIH site



Legendary Moments: Two sides of one thrilling match



In the continuation of our Legendary Moments series we talk to two protagonists from different sides of the same match.

Reena Khokhar and Lauren Moyer represented India and the USA respectively in the 2019 Olympic Qualifiers in Delhi. Both teams needed to win the double header match to secure their place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. At the end of the first match it looked like a sure fire passage to Tokyo for India as the home side took a 5-1 lead.

However, the USA team knew they were only half-way through the fixture and, in sport, anything can happen. With 48 minutes of the second match played, they had clawed back the deficit with a sparkling and energetic performance that had taken them to 4-0, meaning the teams were level at this point.

Just 60 seconds later and USA hearts were broken and the Indian players were jubilant as India’s captain Rani scored the decisive goal that would see her team win the contest 6-5 and hence qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

With the Games now less than 100 days away, FIH spoke to Lauren Moyer and Reena Khokhar to get their respective opinions on that epic match and how it has shaped them for the future.

“That match was an absolute roller-coaster,” says Moyer. “The highest of highs and the most unspeakable low of lows.”

She explained how, in the months leading up to the match, she, her team mates and the coaching staff had been meticulous in their preparations.

“We had talked through almost every situation in preparation for the Olympic Qualifier, so we knew what we needed from each other heading into a deficit. It wasn’t in the plan to be down that number of goals but we re-grouped and briefed for the game.

“We collectively understood that we had to start climbing this mountain one moment and one goal at a time. There was nothing to lose. That mentality allowed us to just play. Staying in the present was key. Looking forward or looking back would have been destructive.”

As the first half of the match unfolded, the USA started scoring goals. By half-time they were 4-0 up and the momentum was coursing through the team.

“There was a wave of energy within the team,” says Moyer. “That was the team that should have showed up for the first minute of the first game. It was a unique and unifying moment to be a part of.”

Half-time couldn’t come quickly enough for India and the break in play gave the home side a chance to regroup. As she has done so many times, India’s captain Rani seized the initiative and smashed the ball past the USA defence to give her team a much needed goal and a respite from the USA onslaught.

“Credit to Rani, what a finish,” says Moyer. “But even after she scored, we still believed that we could go on to score and draw, then win the game. The reality and the unbelievable low didn’t hit until the final whistle. The other team and the stadium full of people were celebrating the very thing that we had wanted so badly. The atmosphere among the team was just one of numbness.

“For months afterwards I tried to pretend that game hadn’t happened. I couldn’t talk about it. Finally I decided I needed to move on and use it for the future. I look back on that game and the other things I had been a part of – the Pan Am Games, the World Cup in London – I believe all those events had built up to that Olympic Qualifier.

“Lock-down gave me a chance to reflect on how I could have been a better team mate, a better player. Every minute detail of me as a person and a player. I used that experience to grow and heal and come back to the national team revamped and refreshed. I know that I will step back on the pitch as a better player and a better person.”

For Reena Khokhar, her memories of the two matches are almost a mirror reflection of Moyer’s recollections. For the home team, the opening match was where they hit their stride and Khokhar says the first game of the double header saw India playing some of the best hockey they had played as a group.

“We hadn’t played in India in an international match for a long time and the expectations from within the team, but also among the crowd, was very high. We played the first match very well – with a lot of aggression and momentum – but we were very aware however that we were only half way there. We had seen other teams in other matches take a strong lead in the first match and end up losing. So we were prepared for that. We thought of the second match as being back to 0-0.”

Even with this resolute mindset, India were rocked by the turnaround from the USA team. Suddenly, the home side were on the back foot and USA were the side with the momentum and aggression in their play.

“The USA played very well in the second match. We couldn’t quite understand it because we felt as if we were playing our best as well. I think the match was so important that we started almost trying too hard. Everyone was trying to do their job and almost over-thinking it. We were trying but nothing was happening.

“At half-time the coach was very calm. He said: ‘there are still 30 minutes, you can do anything you want to.’ We started anew, with the aggression and excitement that we had in the first game. The coach must take a lot of credit for the way we played in the second half. He instilled a lot of belief back into us when we needed it most.’

And, as the final results show, it was India who found the resolve to score the winning goal and secure their place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

With a huge smile on her face, Khokhar says: “When Rani scored, it was the best moment. In fact, for many of us, it was the best moment we have had on a hockey pitch so far.”

Watch the full interviews with Lauren Moyer and Reena Khokar here, and view the full, enthralling match tomorrow.

#LegendaryMoments

FIH site



Teams Confirmed For 2021/22 Vitality Women's Hockey League And Men's Hockey League



England Hockey have confirmed the make-up of the Vitality Women's Hockey League and Men's Hockey League (EHL) Premier Divisions, Division One and Conferences for the 2021/22 season.

With the 2020/21 season declared null & void - and therefore no promotion and relegation within the EHL Divisions - the same 11 teams will compete in the Premier Divisions next season. The make-up of Division One North and South is also unchanged.

The restructure of the sport’s governance means that eight Area Leagues will sit below the EHL national divisions from next season, with a Midlands Conference added to the existing North, West and East Conferences.   

The existing 30 teams who competed in the EHL Conferences in 2020/21 have been joined by two teams from each of the five Regional Leagues. Due to the pandemic, these teams have been included based on their final positions at the end of the 2019/20 season.   

With the EHL now boasting four Conferences, there is a clear promotion/relegation process in place with each Area League winner promoted and the bottom two teams in each Conference relegated. The make-up of the Conferences reflects that there is a clearer geographic pyramid in place and are shown on the accompanying maps.





England Hockey Board Media release



UNC's Matson Repeats as Honda Sport Award Winner for Field Hockey

By UNC ATHLETIC COMMUNCIATIONS



CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - For the second year in a row, UNC’s Erin Matson is the winner of the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey.
 
A junior forward from Chadds Ford, Pa., Matson is the fifth Tar Heel on the seventh occasion to be honored with the Honda Award as the nation’s top field hockey player. The recognition comes following a season in which UNC finished 19-1 and won its third consecutive NCAA title and the eighth in program history.
 
Matson the second UNC player to win the Honda Award twice and she gives the Tar Heels a three-year streak of recipients. Previous Carolina winners, with years corresponding to the season for which they were honored, are Leslie Lyness (1989), Cindy Werley (1996 and 1997), Rachel Dawson (2007), Ashley Hoffman (2018) and Matson (2019).
 
In addition to athletic success, the award is based on leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service
The honor was announced on Wednesday by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA), which presents the Honda Sport Award annually in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports.
 
“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey again this year,” Matson said. “It means the world to me to be selected especially after a year when everyone had to overcome so many unique challenges. I couldn’t be more thankful for my coaches and UNC field hockey sisters. We play for Carolina, our beautiful university, our incredible athletics program and coaching staff, the sport of field hockey, and each other. We grew together, laughed together, and were able to win another national championship for UNC. With the Honda Award being more than an athletic award, it also makes me so proud to be able to represent Carolina and my family in winning again.”
 
Matson was chosen by a vote of administrators from over 1,000 NCAA member schools. Other finalists were Sophie Hamilton (UConn), Megan Schneider (Louisville) and Corrine Zanolli (Stanford).
 
During the extended 2020-21 season, Matson led UNC to the 23rd Atlantic Coast Conference Championship in program history and a third-consecutive NCAA Championship. In the process, she was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player for the second year in a row and ACC Offensive Player of the Year for the third time. She led the led the nation in goals per game (1.45) and ranked second in points per game (3.35).
 
The Tar Heels are 65-1 through Matson’s first three years in Chapel Hill, with national and conference crowns each year.
 
“I congratulate Erin on once again earning this award and I want to be clear in saying that she has in no way rested on her laurels in the past year,” said head coach Karen Shelton, who remains the only field hockey player ever to win the Honda Award three times. “She continues to be one of the hardest workers on our team and she’s always working to get better. She’s very talented, but she also has such competitive fire and a drive to improve. And she’s a great teammate – she scores a lot but she’s also our best passer, making those around her better, and she’s one of our most trusted voices in the locker room. Erin is now the second player in our program’s history to win this award twice, and we’re so proud of her and thrilled she’s a Tar Heel.”
 
The winner of the sport award becomes a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the prestigious 2021 Honda Cup, which will be presented on a telecast on CBS Sports Network on June 28th at 9 pm. Since commencing its partnership in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.4 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs.

The ACC 



Richie and Gemma McCaw announce birth of baby Grace


We’re excited to announce the arrival of Grace Isabelle McCaw, born 30.5.21. Mum and baby are doing well and Charlotte is excited to have a new sister. Image: Richie McCaw Instagram

Richie and Gemma McCaw have announced the birth of their second child. Grace Isabelle McCaw was born on May 30, 2021.

“Mum and baby are doing well and Charlotte is excited to have a new sister,” the former All Blacks captain wrote in a post on Instagram on Thursday night.

”Congrats Skip. So happy for you guys,” former All Black Dan Carter wrote in response to the announcement.

”Congrats mate, love to the family,” added former Crusaders star Israel Dagg.


Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw with daughter Charlotte and wife Gemma McCaw after a Black Sticks game last year. Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

The Kiwi sporting power couple announced they were expecting a second child back in January.

“Gem and I are excited to share the news that we are expecting another baby later this year. Charlotte can’t wait to be a big sister,” Richie wrote on Instagram at the time.

The post was accompanied by a photo of a pair of knitted booties on a rock.

While they didn’t confirm the gender at the time, some speculated that it may be another girl, as the booties appeared to be pink – speculation that has turned out to be correct.

The couple’s first child, Charlotte Rose McCaw, was born back in 2018.

At the time, the couple said they were excited to welcome their first baby to the world.

“Our hearts are so full,” the proud parents said at the time.

Stuff



Cathy McGuirk, Longtime Branford Field Hockey Coach, Dies

By Joe Morelli


Image Courtesy of Peter Hvizdak

Former longtime Branford field hockey coach Cathy McGuirk died on Monday. She was 76.

McGuirk, who coached at Branford for 41 seasons, had been battling ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, since last spring.

Former longtime boys and girls swimming coach John O’Connor said he spoke to Cathy’s husband John Monday evening.

“Cathy loved every kid she ever coached,” said O’Connor, who coached swimming for 45 seasons. “It went way beyond coaching with her. She was a special, special person.”

Former longtime Branford co-athletic director Jake Palluzzi said he and Sav Synodi, the other former AD, had seen McGuirk a couple of weeks back at the school.

“We hadn’t seen her for a long time. She had that big smile on her face,” Palluzzi said. “Those players, she treated them like they were her own kids. She always stayed in touch with as many of them as she could.”

McGuirk retired in January of 2018 with a 558-129-66-12 record, including 10 state championships in 14 finals’ appearances. She also won 17 regular-season league titles.

The Hornets reached the CIAC state tournament for 40 consecutive seasons under McGuirk.

“My life would look entirely different without Coach McGuirk,” said former co-captain Jenna Limone (2008-11), now an assistant coach herself at Branford. “Her support took me on a path that has led me to some of the most important people in my life. She’s the reason I decided to come back and coach at Branford.”

Last fall, Limone helped organize an event called MilesForMcGuirk, a virtual 5-kilometer, that raised approximately $17,000, the proceeds going toward ALS research.

“Coach McGuirk epitomized selflessness and unconditional love through her coaching,” Limone said.

McGuirk has been inducted into six different halls of fame, including ones for Branford Sports, the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and Connecticut Field Hockey. She was named National Coach of the Year in 1994.

John McGuirk coached alongside Cathy for most of her tenure.

Services are pending.

Content Courtesy of Joe Morelli & Gametime CT

USFHA media release

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