Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Thursday 8 February 2018

Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 (Men) - Day 1
Berlin (GER)

Results

BEL - IRI         Pool B     3 - 3 (2 - 2)
AUT - RSA     Pool B     6 - 3 (2 - 1)
RUS - SUI     Pool B     1 - 3 (1 - 1)
GER - AUS     Pool A     7 - 1 (3 - 1)
KAZ - CZE     Pool A     3 - 9 (2 - 4)
POL - TTO     Pool A     11 - 5 (2 - 3)
AUT - BEL     Pool B     7 - 2 (2 - 1)
IRI - SUI         Pool B     5 - 1 (2 - 1)
POL - AUS     Pool A     3 - 5 (0 - 3)
RUS - RSA     Pool B     5 - 0 (2 - 0)
CZE - TTO     Pool A     7 - 2 (6 - 0)
GER - KAZ     Pool A     15 - 0 (11 - 0)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

Upcoming 8 February 2018 (GMT+1)

12:30     CZE - GER     Pool A
12:45     KAZ - POL     Pool A
13:40     BEL - RUS     Pool B
13:55     SUI - RSA     Pool B
14:50     IRI - AUT         Pool B
15:05     TTO - AUS     Pool A
19:30     POL - GER     Pool A
19:45     RSA - IRI         Pool B
20:40     SUI - BEL     Pool B
20:55     RUS - AUT     Pool B
21:50     AUS - CZE     Pool A
22:05     TTO - KAZ     Pool A   

FIH Match Centre

Germany and Austria dominate on Day One at the 5th Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin



The opening day of the 5th Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup saw two impressive winning performances from hosts Germany (FIH Hero Indoor World Ranking:1) as they hit the ground running with a comprehensive 15-0 win over Kazakhstan (WR:16) and a 7-1 goal spree against Australia (WR:11). The result puts the three-time World Cup winners in the driving seat in Pool A.

Also going well in Pool A is the Czech Republic (WR:6) who beat Trinidad and Tobago (WR:18) 7-2 before turning the screw on Kazakhstan in their second game. The Czech team turned a close 4-2 half-time scoreline into a 9-3 rout by the time the final whistle sounded. The high scoring Czech team were led from the front by Jakub Lyndl, who scored seven goals – five of them against Kazakhstan. These results leave Czech Republic in second place in the pool behind Germany on goal difference.

Despite a surprise 5-3 loss at the hands of Australia, Poland bounced back in some style against Trinidad and Tobago. A match that saw the Pan American team take an early 3-0 lead was turned on its head as Poland brought the score back to 3-2 going into the break. The European team then took control of the game and enjoyed an eight goal scoring fest in the second half to run out 11-5 winners. Trinidad and Tobago were their own worst enemies as they lost two players to yellow cards during the match and thus spent a large amount of the game a player down. The result leaves Poland sitting third in Pool A.

Australia enjoyed mixed fortunes on Day One, finishing on equal points with Poland but with an inferior goal difference. The Oceania representatives defied the world rankings to beat Poland (WR: 5) 5-3 – a match that saw Poland play almost 10 minutes with a kicking back as they sought to get back on terms. However, the Australian's were undone by Germany's sheer brilliance as they simply couldn't find their way out of the tight German attacking press.

In Pool B, Austria's (WR:2) opening game was a chance to prove their class as they beat Belgium (WR:16) 7-2 and then emerged as 6-3 winners against South Africa.

Second place in the pool currently belongs to Iran (WR:7) who continue to impress at this level as they beat Switzerland 5-1. A second win eluded them as they found Belgium in determined mood not to lose a second consecutive match. Play flowed back and forth with missed chances, courageous defending and great goalkeeping on display throughout. In the end nothing could separate the teams and they played out a 3-3 draw. The result leaves Iran in second place and Belgium fifth, ahead of South Africa who have yet to register a point.

Speaking after their opening game, Iran's team manager Hadi Shariatisaravi, said: "We have worked really hard from the last (Indoor) World Cup in Leipzig, and this was what we wanted. We are going to finish first, second or third. We are going to do it, for sure. As we say, life is hockey and hockey is life, in Iran."

Russia were another team with mixed results. They were clinical as they put five goals past South Africa (WR:12) but they then lost an exciting and closely fought match against Switzerland (WR:8). The match was one of the most tightly contested of the day as the scores stood at 1-1 until the final two minutes of the game. Switzerland scored through Florian Feller and then found an empty net for a third goal as Russia removed their 'keeper to try to push for an equaliser. A superior goal difference puts Russia in third place in Pool B but Switzerland are snapping closely at their heels.

Results – Men's Indoor World Cup Day 1

Pool A
Germany 15, Kazakhstan 0.
Czech Republic 7, Trinidad and Tobago 2.
Poland 3 Australia 5.
Poland 9, Trinidad and Tobago 3.
Kazakhstan 3, Czech Republic 9.
Germany 7, Australia 1.

Pool B
Russia 5, South Africa 0.
Iran 5, Switzerland 1.
Austria 7, Belgium 2.
Russia 1, Switzerland 3.
Austria 6, South Africa 3.
Belgium 3, Iran 3.

#IHWC2018

FIH site

Australia Well Placed After First Day Of Indoor Hockey World Cup

Alexie Beovich


Photo Credit: Andrew and Debra Spence, Sydney Indoor Hockey Association

The Indoor Hockey World Cup has begun in Germany and Australia’s Men and Women have impressed on the first day of the tournament.

Men’s Side

It was a thrilling way to open the competition for Australia’s Indoor Men’s side, upsetting Poland in a 5-3 victory.

Australia came out attacking, scoring the first three goals of the match within the first 18 minutes. The early offensive display saw field goals to Troy Sutherland, Jack Hayes and James Knee.

Poland was able to answer, scoring three goals of their own within a ten minute flurry but it was Jack Hayes impressive field scoring that took the energy out of the game. Hayes quickly posted two more goals for his hat trick and locked in the Australian victory.

The second men’s game for the day saw Germany defeat Australia 7-1. The impressive home team was dominant throughout the match, never giving Australia a chance to breathe.

Australia’s only goal scorer was Jack Hayes.

After the upset victory over Poland, Australia is well placed for their second day of competition.

Australia will face Trinidad and Tobago before taking on the Czech Republic side.

Women’s Side

Australia’s Women’s side fell to Ukraine 4-3 in an opening match loss.

The competition was fierce and Australia looked to be in control throughout the game but an amazing last minute comeback from Ukraine proved too much.

Ukraine opened the game with a fourth minute goal to Yana Vorushylo but Australia quickly answered with three of their own.

Kyah Gray opened the scoring for Australia, scoring from a penalty corner in the ninth minute. Madeleine Murphy and Tegan Boucher added a field goal each to Australia’s total before half time.

Heading into the second half Australia led 3-1 and looked in control of the match but three goals in four minutes to Ukraine created an obstacle that the Aussies ultimately couldn’t overcome.

Australia’s second match was a defensive grind which saw them defeat Czech Republic 2-1.

Both sides struggled to convert throughout the match but Australia’s Lisa Farrell and Shelley Watson were able to post a winning score with a goal each.

Four cards were handed out throughout the pressure filled match including a Yellow to Czech Republic’s Barbora Haklova.

The win sets Australia up nicely ahead to their next matches against Namibia and Russia.

To watch Australia compete at the Indoor Hockey World Cup you can live stream matches through the FIH Youtube Channel.

Hockey Australia media release

Bruising Day One for BlitzStoks


Photo - Helge Schutz

Far away from the fanfare that has surrounded the last three years of PSi Hockey Nationals, the men are now 10 000km away in Berlin facing an altogether different challenge at the 2018 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. The opening day was always going to be the opportunity for the BlitzStoks to test if they have closed the gap over the elite of the world Indoor Hockey circuit.

In Leipzig in 2015, South Africa met Russia on day 2 and was soundly beaten by 10 goals to 2. The South African men were looking to show that defensively they were far more resolute this time around as they met the Eastern Europeans in their opening game of the tournament.

The BlitzStoks started the game with a degree of apprehension that saw them welcome a tough half-court press and territorial dominance for the Russians, however as the dust started to settle the BlitzStoks grew in composure. Rusten Abrahams, Ryan Julius, and Jethro Eustice fashioned goal scoring opportunities for South Africa who also won the opening penalty corner of the game. The BlitzStoks arguably had their best patch between the 10th and 14th minutes of the match. Their inability to create and finish goal chances would be costly as Russia turned the screw and broke the deadlock through Pavel Golubev.

On the stroke of half-time South Africa gave away a penalty corner and Chris McCathie had to pick the ball out the net for the second time after a precision Mikhail Proskuriakov flick found the corner. The second half followed a similar tentative start as the first, with South Africa doing sitting off and inviting pressure on to their defense. The major difference in the two teams was the cutting edge in front of goal. South African opportunities were denied relatively easily and Russia scored two more through Proskuriakov and a penalty stroke by Iaroslov Loginov. Proskuriakov would net his hat-trick in the last minute after the BlitzStoks had pulled off Curtis to play with 6 outfield players. 5-0 the game finished, but there was little time to ponder on the result as the BlitzStoks would return to the field a couple of hours later to take on European Champions Austria.

South Africa had only ever played Austria once before and that was 11 years ago when Austria handed South Africa their heaviest defeat at the 2007 World Cup in Vienna. That was an Austrian team that finished the tournament 6th, not the juggernaut that has come off the back of winning the European Championship just two weeks ago.

The BlitzStoks again employed a counter-attacking performance soaking up large periods of pressure and attempting to use their pace to break. The tactic is extremely effective if you can limit the opposition chances, but when you are playing Austria they don’t need too many chances to punish you. The early Austrian goal by Benjamin Stanzl did not deflate the South Africans, but they raised their game and after great work by Rusten Abrahams, Jethro Eustice leveled with a fine finish. Benjamin Stanzl put Austria back ahead before a contentious penalty stroke was awarded after the half-time hooter, but it was superbly denied by Richard Curtis.

Austria raised the game in the second half with two quick-fire goals including a bullet from Michael Korper. When it looked like South Africa would throw in the towel and fall to a heavy defeat, they continued to fight and Matt Fairweather and Mo Mea each added goals from the penalty corner as consolations for the South African men. The final score ending as Austria 6-3 South Africa.

Although there were positives from day one, there was a lot to think about for Pierre le Roux and his coaching staff. Tomorrow is a massive day as South Africa must get at least one win in the matches against Iran and Switzerland to maintain hopes of a top 4 group finish and a top 8 overall finish.

Special thanks to the BlitzStoks sponsors Tops at SPAR, Sunlife Vitamins, Gem Schoolwear, Tayla Sportswear and Pro Series Indoor.

SA Hockey Association media release

Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 (Women) - Day 1
Berlin (GER)

Results

RUS - UKR     Pool B     4 - 6 (2 - 2)
GER - NAM     Pool B     12 - 0 (4 - 0)
CZE - AUS     Pool B     1 - 2 (1 - 1)
SUI - BLR     Pool A     1 - 5 (0 - 2)
NED - KAZ     Pool A     7 - 0 (2 - 0)
POL - USA     Pool A     1 - 1 (1 - 0)
CZE - NAM     Pool B     6 - 2 (5 - 0)
GER - RUS     Pool B     8 - 1 (3 - 1)
BLR - USA     Pool A     4 - 1 (1 - 1)
NED - SUI     Pool A     5 - 2 (2 - 0)
POL - KAZ     Pool A     4 - 1 (2 - 0)
UKR - AUS     Pool B     4 - 3 (1 - 2)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

Upcoming 8 February 2018 (GMT+1)

09:00     RUS - CZE     Pool B
09:15     BLR - NED     Pool A
10:10     USA - KAZ     Pool A
10:25     SUI - POL     Pool A
11:20     UKR - GER     Pool B
11:35     AUS - NAM     Pool B
16:00     POL - NED     Pool A
16:15     USA - SUI     Pool A
17:10     KAZ - BLR     Pool A
17:25     AUS - RUS     Pool B
18:20     CZE - GER     Pool B
18:35     NAM - UKR     Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Netherlands, Belarus, Germany and Ukraine set early pace at 5th Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018


Sviatlana Bahushevich on the attack for Belarus at the 5th Women's Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 in Berlin, Germany. Credit: FIH / World Sport Pics

Berlin, Germany: The Netherlands, Belarus, Germany and Ukraine all made strong starts to their title challenge on the opening day of the 5th Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018, which is taking place at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.

Reigning world champions the Netherlands (FIH Hero Indoor World Ranking: 1) and Belarus (WR: 5) finished Day One with two wins apiece to occupy the top two positions in Pool A. The Dutch claimed a comfortable 5-2 victory against Switzerland (WR: 19) before overpowering Kazakhstan (WR: 12) 7-0, with Kiki van Wijk scoring three goals throughout the course of the day. The results were enough for Marieke Dijkstra’s team to end the day sitting in first place due to a superior goal-difference over Belarus, who claimed a 4-1 win over USA (WR: 20) before beating Switzerland 5-1.

“We hoped that we would get six points today, but we knew Switzerland would be tough as they beat the Netherlands in the European Championships last month”, said Belarus Head Coach Herman Kruis, the man who guided the Dutch to the Indoor World Cup title at Vienna 2007. “We will discuss today’s matches this evening and also plan for tomorrow when we play the Netherlands. For me, the most important thing is that the Belarus team improves every tournament. We started with two wins and we will take it match by match, but I think tomorrow will be a very heavy day.”

Poland (WR: 4) currently occupy third place in Pool A having claimed a win and a draw in their opening matches. Team captain Marlena Rybacha scored twice in a 4-1 triumph over Kazakhstan, although they were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by USA, the lowest ranked team in the competition. The influential Rybacha was again on the score-sheet for her side, but Paityn Wirth’s 24th minute field goal gave the talented, youthful USA a share of the spoils.  The Americans sit fourth in Pool B, ahead of Switzerland and Kazakhstan, who are in fifth and sixth places respectively.

In Pool B, home favourites Germany (WR: 2) made a clear statement of intent with two hugely impressive victories, crushing Russia (WR: 17) 8-1 before netting 12 unanswered goals against Namibia (WR: 14). No fewer than ten different scorers registered for Die Danas throughout the day, with Viktoria Huse thrilling the partisan crowd with a personal haul of four. Their +19 goal difference ensured that they finished the day at the top of the table, although second-placed Ukraine (WR: 7) also grabbed a pair of wins. Ukraine were given a stern test by Australia (WR: 8) in their opening match, fighting back from 3-1 down to triumph 4-3 thanks largely to three goals from team captain Yana Vorushylo, who also scored twice in a 6-4 victory over Russia. 

Australia bounced back from their defeat against Ukraine to claim a superb 2-1 victory over Czech Republic (WR: 3), stunning their higher-ranked opponents with goals from Lisa Farrell and team captain Shelley Watson. However, the Czech side’s earlier 6-2 victory over Namibia ensured that they ended the day sitting third in the pool, one place higher than the Australians. Russia and Namibia ended the day without any points but will be looking to change that when they return to action on Thursday 8th February, when another 12 matches in the women’s competition will take place across the two pools.

Results  - Women’s Day 1

Pool A

Poland 4, Kazakhstan 1.
Netherlands 5, Switzerland 2.
Belarus 4, USA 1.
Poland 1, USA 1.
Netherlands 7, Kazakhstan 0.
Switzerland1, Belarus 5.

Pool B

Ukraine 4, Australia 3.
Germany 8, Russia 1.
Czech Republic 6, Namibia 2.
Czech Republic 1, Australia 2.
Germany 12, Namibia 0.
Russia 4, Ukraine 6.

#IHWC2018

FIH site

Belarus Tops Indoor USWNT in Opening Pool Match of Indoor Hockey World Cup


Images Courtesy of Yan Huckendubler & World Sports Pics

BERLIN, Germany – Making their debut at the women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin, Germany, the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team came out quick in their first pool match against No. 5 Belarus. Tallying a goal within the first four minutes, the match was evenly set before Belarus scored two penalty corners and two field goals for the come from behind 4-1 win.

As the youngest team in this tournament, the Indoor USWNT hit the court with nothing to lose. The first two minutes saw chances for both sides, as goalkeeper Samantha Carlino (Kennett Square, Pa.) was tested with a reverse flick and Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.) got it past Belarus’ goalkeeper but no one was there to finish. In the 4th minute of play, Mary Beth Barham (Fairfax, Va.) took a restart quickly and found herself in a 2v1 situation with Zanolli. She passed it off, got it back and finished behind the goalkeeper to give USA a 1-0 lead.

Action between the boards remained static for a period as Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) and Annie McDonough (Kennett Square, Pa.) controlled momentum in the backfield looking for the opportune lane to threaten forward. Collective defense by Carlino and the USA defenders cleared a few Belarus chances, but momentum started to shift their way. In the 14th minute, Belarus earned their first penalty corner. This attempt was saved by Carlino’s glove as they earned another. Off the second try, Belarus tallied the equalizer on a drag flick from team captain Ryta Batura to make it 1-1. USA quickly took the restart down court and responded with their own penalty corner, but Campbell’s drag flick was rejected by Belarus’ goalkeeper as the half finished in a deadlock.

Carlino was tested early in the opening minute of the second half with Belarus holding much of the possession. As USA fell to their heels, Belarus continued to persist forward and in the 23rd minute notched two goals to extend their lead to 3-1. The first came from a low angle shot by Svitlana Bahushevich and the second was recorded by Nadzeya Silitskaya. With the team unsettled, USA instantly called a timeout to regroup. As USA looked up court they were met by a hard-tackling Belarus team who limited all attack. Carlino continued to play aggressively as she came out of the goal to cut down a few more Belarus attempts. A penalty corner for the opposition finished with a save off the goal line by McDonough.

As time started to tick down, USA knew they had to find a way to generate some offensive movement. A green card issued to Belarus’ Maryan Nikitsina opened a window, but USA was unable to connect in the attacking end. With one-minute remaining until the final whistle, Belarus finalized the game as Batura scored her second penalty corner drag flick of the match to make the final score USA 1, Belarus 4.

USFHA media release

Indoor USWNT Regroups to Earn Tie Against Poland in Second Game of Indoor Hockey World Cup


Images Courtesy of Yan Huckendubler & World Sports Pics

BERLIN, Germany – After suffering a loss in the opening pool play match of the women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team took on No. 4 Poland in front of a healthy crowd on the main court at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. Poland got on the board first but USA rallied to even the score and lock in one point in the Pool A with the 1-1 tie.

"We just wanted to go out and attack," said Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.), when asked about the focus in this match-up. "Make them uncomfortable from the start and get some opportunities that could lead to goals. We worked on prioritizing our jobs and being sure we were doing what was needed to keep us together as one unit was huge."

For the first ten minutes of the half, possession was shared between USA and Poland as neither side could generate a positive circle outcome. USA had some great passing patterns up-field and a few long balls send off the boards but failed to link the final possession together. In the 14th minute, Poland grabbed their first penalty corner and successful of the chance, Marlena Rybacha’s drag found the back of the net giving them a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Poland was issued a green card giving USA a player advantage for a minute. A low shot by Abigail Pitcairn (Aspinwall, Pa.) forced Poland’s goalkeeper to come off the line and make a save but the half-closed USA 0, Poland 1.

USA went quick off the line to start the second half as Mary Beth Barham (Fairfax, Va.) took it with speed forward. The attacking threat was met by a tight Poland defense as they shut down all lanes and spaces to work in behind. This didn’t limit USA’s persistent mentality as with patience they swung the ball between defenders. In the 24th minute, USA preserved as Paityn Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.) collected the ball off boards, beat a defender and slipped it past Poland’s goalkeeper to equalizes the score, 1-1.

With both teams eager to break the deadlock, play started to get physical as a few cards were issued in the remaining minutes. A close chance came for Poland when they earned a penalty corner but Samantha Carlino (Kennett Square, Pa.) came out of the goal to make the stop and USA’s defense stayed low to regain possession. Another for Poland when Carlino was beat out of goal but Campbell was behind to collect the attempt. USA had a few opportunities of their own when Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.) found Barham deep and again when Barham made a great trailing steal to put them on instant attack in the circle, but no outcomes were found. Poland finished with the last chance of the game as a flick hit the outside net just before the buzzer as the final score stood at USA 1, Poland 1.

"In an international tournament like this, you don't have time to have any mental letdowns," mentioned Campbell on what the squad has learned so far going up against some of the world's best. "You've got to be focused and tuned in at all times. Once you let down for a millisecond, they will take advantage. Also, making sure to keep defensive penalty corners to a minimum as they can make or break a game."

On the second day of pool play, the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team will face No. 12 Kazakhstan at 4:10 a.m. ET and No. 19 Switzerland at 10:15 a.m. ET. The first game will be live streamed and can be watched at usafieldhockey.com.

USFHA media release

Deadlock Keeps Hockeyroos-China Series All Square

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos’ five-game series with China remains all square after a 1-1 draw in Game Three at UWA Hockey Club in Perth on Wednesday evening.

China took an early lead when Zhong converted a penalty corner, but Australia levelled from their own PC, with defender Ashlea Fey shooting low past China keeper Ye Jiao in the 23rd minute.

The Hockeyroos lifted in an exciting second-half, creating plenty of chances, although goalkeeper Rachael Lynch made several class saves to ensure Australia didn’t concede a second down the other end.

The series remains locked at one win apiece with the sides to meet again on Friday and Saturday nights at Guildford Grammar Turf.

After a slow start, Zhong opened the scoring for China in the seventh minute with a low drag flick to Lynch’s left.

Australia struggled to create in the opening quarter but responded well in the second and were rewarded when they equalised in the 23rd minute from a PC.

Jane Claxton went on a determined run to earn the penalty corner, with Fey stepping up to slot her low shot into the backboard for 1-1.

Grace Stewart stole the ball in midfield and released Savannah Fitzpatrick who tested China keeper Ye Jiao with a high reverse stick shot shortly before half-time.

Australia started the second-half well, with captain Emily Smith shooting wide, while Stewart steered her shot wide from a Smith cutback moments later.

China had their own chances with Lynch forced into a one-on-one save from Luo’s drilled effort, while the Hockeyroos keeper produced her best stop with an outstretched right boot to deny Guo Qiu’s powerful low shot.

The Hockeyroos looked the more likely to score in the final quarter, but chances were few and far between, with Fey’s deflected drag flick going marginally wide in the 60th minute.

Lynch was called upon again, capping a fine display with a good save from Xi’s late drag flick.

Australia 1 (Fey 23')
China 1 (Zhong 7')

Hockey Australia media release

USMNT Claim Two Wins Versus Chile in Friendly Series



SANTIAGO, Chile - The U.S. Men's National Team are heading home with two wins under their belt following a friendly series against FIH Hero World Ranked No. 34 Chile. Despite going winless in the 5 Nations Tournament last week in Malaga, Spain, the squad demonstrated tremendous strides since 2017 and has closed the competitive gap on the top teams in the world.
 
Each and every game was close, despite small lapses in assignments and duties by various players. The addition of two extra matches after a big tournament was mentally tough for the players to refocus, but they all prevailed and gave USMNT Head Coach Rutger Wiese the opportunity to try different players in different positions and also bring along some of the younger players.
 
In the first match, USA let the game come at them a little more, overloading their right side which was a different look than usual, but responded well by putting in six goals. Chile meanwhile relied on a very fast counter attack which caught the defense off guard, netting three goals themselves. Game two was a different approach, once again, where Chile pressed continuously from the first whistle. USA scored early and held a 2-0 lead well into the second quarter. Chile's pressing strategy continued after the half, but USA built the lead up to 5-2 before letting it slip back to the final score of 5-4.
 
The matches revealed to be especially productive for Michael Barminksi (Ventura, Calif.), Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.), Jaja Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.) and Nick Molscan (Wanganui, New Zealand), who contributed with superb field goal execution.
 
 "The team is understanding the meaning of hard work and is looking forward to continuing to build and improve," said Wiese.

USFHA media release

Commonwealth Games now primary focus for MNT



With Commonwealth Games less than two months away, head coach, Paul Bundy, has some difficult decisions to make.

The Men’s National Team, 22 strong, returned this week from Malaga, Spain where they were training and competing for the last two weeks. According to Bundy, that number has to drop to 18 for the Commonwealth Games in April and the players aren’t making it easy for him and the MNT coaching staff.

“We intentionally took a bigger roster of 22 athletes so we could rotate guys around a bit,” Bundy said. “At the end of the day, we are only taking 18 to Commonwealth Games so as much as this was a nice tour to start the year, it was also a selection tour.”

The 14-day training tour culminated in a five-nations tournament featuring a round robin with Spain, Ireland, USA and Scotland. Canada (11) went 2-0-2, defeating USA (26) and Scotland (23) and dropping games to Ireland (10) and Spain (8). Bundy said the opportunity to go on a training tour that includes a competition aspect is extremely valuable at this juncture in the year.

“It’s really nice to get everyone, including all the European-based players, all on the field together. We treated this, first and foremost as a training tour. The results weren’t the priority last week,” Bundy said.

Despite results not being the primary focus, Bundy admits the win against Scotland was a good statement leading into the Commonwealth Games where Canada will face Scotland again in their pool play. For veteran defender, Gordon Johnston, the tour was a good opportunity to get the whole team back on the same page after five months without official competition.

“It’s been a long time since we have all been on the field together in a competition setting,” Johnston said. “It was just really nice to get back in the groove and be fully engaged and focused for those two weeks.”

    It was really nice to get back in the groove. – Gordon Johnston

The team came off a week of intense training and dropped the first game of the tournament to 10th-ranked Ireland. Johnston admits the team was slow out of the gates but said the team bounced back and raised their level for the rest of the event.

“We started a little slow. Most of the guys have been playing club-level hockey so it was a bit of a shock to the system,” he said. “But it didn’t take long to get our game back to an international standard. We definitely built and improved throughout the event.”

Quick Facts

    Gordon Johnston was named tournament MVP
    Canada finished the event 2-0-2
    Sukhi Panesar played in his 100th official international match
    With a pair of goals, Matt Sarmento lead the team in scoring

Forward, Matt Sarmento echoed Johnston’s sentiments and said it was really nice to get everyone back together for the tour. Sarmento, who plays for KHC Leuven (Belgium) in the Audi Hockey League, represents one of the off-shored members of Team Canada. For Sarmento, who doesn’t get the daily repetitions with his national program teammates, this tour came at a great time.

“It was awesome to get everyone out on the field together and start to reform those connections. We really focused on that team cohesion. It was a great start to 2018,” Sarmento said.

Both Johnston and Sarmento said the team atmosphere off the field plays a big part in how the team performs during training and competition. According to the two veteran players, between card games, golf, shooting hoops and team meals, the players gel very well off the field.

“We all get along very well off the field and it definitely translates well to on-field success,” Sarmento said. “I think this tour really set the standard and was a great fundamental start to a big year for us.”
Commonwealth Games Now Primary Focus

The team is back on home soil and the mindset now shifts to preparing for Commonwealth Games. Bundy plans to announce the final CWG roster at the end of February. The next two months represent a major training block before the multisport games in Australia. The head coach didn’t mince words when he said this upcoming training block will be hard.

“Moving forward, we need to work on our physical fitness, team chemistry and really nailing our systems,” he said. “We experimented a bit with certain styles of play in order to see what will work well at the Commonwealth Games. This upcoming training block is vital in our preparation for Commonwealth Games.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

Bloemendaal sign the world’s best player for next season



HC Bloemendaal have signed the world’s best player with Arthur van Doren making the move to the Hoofdklasse for next season.

The 23-year old defender won the FIH men’s Player of the Year on Monday night and has been named the Rising Star for the last season during which time he won silver with the Belgian national team at the 2016 Olympic Games and at the European Championships 2017 in Amstelveen.

With Dragons, he was the EHL ambassador at the 2017 FINAL4 in Antwerp where his club won the bronze medal. He is the latest Belgian to play for the club with Tom Boon and Simon Gougnard previously lining out with the sparrows while Manu Stockbroekx is a current player.

Interestingly, Dragons will meet Bloemendaal in the EHL on March 31 in Rotterdam, marking an interesting sub-plot for van Doren between his current and new clubs.

He is looking forward to reporting to 't Kopje next year: "I am incredibly happy, particularly with how I got to know the club and players this week which gives me great confidence for the future looking forward to playing for the 'Bloemendaal-Oranje'.”

While the season is in full swing, Bloemendaal is already planning for the future. Coach Michel van den Heuvel and important players such as Glenn Schuurman, Thierry Brinkman, Florian Fuchs and Manu Stockbroekx have all confirmed they will stay with with HC Bloemendaal while Xavi Lleonart Blanco will return to Barcelona after his Bloemendaal adventure.

With van Doren, Bloemendaal is continuing to build a team that can challenge for top prizes.

The club’s Floris-Jan Bovelander said: "As a player and as a person, Arthur fits perfectly with the club and the team - a player like him is a joy for everyone who loves hockey. He will also trains the youth of Bloemendaal, particularly as a specialist in defensive techniques and defending."

Euro Hockey League media release

South Korean Nam-yong sends KLHC into final

KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean Lee Nam-yong was the hero as star-studded KL Hockey Club (KLHC) reached the final of the TNB Cup.

Nam-yong converted the sudden death penalty shootout to help KLHC edge Tenaga Nasional 8-7 in the return leg semi-final match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

KLHC will face Universiti Kuala Malaysia (UniKL) in the final on Saturday.

UniKL, who drew 2-2 against Terengganu yesterday, qualified for their first-ever final with a 6-3 aggregate.

UniKL’s goals were scored by Jeroen Dolf Hertzberger (second minute) and Glenn Turner (23rd).

Gonzalo Peillat scored a brace for Terengganu in the 28th and 54th minutes.

KLHC, who lost 2-3 to Tenaga in the first-leg semi-final match last Sunday, won the return leg 4-3 yesterday to force a penalty shootout after being level on aggregate 6-6.

In the regulation time, KLHC scored their goals through Thomas Carson (15th), Jang Jong-hyun (24th), Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof (30th) and Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim (56th).

Syed Mohamed Syafiq Syed Cholan scored a brace for Tenaga in the 11th and 38th while the other goal was scored by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil (40th).

The first five penalty shootouts ended in a 3-3 draw.

Nam-yong, who failed to score the first penalty shootout, made amends by delivering the sudden-death winning goal in the end.

Tenaga suffered a setback in the 24th minute when national defender and their skipper Faiz Helmi Jali injured his shoulder and could not return to play.

KLHC earned a total of 12 penalty corners and only managed to convert two yesterday. KLHC coach Lim Chiow Chuan said the penalty shootout could have been anybody’s game.

“We are glad to be in the final. We created a lot of chances and also earned 12 penalty corners.

“I am quite disappointed with our penalty corner conversion rate. There was lack of power in the drag flicks and Tenaga keeper Muhd Hairi (Abdul Rahman) also did well to make a number of good saves,” said Chiow Chuan.

Tenaga forward Tengku Ahmad said that they were just unlucky to lose the sudden death shootout.

“Overall we gave a good fight to KLHC and my teammates gave their best. I am happy with the young players in our squad as they have shown maturity in their game,” said the national striker.


The Star of Malaysia

Former India hockey captain Sandeep Singh urges government to build world-class rehab centre


File image of former India captain Sandeep Singh. Reuters

New Delhi: Former India hockey captain Sandeep Singh has urged sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to build a world-class rehabilitation centre for sportspersons in the country.

No one better than Sandeep can understand the significance of a world-class rehab centre in the country after his career almost fell apart following a stray accident.

Sandeep was left almost paralysed after he was accidentally shot inside the Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi Express in 2006 while he was on his way to join the national squad for the FIH World Cup in Germany.

Even though the bullet fractured his rib and spine apart from causing damage to his kidneys and liver, Sandeep made an unbelievable comeback to the national team after a gap of almost two years before leading the side in 2009.

Asked Sandeep about the episode, he just wishes no athlete should go through such a phase.

"I just wish no athlete should encounter what I went through in my life. I have seen it all," Sandeep old PTI.

"I just want our government to make a world-class rehab centre in the country for sportspersons' recovery. I would request the sports minister personally to address the issue because he himself being a sportsperson would understand their hardships."

Sandeep, the highest goal-scorer of the country in hockey, urged the government to take a cue from the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) on this matter.

"The government is supporting the injured athletes for their recovery in every aspect but I feel if we have a world- class rehab facility in India, then there is no need to go abroad," the dragflick specialist said.

"The government is spending so much on sports and I want the government to just set an example in this regard.

We should take the example from BCCI who has a world-class rehab facility in NCA in Bangalore," he added.

Sandeep's journey has been immortalised in yet to be released Bollywood biopic named "Soorma", which has popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role along side Tapsee Pannu.

The film is scheduled to be released on 29 June.

"The film is about my journey. It is about my story, my struggle, my family's struggle. It has a message for youngsters and parents," Sandeep said.

Asked about the current Indian hockey team, Sandeep said he won't be surprised if they return with a medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. "They are really doing very good but what I feel is that they lack self-belief," he said.

"But having said that I won't be shocked if India win a medal in Tokyo.

Firstpost