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All the news for Friday 8 June 2018

XI South American Games Cochabamba 2018 (W) - Final Day
Cochabamba (BOL)

BOL v PAR (5th/6th Place)     1 - 2
CHI v BRA (3rd/4th Place)     7 - 0
ARG v URU (Final)     8 - 0

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Argentina
2. Uruguay
3. Chile
4. Brasil
5. Paraguay
6. Bolivia
7. Perú

FIH Match Centre

Argentina Odesur Women’s Champion

Macarena Ilabaca / Patrick Espejo - PAHF


Photo: Instagram: sebamir78

Cochabamba.  When the umpires marked the end of the match, Argentina raised their arms and celebrated. They defeated Uruguay and become champions of Cochabamba 2018 South American Games.

Argentina was a clear dominator of the tournament. They played four games, won all four, and with 8-0 scored in the final against the 'Cimarronas' they scored a total of 44 goals.

Uruguay could not find the formula to reduce the difference, but for them to have reached the final was a success, because not only they return to Montevideo with the bronze medal, but with a ticket to dispute the next Pan American Games Lima 2019.

Chile was the third country on the podium. The Diablas developed their game and dominated Brazil and took the bronze medal.

THEY DOMINATED FROM THE BEGINING TILL THE END

Argentina started the engine and went forward. Their right side was most offensive sector, and permanently generated changes in the game and rhythm.

It was difficult for Uruguay , so much that they could only reach the 25-yard line in the 19th minute. That says a lot about how hard it was for them. Until that minute Argentina had already scored four goals. Maria Campoy opened the score,  Agustina Gorzelany scored after she capitalized a penalty corner, ALbertarrio scroed Argentina’s third goal three seconds after finishing the first quarter; and Gorzelany increased the difference to 4.

In the third quarter Argentina slowed down and Uruguay settled better (in that period Milagros Fernández scored the fifth goal '). In the last quarter Uruguay that offered little resistance, but Albertarrio (55 '), and Julieta Jankunas (57' and 58 ') managed to score and sealed the game.

38 gold medals for Argentina in South American Games history.

The Diablas took the bronze to Chile

Chile and Brazil - were playing for the bronze after losing their semifinal games against  Argentina and Uruguay – before the game started Josefa Salas celebrated 50 caps and received a flower bouquet delivered by Alejandro Gómez, Chile’s Team Manager.

Once the game started, Chile had to work the spaces in order to obtain an advantage in the scoreboard something that they reached in the second quarter when Fernanda Flores scored the first goal .

Although the first difference would come after the first 15 minutes, during all quarters Chile kept control of the game pressing the spaces to reach the goal, a job that was not easy for those led by Sergio Vigil, as the Brazilian team took advantage of all the mistakes and possibilities that Chile Gave.

Fernanda Flores (x2) Paula Valdivia, Kim Jacob, Francisca Tala, Josefa Villalabeltía and Denisse Krimerman scored the 7 goals for Chile

The game was attended by an energetic crowd who supported both teams.

The victory against the Brazilian squad left the 'Las Diablas', in the third place of Cochabamba’s 2018, South American Games.

In the first match of the day Paraguay beat Bolivia 2-1

Carolina Cacace and Agustina Sánchez scored for Paraguay and Romina Pardo scored for Bolivia who closes an international performance that surprised many.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Argentina
2. Uruguay
3. Chile
4. Brasil
5. Paraguay
6. Bolivia
7. Perú

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Hockey Series Open - Salamanca 2018 (Men) - Day 3
Salamanca (MEX)

Result 7 June

PUR v USA (RR)     0 - 8

Table

Hockey Series Open - Salamanca 2018 (Women) - Day 3
Salamanca (MEX)

PUR v CAN (RR)     2 - 18

Table

FIH Match Centre

Early Scores Set Tone For USMNT in Second Win of Hockey Series Open


Image taken by Andrés Mallen

SALAMANCA, Mexico – The U.S. Men’s National Team picked up their second win of the Hockey Series Open in Salamanca, Mexico Thursday afternoon against FIH Hero World Ranked No. 66 Puerto Rico. Much like their play the day prior, USA maintained control and set the tone early in a 8-0 victory, with six different players registering goals in the contest. The biggest challenge for the team today was playing against a virtually unknown opponent in Puerto Rico. Despite this, USA stayed true to most of their team goals throughout the match.

"I think we scored a couple good ones," said Rutger Wiese, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. "Like I said we played against a team we haven't defended against. Big props to the Puerto Rico players and coaching staff. They played great today. It was difficult to find openings and I don't think we always took advantage of the opportunities we were represented with. We're going to have to clean that up a little bit."

"None of us have played Puerto Rico before so we didn't know what to expect," said Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.) following the game. "We controlled most of the game, but we could have been a little more technical inside the 25 [yard line], but overall I like the way we controlled the game. Things looked pretty clean."

USA opened the first quarter similar to their play in their opening match, pressing quickly and often. That yielded swift results on the scoreboard as well when USA set up for a penalty corner in the 6th minute. Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) scored on the play in well-executed fashion to put the red, white and blue up 1-0. USA couldn't double the score moments later on another penalty corner chance, but Christian De Angelis (Doylestown, Pa.) connected on a field goal in the 10th minute to make it 2-0. The tempo would remain in their favor as Puerto Rico struggled to settle down defensively or find clean outlets on clear attempts. USA took advantage on the turnovers and turned them into more scoring opportunities, but Puerto Rico was up to the challenge each time as the first quarter came to a close. USA settled down in the second quarter and was more patient in ball control. This led to back-to-back penalty corners but USA could not find the net on either attempt. Back the other way, Puerto Rico continued to strive to get anything going offensively as USA refused to let them cross the center line. With time running short in the half, Puerto Rico kept solid on defense before captain Kelvin Rivera was issued a yellow card before the horn signaled the break.

The third quarter saw USA’s perseverance on offense finally pay off with rapid scores by JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.), Deegan Huisman (Almere, The Netherlands) and Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.) in the first five minutes of the second half to make it 5-0 for USA. Meanwhile, the team’s pressure on Puerto Rico during clearing attempts resulted in the team making critical errors, turnovers and subsequently, more penalty corners for USA. Kaeppeler converted one of those tries to make it 6-0 prior to the fourth quarter. Another turnover by Puerto Rico set up a long pass to Johnny Orozco (Ventura, Calif.), who quickly turned and scored on a field goal in the 57th minute. USA was then awarded a penalty stroke in the 58th minute, which was taken by Kaeppeler. The shot was hard and beat goalkeeper Orlando Gonzalez, but the ball hit the left post and crossbar. Following the reset, and with time short, USA set up one final play that Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) sent into the circle and was tipped in by a patient Kentwell to make it 8-0 in the final minute.

While the team looked good offensively, the squad knew it fell short of what they planned to accomplish in a full 60 minutes.

"I think we needed to be reminded a couple of times," commented Grassi. "But for the most part I think we executed them pretty well. We can always improve but I think we looked pretty well today."

"Parts of the game we accomplished [our goals]," added Wiese, reflecting on the game. "But we are here as the United States and we want to do that through an entire game. We will clean up a couple things and be back tomorrow morning to practice."

USA will be back on the pitch for their third game of the Hockey Series Open on Saturday, June 9 against No. 39 Mexico. Game time is set for 6 p.m. ET. Watch the U.S. Men's National Team throughout the Hockey Series Open on live stream on the event page by clicking here.

Watch Replays of USMNT Hockey Series Open

USFHA media release

A Brief History of the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy


The historic Hockey Champions Trophy Photo: FIH

With the city of Breda all set to host the Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy later this month, we take a look back at the proud history of an event that has long showcased the very best that hockey has to offer.

Due to the introduction of FIH’s ground-breaking, game-changing new event portfolio, the Men’s Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 in Breda will be the 37th edition of this revered competition. All of the competing teams - Australia (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1), Argentina (WR: 2), Belgium (WR 3), Netherlands (WR 4), India (WR 6) and Pakistan (WR 13) - will be firmly focused on joining the elite group of previous Hockey Champions Trophy winners. All six nations will be equally determined to etch their name on this unique Trophy and into the history books for eternity.

The men’s Hockey Champions Trophy was first developed by Air Marshal (retired) Nur Khan, former President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

During the Hockey World Cup in 1978 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nur Khan offered the FIH the chance to stage a 'Super World Cup tournament' in Pakistan, where the best nations in the world would participate. At the time, the selection of the teams had to be based on the most recent FIH World Ranking, according to the Olympic Games and the World Cup.

Former FIH President René Frank, from Belgium, took Khan’s idea to the FIH Executive Board and they agreed that the tournament would start later that year, in 1978.

The PHF, taking the initiative of this ‘Super World Cup tournament’ (shortly thereafter the name was changed to Champions Trophy), obtained the right to organise the first edition.

The inaugural tournament took place in the city of Lahore, Pakistan in November 1978 and featured five teams – Pakistan, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and Spain, with Pakistan winning the title on home soil.

Following a two-year gap between the first (1978) and second (1980) editions of the Hockey Champions Trophy, the competition was played on an annual basis until 2012. The Champions Trophy reverted to a biennial event in 2014.

Aside from the inaugural five team competition, a seven team tournament in 1980 and the eight nation editions in 1987, 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2014, all other men’s Hockey Champions Trophy editions have featured six teams.

Australia are the most successful nation in men’s Hockey Champions Trophy history, having won the gold medal on 14 separate occasions, four more than nearest rivals Germany. With the Kookaburras sitting at the top of the FIH Hero World Rankings, they will fancy their chances of claiming a 15th title at this edition of this iconic competition. 

Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Medal Winners

The fine heritage of the Champions Trophy is reflected in the opening match of the 2018 competition, which features one of the biggest rivalries in the sport - Pakistan going head-to-head with India on Saturday 23 June at 14:30 local time (Central European Standard Time).

The meeting between Pakistan, the nation that launched the Hockey Champions Trophy back in 1978, and India, the eight time Olympic champions, is a fixture that is sure to draw thousands of spectators to the venue as well as millions of fans tuning in from across the world, eagerly anticipating the latest episode of this long-running battle between two of the sport’s most successful nations.

The opening day drama does not stop there, being followed at 16:00 by another eye-catching fixture, with home favourites and European champions Netherlands taking on Olympic and Pan American champions Argentina. A sensational first day of action is rounded off by the meeting between reigning champions Australia and Olympic silver medallists Belgium, who meet at 18:00 in what is certain to be a hugely competitive fixture between two of the best attacking sides in the world.

The combination of outstanding teams and an event taking place in one of the world’s most fanatical hockey countries, there can be no doubt that the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy promises to be a spectacular edition in Breda. For a full schedule and all the tournament details click here.

#HCT2018

FIH site

SA Women’s Hockey Squad named for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup



African women champions South Africa have announced their 18-player squad for the 2018 FIH Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup. Sheldon Rostron’s squad, who qualified for the World Cup when they finished fifth at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg in June 2017, features a blend of some superb youngsters coupled with experienced campaigners.

One of the notable names missing is Ilse Davids, who announced her retirement recently, while SA Player of the year for 2016, Celia Evans, misses out through a knee injury.

Shelley Jones and Dirkie Chamberlain will be key to South Africa’s approach at the World Cup as they take part in their fourth World Cups. Dynamic duo Lisa-Marie Deetlefs and Sulette Damons will take part in their third, while Nicolene Terblanche returns for her second after featuring at the Hague in 2014.  Their collective experience will be key to a South African side featuring some incredible youngsters.

There is a return to the squad for Tarryn Glasby and Lilian du Plessis (Her second World Cup as well) who missed out on the Commonwealth Games, adding a much-needed threat in front of goal to the explosive talent of Candice Manuel. While the experienced trio of Erin Hunter, Nicole Walraven, and Kara Botes will be joined in defence by the exciting Simone Gouws, who was the Junior Player of the Tournament at the recently completed IPT.

Kristen Paton and Ongi Mali, often spoken of as the future of SA Hockey, will now be a very active part of the present. The team is completed by the Western Province duo Quanita Bobbs and Jade Mayne, who will look to continue their fine form in the green and gold when arriving in London.

South Africa will take part in Group C facing off against Germany (World Ranking – 6th) on 21 July, Spain (11th) on 26 July and Argentina (3rd) on 28 July. Teams that finish first will progress straight to the quarterfinals, teams finishing 2nd or 3rd will move to the playoffs while the fourth-placed team will be eliminated.

Sheldon Rostron, head coach of the South African women, is excited to work with the team: “The group that we have created has a good blend of experience and youth. We have looked at specific skill requirements as well as the players form over the past 12 months. Simone Gouws will add a different dynamic in our defence, which we feel is needed, while the return of Lilian will make us a more threatening attacking team. As much as this is a team for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, it is also a team to build for the future of SA Women’s Hockey.”

SA Hockey would like to thank Grays South Africa and Private Property for their continued support of SA Women’s Hockey.

SA Women’s Hockey Team for the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup
      Name     Province
1     Phumelela Mbande     Northern Blues
2     Marlize van Tonder     Southern Gauteng
3     Erin Hunter     Southern Gauteng
4     Kara Botes     Southern Gauteng
5     Simone Gouws     Free State
6     Nicole Walraven     Free State
7     Lisa Deetlefs     Southern Gauteng
8     Shelley Jones     Kwazulu Natal Raiders
9     Kristen Paton     Southern Gauteng
10     Quanita Bobbs     Western Province
11     Nicolene Terblanche     Northern Blues
12     Sulette Damons     North West
13     Candice Manuel     Western Province
14     Ongi Mali     Eastern Province
15     Lilian du Plessis     Southern Gauteng
16     Tarryn Glasby     Western Province
17     Dirkie Chamberlain     North West
18     Jade Mayne     Western Province

SA Hockey Association media release

South Africa blend experience and youth

By The Hockey Paper


South African Dirkie Chamberlain returns for a fourth hockey World Cup campaign

Shelley Jones and Dirkie Chamberlain will lead South Africa into their fourth women’s World Cup campaigns next month.

South Africa, the African women champions, announced its 18-strong squad for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup on Thursday, with a key omission in Celia Evans, who misses out through a knee injury.

Head coach Sheldon Rostron’s squad qualified for the World Cup when they finished fifth at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg last summer.

Alongside Jones and Chamberlain, Lisa-Marie Deetlefs and Sulette Damons will take part in their third World Cup campaigns while Nicolene Terblanche returns for her second after featuring at the Hague in 2014.

One of the other notable names missing is Ilse Davids, who announced her retirement recently.

Meanwhile Tarryn Glasby and Lilian du Plessis, who missed out at the Commonwealth Games, return to the squad and will add attacking power, according to Rostron.

Rostron said: “The group that we have created has a good blend of experience and youth.

“We have looked at specific skill requirements as well as the players form over the past 12 months.



“Simone Gouws will add a different dynamic in our defence, which we feel is needed, while the return of Lilian will make us a more threatening attacking team.

“As much as this is a team for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, it is also a team to build for the future of SA Women’s Hockey.”

South Africa finished 10th the last World Cup, which included a group stage win over England in The Hague.

Four years on, South Africa will face off against Germany, and Argentina in their pool group. If they finished seventh or higher, the team would have equalled their best showing at a World Cup in 20 years.

The Hockey Paper

USWNT Faces Recognizable Foes in World Cup Pool Play



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Just over six weeks remain until the U.S. Women’s National Team descends upon London for the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup. Since qualifying for the event last year, USA has been hard at work getting ready for one of the sport’s biggest stages. Before them are some familiar adversaries in pool play, ones that USA have tilted with on home turf and abroad. USA Field Hockey breaks down what’s in store for the USWNT as their training schedule continues into the summer. As part of the 16-nation tournament, USA caught the attention of the world four years ago after winning the Champions Challenge in Glasgow, Scotland. Since then their reputation has gone nowhere but up as the team punched their ticket to London and their ninth World Cup appearance. Their competition is equally as eager to perform nothing short of superb.

No. 2 England

The host nation looks to follow up their gold medal in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with hoisting their first ever World Cup on home pitch. Before Brazil, they stormed the international stage as European Champions. Their momentum however hit a speed bump at the Hockey World League Semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa at the hands of USA. An early second quarter score by Hannah Martin gave England the edge until the final minutes, where a field goal by Funk tied the game, forcing a shootout. After a deadlock 1-1 score at the end of five shooters, USA prevailed in the heart stopping match when Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) shot the game winner following a miss by England moments before. The result gave USA a meeting with Germany in the Finals, while England settled for third place, winning 5-2 against Argentina.

However, England would get revenge just a few months later at the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand. The second day of quarterfinal action saw the two teams meet once again in a tight battle to the end. Much like their South Africa match, England was first to get on the board on a setup tap in by Alex Danson, which was finished by Sophie Bray. Another score in the third quarter by Bray would prove to be the deciding factor as USA ran out of time, falling 2-1. As of late England has kept pace on the international circuit, especially this past February in a test series against Argentina. In that five-game series in Rosario, Argentina, Danson led all individual performances with five goals.

No. 10 India

England will not be the only Hockey World League Semifinal foe USA will face in pool play. The two teams met during pool action in Johannesburg, where USA executed a 4-1 victory, but the match was much closer than that score may indicate. Funk opened the scoring in the 24th minute and it remained a 1-0 USA advantage until midway through the third when Lilima Minz tied it. USA pulled ahead once again two minutes later courtesy of Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) before another score by Funk and Vittese put the red, white and blue out of reach. Before Johannesburg, these two teams met in Lancaster, Pa. as part of the Citi Rio Send-Off Series in 2016, where India and USA each won one contest a piece.

No. 16 Ireland

While it was not too long ago that these two country’s junior squads tested each other across the pond in a three-game test series, USA and Ireland previously met just over a year ago in Lancaster, Pa. in a three-game friendly series of their own. USA prevailed in two of those matches and tied in the third across four days. Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) and Jill Funk (Lancaster, Pa.) led scoring in the series with two goals apiece. Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.), Loren Shealy (Charlotte, N.C.) and Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.) also scored one each for USA. For Ireland, it was Emily Beatty, Hannah Matthews and Anna O’Flanagan on the scoresheet last May. In the team’s recent test match against Scotland, Beatty once again led her squadmates with three goals across as many games. Just behind her was Naomi Carrol, who has proven to be just as effective on the penalty corner unit.

The U.S. Women’s National Team is currently in Tucuman, Argentina for a five-game test series against the host nation from June 7-10. Tune in to usafieldhockey.com for a live stream throughout the series and cheer on USA next month in the World Cup! #Gr1tForGlory

USFHA media release

Giselle Ansley eyes more glory with England

GISELLE ANSLEY may have an Olympic gold medal to her name but she still has a glaring gap in her CV she hopes to fill with England at the Hockey World Cup in London this summer.

By Ben Page


Giselle Ansley in action for England women's hockey team. GETTY

Surbiton defender Ansley, 26, was part of the British team who won gold at Rio 2016 with a dramatic shootout victory over the Netherlands in the final.

The World Cup is the biggest event in hockey after the Olympics and Ansley has never been to one, having missed out in 2014 in what she describes as the biggest low of her career.

"There have definitely been plenty of lows along the way and the Rio cycle had some real low points for me," said Ansley, speaking before England Hockey's #behindeverygreatplayer event to mark 50 days until the World Cup.

"In 2014 I didn't actually get picked for the World Cup so if I get picked for this one, this would be my first. That was a real tough time. I had been picked for the tournaments beforehand, got to the World Cup and I got dropped, so yeah, I guess - as it has been through my whole career - my parents supported me the whole way.


Giselle Ansley was awarded an MBA after helping GB win gold in Rio.GETTY

"I got the email saying I wasn't picked when I was at home and my mum was there and just let me cry and all that kind of stuff. And she said, 'You know what, if you want it enough you will go away and work hard enough to try and get back in contention for the next one. She never pushed me, never forced me but she knew the mindset that I had. That's my outlook, if I get dropped I just want to prove them wrong."

And that is exactly what Ansley, who has 119 caps for GB and England, intends to do in front of a home crowd at the Olympic Park from July 21-August 5.

She is helping to guide a younger team rebuilt after 2016 towards another clash with the world's top teams after taking bronze at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.


Giselle Ansley is hoping to help England to glory this summer. GETTY

"It's absolutely huge. It's the second biggest tournament to the Olympic Games," she said of the World Cup.

"The opportunity to play that essentially in our own back yard in London, hopefully with all the support of the country, it should be an absolutely fantastic event.

"The World Cup is that next step up. It's got the Dutch, Germans and Argentina in it - some of the biggest forces in hockey, and to win the top prize you've got to beat the top teams.”

Daily Express

Magee and Bell admit shock but confident Irish men will continue upward trajectory


Craig Fulton conducting a team talk in 2016. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Ireland’s most-capped player Eugene Magee and his fellow Ulster man Johnny Bell have admitted they were stunned to learn that national coach Craig Fulton was jumping ship fewer than six months before the World Cup, writes John Flack.

The South African announced his decision to quit and take over as assistant coach to Belgium to the players last week, two days before it became public knowledge.

Fulton took the Ireland men’s team to a new level during his four-and-a-half years in charge, leading them to the 2016 Rio Olympics and a first ever bronze medal at the European Championship 12 months earlier.

The 43-year-old has also steered Ireland to a first appearance at a World Cup for 28 years but instead of coaching Ireland in India in November, he’ll be in the Belgian dug-out.

Banbridge star Magee said: “The players received an email from Craig telling us of his decision and the first reaction was one of shock and disbelief.

“There had been no indication whatsoever beforehand of what was to come but, while the timing isn’t great, Belgium obviously want him there for the World Cup and we wish him well.

“It’s a big move for him and it won’t be easy for him and his family to relocate but they have always been very supportive of him and I am sure he will do well in his new post.

“Hopefully we will be able to find a new coach although there’s not much time. But even if we don’t, there is enough experience in the squad and enough leaders on the pitch to get by, along with a good team of assistant coaches.”

Lisnagarvey’s Johnny Bell, who has also captained Ireland when Davey Harte has been unavailable, says that while the timing of Fulton’s impending departure was unfortunate and unexpected, it’s a compliment to his coaching ability.

Bell added: “Ned’s departure came out of the blue and was a big surprise to us all.”

“But on reflection, it maybe isn’t that surprising given the successes of the Irish men’s team over the last number of years and it was only a matter of time before a top-five nation would come calling.

“We have to thank him for the considerable sacrifice he made to come to Ireland in 2014.

“The men’s team wasn’t in a great place back then and under his leadership we have risen to the top 10 in the world.

“It’s definitely been a very special and the most successful chapter in the history of Irish hockey.

“The timing of his departure isn’t ideal with our world cup preparations well underway.

“However, the support staff and structures are still there for the summer programme to continue while a successor is found.

“This team has overcome plenty of obstacles in the past to defy the odds and achieve success.

“This is another bump along the road that won’t distract us from our mission. The new coach will inherit a very talented squad that is more determined than ever.

“This opportunity for fresh coaching impetus could be the catalyst to get us to the next level. I have no doubt we will continue on the path of continual improvement and achieve plenty more success.”

The Hook

Champions Trophy: Good for Malaysia as well

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will head for Perth to play in at least five friendlies against Australia in the run-up to the Jakarta Asian Games on Aug 19-Sept 1.

The Games champion will receive direct entry into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Malaysia have set their mind on grabbing that historic ticket.

And while Malaysia will play with the Aussies at the end of the month (with the composition of the Australian team yet to be known) Asian Games challengers India and Pakistan will be competing in the last edition of the Champions Trophy in Netherlands, on June 23-July 1.

The other Asian teams which Malaysia must beat for gold in Jakarta are South Korea, China and Japan (qualified for Olympics as hosts).

And when Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen was asked about India and Pakistan's preparation: "Both the teams will be getting maximum exposure at the Champions Trophy, and I expect them to gain important exposure playing against top teams in the world ahead of the Asian Games."

The other teams in the Champions Trophy are Netherlands, Australia (2014 World Cup champions), Argentina (2016 Olympic champions) and Belgium (2016 Olympic silver medallists).

But there is also a plus factor for Malaysia in the Champions Trophy, where India and Pakistan will play the first match.

"We will be able to watch Pakistan and India play in a real competitive tournament atmosphere and it will reveal how much both the teams have progressed and will also give us some insight on what to expect from them in Jakarta," said van Huizen.

Pakistan have improved much under new coach Roelant Oltmans from Netherlands, as they held Malaysia to a 1-1 darw in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games recently.

"We drew with them 1-1 barely a week after Oltmans took over, so it would be interesting to see how much they have improved under the Dutch coach in the Champions Trophy. We can learn much about their form, from their matches in the Netherlands."

The Champions Trophy was incepted in 1978 by Pakistan's Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan and the Pakistan Hockey Federation, and this will be the last tournament as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will no longer host it anymore.

Malaysia will be trying to break their jinx of winning the Asian Games Gold medal in Jakarta, as the highest was a silver medal in 2010
Guangzhou, China, where Pakistan won 2-0 and qualified for the 2012 London Olympics.

For the record, Malaysia last played at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Scotland Squad announced for Italian Series


Photo by Mark Pugh

The Scotland Women’s squad has been announced for the upcoming Italian Series against Italy at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

The three-match series, which will see the Scots go toe-to-toe with the World Cup bound Italians, will be played on Tuesday 12th June at 19:00; Thursday 14th June at 12:00; and Friday 15th June at 19:00.

This is Scotland women’s second series as part of the Tartan Trilogy after facing Ireland. With Ireland winning the Celtic Series, Scotland will be looking to bounce back against tough competition in front of a home support.

Later this summer Scotland men face USA in the final series of the Tartan Trilogy. Tickets for all matches are available now.

Scotland women are back on home soil after playing in the Commonwealth Games 2018 in the Gold Coast. Now, the squad is working towards the Hockey Series Finals in May 2019 and then EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow in August 2019.  Italy, on the other hand, are in their final phase of preparation for the World Cup which will be played in London later this summer.

The Italian Series is guaranteed to be an exciting  and intense showdown, played at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre. Tickets for the highly anticipated Tartan Trilogy can be bought HERE.

Scotland Squad for the Italian Series

Match 1 – Tuesday 12th June – 19:00

Lucy Camlin (GK) (Watsonians HC)
Danie McMurray (GK) (Western Wildcats)
Karin Belch (Grove Menzieshill)
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham HC)
Kate Holmes (Clifton Robinsons HC)
Fran Lonergan (Clydesdale Western)
Kaz Cuthbert (Western Wildcats)
Emily Dark (Dundee Wanderers)
Jenny Eadie (Clydesdale Western)
Nikki Alexander-Lloyd (Wimbledon HC)
Katie Robertson (Grove Menzieshill)
Millie Steiger (Clydesdale Western)
Fiona Burnet (Clydesdale Western)
Lorna Cruickshank (University of Durham HC)
Lucy Lanigan (Clydesdale Western)
Hanna McKie (University of Edinburgh)
Lexi Sabatelli (Clydesdale Western)
Laura Swanson (University of Edinburgh HC)

Match 2 – Thursday 14th June – 12:00

Lucy Camlin (GK) (Watsonians HC)
Nicki Cochrane (GK) (Beeston HC)
Karin Belch (Grove Menzieshill)
Bex Condie (University of Birmingham HC)
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham HC)
Fran Lonergan (Clydesdale Western)
Kaz Cuthbert (Western Wildcats)
Emily Dark (Dundee Wanderers)
Jenny Eadie (Clydesdale Western)
Kate Holmes (Clifton Robinsons HC)
Nikki Alexander-Lloyd (Wimbledon HC)
Katie Robertson (Grove Menzieshill)
Millie Brown (Clydesdale Western)
Fiona Burnet (Clydesdale Western)
Sarah Jamieson (Grove Menzieshill)
Hanna McKie (University of Edinburgh)
Laura Swanson (University of Edinburgh HC)
Charlotte Watson (Dundee Wanderers)

Match 3 – Friday 15th June – 19:00

Lucy Camlin (GK) (Watsonians HC)
Nicki Cochrane (GK) (Beeston HC)
Karin Belch (Grove Menzieshill)
Bex Condie (University of Birmingham HC)
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham HC)
Fran Lonergan (Clydesdale Western)
Laura Swanson (University of Edinbrugh HC)
Lorna Cruickshank (University of Durham HC)
Jenny Eadie (Clydesdale Western)
Heather Howie (Clydesdale Western)
Nikki Alexander-Lloyd (Wimbledon HC)
Katie Robertson (Grove Menzieshill)
Millie Brown (Clydesdale Western)
Sarah Jamieson (Grove Menzieshill)
Lucy Lanigan (Clydesdale Western)
Lexi Sabatelli (Clydesdale Western)
Millie Steiger (Clydesdale Western)
Charlotte Watson (Dundee Wanderers)

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Come see the Green Army at the SoftCo Series



The Green Army will face Canada in 2 matches as part of the SoftCo Series on June 15th and 16th in Pembroke Wanderers. The fixtures are the first home games of their World Cup preparation and are a great opportunity to see the Green Army in action! As well as two great matches, there will be a fun zone, Hockey Skills Challenge, spot prizes and free thunder sticks for all children.

Tickets will be available on the gate:

Children-Free
Adults- €10 for 1 match or €15 for both matches

Squad for SoftCo Series:

Irish Hockey Association media release

Bhubaneswar’s 2018 hockey World Cup to feature murals and mobikes

By Richard Bright


Hockey fans will see plenty of murals in Bhubaneswar this December

Bhubaneswar, host of this year’s men’s World Cup, will see an upsurge in wall murals with a hockey theme ahead of the December event in India

Officials are chalking out plans for a city-wide facelift to improve “infrastructure, transportation and ambience” for the 16-team competition.

With less than six months to go, the local civic body will be executing three main projects which will help in building the core infrastructure of the city.

First of these measures will be to provide mechanical sweeping to an 80 km stretch of main road which will include areas around the Kalinga Hockey Stadium.

Around 100 e-toilets will also be set-up in the city which “might have auto cleaning facility”, while a drainage system will be implemented to deal with monsoons.

Artists from all over the state have also been commissioned to paint the city with their creative ideas on hockey. A similar project was used for the Asian Athletics Championships last year.

Meanwhile, renovation work of the Kalinga Hockey Stadium has also entered its final phase with the capacity being increased to 15,000 by extending the stands and building two new galleries.



And if travelling by tuk-tuk or taxi doesn’t excite fans, then the city is also implementing a Public Bicycle Sharing System, which will see 1500 smart bicycles being provided at docking stations across the city.

As with other high-profile FIH events, there will also be large screens erected in public places for fans to enjoy the World Cup experience.

READ THE GAME: World Cup news, opinion and features

Mr Vishal Dev, of the Government of Odisha, said: “We are taking several measures to ensure that the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 is a grand success.

“The city of Bhubaneswar is going through a massive overhaul which will make it a favourable destination for all hockey enthusiasts from across the globe.”

The Hockey Paper

Leopold strengthen with view to Belgian title tilt


©: World Sport Pics

Royal Leopold have made significant additions for next season when they will return to the EHL as they bid “to lay the foundations to win the Belgian title within three years”.

To do this, the Robin Geens/Thomas Van den Balck coaching team have kept the services of Manu Brunet, Tom Degroote, Aristide Coisne, Jean-Baptiste Forgues and Kane Russell while key midfielder Dorian Thiery has extended his contract to 2020.

Nicolas Poncelet returns to the club after a title-winning year with Dragons while exciting French forward Gaspard Baumgarten moves from FC Lyon who he helped to runners-up in their national competition. He has scored 30 times in 93 international games.

Leopold will also introduce several talents from their youth academy including Archibald De Kepper, Felix Deleuze, Dylan Englebert, Max Muschs or François Sior.

For Dragons, in addition to Poncelet, Alexander Hendrickx has become the latest Belgian star to switch to the Netherlands, lining out with Pinoke next season. Fabrice van Bockrijk is also on the move from the Antwerp club, returning to his former club Herakles.

Euro Hockey League media release

History Makers wins prestigious award


The History Makers was named Illustrated Sports Book of the Year

A book charting the Rio 2016 gold medal triumph of Great Britain's women's hockey team won a prestigious literature award in London, England last night, with The History Makers named the Thomson Reuters Illustrated Book of the Year at the 16th Sports Book Awards.

Written by lifelong hockey players and fans Richard Stainthorpe and Sarah Juggins, the freelance journalists, who also work for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as Media Coordinators, received the award at a glittering awards ceremony at Lords Cricket Ground. With input from World Sports Pics, who have also covered international events for FIH, the award is fantastic recognition for the sport and Great Britain's women's team, and a remarkable achievement for those involved in pulling this book together.

"The impact of what the Team GB women’s hockey team did at Rio 2016 is still being felt, inspiring thousands more people to take up this brilliant sport."
Sarah Juggins, Author

The book charts the journey of Team GB's women's hockey team from their lowest point - failing to qualify for the Athens 2004 Olympics. It recalls the battles the team faced - sliding down the world rankings, in-fighting and discord within the squad, no funding and very little prospect of a bright future.

Three players - Crista Cullen, Helen Richardson and Kate Walsh - were junior members of that team. Fast forward 12 years and the same three players were at the heart of the greatest moment in Great Britain women's hockey, standing on the podium in Rio with Olympic gold medals proudly hanging around their necks.

During those intervening years, the team had undergone a transformation. It was no easy journey, but a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, triumphs and disasters - with casualties along the way.

The History Makers is more than an account of a famous victory. It is the story of how a team changed its culture and its attitude and transformed a sport barely worth a mention in the press into the provider of an Olympic moment that gripped the nation.

The History Makers fought of fierce competition from George Rowlands The Redmen: The Tobacco Years, Michael Donald's Goal!, Iain T. Spragg's Remarkable Golf Courses, Martyn Farr's The Darkness Beckons and AELTC's A Portrait of Wimbledon to win.

Speaking about their award, Sarah Juggins said: "For us as authors it was our Oscar moment. It was brilliant to be on stage waving the baton for our sport. The impact of what the Team GB women’s hockey team did at Rio 2016 is still being felt, inspiring thousands more people to take up this brilliant sport. The Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 is just around the corner, and the incredible ticket sales for that event provide plenty of evidence of just how popular the sport is right now."

Richard Stainthorpe added: "‘This is absolutely unreal for us. We simply wanted to do justice to a terrific story about a team that overcame a lot of challenges to create a moment of sporting magic, so something like this was absolutely not on our radar. We're absolutely thrilled, and it was terrific to have Olympic gold medallists Georgie Twigg and Hannah MacLeod with us on the night. The project would not have been possible without the support of Frank Uijlenbroek and Koen Suyk, whose brilliant images brought the whole thing to life."

The History Makers will no go up against eight other award winners from the night in an online public vote to determine the overall Sports Book of the Year in association with The Times newspaper.

Everyone who votes at www.sportsbookawards.com is entered into a prize draw to win £100 of National Book Tokens. The public vote is open until midday on Friday 15 June, with the winner announced shortly afterwards.

For more information about the 2018 Sports Book Awards visit http://sportsbookawards.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportBookAwards
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sportbookawards
Instagram: Sportbookawards

FIH site

FIH partners with award-winning Whisper Films to create global Magazine Show

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed a partnership with award-winning production company Whisper Films to produce a new hockey magazine show that will be broadcast world-wide.

As part of the FIH’s world-class content and distribution strategy, Whisper Films has been commissioned to reignite and reinvent the official FIH magazine show. Their brief is to create a show that introduces hockey to sports fans worldwide by capturing a truly global perspective in order to build a powerful image of the game.

FIH had previously produced a magazine show that was based on existing broadcast event content. A change of strategy will see each show composed of brand new original content from special on location shoots.

"Together we will share the amazing stories from hockey, across all levels of the game, from around the globe."
Andy Oram, TV and Broadcast Director

Filming will take place on all five continents, featuring stories from grassroots to elite level and including all the build up to and action from major events. And with an increased emphasis on story-telling, the shows will develop characters to revolutionise and build the sport, with the aim of making hockey more recognisable globally.

It will be produced by a team of the very best talent sourced from the broadcasting and film industry. Whisper Films expertise will bring the sport of hockey to life through a quality, engaging and exclusive show full of pace and energy, making it entertaining, innovative and exciting.

A world-wide network of partners will broadcast the show via linear and digital channels. It will also be repurposed for the FIH’s YouTube and social media to maximise global reach of this content.

The choice to partner with Whisper Films was influenced by their work for some of the world’s biggest commercial and sports clients. These include the NFL, Red Bull Racing, Heineken, the Premier League, the International Olympic Committee and Paralympics, Channel 4 and the BBC. By creating stand-out content for these organisations, they have elevated the quality, reach and impact of their products.

Speaking about this, FIH TV and Broadcast Director Andy Oram said: “This really is a giant step forward as we look to bring a full commercial focus to our live and additional programme content. Whisper Films pride themselves on delivering strong editorial content and unearthing new stories. Together we will share the amazing stories from hockey, across all levels of the game, from around the globe. They have earned the status as one of the most creative and engaging production companies around – exactly the type of partner our sport needs to help engage millions more followers around the world.”

Whisper Films Managing Director Sunil Patel said: “We share the same ethos as the FIH being an authentic, innovative and forward-thinking company with experience of working closely with big global brands. This is a particularly exciting time for hockey and we are looking forward to showcasing the unique stories within the sport. Whisper Films have made a name for ambitious and innovative coverage which helps grow the reach of sports. We can’t wait to deliver our high-impact, creative content to growing audiences across the world.”

FIH site