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All the news for Saturday 26 June 2021

2020-21 FIH Pro League (M) - 26 June

Perth Hockey Stadium

All times GMT +8

26 Jun 2021     AUS v NZL (RR)   7 -3
27 Jun 2021 12:30     AUS v NZL (RR)

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

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

2020-21 FIH Pro League (W) - 26 June

Perth Hockey Stadium

All times GMT +8

26 Jun 2021     AUS v NZL (RR)   2 - 2 ( SO 0 - 2)
27 Jun 2021 15:00     AUS v NZL (RR)

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

Pool Standings

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

Goals galore in Perth in penultimate FIH Hockey Pro League matches

By Sarah Juggins



It was goals galore at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Western Australia as the first of two men’s and women’s FIH Hockey Pro League matches played out to an enthusiastic crowd. For the respective Head Coaches of each national team these final FIH Hockey Pro League Season Two games provide a great opportunity to see their teams in fiercely competitive action. It wasn’t perfect hockey, but as the goals just kept coming and the tempo of both games reached incredible heights, this was hockey at its gritty best.

The men’s FIH Hockey Pro League match between Australia and New Zealand provided a 10-goal exhibition of physical, fast, attacking hockey for the fans gathered at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

While the scoreline reflects the Kookaburras’ attacking prowess, this was a far from one-sided game. New Zealand hassled and harried their Oceanic rivals and, at times, had the Kookaburras scrambling the ball out of defence.

But ultimately, class in front of goal shone through. Australia took a three goal lead in the first 20 minutes through Flynn Ogilvie, Trent Mitton and Jeremy Hayward – whose brother Leon was in the New Zealand goal.

New Zealand pulled one back before the break through Sam Lane.

After half-time, the Black Sticks added a second through Stephen Jenness before Blake Govers and Hayward made it 5-2. Nick Wilson picked off a penalty corner to bring the scores to 5-3 but then Jake Whetton and Tim Brand added to the scoreline to make it a convincing win for Australia.

Speaking after the match, Player of the Match Aran Zalewski spoke of the joy of playing in front of fans, although he added he would have liked to have seen fewer goals going into the Kookaburra goal.

New Zealand’s captain Blair Tarrant also spoke of the excitement of travelling to play hockey again and what that meant to the players, but added that he was far from happy with the scoreline.

In the women’s match, Australia got off to a flying start as first Rose Malone and then Emily Chalker scored in the first five minutes of the match. New Zealand played their way back into the game, led by the ever-dependable Stacey Michelsen, who scored a fine goal after dribbling through the defence to fire home a reverse stick shot. The equaliser was scored in the third quarter by Hope Ralph, who latched onto a rebound shot from Rose Keddell.

The final quarter saw a lot of pressure from Katrina Powell’s team but the Blacksticks held firm in defence and the match went to shoot-out.

Both goalkeepers were excellent as the first three attackers from each side failed to find a way to score. While Rachael Lynch was good for Australia, her New Zealand counterpart Grace O’Hanlon was on another level as she saved four attempts. Goals from Samantha Charlton and Julia King meant New Zealand took the bonus point and the stage is set for a fantastic rematch tomorrow.

Speaking after the game captain of New Zealand and Player of the Match Stacey Michelsen said: "Obviously we didn't get off to a great start. But we turned it round and brought great energy to the game. Just so good to get a couple of other games before Tokyo."

Australia's captain Jane Claxton added: "We had a great start, but we have to learn to maintain it throughout the game. We need to learn to connect together and build relationships leading into Tokyo as we have had a long time without playing together."

Official FIH Pro League Site

Potent Kookaburras put seven past Black Sticks



The Kookaburras have put on a scoring exhibition, winning a 7-3 goal fest against New Zealand in their FIH Pro League match at Perth Hockey Stadium.

A double from Jeremy Hayward plus goals from Flynn Ogilvie, Trent Mitton, Blake Govers, Tim Brand and Jake Whetton saw the home side run away with victory in front of a parochial crowd.

With both sides largely fielding their teams that will line up for the Tokyo Olympics in under a month, the Kookaburras were made to work in their first international on Australian soil since 7 March last year.

The Black Sticks had their opportunities, showing marked improvement from the recent Trans-Tasman Series, but the Kookaburras had all the answers when it counted.

Blake Govers tested Black Sticks goalkeeper Leon Hayward with an on target drag flick in the game’s first real chance, before Jeremy Hayward brought the best out of his brother moments later with another powerful shot.

New Zealand had a couple of unsuccessful consecutive penalty corners attempts before the Kookaburras struck.

Dylan Martin sent a purposeful long ball into the circle where Ogilvie snuck in front of the Black Sticks defender, getting the deftest of touches to guide the ball into the backboard.

Mitton doubled the advantage six minutes later. Lachlan Sharp did well on the base line, the ball spilling out to Mitton who had enough power behind his shot to get it past Leon Hayward.

A superbly executed Kookaburras penalty corner finished off by a Jeremy Hayward drag flick made it 3-0 in the 20th minute.

Kookaburras goalkeeper Andrew Charter produced a fine reflex save from a Sam Lane drag flick but the Black Sticks forward would not be denied when given a second opportunity as he converted from another penalty corner battery.

Brand went narrowly wide from adding a fourth before Charter was called into action again with another sharp save from a Black Sticks counter attack to end the first half.

Four minutes into the second half the Black Sticks cut the deficit to one when Stephen Jenness positioned himself perfectly at the back post to pounce on a swift New Zealand counter.

Govers unleashed an unstoppable rocket into the roof of the net from a trademark penalty corner, before Brand squared a ball to Matt Dawson in the circle who laid it off to Hayward to add a fifth.

New Zealand’s Nick Wilson made it 5-3 when he got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble.

The goal spurred the Kookaburras into another gear as Govers was denied his second by an outstretched Hayward.

But the Black Sticks keeper could not prevent a Whetton shot from sneaking between his legs to make it 6-3.

Brand then hit the post on the reverse, going inches from extending the lead, with Charter saving from Kane Russell at the other end.

With four minutes to play Brand did cap off a fine attacking display for the world number one Kookaburras as he found the back of the net.

“It’s great being back playing international hockey again. Great weather, an amazing crowd and the game was really good,” said Player of the Match and Western Australian local Aran Zalewski, who was playing his first international in almost 16 months.

“Ten goals in the game is exciting for the fans. We would have like a little less go into our net, but it was a good game overall.”

The teams will meet again at the same time tomorrow in their final match before heading to Tokyo.

Match Details
Kookaburras 7 (Ogilvie 11’, Mitton 17’, Hayward 20’/40’, Govers 38’, Whetton 52’, Brand 56’)
New Zealand 3 (Lane 21’, Jenness 34’, Wilson 41’)  
@ Perth Hockey Stadium

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 5.Tom Wickham, 6.Matthew Dawson, 11.Eddie Ockenden (c), 12.Jake Whetton, 13.Blake Govers, 14.Dylan Martin, 15.Josh Simmonds, 16.Tim Howard, 17.Aran Zalewski, 22.Flynn Ogilvie, 23.Daniel Beale, 25.Trent Mitton, 29.Tim Brand, 30.Andrew Charter (gk), 32.Jeremy Hayward
Unused Substitutes: 7.Nathan Ephraums, 8.Johan Durst (gk)

New Zealand: 3.David Brydon, 4.Dane Lett, 7.Nick Ross, 12.Sam Lane, 14.Jared Panchia, 16.Aidan Sarikaya, 21.Kane Russell, 22.Blair Tarrant (c), 23.Dylan Thomas, 24.Sean Findlay, 25.Shea McAleese, 27.Stephen Jenness, 29.Hugo Inglis, 30.George Muir, 31.Steve Edwards, 32.Nick Wilson, 34.Leon Hayward (gk)
Unused Substitutes: 15.George Enersen (gk)

Hockey Australia media release

Hockeyroos and Black Sticks play out another classic

Another riveting chapter in the Hockeyroos’ and New Zealand rivalry has been written with a shootout required after their FIH Pro League match in Perth finished 2-2.

The Hockeyroos made an explosive start, finding themselves 2-0 up inside five minutes before the Black Sticks clawed their way back to draw level.

Despite the Hockeyroos appearing the more likely to snatch a winner in the last quarter, the match went to a shootout where New Zealand goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon proved the hero, keeping out all four of Australia’s penalty attempts.  

With their pressure high from the outset, the Hockeyroos meant business and were rewarded with a two goal advantage in quick time.

Savannah Fitzpatrick did superbly to cause a turnover inside the Hockeyroos’ attacking 25 metre area, driving intently into the circle and squaring the ball up for a diving Rosie Malone to get the crucial touch.

A minute later Emily Chalker struck from close range to stun the Black Sticks.

New Zealand captain Stacey Michelson took it upon herself to get her side back in it as she produced a magnificent individual effort to rifle a tomahawk past Rachael Lynch in the Hockeyroos goal.

The Hockeyroos’ high press was proving effective as they put pressure on the New Zealand defence but they could not capitalise.

Lynch made a clutch save three minutes before half time to keep the Hockeyroos in front at the break.

But in the 36th minute the Black Sticks were level courtesy of a lightning counter attack, Hope Ralph deflecting the ball home at the far post.

Jocelyn Bartram, who replaced Lynch at half time, produced a stellar save to deny Olivia Merry in the shadows of three quarter time to set up an enthralling final 15 minutes.

The Hockeyroos looked the team more likely to break the deadlock in the final quarter, Malone, Renee Taylor and Steph Kershaw all coming close.

Young Hockeyroos defender Karri Somerville went just wide with a drag flick in the final minute that would have proved the winner, the scores remaining deadlocked to send the game to a shootout.

Neither side could convert from their first three attempts, before Samantha Charlton and Julia King both stepped up to score their penalties and earn the Black Sticks the bonus point.

The teams will return for Match 2 tomorrow in the final day of the COVID disrupted 2020 FIH Pro League.

Match Details

Hockeyroos 2 (Malone 4’, Chalker 5’)
New Zealand 2 (Michelson 11’, Ralph 36’)
(New Zealand win shootout 2-0)

@ Perth Hockey Stadium

Hockeyroos: 2.Rosie Malone, 3.Brooke Peris, 4.Amy Lawton, 8.Georgia Wilson, 10.Maddy Fitzpatrick, 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Edwina Bone, 14.Steph Kershaw, 15.Katlin Nobbs, 18.Jane Claxton (c), 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 20.Karri Somerville, 21.Renee Taylor, 22.Kate Jenner, 24.Mariah Williams, 26.Emily Chalker, 27.Rachael Lynch (gk), 32.Savannah Fitzpatrick

New Zealand: 1.Tarryn Davey, 2.Olivia Shannon, 4.Olivia Merry, 5.Frances Davies, 12.Ella Gunson, 13.Samantha Charlton, 15.Grace O’Hanlon (gk), 16.Liz Thompson, 17.Stephanie Dickins, 19.Tessa Jopp, 20.Megan Hull, 24.Rose Keddell, 25.Kelsey Smith, 31.Stacey Michelsen (c), 33.Julia King, 34.Hope Ralph

Unused Substitutes: 27.Holly Pearson, 42.Georgia Barnett (gk)

Hockey Australia media release

Men's Indoor Pan Am Cup 2021 - 26 June

Spring City, Philadelphia (USA)

All times GMT - 4

25 Jun 202       CAN v ARG (RR)   3 - 6
25 Jun 2021     ARG v USA (RR)   4 - 3
25 Jun 2021     USA v CAN (RR)   6 - 1

26 Jun 2021 10:15     USA v ARG (RR)  
26 Jun 2021 14:45     ARG v CAN (RR)  
26 Jun 2021 19:15     CAN v USA (RR)  

27 Jun 2021 13:30     1st RR v 2nd RR (Final)  

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Women's Indoor Pan Am Cup 2021 - 26 June

Spring City, Philadelphia (USA)

All times GMT - 4

25 Jun 2021     CAN v URU (RR)   1 -1
25 Jun 2021     GUY v USA (RR)   2 - 20
25 Jun 2021     ARG v URU (RR)   2 - 2
25 Jun 2021     CAN v USA (RR)   4 - 5
25 Jun 2021     GUY v ARG (RR)    0 - 14

26 Jun 2021 09:00     USA v URU (RR)  
26 Jun 2021 11:30     CAN v GUY (RR)  
26 Jun 2021 13:30     USA v ARG (RR)  
26 Jun 2021 16:00     URU v GUY (RR)  
26 Jun 2021 18:00     ARG v CAN (RR)  

27 Jun 2021 12:00     3rd RR v 4th RR (3rd-4th Place)  
27 Jun 2021 15:00     1st RR v 2nd RR (Final)  

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

2021 Indoor Pan American Cup (Men) - Day 1

Spring City, PA, USA


ARG v USA (Photo: Mark Palczewski/PAHF)

Canada 3 - Argentina 6

Opening the Indoor Cup in the men's branch, the teams from Argentina and Canada were measured at the Spring City Training Center in Pennsylvania (USA).

The Argentine team, led by Fernando Ferrara, was surprised at the first minute of the match with a goal from Fernandes Lyle (# 7) that put the match in favor of the Canadians. But three minutes later the tie would come from Facundo Navarro (# 9).

In the second half Argentina would achieve a partial advantage over the final, with a goal from Joaquín González (# 15) a few seconds before the buzzer sounded. So, they went to halftime 2-1 up.

Already in the third half, in a flurry of goals, the Argentine team managed to stretch the lead by two goals, converted by Alfredo Sosa (# 21) and Juan Eleicegui (# 5). Thus, the result was 4 to 1 for the Ferrara’s team. But not for long, as Canada kept attacking and managed to go 4-3 with two goals, one from Singh Gurjot (# 28) and the other from Dhaliwal Gurtej (# 17).

By the end of the match, despite the good Canadian game, and thanks to a great performance by the Argentine goalkeeper, the “Blanquiceleste” managed to extend the score with two more goals from Juan Eleicegui, who with his hat trick gave his team the first victory 6 to 3.

Argentina 4 - USA 3

Argentina defeated United States 4 - 3 and added his second victory of the day

With goals from Facundo Navarro x2, Nehuen Ayala and Juan Eleicegu, the Argentine team defeated the USA and won their second victory of the day.

In a high-intensity match, Argentina opened the scoring at the end of the first quarter through Facundo Navarro and thus ended the first period up on the scoreboard. At the restart, the USA tied the game with a goal from Aki Kaeppeler and managed to take the lead with a flurry of goals from Pat Harris and Vincent Heller respectively. Despite this, when it seemed that they would go into halftime with a two-goal advantage in favor of the northern team, Argentina reach the discount through Nehuen Ayala.

The third quarter was dominated by the “albiceleste” team who managed to turn the result with a new conquest by Facundo Navarro to reach the tie and then go ahead on the scoreboard with a goal converted by their captain Juan Eleicegu.

In the last quarter the USA looked for a tie but found a good Argentine defense who knew how to add good ball circulation so that the game ended in their favor. Great comeback of the “albiceleste” team that adds their second victory in the tournament.

USA 6 - Canada 1

Although the overall result (6-1) does not reflect it, the game between the United States and Canada was highly challenge and was defined in the areas and in the effectiveness of the players.

The scoring was only opened at 5 'by American Pat Harris and 2' later, Kaeppeler, stretched the partial advantage. During the next 10 minutes the teams did not make differences and after several battles it was Harris who managed to unlock the game at 16 'and with the help of Christian DeAngelis at 19' they were 4-0.

The second half was no exception and in a game that only had 5 penalty corners, those led by Mulder Jason were only able to break Adam Kapasi's barrier at 28 'and again at 31' thanks to the actions of Haha Kentwell and Vincent Heller respectively.

At the end of the game and after 4 penalty corners for the Canadians, led by John D’Souza found the goal after a shot from Micah Teixeira. But they did not have time to close the gap since 3 'later the buzzer sounded announcing the end of the game.

For their next match, Canada will have to revise their game in the rival area to beat Argentina, who already defeated them 6-3 and then must beat the United States to guarantee a place in the final.

With this result, Argentina is temporarily positioned as the leader with 6 points, followed by the United States (3) and finally Canada (0).

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

2021 Indoor Pan American Cup (Women) - Day 1

Spring City, PA, USA


GUY v USA (Photo: Mark Palczewski/PAHF)

Canada 1 - Uruguay 1

In the first match of the Indoor Pan American Cup (W), the Uruguayan team, led by Tixe Nicolás and his Canadian pair tied for one goal and divide points.

In a favorable start for Uruguay, in the first half they quickly took the lead with a goal after three minutes, scored by Viana Teresa (# 17). That same player would also have the first green card of the match for foul play.

In the second half Canada took the reins of the game and achieved the tie through Kathleen Leahy (# 10). Not only the result was able to equalize, but also the game. Both teams were looking to score the second but a very good defense from Uruguay prevented the Canadians from getting ahead.

The third half was much more difficult, some strong plays reflect the fatigue and ferocity with which both teams look for the victory. The cards were immediate, Canada played most of the time with two less players (two yellow and one green).

In the last part of the match, no advantages were taken, sentencing the tie in the first match of the 2021 Pan American Indoor Cup.

Argentina 2 - Uruguay 2

It was a tie (2-2) in an even match where they failed in take advantage

The Uruguayan team began winning with a goal from its captain Milagros Algorta that allowed Uruguay to go ahead at the first quarter break. At the start of the second quarter, Argentina found the temporary tie thanks to Carina Guzman and with this result they went to the halftime.

The third quarter did not decrease in intensity with both teams looking for the rival goal. Argentina tried to be patient in their attacks and Uruguay with a strong defense coming out of counter-attack. This is how the Uruguayan team managed to put themselves ahead again with a goal from Teresa Viana but two minutes into the last quarter, the Argentine team again tied the game with a goal from Luciana Agudo.

Uruguay culminated its first day in the competition with two draws (they opened the day with a draw against Canada) while for Argentina it meant the debut in the tournament and will be measured in the last game of the day against Guyana.

Guyana 2 - USA 20

Behind a strong scoring performance, No. 12 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team defeated No. 21 Guyana, 20-2 in their first 2021 Indoor Pan American Cup match.

The North American team began winning with 3 goals in the first quarter, with the first goal in the first minute of the game. Ending the first quarter 3-0.

In the second quarter, the United States widened the score with 8 goals and Guyana only got a green card for Makeda Harding to go into the half, winning 11-0.

During the third quarter Guyana discounted with a goal from Abosaide Cadogan, but again the North American team scored 5 goals converted by Elizabeth Yeager, Hope Rose, Madison Orobono and Ashley Sessa.

In the last quarter of the match, Abosaide Cadogan discounted again for Guyana, trying to push his team mass beyond the wide gap, but the local again sentenced the match by scoring 4 more goals to reach the end of the match 20-2. There was only one green card from the United States and it went to Hope Rose.

Canada 4 - USA 5

In the fourth pool game on the first day of the Indoor Pan American Cup, Canada played against the United States, living a North American classic.

Starting the first quarter in the 10th minute of the match Corinne Zanaolli from a penalty corner scored the first goal of the match, going into halftime 1-0 with the home team winning.

During the second quarter the US team scored again with the participation of Kasey Tapman and Ashley Sessa who obtained a green card and Hope Rose, the latter from a penalty stroke after a clear infraction. On the other hand, Canada scored with a goal from Madison Thompson, finishing the second quarter 5-1 with the victory for the locals.

Reaching the third quarter taking advantage of the lack of concentration and the infractions of the United States that cost him two yellow cards, one for Hope Rose who was 2 minutes off the field and another for Madison Orobon who was 4 minutes away from the team, Canada gained momentum and Madison Thompson converted again to discount and get closer to the result.

Starting the fourth and last quarter with the result 5-2, Canada continued to fight and at the end of the game their captain Alison Lee from a penalty and Kathleen Leahy showed how strong this team is, putting the score 5-4 trying to tie the game in the last minute. Even having tried, the game remained for the local team.

Guyana 0 - Argentina 14

Guyana was looking to get a win and recover from the 20-2 defeat against the United States and also take revenge from the last game in which they faced the South Americans, which was in 2017 for this same tournament, Argentina won 3-0.

The Argentine girls struck quickly and at the beginning they took the lead thanks to a goal from Carina Guzmán and then from Zanni and Gomes on two occasions. At the end of the first quarter Zanni scored again, but this time with a penalty stroke. Thus the first 10 minutes ended 5-0 in favor of Argentina.

In the second quarter, Argentina reached the rival area again at  2nd minute and it was María Eugenia Nimo who put the final stamp on the play. Then Guyana improved the defense and prevented their goal from being beaten until the end of the quarter, when Olympian Gomes Fantasia converted twice through her specialty on outdoor hockey: the penalty corner.

In the third querter the guyaneses notably improved their defensive appearance and resisted the offensive actions until, averaging the fourth , Guzmán scored her second goal. In this section, Argentina scored two more goals (Irianni and Berola), but none through the penalty corner, which show the changes that Phillip Fernándes proposed to her players.

Finally, in the last quarter Argentina scored three times (Agudo x2 and Ríos Ferreyra). However, Fernando Ferrara decided to take out his goalkeeper when there were still 6 minutes left to finish the game and play with 6 players on the field. This action allowed the “albicelestes” to score two goals and win 14-0, obtaining their first victory in the tournament.

With this result, the United States has the first place -with 6 points-, escorted by Argentina (4), Uruguay (2), Canada (1) and Guyana (0).

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Women Lead with Two Victories at IPAC Men Split the Days Results


Image Taken by Mark Palczewski

SPRING CITY, Pa. – On the first day of competition at the 2021 Indoor Pan American Cups (IPAC) at The Training Center in Spring City Pa., the No. 12 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team came away with two wins, while the No. 42 U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team split their results.

Indoor USWNT 20 - 2 Guyana

The No. 12 Indoor USWNT needed just 35 seconds to open the scoring against No. 21 Guyana. The goal came from Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) off a penalty corner drag. Two more were added in the first quarter when Corinne Zanolli (Pittsburg, Pa.) used great individual skill to run the left baseline and pass it back to Ryleigh Heck (Berlin, N.J.) to score in the 7th minute. A minute later, Zanolli converted on a penalty corner to quickly make it 3-0.

An eight-goal second quarter put the match out of reach. Both Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) and Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) tallied three each, while Heck and Zanolli notched their second goals of the game. USA went into the halftime break with a commanding 11-0 lead.

The dominance continued as Rose and Sessa both tallied again, and Madison Orobono (Macungie, Pa.) got on the board and Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) tacked on two more. Guyana did capitalize on a penalty corner rebound, after USA was unable to clear it away and Abosaide Cadogan’s shot deflected high over USA goalkeeper Sierra Espeland’s (Fredericksburg, Va.) head.

In the final quarter, Cadogan scored again for Guyana but USA went on to answer with four goals to close out the game. Another two from Rose, and Sessa and Yeager added one each to make the final score 20-2.

Indoor USMNT 3 - 4 Argentina

The No. 42 Indoor USMNT opened with a fast-paced game against No. 20 Argentina. The first quarter started static, as both teams patiently waiting for the opportune moment to go forward. Los Leones had the first shot of the game, when a low angle chance tested USA goalkeeper Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany) to make a baseline save. It looked like time would expire and the opening frame would stay scoreless but with 30 seconds remaining, Argentina got on the board with a low angle flick into the upper right of the net by Facundo Navarro.

USA came out of the break firing and tied the match within the first minute off a penalty corner goal from Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany). Argentina had two close chances to regain the lead, but Klages came up with big saves. In the 18th minute, Vincent Heller (Stuttgart, Germany) received a ball wide open in front of Argentina goalkeeper Alan Frias but his spinning shot went through his legs and wide. Moments later, after a failed USA penalty corner, a perfect passing sequence that went from Pat Harris (Moorpark, Caif.) to Heller back out to Harris, down to Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) was finished by a diving Heller for the go ahead. A minute following, USA earned a penalty corner that Harris sent over a rushing Frias for the lead. With 28 seconds to go in the half, Nehuen Ayala Gallo put one in over Klages shoulder to make it 3-2.

Two minutes into the third, Navarro tallied his second of the game to tie the match. USA had a few chances, earning several penalty corners and shots but couldn’t find an outcome. With 20 seconds to go, Argentina’s Juan Eleicegui scored the go ahead and game winner redirecting a long ball sent into the circle.

No goals were scored by either side in the final quarter, as USA narrowly lost 3-4.

Indoor USWNT 5 - 4 Canada

In the first minute, Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) had a deep intercept that she took into the circle but was unable to find an outcome. Moments later, USA goalkeeper Sam Carlino (Lawrence Township, N.J.) iswasforced to come out of the goal to deny a Canada shot. USA earned a penalty stroke in the sixth minute, but Ali Campbell (Gilbertsville, Pa.) was unable to convert. In the final minute, USA earned a penalty corner and although the initial attempt was broken, Corinne Zanolli (Pittsburgh, Pa.) scored off a low angle flick into the net to give USA a 1-0 lead.

USA tallied four goals in the second frame and Canada added one, to bring the score to 5-1. The first came two minutes in from great stick skill by Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) who weaved between two Canada defenders and reverse passed it to Zanolli off the right post. The next in the 14th minute, was a cross by Rose that was put in by Kasey Tapman (Pasadena, Md.). In the 17th minute, USA earned a penalty stroke for a hard stick foul and Rose put it in the upper left. Two minutes later, a pickup by Tapman in the middle led to an instant attack where she sped down the right side and passed it into the circle where Rose got a stick on it to deflect it over Canada goalkeeper Kathryn Williams. Canada scored when Madison Thompson received it and turned to the reverse and sent it into the net to make it 5-1.

Canada came out in the third with tighter defense and stronger tackles limiting USA’s chances. Canada scored three minutes in to bring it to 5-2 through a rebound goal from Thompson. In the 28th minute, Madison Orobono (Macungie, Pa.) was issued a four-minute yellow card giving Canada a player up advantage. A close chance came for them to continue to cut the lead when Alison Lee had a hard shot that was saved off the glove of a diving Carlino.

Five minutes into the fourth quarter, Canada brought the score to 5-3 after Lee sent a penalty stroke to the upper left of the goal. Two minutes later, they got within one after maintaining possession off an unscored penalty corner where Katheen Leahy put it past Carlino. With time ticking down, Canada pulled their goalkeeper with 30 seconds remaining, but USA held on for the 5-4 win.

Indoor USMNT 6 - 1 Canada

In the final game of the day, the No. 42 Indoor USMNT used a fast start to upend No. 15 Canada.

In the fifth minute, Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) sent a long ball off the boards down to Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) who beat Canada goalkeeper Pardeep Koonar. Two minutes later in a 3v2 situation, Kaeppeler took it himself and flicked it into the net to make it 2-0.

USA extended their lead by two more in the second frame. In the 15th minute, Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.) used speed down the left side and got past Koonar and Harris finished. Four minutes later, DeAngelis added his name to the score sheet after scoring on a right side build up through Kaeppeler and Harris.

The start of the third didn’t have any outcomes until Canada earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 27th minute. Both attempts were unsuccessful as USA immediately transitioned forward. A long ball from Ajai Dhadwal (Agour a Hills, Calif.) went cross court to JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.) who sent it past Canada goalkeeper Adam Kapasi. Vincent Heller (Stuttgart, Germany) capped off USA’s scoring in the 31st minute after driving from the right to left side and using his reverse to flip it in the goal. Canada got on the board in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a four-minute yellow card issued to Colin Hennessy (Marlborough, Mass.). With the athlete up advantage on a penalty corner, Canada slipped it to Micah Teixeria for the finish.

Today's games marked career milestones for a handful of Team USA athletes. Receiving their first internatonal cap on the women's side was Ryleigh Heck (Berlin, N.J.), Kelly Smith (Downingtown, Pa.), Kasey Tapman (Pasadena, Md.) and Rayne Wright (Bethlehem, Pa.), and on the men's team Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Vincent Heller (Stuttgart, Germany), Colin Hennessy (Marlborough, Mass.), Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany), Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany) and Izaak Pels (Spring City, Pa.).

USFHA media release

It was challenging to prepare for Olympics: Hockey umpires

Javed Shaikh and Raghuprasad R, the two Indian umpires to officiate in Olympics, said that it was challenging to prepare for the Games due to the pandemic.

Indian hockey umpires, Javed Shaikh and Raghuprasad RV, said on Friday that preparing for the Olympic Games in Tokyo had quite a few challenges, given that things were different this time around due to the pandemic.

The two veteran umpires with experience of over 100 international matches each are the only Indians selected by the international hockey federation (FIH) to officiate in the matches beginning July 24.

"We have both officiated at the Olympic Games in the past. I was there at Rio (in 2016) and everything was very smooth but this time it has obviously been very different due to the pandemic, and we have had to change our plans due to a series of lockdowns in our respective cities.

"In a normal scenario, we would have been on the hockey field going through our drills and fitness routine ahead of a big tournament, the pandemic has caused a few setbacks for us, but we had to find ways to deal with it and be prepared for the task," said umpire Javed Shaikh, who is based in Mumbai.

Raghuprasad RV said, "The last time I officiated in an international match was more than a year ago. Due to the pandemic, there were no tournaments, and we were unable to travel for any outside assignments either in the last couple of months."

"But this can't be the reason for me to not officiate to my potential in Tokyo. We have to be on top of the job and deliver the right umpiring decisions. What helped during this time was Hockey India's efforts to hold regular online sessions for hockey officials, where we would discuss match scenarios and watched videos from different tournaments. We also watched the recent European Championships and analysed how the teams' structure has changed and new tactics they are using," said Raghuprasad.

The duo also highlighted the importance of fitness with the game getting faster with the regulation time being reduced to four quarters of 15 minutes each.

"Hockey is really fast now. Players today are extremely quick which is why the FIH and Hockey India have their guidelines and set benchmarks in fitness. Umpires undergo frequent fitness tests, at least four times a year. Like players, we too have Yo-Yo and Dal Monte Sprint Test. We need to complete 2,200 metres in the Yo-Yo beep test and sprint 40 metres in under six seconds. So, in that sense, fitness is paramount for us umpires too," said Raghuprasad, who has officiated in over 150 international matches.

India TV

Thomas Briels: The Law of High Level Sport


Thomas Briels (C) WORLDSPORTPICS COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK

Like Cédric Charlier, Félix Denayer and John-John Dohmen, he was preparing to play at the age of 33 for his fourth Olympic Games. Certainly, Thomas Briels will be on the trip to Japan. But as a reservist (with Loïc Van Doren and Augustin Meurmans), and after giving up his captain’s armband to Félix Denayer. A form of public degradation of modern times, both understandable given the level of competition reached by the Red Lions, and of course a little sad if we measure the commitment of the striker with the right bicep crossed by the Olympic rings. ..

‘Kempi’ with Orange into the last phase: full throttle towards Tokyo



Thursday was a double celebration for Robbert Kemperman. He celebrated his 31st birthday and started the last phase with the Orange towards the supreme moment. The Olympics are now really in sight.

Indian men target Olympic podium

Hockey coach Reid says team would do well to focus on the present

Uthra Ganesan


Graham Reid. File   | Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

The Indian men’s hockey team knows there are expectations of ending an Olympic medal drought and coach Graham Reid fancies his boys’ chances but insists that the team would do well to keep focus on the present.

“There are 11 teams other than us at the Olympics and if you see in the last two years, we have played and beaten all except Canada, who we haven’t had a chance to play. That’s an important point and we will definitely be trying to jump onto that podium but our primary target will be to first qualify for the quarterfinals and then move forward from there,” Reid said at a virtual interaction on Friday.

He did admit that the absence of competitive matches would be a factor but denied reading too much into it. “Honestly, no one knows how much it might affect the team’s preparation. But we did have two very good tours coming into this year after a long period of playing internal matches and one of the things we have been talking about is the strength of the daily training environment and how important it is to play those internal games at the competitive level of intensity,” he explained.

Downplaying it

With questions being raised on the lack of experience in the team’s attack, Reid tried to downplay the issue. “There have been training environments around the world, like ours, where we have been together for 15 months and things are going to happen and players will develop unbeknown to the rest of the world. I come from a culture where youth and the ability to bring exuberance and freshness to a group is very important to us.”

In fact, he insisted that the lockdowns and extended periods of training would be an advantage for the team at Tokyo. “We have spent a lot of time building and understanding the mentality of the players, which normally doesn’t happen.

“I got to know their stories and everything and what everyone has been through in their lives and in this period which has been a very powerful thing. I am sure it will be important when the chips are down in Tokyo,” he said.

The Hindu

Graham Reid: Sreejesh's contagious confidence will help Olympic debutants

PR Sreejesh, who was part of the Indian hockey team during both the Rio Olympics and London Games, would be aiming to inspire the side once again in Tokyo next month.


"PR Sreejesh is one of the best goalkeepers in the world in shootouts. And he brings with him a confidence that is contagious," India head coach Graham Reid (in pic) said.   -  Biswaranjan Rout

Heading into what is set to be his last Olympics, Indian men's hockey team's inspirational goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh's "contagious confidence" will be helpful for the side's 10 newcomers, head coach Graham Reid said on Friday.

The 36-year-old, who made his Olympic debut in London 2012 and led at Rio five years ago when they made a quarterfinal exit losing to Belgium, would be aiming to inspire the side once again in Tokyo next month.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world in shootouts. And he brings with him a confidence that is contagious," Reid said in a virtual media interaction from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) camp in Bengaluru.

"What he does bring to the team is a uniqueness. Sometimes, it's hard to explain but he certainly brings the group up if things aren't going particularly well, he has that experience. The whole world knows him."

"We constantly are talking with him about being able to communicate in the best manner possible and that's what he does," the Aussie said in his glowing praise for Sreejesh.

Sreejesh is the lone goalkeeper in a 16-member squad with Krishan Pathak in reserves, but Reid said he's also keeping two more guys ready in case of an injury.

"We are now training a couple of guys. I really do not want to let you know who I'm training for that but we have had them in the last week or so, in their pads. Heaven forbid that something like that needs to happen, we will also be taking a separate set of goalkeeping pads for them if that was to happen."

"But it would need to be a very, very serious injury for someone like Sreejesh for not to finish out a game in the goals. We have to have those what-if scenarios in place, which we do."

The Indian team will have 10 members, who will make their Olympic debuts. Only five players from the Rio Olympics have been retained, with Sreejesh and captain Manpreet Singh playing their third Olympics.

Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh and Surender Kumar are the other three and there are some surprising omissions in S. V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh.

Birendra Lakra, who missed Rio due to a knee injury and surgery, is making a comeback. Reid said the extra one year for the Olympics meant that many more youngsters came through.

"If you look at the group as a whole, a lot of them have played in the Junior World Cup and have won that. We have some very good junior players that have come through. They have progressed very well in the last 24 months."

India will open its Olympic campaign against New Zealand on July 24. The team is placed in Pool A along with Olympic champion Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and host Japan.

Sportstar

Indians don’t know how tough they are: Hockey coach Graham Reid

Reid is of the view that Indians, in general, are unaware of their own mental fortitude


India’s men’s hockey coach Graham Reid. File photo

India’s men’s hockey coach Graham Reid is in awe of the “mental resilience” shown by his wards amid the Covid-19 pandemic and feels it could well make all the difference when the side chases its first Olympic medal in over four decades in the upcoming Tokyo Games.

Reid is of the view that Indians, in general, are unaware of their own mental fortitude.

India reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Bhubaneswar and performed well in the FIH Hockey Pro League earlier this year, beating reigning Olympic champions Argentina before a second wave of the pandemic disrupted the world number four side’s schedule.

“I think Indians don’t really understand how mentally resilient they are, how good they can be. So, I think that part of it is really important,” Reid said in virtual media interaction from Bengaluru, two days after the announcement of a 16-member Tokyo-bound squad.

“And don’t underestimate the effect that will have when the chips are down in Tokyo. I think I take a lot of solace from that.

“As a coach, you always want to do more but then I’ve also have had the confidence in what we have been doing over this period. So that’s the mentality we have to go into Tokyo with.”            

The restrictions imposed on travellers from the country following the second wave meant that the Indian team was stuck at the Sports Authority of India’s Bengaluru Centre.

While there, the 57-year-old tactician has prepared 10-minute videos of each of his players’ life stories so as to “understand more about their stories”.               

“We did a 10-minute video with each of them with just myself and the players, where they told their stories and that’s very powerful,” Reid, who coached Australia during the Rio Olympics, said.

“I intend to bring them out in the next three weeks to get all our guys to understand the sort of things that each player has been through during their life,” he said.

“I’ve been very happy to be honest. What has been really good in these last 15 months is having the ability to be able to get to know the players. That’s something perhaps that often you don’t get to do as a coach.”   

“We’ve had a lot of time together. We spent a lot of time on building the mentality of this group. The team got to know them very well. I got to know all their stories backwards,” he added.

Fourth ranked India will begin their Olympic campaign against New Zealand on July 24.

India are in Pool A along with Olympic champions Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and hosts Japan.

It’s been more than four decades since the former giants won an Olympic medal—the last being a gold in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. India boast of 11 medals, including eight gold, two silver, and a bronze dominating the scene in yesteryears.

Reid is hopeful of ending the medal drought this time.

“What we’ve been talking to the players a lot about is that if you look at the 12 teams that are going to the Olympics. In the last two years we’ve played and beaten all 12 except for Canada we haven’t had a chance to play Canada.

“I think that’s a really important point to note. If we play well, if we do our things and we are definitely aiming to jump onto that podium,” he said about their target.

“You have to take time, one game at a time when we’re trying to get through to the quarterfinals...To be in that final game at the end of the tournament is what everyone’s trying to do. That’s no different to us,” Reid said.

The Tribune

Fingers crossed for return to field

The Malaysian national men's junior squad hope to get some good news when the Movement Control Order (MCO 3.0) ends on Monday.

The team are eager to return to the field and resume training.

"The MCO 3.0 ends on Monday, and I hope there will be some good news for sports in the country.

"The trainees have been keeping fit via online training far too long, and they hope to return to the field as soon as possible," said team manager I. Vickneswaran.

Hockey in the country has been inactive due to the MCO initiative to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The men and women's junior teams are eager to return to the field soon ahead of their respective Junior World Cup qualifiers.

"So far, there has not been any clusters in sports in the country.

"I hope the teams will be able to train outdoors as they need to prepare for their Junior World Cups," said Vickneswaran.

The men and women's Junior Asia Cups (JAC) double up as qualifiers for the Junior World Cups.

The men's JAC offers four Junior World Cup spots, and Malaysia should be able to qualify.

The national women's team have to finish in the top-three bracket to make the Junior World Cup cut.

"My players need international matches ahead of the JAC. However, it is impossible now due to pandemic restrictions, so we need to start training outdoors soon to regain our form.

"The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) are also finding it difficult to plan for both the tournaments, but still, competing nations need to be on their toes for the new dates," Vickneswaran added.

While the women's JAC is still planed for Aug 16-22 in Japan, the AHF have yet to decide on the new dates for the men's tournament.

New Straits Times

Seven Dar Academy Boys among the 27 probables for National Junior Team

By Ijaz Chaudhry

Pakistan Hockey Federation has recently announced players for the National Junior Camp to prepare for the Junior World Cup and Junior Asia Cup. The 27-member camp will be held in Lahore from June 30 to July 18.

As many as seven of the boys are proud products of the Dar Hockey Academy, Pakistan`s biggest reservoir of the hockey talent. They include Waqar Younis (goal keeper), Aqueel Ahmed, Hammad Anjum, Asif Haneef, Ali Aziz, Adeel Latif & Murtaza Yaqoob.

All have benefited from Dar HA`s last overseas training tour to Holland and Belgium, and with one exception also toured Malaysia with the academy`s team.

These talented and well trained boys got selected by three of country`s top departmental teams.

They have been appearing for WAPDA (National Champions), Sui Southern Gas Company (Runner Up last National Championship)and Mari Petroleum Company Limited in the domestic competitions.

Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him and his work, visit: www.sportscorrespondent.info

FIeldhockey.com

Singh Names U-22 USMNT Roster for Upcoming 3-Nations Series



MOORPARK, Calif. – The U.S. U-22 Men’s National Team will host Chile and Mexico in a 3-Nations Series at Moorpark College in Moorpark, Calif. from Saturday, June 26 through Thursday, July 1. For this six-day, international round-robin tournament, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Harry Singh has selected the 27-athlete roster for competition.

Following the Young Men’s National Championship that took place June 15 through June 20 at the Virginia Beach Regional Training Center in Virginia Beach, Va., the men’s junior high performance staff named the 2021-22 Junior U.S. Men’s National Team Training Squads. From that list, Singh narrowed it down and selected the below athletes to play in the 3-Nations Series this week, as a preparation event in the lead up to the Junior Pan American Championships set for August 16 to 29 in Santiago, Chile.

U.S. U-22 Men's National Team Training Squad 3-Nations Series Roster:

Leo Baumgardner (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Gavin Chung (Glen Ridge, N.J.), Hayden Clay (Charlotte, N.C.), Gerald Cutone (Reading, Mass.), Corey Dykema (Newport News, Va.), Brett Eisner (Lafayette, Calif.), Jason Garrett (Oak Park, Calif.), Liam Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Jaden Henry-Brooks (Moorpark, Calif.), Gary Johal (Phoenix, Ariz.), Wyatt Katz (Santa Rosa Valley, Calif.), Tymen Kloen (Amsterdam, Netherlands), James Lynch (Montville, N.J.), Namit Mangat (Glendale, Ariz.), Mehtab Grewel (Somis, Calif.), Michael Mendoza (Monument, Colo.), Henzor Motta (San Juan, Puerto Rico), Shiven Patel (Los Altos, Calif.), Noah Reynolds (Moorpark, Calif.), Phil Schofield (Moorpark, Calif.), Jatin Sharma (South San Francisco, Calif.), Amar Singh (Santa Clara, Calif.), Danish Singh (Phoenix, Ariz.), Cameron Spach (Newbury Park, Calif.), Damien Tarala (Norwalk, Conn.), Ben Theising (Fillmore, Calif.), Michael Theobald (Ballston Spa, N.Y.)

The USMNT staff will select the competing roster each day of the games.

3-Nations Series Schedule:

USMNT Head Coach Harry Singh will lead the U-21/22 program during the 3-Nations Series and through the men’s Junior Pan American Championship. He will be assisted by Shawn Nakamura and Paul Singh, current USMNT athlete.

USFHA media release