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All the news for Friday 16 November 2018

Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou Wujin 2018
Changzhou (CHN)

Fixtures 17 November (GMT +8)

14:00     GBR v CHN (RR
16:00     AUS v ARG (RR)
18:00     NED v JPN (RR)

FIH Match Centre

Hockeyroos Defeat Hosts China In Champions Trophy Warm-up

By Ben Somerford

The Hockeyroos have warmed up for their 2018 FIH Champions Trophy campaign with a 2-1 win over hosts China PR ahead of Saturday’s opening game against Argentina.

Skipper Emily Smith scored Australia’s opener with a field goal, before veteran Jodie Kenny netted a late drag flick from a penalty corner to clinch the win in the 2x15-minute game.

The Hockeyroos arrived in Changzhou earlier this week, with the side acclimatising to the cold and wet Chinese conditions.

Hockeyroos defender Karri McMahon, who will compete at her third Champions Trophy, said the team had prepared well.

“It’s a bit of a different climate than what we’re used to,” McMahon said.

“It’ll be a challenge for us. Also being in a massive major city, compared to Perth where we train, will bring a different challenge in itself.

“Keeping the team fit and healthy will be another challenge and preparations for that started weeks ago.”

Third-ranked Australia will come up against hosts China (ranked 11th), defending champions Argentina (fourth), Olympic champions Great Britain (England ranked second), world number one Netherlands and the invited Japan (14th) at the Champions Trophy, which will be held for the last time before the introduction of the new FIH Pro League in 2019.

Australia rose to the number three ranking following their fourth place at the World Cup in July/August where they knocked out Argentina, who they’ll face in their Champions Trophy opener on Saturday (7pm AEDT on FOX SPORTS' stream at www.foxsports.com.au/live).

The Hockeyroos suffered heartbreak in the semi-finals after a gallant 1-1 draw with world number one Netherlands, before losing in a shootout to the Dutch who are the Champions Trophy favourites.

Australia's World Cup semi-final appearance showed the side's growth following major changes after failing to medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, having also finished as runners-up at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.

“As a group we really want to put together some strong performances following on from the World Cup,” McMahon said.

“It’s not quite the same team but we still want to have an improved style of play from that again.

“We want to start to look towards our selections for next year and Tokyo.

“For us, it’s about putting in some performances we’re proud of and look back in time and reflect on it as something special for everyone.”

The national selectors have called up three uncapped players; Rebecca Greiner, Greta Hayes and Penny Squibb, who have spent the past fortnight training with the squad.

Berri-born defender McMahon said the newcomers had brought plenty of enthusiasm, in a boost to their hopes of winning the trophy.

“We’ve got a really strong chance after the World Cup,” she said.

“We’ve got some enthusiasm coming through the group with some new selections which will put us in good stead to contend for it.”  

Hockeyroos 2018 Champions Trophy schedule (all times AEDT):

Saturday 17 November 7pm – Australia v Argentina (live on www.foxsports.com.au/live)
Sunday 18 November 5pm – Australia v Great Britain (live on www.foxsports.com.au/live)
Tuesday 20 November 5pm – Australia v Netherlands (live on Fox Sports 507)
Thursday 22 November 7pm – Australia v China (live on Fox Sports 507)
Saturday 24 November 5pm – Australia v Japan (live on www.foxsports.com.au/live)
Sunday 25 November – Finals (live on www.foxsports.com.au/live)

Hockeyroos’ 18-member Champions Trophy team:

Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) *Plays for ACT
Lily Brazel (Sydney, NSW) *Plays for VIC
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA)
Kalindi Commerford (Mollymook, NSW) *Plays for ACT
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Rebecca Greiner (Bundaberg, QLD)
Greta Hayes (Sydney, NSW)
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD)
Stephanie Kershaw (Townsville, QLD)
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC)
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA)
Ambrosia Malone (Burleigh, QLD)
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW)
Hayley Padget (Doncaster, VIC)
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT)
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW)
Penny Squibb (Tambellup, WA)
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) *Plays for SA

Hockey Australia media release

McMahon: Hockeyroos Keen To Build On World Cup Progress

Ben Somerford



Experienced Hockeyroo Karri McMahon says the side wants to build on their promising World Cup semi-finals appearance when they shoot for glory at the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Australia rose to the number three ranking following their fourth place at the World Cup where they knocked out Argentina, who they’ll face in their Champions Trophy opener on Saturday (7pm AEDT on FOX SPORTS' new stream at www.kayosports.com.au with a free 14-day trial available).

The Hockeyroos suffered heartbreak in the semi-finals after a gallant 1-1 draw with world number one Netherlands, before losing in a shootout.

The Dutch head into the Champions Trophy as the favourites, while Argentina are the reigning champions. Great Britain, China PR and Japan will also compete.

Australia's World Cup semi-final appearance showed the side's growth following major changes after failing to medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and having finished as runners-up at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.

“As a group we really want to put together some strong performances following on from the World Cup,” said McMahon who’ll compete at her third Champions Trophy.

“It’s not quite the same team but we still want to have an improved style of play from that again.

“We want to start to look towards our selections for next year and Tokyo.

“For us, it’s about putting in some performances we’re proud of and look back in time and reflect on it as something special for everyone.”

The national selectors have called up three uncapped players; Rebecca Greiner, Greta Hayes and Penny Squibb, who spent the past week training with the squad.

Berri-born defender McMahon said the newcomers had brought plenty of enthusiasm, in a boost to their hopes of winning the trophy.

“We’ve got a really strong chance after the World Cup,” she said.

“We’ve got some enthusiasm coming through the group with some new selections which will put us in good stead to contend for it.”

The Hockeyroos warmed up for Saturday's opener with a 2-1 win over China PR in a 2x15-minute match on Thursday.

Skipper Emily Smith scored Australia’s opener with a field goal, before veteran Jodie Kenny netted a late drag flick from a penalty corner to clinch the win.

The Hockeyroos arrived in Changzhou on Tuesday, where the players began to acclimatising to the cold and wet Chinese conditions.

“It’s a bit of a different climate than what we’re used to,” McMahon said.

“It’ll be a challenge for us. Also being in a massive major city, compared to Perth where we train, will bring a different challenge in itself.

“Keeping the team fit and healthy will be another challenge and preparations for that started weeks ago.”

Hockey Australia media release

Can Great Britain's 'golden girls' go again?

By Emily Croydon


Great Britain beat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to win Olympic gold in 2016

"I'm as motivated as I've ever been since I first put on a GB shirt."

Olympic gold medallist Giselle Ansley is in defiant mood as she prepares for Great Britain's Champions Trophy campaign in China.

The last time the team played as GB, they won Olympic gold. More than two years on, circumstances are far from perfect - they are without a permanent head coach, and their captain and first-choice goalkeeper are both absent.

Most of the players are also recovering from England's quarter-final exit from their home World Cup in London, and their motivation has been questioned.

So should the team be concerned? And what are the challenges that lie ahead for the 'golden girls'?

Finding the motivation to 'go again'

After leaving his post as head coach of the women's team to take charge of the men's side earlier this year, Danny Kerry told the BBC the Olympic champions have "got to find that motivation to go again".

The women's team - as England or Great Britain - have won at least one major international medal in each of the past 10 years, but bronze at the Commonwealth Games and defeat by the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-final were disappointments.

Hollie Pearne-Webb, who will captain the side in the absence of Alex Danson because of concussion, says she has not "struggled" for motivation.

"The four years leading up to the Olympics were not smooth - it was a rollercoaster of a journey and we didn't perform well at the World Cup four years ago," she said.

"I absolutely know what I want to do and what I want to achieve and I'm confident all the other Rio girls are exactly the same."

Ansley added: "Things get said, and whether they're meant in the way that they're said who knows, but if we get caught up in things like that it would be detrimental to us and our performances.

"I'm hoping we can go and enjoy China and keep progressing as a squad together."


Pearne-Webb posted this picture of the GB squad on Instagram with the caption: "An exciting time for some and a tough time for others. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much"

Coach Ralph given 'wonderful opportunity'

Three months on from Kerry's departure, the recruitment process to find his successor is ongoing.

David Ralph, who joined the coaching team in 2016, will take charge of the team in China.

"As we see it, 'Ralphy' is our head coach and that's it," said Pearne-Webb, scorer of the winning penalty in the shootout in Rio.

"He knows the group really well - he knows what we're good at and he knows the areas we need to work on so it's great."

With five matches against high-calibre competition, including the Netherlands, Ralph has the opportunity to put his stamp on the job.

"Working with an exceptional group of athletes like this, it's a wonderful opportunity," he said. "Any ambitious coach should be interested in this role.

"Danny was obviously in for a long time and had a certain way of playing but we believe we've got some skills we can utilise in different ways.

"We're allowing the girls to express some of their more attacking skills."

Pearne-Webb 'honoured' to be stand-in captain


England Hockey implemented its concussion protocols after captain Alex Danson's head injury

Danson was appointed captain of England and GB following Kate Richardson-Walsh's retirement after the Olympics.

But she will miss the Champions Trophy after suffering a concussion when she hit her head on a concrete chair while on holiday.

Pearne-Webb said: "With Alex unfortunately not able to be around, being captain is something I didn't expect but a huge honour.

"I have spoken to Alex a little bit, although communication is limited because of her rest and recovery. I'm going to just be myself and not try and be someone I'm not."
The goalkeeper conundrum

Maddie Hinch was the star of the Olympic final, saving four Dutch penalties in the shootout.

But she will not feature in the Champions Trophy after announcing in September she is taking a break from international hockey.

She wants to return for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but her absence means Amy Tennant and Sabbie Heesh get the chance to step up.

"It's a pretty pivotal moment in both of our careers," said Tennant, who was reserve goalkeeper for the World Cup and will make her GB debut in China.

"I've sat for a while watching Maddie. I've soaked it all up and now I'm ready to take on that number one slot.

"If you'd have asked me two years ago if I'd be getting a chance to play number one in this cycle I'd have said probably not, so hopefully I can grasp that opportunity."

Heesh was back-up to Hinch when England won European gold in 2015, but missed out on selection for Rio and suffered an ACL injury in March 2017 from which she has only recently returned.

"The Champions Trophy is a good opportunity for me and Amy to show the world what we can do, because we haven't had the exposure that Maddie had," she said.

"It's a challenge to get in front of Maddie but it pushes us on.

"I'd like my performances and my hockey to do the talking."

GB start their Champions Trophy campaign against hosts China on Saturday, with the final placings decided on 25 November.

BBC Sport

Hollie Pearne-Webb opens up on Hockey World Cup exit as Olympics take shape



Hollie Pearne-Webb admits that the sea of red support helped ease of the pain of England’s early World Cup exit in the summer.

England were beaten at the quarter-final stages by eventual world champions Holland as Danny Kerry’s side departed earlier than expected.

With Kerry having left his role as women’s coach for the men’s job and England players now turning their attentions to a Great Britain shirt, Pearne-Webb says that the side is still in a better place than at this stage four years ago as they attempted to turn around their fortunes after a poor 2014 World Cup.

Pearne-Webb will captain GB for the Champions Trophy, which starts this weekend in China, a tournament which will also mark their first major event since the 28-year-old scored the winning shoot-out shot in Rio.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege [to be captain],” she said. “Over the last few years, myself and Laura [Unsworth] have supported Alex as vice captains and it’s really unfortunate that she can’t be around. But it’s an honour to take the role for the trip.

“Even though we played a few tournaments as GB out in Argentina last year, this is our first tournament together and we’re really excited to put on a GB shirt on again.”

There will be several debut GB caps on show, while the additions of Sarah Jones of Wales, alongside Amy Costello and Sarah Robertson as Scotland’s representatives have helped to add fresh firepower.

Pearne-Webb said: “The Scots and the Welsh we have on the programme are really great characters and great players for us. It’s a great opportunity for them and for us to build over the next few years.”

England’s World Cup defeat to the Dutch proved a “massive disappointment” for the Surbiton defender and the team following the surge of exposure the tournament received, along with the huge crowds at the Olympic Park.


Hollie Pearne-Webb will captain GB at Champions Trophy PIC: Simon Parker

“It was initially really hard,” she added. “We went straight home after our last defeat. We had a day and then we were back on the park and there for the semi-final and final. It helped us to be engaged with the fans and to see the amount there who were still cheering for us, even though we had exited the tournament.

“To see the impact that hockey had in this country over the last few years made me feel that it was bigger than what we’ve done over the past two years.

“I don’t think it was pressure, we were well prepared. We didn’t play badly, which is the most frustrating part. We played pretty well, we hardly conceded any short corners or penetrations and it was that final 25 and putting the ball in the back of the net.

“It was one of those things. Looking back four years ago, we were in a bad place. We are in a far better place to then and playing better hockey.”

After GB’s heroic success at the Rio Games, the aim now – with a head coach yet to be appointed – is to retain their Olympic title in Tokyo in two years time.

“We want to try and win back-to-back golds, that’s our aim,” she said. “But our main goal is to qualify for the Olympics and we can’t get too ahead of ourselves.”

The Hockey Paper

Tess Howard set for ‘whirlwind’ Great Britain hockey debut



Four years ago, Tess Howard was being shown where Lilleshall was on a map by former international Glenn Kirkham, one of her hockey mentors. Now, she’s gone from Cambridge to China in a “whirlwind” rise to the Great Britain women’s squad.

The 19-year-old was one of the surprise names called up to GB’s first tournament since the Rio Olympics and the geography student will make her debut at the last Champions Trophy, which begins in China this weekend.

Kirkham was working at Perse School in Cambridgeshire when Howard joined in year seven. And in three successive years, she went from under-16s and under-18s to the under-21 England squads.

“When I first got my under-16 call up, Glenn sat down with me, pulled up Google Maps and showed me Lilleshall [an England Hockey training facility],” she tells The Hockey Paper.

“He explained how he used to run a lot, the runs at Lilleshall, where the pitches are. He was a big influence.

“I used to walk to school and I saw him running his own hockey circuits, things that he had made up. I saw how professional he was in his approach and how humble he was and that’s what I wanted to be like.”

Howard has had to take in a lot in a short space of time. She was told in September during an Elite Development Programme squad, under the auspices of Paul Revington and Hannah Macleod, that there could be a trial looming with the national squad. The next day she was told that they wanted her to trial.

“It has been a whirlwind since then, but a whirlwind with blue skies the whole time,” she says.

“The whole GB squad has been so inspirational for the last six years or so and instrumental in junior hockey too. Hannah has been a wonderful mentor. She has had the opportunity of being real with us, of what it’s like. She truly gets it.”

Howard gained her first under-16 cap in 2014 and won European bronze with the under-21 squad last summer. “It’s a brilliant programme and couldn’t have prepared me better,” she said of the EDP.

After trialling, interim GB and England head coach David Ralph gave her the ultimate good news, which, says Howard, proved to be “an out of body experience”.

Her hockey roots are entwined at Cambridge City HC and The Perse School – “they’ve helped build my character on and off the pitch” – and she’s currently into her second year at Durham University.

She helped City get promoted to the national league in 2015 and plays for the university in Conference North. Her Champions Trophy experiences will take a different turn, witnessing the fifth gear of the Dutch and Argentinians.

But she isn’t daunted by the sharp uptake in quality. “It [Conference hockey] has helped me express myself and there is not too much pressure,” she says confidently.

    Fantastic way to end the summer international season! Thanks to everyone involved and supporting in Belfast ????????? #serieswin #keepVisualising #NamibiaHereICome pic.twitter.com/rK6fPUtd5b

    — Tess Howard (@_tess_howard) August 13, 2018

Howard, 20 in January, has been full-time at Bisham for the last three weeks after her trialling process. “I couldn’t be more prepared. I’d heard of Thinking Thursdays before Rio and it’s so nice to be a part of them.

“It’s highly competitive and a really great place to build connections. And you still get that feeling of winning or finding a way to win essentially.”

Her geography department and Durham HC have been supportive of Howard’s rise and know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and being able to put hockey first.

After an under-23 Six Nations tournament in the summer, Howard was present at this summer’s World Cup in London.

“It was one where I truly realised what I wanted to do,” she adds. “I came back a week before the World Cup and I could feel the energy of the hockey world. I went to the first game and the atmosphere and the set up, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Such has been her sudden rise to the international ranks that she hasn’t been team-mates previously with any of the squad, bar Erica Sanders, and feels that this not a disadvantage.

“I’ve jumped straight in and it’s been great. I’ve been made to feel very welcome and it’s been an easy transition.”

The Hockey Paper

2018 Test Matches: MAS v NZL (M)
Kuala Lumpur (MAS)

Fixtures (GMT +8)

16 Nov 2018 17:00     MAS v NZL
20 Nov 2018 18:00     MAS v NZL
22 Nov 2018 18:00     MAS v NZL

FIH Match Centre

Vantage Black Sticks Men vs Malaysia Men Test Series Preview



The Vantage Black Sticks men in the lead up to the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup will be stopping off in Kuala Lumpur for a week. Malaysia will be used as the final stop in the lead up to the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup and the men will take on the Malaysian Men in a 3 match test series. 

The Malaysian team is on a high after recently finishing third in the Asian Games in Oman. This series will be a close battle between the world number 12 Malaysia and world number 9 Vantage Black Sticks. Malaysia will look to get themselves into a good position where Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim will look to convert some powerful flicks against the two Vantage Black Sticks Keepers Richard Joyce and George Enersen. Malaysia are coached by former Indian, Netherlands and Pakistan coach Roelant Oltman who brings a vast amount of experience to the Malaysian side having won both the Hockey World Cup and Olympic Gold Medal as a coach.

The Vantage Black Sticks will be looking to build some positive momentum from this series so they can hit the ground running at the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup. Kane Russell returns to the national team having missed the recent Canada series as he was playing over in Europe. He will be looking to bring some of this experience back to the Vantage Black Sticks and put them in a good position with his excellent drag flicking. 

The first match of the series is 16th November at 10pm NZ time followed by match 2 and 3 which is on the 20th and 22nd of November. 

There will be no broadcast coverage of the games so tune in to our Instagram and twitter accounts to keep up to date on the results.

Vantage Black Sticks Men Squad

Cory Bennett, Marcus Child, George Enersen, Hugo Inglis , Stephen Jenness, Richard Joyce, Dane Lett, Shea McAleese, George Muir, Dominic Newman, Jared Panchia, Arun Panchia (VC) , Hayden Phillips, Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Aidan Sarikaya, Blair Tarrant (C), Nic Woods.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Priority is to top the pool and make quarterfinal, says Indian skipper Manpreet Singh


Manpreet Singh , Hockey India Facebook

India's hockey captain Manpreet Singh said his team is focused on toping its pool and make the quarterfinals of the men's World Cup starting in Bhuvneshwar on November 28.

With less than two weeks to go for the prestigious World Cup which will witness 16 top teams battle for supremacy at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, India are busy making final preparations to their campaign.

"There is no doubt we want to win every match in the Pool Stage, earn the three points from each match, and top the Pool to make the Quarter Final. That is our first hurdle," said Manpreet.

"It's the World Cup and every team will come with an intention of winning and we do not want to take any team lightly, be it South Africa, Canada or World No.3 Belgium." Grouped in Pool C, India will face South Africa on

November 28, before taking on Belgium on December 2 followed by their last group match against Canada on December 8.

While the Indian team has not faced South Africa in a major tournament in over two years, Manpreet said that a win in their first match will set them on the right course.

"Though we haven't played them in any major tournament, we played a practice match against South Africa during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. That match gave us an idea of how they play," he said.

"Though we won we don't want to go by the past result. We play them in our first match and it's always good to get off to a winning start in any tournament," added the 26-year-old Captain.

While India have defeated Belgium recently at FIH Champions Trophy in Breda and last year's Hockey World League Final, Canada have posed India some serious threat in their past campaigns at major International Tournaments.

The team had drawn 2-2 against Canada in the round robin league at the Rio Olympics and in the 2017 Hockey World League Semi Final in London, India had lost 3-2 in the 5th-6th place play-off to Canada.

"It was a forgettable outing for us but I believe we have improved as a team in the past two years and we have learnt from every tournament. If we play our best hockey, who we are playing should not matter," he said.

"Even against Belgium, if we are able to score early then the pressure will be on them. For now, our team is focused on winning the three points from each match in Pool C."

Daily News & Analysis

Pakistan hockey team call on Punjab Governor



LAHORE - Pakistan team preparing for the forthcoming Hockey World Cup called on Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar here at the Governor’s House on Thursday.

They were accompanied by Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar. Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry Sarwar said: “Hockey is Pakistan’s national game and has brought great laurels to the nation in the past. We all want to see the revival of the game in the country.”

He wished the World Cup-bound team best of luck and urged the players to exhibit a fine day of skills to live up to the expectations. “The way you boys are training for the World Cup, I am hopeful that you will put up a good show in India,” said the governor.

The PHF president highlighted the steps being taken by the Federation for revival and development of the national game. “The PHF is taking every measure to put hockey back on the road to success and regain the lost glory.” He said players are working hard and determined to give good performance in the World Cup in India. The governor was presented with a hockey stick and a shirt, signed by the Pakistan’s winning squad of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Hockey Association (PHA) hosted a reception in the honour of Pakistan’s World Cup bound team, here on Wednesday night at a local hotel. The team is in the final stages of preparation for the World Cup in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar starting from Nov 28. PHA president Khawar Anwar Khawaja, who is also Grays of Cambridge CEO and Sialkot Airport Chairman, wished the team all the success for the World Cup.

“Pakistan’s recent victory in the Asian Champions Trophy has raised hopes of the entire nation,” he said and added that “Pakistan had a glittering past in the international hockey and our team won all the grand titles across the globe.”

Also present on the occasion were former hockey stalwarts Islahuddin, Akhtar Rasool, Tauqeer Dar and Tahir Zaman as well as President, Pakistan Hockey Federation, Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, Secretary Punjab Hockey Association Lt Col (rtd) Asif Khokhar, and Executive Secretary Punjab Hockey Association Rai Usman. Khawar Anwar Khawaja was presented a hockey stick and a shirt, signed by the Pakistan’s winning squad of the Asian Champions Trophy.

The Nation

Coach Roelant ‘corners’ his forwards to up their strike rate in World Cup



KUALA LUMPUR: Help them get the penalty corners!

That was the call made by Malaysia hockey coach Roelant Oltmans to his forwards as he wants his penalty corner specialists Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim and Faizal Saari (pic) to hit the goals for Malaysia in the World Cup hockey in India starting on Nov 28.

He urged his forwards Norsyafiq Sumantri, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil, Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi, Muhammad Firhan Ashari and Faizal to set up more chances to create penalty corner opportunities for the flickers.

“We have got flickers but my concern is getting penalty corners. The forwards need to be creative and create chances. Penalty corners will be essential in our game plan,” he said before the national team’s training session at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Both Razie and Faizal are in the top-10 list of drag flickers in the world and Oltmans believes the team should fully utilise direct flicks instead of set-pieces.

“I’m more than happy with their performances. Both of them have enough fire power. Accuracy is also there and that is why I encourage these players to go direct,” adding that there is another penalty specialist in the form of Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan.

Today, Malaysia will be playing New Zealand in a test match as part of their World Cup preparation. It will be the first of three test games with the Oceania side.

Roelant said the test matches were important for his charges to get match fitness and rhythm before flying to Bhubaneswar.

“As the name suggests, we are testing ourselves before the big tournament. We have worked on some areas and we would like to see if the players are adapting to the tactical changes during these test matches.

“We want to make sure that there is some clarity when players are on and off the ball,” he said.

Sixteen teams will feature in the World Cup and Malaysia will open their Group D campaign against three-time world champions Holland on Dec 1. The other matches are against four-time world champions Pakistan on Dec 5 and two-time world champions Germany on Dec 9.

Malaysia must finish top three in their group to play in the second round to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The squad will leave to India on Nov 25 and before the World Cup campaign starts, they will play a friendly match against France in Bhubaneswar.

The Star of Malaysia

Oltmans can stick to the familiar when it comes to Pakistan


Roelant Oltmans

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan used to be one of the hockey powerhouses but their standard is on the slide.

But that’s no reason for Malaysia to underestimate them at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, which begins on Nov 28.

Pakistan, who hold the record of winning the most World Cups – a total of four in 13 editions – are in Group D with Malaysia, Holland and Germany.

Pakistan ruled the World Cup in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994 but since winning their last in Sydney in 1994, they have failed to reach the semi-finals in the last five editions.

But they are slowly but surely making a comeback on the international scene after emerging joint champions with India in the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman, last month after final was abandoned due to heavy rain.

Roelant Oltmans knows the strengths and weaknesses of the Pakistan team as he has coached them twice before – the first stint from 2003-2004 and the second from March this year until the Asian Games in Jakarta in August.

The Dutchman, however, is confident Malaysia can get the better of Pakistan in the World Cup despite losing to them in their last three matches.

Malaysia were outplayed 4-1 in the group match in the Asian Games. In the Asian Champions Trophy, Pakistan won twice – 1-0 in the round-robin match and also 4-3 in the semi-final penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw.

“My players are shaping up well and will rise to the occasion to get the better of Pakistan,” said Oltmans, who has 29 years coaching experience.

Pakistan will be spearheaded by experienced defender Muhammad Rizwan Senior.

The Star of Malaysia

Apart from hockey, two other passions keep Tengku Ahmad going

By Aftar Singh


Life goals: Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil’s (right) ambition is to travel to every corner of the world to see new places, meet new people and experience the different climates.

KUALA LUMPUR: Seasoned campaigner Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil’s first love is hockey – but he has also developed a penchant for travelling and cycling.

When he is not too busy playing for Malaysia in international tournaments, Tengku Ahmad either takes his time to travel or jumps on his bike for a spin.

The 32-year-old forward has visited more than 20 countries since he made his debut for the national team at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Tengku Ahmad, who is from a royal family in Kedah, said his ambition was to travel to every corner of the world to see new places, meet new people and experience the different climates.

“Travelling opens up one’s mind and you also get to enjoy the different kinds of food and culture,” said Tengku Ahmad, who has travelled to Europe, Latin America and Asia, thanks to his involvement in hockey.

“I love Europe as they have beautiful ancient buildings and the weather is much cooler than our hot and humid weather in Malaysia.

“One of my favourite places is Queenstown in New Zealand as it has nice hilly views. It’s a lovely place to stay too.

“Two years ago, I took my family for a holiday in Glasgow and we thoroughly enjoyed the place and people there.”

And to remember the places he has visited, Tengku Ahmad collects souvenirs.

“I’ll buy keychains and fridge magnets from different countries. I pass it to my family members and also friends,” said Tengku Ahmad.

While travelling relaxes his mind, Tengku Ahmad said he picked up cycling to keep himself fit.

“I used to cycle in Manjung, Perak, and enjoy the rivers and the forests. I love the breeze,” said Tengku Ahmad, who also cycles to other parts of the Malaysian countryside.

For now, he hopes for a cycle of success in hockey in his last World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, which begins on Nov 28.

“Besides enjoying the beauty of Bhubaneswar as I have not been to this part of India, I also hope to give my best in my second World Cup,” said the father of two children.

“I’m already 32 and this will be my last World Cup. I want to do my part in helping Malaysia reach the second round.

“In the last World Cup, I scored one goal in six matches but this time, I hope to contribute more goals,” said the skilful Tengku Ahmad, who is the most experienced striker in the team.

Malaysia are in Group D with three-time world champions Holland, four-time champions Pakistan and two-time champions Germany.

Malaysia must finish in the top three of their group to reach the second round.

The Star of Malaysia

Five Minutes With Flynn Ogilvie

 Ben Somerford



He’s one of the Kookaburras emerging stars who is headed to his first-ever World Cup later this month, so we thought we'd catch up with midfielder Flynn Ogilvie.

Do you have any nicknames?

Rook, Flio.

What's home for you?

I'm originally from Wollongong in New South Wales.

First affiliated club?

University of Wollongong (UOW) Hockey Club.

And who is your current club in Perth?

Fremantle Hockey Club, but also Moorebank-Liverpool in Sydney and UOW.

Why did you start playing Hockey?

I followed my five siblings into the sport.

What motivates you in Hockey?

Continual improvement and enjoyment.



What’s your Hockey highlight to date?

Winning the Sydney Hockey Championship followed by the Wollongong Championship with my two home clubs.

If you weren’t a Hockey player, you’d be?

An NBA point guard!

Do you have any childhood heroes?

Roger Federer.

Do you have any hobbies outside of Hockey?

Any sport really. Playing the ukulele and coffee brewing.

What are your ambitions outside of Hockey?

Good career, unsure yet but with plenty of travel.

Follow Flynn on Instagram @Flynno17

Hockey Australia media release

India to issue visas to Pakistan

Two years ago, the Pakistan squad did not get visas to take part in the junior World Cup in Lucknow despite qualifying through their runners-up position in the Junior Asia Cup. They were replaced by Malaysia.

Sandip Sikdar


Pakistan are placed in Group D alongside Malaysia, Germany and the Netherlands. (Getty Images)

The Pakistan hockey team will travel to India to take part in the 16-team hockey World Cup, which gets underway in Bhubaneswar from November 28 as the Indian government is set to issue visas to its members.

“The visas will be issued,” an Indian official familiar with the latest developments said on Thursday on condition of anonymity as he wasn’t authorised to speak to the media.

Two years ago, the Pakistan squad did not get visas to take part in the junior World Cup in Lucknow despite qualifying through their runners-up position in the Junior Asia Cup. They were replaced by Malaysia.

The World Cup organisers in Bhubaneswar also concurred with the official. “We have been told that apparently they have been given an invisible nod,” said Vishal Dev, commissioner-cum-secretary of Odisha’s Sports and Youth Services Department.

“For the security, depending on the inputs from security and intelligence agencies, police has been asked to make necessary arrangements which they will.”

To avoid any unnecessary issues and inconvenience, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had also applied for the visas well in advance.

“There should not be any problem. The international hockey federation (FIH) is also deeply involved in this matter,” said PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmad, who earlier this month was also elected to the Executive Board of FIH.

Pakistan are the most successful World Cup team, having won the quadrennial event four times and have finished runners-up twice. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday named an 18-member squad for the tournament after the conclusion of two-day trials at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore.

Squad: Imran Butt, Mazhar Abbas, Muhammad Irfan Sr, Aleem Bilal, Mubashar Ali, Muhammad Tauseeq Arshad, Tasawwar Abbas, Rashid Mahmood, Ajaz Ahmed, Ammad Shakeel Butt (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Jr, Muhammad Rizwan Sr (captain), Ali Shan, Faisal Qadir, Abubakr Mahmood, Umar Bhutta, Muhammad Atiq Arshad and Mohammad Zubair.

Head coach: Tauqeer Dar

Coach: Rehan Butt and Danish Kaleem

Hindustan Times

Angry fans go on rampage at Kalinga Stadium after failing to secure tickets for inaugural ceremony

Scores of hockey enthusiasts on Thursday went on a rampage at the Kalinga Stadium after they could not get tickets for the inaugural ceremony of the Men's Hockey World Cup to be held on 27 November, police said.

The incident took place at the ticket counter at gate number 9 of the stadium where people were waiting in long queues to get hold of the tickets since Wednesday.
The Hockey World Cup trophy was unveiled at the event. Image used for representative purpose only

They became furious when the counter did not open for hours. The mob then broke the barricade and ransacked the ticket counter, police officials said.

DCP Anup Sahoo said that the crowd was chased away.

Earlier, the sports and youth affairs department had announced that the tickets for the inaugural session would be sold from 15 November (Thursday).

The Men's Hockey World Cup will be held at the Kalinga Stadium from 28 November and conclude on 16 December 16.

Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Vishal Dev said that the tickets for the event, including the inaugural ceremony, will be available online alone.

A notification in this regard will be issued in a day or two, he added.

Firstpost

2018 Central American Hockey 5s Championship (M) - Day 2
Pinula (GUA)

Results 15 November

CRC v PAN (RR)     1 - 1
ESA v HON (RR)     3 - 1
GUA v PAN (RR)     5 - 0
CRC v HON (RR)     1 - 0
GUA v ESA (RR)     1 - 0

Pool standings

2018 Central American Hockey 5s Championship (W) - Day 2
Pinula (GUA)

Results 15 November

CRC v PAN (RR)     1 - 0
ESA v HON (RR)     2 - 0
GUA v PAN (RR)     1 - 1
CRC v HON (RR)     5 - 1
GUA v ESA (RR)     2 - 1

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

EHL KO16/FINAL4 match schedule confirmed as tickets go on sale for six-day festival



The Euro Hockey League and the European Hockey Federation are delighted to confirm the schedule for next Easter’s KO16/FINAL4 festival of hockey as the 12th season of the world’s best club hockey competition hits the knock-out stages.

The event will this year feature six days and 20 games, featuring 16 elite clubs from nine different countries with HC Oranje-Rood hosting in Eindhoven.

The home club will provide the grand finale of the first day of action Wednesday, April 17 when the Dutch side come up against German national champions Uhlenhorst Mülheim at 19.30h (CET).

Earlier that same day, Dinamo Kazan will hope they can take another German scalp when they meet Mannheimer HC, qualifiers from ROUND1. In April 2018, they beat Rot-Weiss Koln in a ranking match.

Belgian champions KHC Dragons come up against Irish winners Three Rock Rovers at 15.00h. It is a repeat of last year’s ranking match that ended 20-10 under the two-for-one field goal trial.

English champions Surbiton and Waterloo Ducks make their return to the competition after a number of years away when they line out at 17.15h.

Thursday, April 18 opens with Saint Germain against Club Egara at 12.45h in a match-up with plenty of history. They met in 2015 in the KO16 with Egara winning a shoot-out while in 2017 in ROUND1, the French side won 6-4 to advance from the group in Barcelona.

Royal Leopold face Real Club de Polo in the second tie of the day at 15.00h before AH&BC Amsterdam come up against newcomers Grove Menzieshill at 17.15h.

Day two is capped by yet another meeting between SV Kampong – winners in 2016 – against Rot-Weiss Koln – champs in 2017 – in one of the most historic match-ups in the EHL. The Dutch side won at the same stage last season and have won four of their five meetings but the Germans have lots of star quality to turn things around when they meet at 19.30h.

Friday, April 19 will see the four ranking matches take place, leading into the KO8 on Saturday, April 20 as the Alain Danet Trophy comes firmly into view. The times and order of the KO8 fixtures will be determined following consultation with the EHL’s broadcast partners.

The FINAL4 crescendo starts on Sunday, April 21 with the two semi-final match-ups and the medal matches on Monday, April 22 when the champion of the 12th season of the EHL will be crowned.

In addition to top class hockey, the fan experience promises to be a special one following sold-out dates in the last two KO16 weekends in Eindhoven in 2017 and Rotterdam last Easter. To that end, tickets are on sale today via the EHL website: www.ehlhockey.tv/tickets.

Online prices for adults will be €20 per day for KO16 and ranking matches, €25 for the KO8 and €30 for the FINAL4 and MEDAL MATCHES.

A six-day “Passepartout” offers access to all days of the KO16/FINAL4 and is available for €120. Tickets will be more expensive when purchased at the gate on match days.

Youth tickets for age five to 16 will be available online for €10 for the KO16 and ranking matches, €12.50 for the KO8, and €15 for the FINAL4 and MEDAL MATCHES. A Youth Passepartout is €60.

EHL 2018-2019 Match schedule KO16-FINAL4
17-22 April 2019 at HC Oranje-Rood, Eindhoven (NED)

Wednesday 17 April 2019
M1 12.45h KO16 Dinamo Kazan vs Mannheimer HC
M2 15.00h KO16 KHC Dragons vs Three Rock Rovers
M3 17.15h KO16 Waterloo Ducks vs Surbiton HC
M4 19.30h KO16 HC Oranje-Rood vs Uhlenhorst Mülheim

Thursday 18 April 2019
M5 12.45h KO16 Saint Germain HC vs Club Egara
M6 15.00h KO16 Royal Leopold HC vs Real Club de Polo
M7 17.15h KO16 AH&BC Amsterdam vs Grove Menzieshill
M8 19.30h KO16 SV Kampong vs Rot Weiss Koln

Friday 19 April 2019
M9 12.45h Ranking match Loser M2 vs Loser M3
M10 15.00h Ranking match Loser M1 vs Loser M4
M11 17.15h Ranking match Loser M5 vs Loser M6
M12 19.30h Ranking match Loser M7 vs Loser M8

Saturday 20 April 2019
M13 09.30h KO8
M14 11.45h KO8
M15 14.00h KO8
M16 16.15h KO8

Sunday 21 April 2019
M17 13.00h FINAL4 Semi-Final 1
M18 15.15h FINAL4 Semi-Final 2

Monday 22 April 2019
M19 13.00h BRONZE MEDAL MATCH
M20 15.15h GRAND FINAL

Note: Match times and schedule subject to change due to the requirements of television or other factors as determined by EHL.
NB Order of play for KO8 and FINAL4 will be decided after conclusion of the KO16 matches.

Euro Hockey League media release

PREVIEWS: English Men's Hockey League

Beeston’s play-off hopes continue with a tough match against Holcombe in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.

The Nottinghamshire side are currently fourth, and would leapfrog third-placed Holcombe with a victory.

“It’s a big one for both sides,” said Beeston chairman and 1st XI manager Graham Griffiths. “We’ve got to get something out of this match. It should be a fairly open game and there should be a few goals.

“We have a young side and we’ve developing slowly week by week, and we’ve seen a massive improvement from where we were at the start of the season.”

Bottom of the table Sevenoaks have a tough match against last season’s champions and current leaders Surbiton on Sunday afternoon, while the University of Exeter – who beat Sevenoaks to move off the bottom of the table last weekend - go to Reading on Saturday evening.

Two other teams with just one win so far, Wimbledon host Brooklands MU on Sunday in a match important to both side’s hopes of moving away from relegation danger.

And in the weekend’s other top flight match East Grinstead are playing host to in-form Hampstead & Westminster. Victory for East Grinstead could see them move into the top four, while a win for Hampstead could put them top of the table.

Leaders Old Georgians travel to third-placed Canterbury in the Men’s Conference East, while Oxted lie second and go to Old Loughtonians as they bid to keep up with the leaders.

Two teams with promotion ambitions, the University of Nottingham travel to Sheffield Hallam on Saturday evening. Victory would see Nottingham go top of the table, while Sheffield Hallam could go second if they win.

Current leaders Bowdon have a home game against second-bottom Belper on Sunday, while Alderley Edge are hosting Loughborough Students as they aim to move off the bottom.

The top two face each other in the Conference West, with unbeaten leaders the University of Birmingham playing host to Olton & West Warwicks.

Elsewhere, third-placed Havant travel to Oxford Hawks, while at the other end of the table bottom club Isca go to second-bottom University of Bristol.

FIXTURES

Men’s Hockey League

Saturday, November 17

Premier Division
Reading v Univ of Exeter 18:30

Conference North
Sheffield Hallam v Univ of Nottingham 18:30

Conference West
Univ of Birmingham v Olton & West Warwicks 18:00

Sunday, November 18

Premier Division
Wimbledon v Brooklands MU 14:00
Sevenoaks v Surbiton 14:00
East Grinstead v Hampstead & Westminster 14:00
Beeston v Holcombe 14:00

Conference East
City of Peterborough v Southgate 13:00
Canterbury v Old Georgians 13:00
Cambridge City v Teddington 13:30
Richmond v Brighton & Hove 13:30
Old Loughtonians v Oxted 14:00

Conference North
Univ of Durham v Doncaster 13:00
Alderley Edge v Loughborough Students 14:00
Bowdon v Belper 14:30
Leeds v Preston 14:30

Conference West
Team Bath Buccaneers v Chichester 13:00
Fareham v Cardiff & Met 13:30
Univ of Bristol v Isca 13:30
Oxford Hawks v Havant 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release

PREVIEWS: Investec English Women's Hockey League

Beeston’s push for a play-off spot reaches a crucial point on Saturday as they host in-form rivals Holcombe in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Currently fifth, Beeston could climb up to third if they win and other results go in their favour. But they will need to be on form to beat a Holcombe side who inflicted Surbiton’s first defeat of the season last weekend.

“Holcombe are a strong side with great depth and their result last week is testament to that,” said Beeston team manager Chris Glover. “However, we will go into the game confidently, and do our best to take away some points.

“We’re pleased to have taken four points from the last two weeks, especially as we have been missing four players out in China with the Great Britain EDP squad, but we know that this weekend will be another huge test.”

Elsewhere in the top flight bottom of the table Canterbury are facing a home game against leaders and last season’s champions Surbiton, while two other struggling teams, Slough and Bowdon Hightown, face each other on Saturday.

Buckingham could climb to second in the table if they can beat visitors Clifton Robinsons and other results go in their favour, while East Grinstead go to the University of Birmingham.

Leaders Hampstead & Westminster will be big favourites for victory over bottom of the table Ipswich in the Investec Women’s Conference East, while second-placed Harleston Magpies go to Horsham as they bid to keep up with the leaders.

At the other end of the table, second-bottom Southgate have a home game against Bedford, who have only won two of their league games so far and are eighth.

There’s also a top versus bottom clash in the Investec Conference North, with leaders Loughborough Students at home against bottom club Sutton Coldfield.

Second-placed Ben Rhydding go to the University of Durham, while Leicester will want to keep pushing the top two with victory over Fylde.

The top two face each other this Saturday in the Investec Women’s Conference West, with Stourport aiming to maintain their 100% record with victory at second-placed Olton & West Warwicks.

Meanwhile, third-placed Swansea City play host to Barnes and could move second if they win and Olton & West Warwicks lose.

FIXTURES

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Premier Division
Buckingham v Clifton Robinsons 12:00
Slough v Bowdon Hightown 12:30
Beeston v Holcombe 14:00
Univ of Birmingham v East Grinstead 16:00
Canterbury v Surbiton 16:00

Conference East
St Albans v Wimbledon 13:00
Ipswich v Hampstead & Westminster 13:00
Southgate v Bedford 14:00
Horsham v Harleston Magpies 14:00
Cambridge City v Sevenoaks 17:00

Conference North
Univ of Durham v Ben Rhydding 12:00
Leicester v Fylde 12:00
Leeds v Timperley 12:30
Loughborough Students v Sutton Coldfield 12:30
Brooklands Poynton v Belper 13:00

Conference West
Olton & West Warwicks v Stourport 12:00
Oxford Hawks v Isca 12:00
Swansea City v Barnes 12:00
Exe v Gloucester City 13:00
Reading v Trojans 16:30

England Hockey Board Media release

International return boosts interest in indoor game

Hockey Ireland aiming to return to the international stage for first time since the 80s

Johnny Watterson



Perhaps it is a reaction to Hockey Ireland’s announcement that there is to be an Irish indoor team playing on the international stage that has raised the current interest. Ireland has not competed at international level in the indoor version of the game since back in the 1980s when matches were played at Loughlinstown Leisure Centre in Dublin.

Hockey Ireland placed an advertisement last month seeking to appoint voluntary men’s and women’s head coaches to lead the Irish indoor national team’s towards achieving its strategic objectives, to compete for medals at European Championships.

According to the Leinster Branch this will be the largest indoor season in recent memory as a total of 19 teams have been registered to play.

Ten men’s and nine women’s teams will take part in the tournament that starts on December 9th and runs until January 20th. From this group of players, especially in Three Rock Rovers, Irish players will emerge.

There will be two leagues for both the men’s and women competitions, which will be run in the gym at St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham.

It is a timely period to play the indoor as the outdoor season at national league level has just a couple of matches to play before taking a break until January 1st, when a full schedule resumes.

This week there is just one game between Pembroke and YMCA in Serpentine Avenue. Third placed Pembroke with home advantage should be strong favourites against their struggling neighbours, who have yet to win a match from six played and prop up the bottom with just two points.

For the home side it is a chance to bridge the gap to the top teams, Glenanne and Banbridge, who are both on 15 points and leading the IHL table.

FIXTURES

Saturday – EY Irish Hockey League: Pembroke v YMCA, Serpentine Avenue 2.30pm.

The Irish Times

Top three look to make hay with home games

Loreto, Pegasus and UCD looking to build on strong Hockey League starts

Mary Hannigan



The penultimate weekend of the Hockey League before the winter break sees each of the top three sides with home ties; leaders Loreto hosting fourth-placed Belfast Harlequins, Pegasus taking on Old Alexandra (fifth) at Queen’s and UCD meeting Railway Union (seventh) at Belfield.

Such has been Loreto’s form thus far they’ll fancy their chances of making it six wins out of seven when they take on Harlequins, but the Belfast club are having a solid season, with their previous two trips to Dublin – when they played Railway and UCD – ending in draws.

Pegasus, who trail Loreto only on goal difference, will also expect to pick up another three points against an Alexandra side that’s having a see-saw time of it in the league, losing all three of their home games to date but taking maximum points from their away ties, albeit against the bottom three.

Since their opening day defeat by Pegasus, defending Hockey League champions UCD are unbeaten and should be confident of extending that record against a Railway side that finally ended a run of three defeats last weekend with a 2-0 win away to Muckross.

Having finished runners-up last season, this campaign has been a struggle for Cork Harlequins after the departure of key players like Roisín Upton and Emma Buckley and the absence through injury of Naomi Carroll. They have lost all four of their home games so far, but should be able to end that streak against Muckross at Farmers Cross.

Having yet to pick up a win and having lost their last five games, Ards, bottom of the table with Muckross on one point, have their own unenviable streak, Pembroke Wanderers their visitors on Saturday. Until their defeat by UCD last weekend Pembroke had been in good form, winning three games on the bounce, so they should be hopeful enough of adding to Ards’ woes.

FIXTURES

Hockey League – Saturday: Cork Harlequins v Muckross, Farmers Cross, 1.05; Ards v Pembroke Wanderers, Ards Park, 2.30; Loreto v Belfast Harlequins, Grange Road, 2.50; UCD v Railway Union, Belfield, 2.50; Pegasus v Old Alexandra, Queens, 4.0.

The Irish Times

Maryland field hockey takes aim at ninth NCAA championship, hopes to end title drought

Edward Lee


The No. 2 seed Maryland field hockey is in the NCAA tournament's Final Four for the second year in a row and will meet No. 3 seed Princeton in one semifinal on Friday. The winner will take on either No. 1 seed North Carolina or Wake Forest in the title game on Sunday. (Baltimore Sun Media Group)

Katie O’Donnell was a member of the Maryland field hockey program that captured NCAA championships in 2008 and 2010. But O’Donnell, who now goes by her married name Bam and is an assistant coach for the Terps, has refrained from sharing her memories from those days with the current players.

“I think she’s saving them so that we can experience it for ourselves — whenever that may be,” senior forward Linnea Gonzales said.

Maryland is on the cusp of writing its own storybook ending. The No. 2 seed Terps (21-2) will meet No. 3 seed Princeton (15-4) in an NCAA tournament semifinal at 3:45 p.m. Friday at Trager Stadium in Louisville. Top-seeded North Carolina (21-0) will clash with unseeded Wake Forest (13-9) in an earlier semifinal at 1 p.m.

The title game — scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. — seems tantalizingly close, but junior midfielder Madison Maguire said the priority is getting past the Tigers.

“We’ll see,” she said. “We have to focus on one game at a time.”

Maryland has claimed eight national crowns, which is just one shy of the NCAA record of nine owned by Old Dominion. But the last squad to celebrate on the final day of the season was the 2011 squad — a dearth that has not escaped the attention of the current players.


Terps field hockey coach Missy Meharg is grounded in the present as she nears 500th win

“I think we’re all very hungry to break the drought,” said Gonzales, a Bel Air resident and Patterson Mill graduate who was named The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro Player of the Year in 2013 and the Big Ten Player of the Year this fall. “Maryland’s a program with a lot of pride and a lot of history, and I think we want to contribute to that and make some for ourselves. The past teams can do what they do, but we have to make it work for ourselves, and we want to make a name for ourselves as well. We can’t just live off the past championships.”

Head coach Missy Meharg, who has been at the helm for seven of the program’s championships, acknowledged the rarity of the six-year void, which is the longest in her 31-year tenure.

“I don’t feel it’s urgent, but we just want to do it,” she said. “No one needs it. You just want it, and I believe that I’ve got the team and the coaching staff to make a great run at it.”

The Terps had an opportunity to break the spell last season, but fell to top-seeded Connecticut, 2-1, in the tournament final. They exacted a measure of revenge by sweeping the Huskies, 4-2 in the regular season and 2-1 in overtime in Sunday’s quarterfinal round.

Asked if evicting Connecticut from the postseason was satisfying after what happened last fall, Maguire said: “I mean, a little, but we were just excited to be in an Elite Eight game. Obviously, it happened to be UConn, and we have a little history, but we were just going to play our game plan and just follow what Missy was telling us to do and get it done.”

Maryland does not have a player in the Top 25 in the country in goals, assists or points per game, but the team’s strength is its balance. Forward Bibi Donraadt — the Big Ten Freshman of the Year — Gonzales and junior Nike Lorenz are tied for the team lead in goals with 14 each and rank 1-2-3 in points, respectively. Maguire leads the offense in assists with 12, and senior goalkeeper Sarah Holliday, a Clarksville resident, ranks fifth in school history in career saves with 258.

If there is one concern Gonzales has, it is the team’s habit of starting slowly in a few games this season. The Terps fell behind 4-1 against Princeton before rallying for a 5-4 win in double overtime Sept. 18 and had to score twice in the second half to edge Albany, 2-1, in the tournament’s first round Nov. 9.

“We just need to come out hard from the start,” she said. “I feel like with the Albany game, we had a little lapse from the beginning with not really coming out too strong. We just need everybody to come out with that fiery energy, and then I think we’ll be OK.”

But Maguire said the current squad is a year older and a year wiser.

“We were a very young team,” she said. “I don’t think that’s a reason why we lost or anything, but I think that now that we’re seasoned and have been to the title game, we competed last year. We had a lot more players who just stepped onto the field for the first time last year. Now they’re in their second year, and we have a couple freshmen who are stepping up. I think we’re just a little more experienced this time.”

Maryland will face a Tigers program headed by a pair of Meharg’s former players in coach Carla Tagliente and assistant coach Dina Rizzo. Since 2012, the Terps own a 6-3 record against Princeton, but those three losses are tied for the second-most Maryland has suffered against an opponent over that span.

The Terps are 4-0 in rematches this season after sweeping Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa and Connecticut. Meharg would love to see the team improve to 5-0 in that department.

“I’d like for that statistic to hold true,” Meharg said with a laugh. “I didn’t know that, but that is a very strong statistic. I think that represents how my team is just super professional. I’m not really sure if they look back at this and that. I’ve had teams that really loved that get-back, sort of vengeful storylines. These guys just haven’t been into any storylines. They just get out and they play. I really believe they think they can always play a better brand, and that’s an exciting place to be as a coach because they’re not quite content enough.”

Ending the drought

The Maryland field hockey program is one of the most decorated in NCAA history as its eight national championships rank second only to Old Dominion’s record nine titles. But the Terps have gone six years since bringing home their last crown. Here is how they have fared in the postseason since winning it all in 2011.

Year; Seed; Result (Tournament finish)

2012: Unseeded; Lost 3-2 in overtime to No. 2 seed Princeton (semifinals)
2013: No. 1; Lost 3-2 to No. 4 seed Duke (semifinals)
2014: No. 2; Lost 2-1 to Albany (quarterfinals)
2015: Unseeded; Lost 3-1 to Princeton (first round)
2016: No. 2; Lost 3-0 to North Carolina (quarterfinals)
2017: Unseeded; Lost 2-1 to No. 1 Connecticut (final)
2018: No. 2; vs. No. 3 seed Princeton (semifinals)

The Baltimore Sun

Field hockey takes on Maryland in NCAA Final Four

By Molly Milligan



For the second time in three years, No. 4 field hockey has earned a spot in the Final Four. They face the No. 2 Maryland Terrapins today at 3:45 p.m. at Trager Stadium in Louisville, Ky.

The Tigers are 15–4 for the year. One of their toughest tests this season came on Sept. 18, a date with — you guessed it — Maryland. The Terrapins were first to score in that match-up, but Princeton sustained a strong offensive attack to close out the first half with a 3–1 lead. The second period of play would be a complete role reversal. The score was leveled 4–4 at the end of regulation.

Maryland did need some last-second heroics to force overtime, however. It pulled its goalie with 4:05 left to play in the second half. The strategy didn’t seem to be working until the clock ticked down to 15 seconds. The Terrapins’ forward Linnea Gonzales hit the ball from outside the circle, but it was knocked around in front of the goal until striker Bibi Donraadt pushed it past Tiger goalie Grace Baylis, a junior.

The initial overtime period was scoreless for both sides, but around a minute into the second phase of extra play, defender Nike Lorenz dribbled to the left and slapped the ball into the cage, making it a 5–4 victory for Maryland.

Last weekend, the Terrapins (21–2) defeated the University of Connecticut, the reigning national champions, 2–1 to advance to the Final Four. They are the Big Ten Tournament Champions as well as last year’s national runners-up.

Princeton recently defeated Harvard in an instant classic to reach this stage. The Tigers are 3–5 all-time in national semifinals and became the first Ivy League team to win the NCAA Field Hockey Championship in 2012.

Last week, the Ivy League announced its annual award winners, and Princeton had eight players named to the All-Ivy teams. Sophomore striker Clara Roth was honored as the league’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year, while senior fullback Elise Wong took home Defensive Player of the Year honors. Roth finished second in the conference in points (34), tied for second in goals (13), and tied for third in assists (eight).

Wong anchored one of the best defensive units in the country. Princeton has allowed only 1.19 goals per game, good for eighth in the country. Along with Roth and Wong, junior fullback Maddie Bacskai and sisters Sophia and Julianna Tornetta, a senior striker and sophomore midfielder, also earned First Team All-Ivy selections.

Today’s other national semifinal, scheduled for 1 p.m., features No. 1 North Carolina and No. 12 Wake Forest. Princeton’s first two games of the 2018 season were played against the Tar Heels and Demon Deacons with a 1–0 loss and a 4–1 win, respectively.

North Carolina is the only remaining undefeated team in the NCAA, its record unblemished at 21–0. It was the clear favorites in the tournament and have been dominating opponents since late August. It won twice against Duke, who were seeded fourth in the tournament, and won the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Tournament crown. It also beat its intra-league foe Wake Forest twice already this fall.

The national title game is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday. It would be Princeton’s first trip back to the main stage since winning it all six years ago.

The Daily Princetonian

Peruvian Hockey Federation received Theo Ykema Award from FIH for work in development

Federación Peruana de Hockey


Peru received Theo Ykema Award from FIH   

New Delhi, India, November 1. The Peruvian Hockey Federation received the Theo Ykema Award from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for development work in Peru.

FPH President Gianni Delucchi received the award from Executive Committee Member, Mr. Tayyab Ikram.

Delucchi said "It has been a great recognition, coming to us in an important moment, as we are working very hard in developing our hockey. Thinking of our future, we are really focusing on younger kids. This award has been very well received by the Board. I want to thank all for the affection and support that we have received from the Federations present at the meeting, as well as all the messages that have been sent to us ".

The Award

Theo Ykema was a member of the FIH Executive Board from 1990 to 2006, the same year he became an Honorary Member. He played a decisive role promoting hockey and, during his tenure, the FIH appointed a Training Manager, a Development Manager and five Continental Development Officers.

The award is given to a National Association that meets certain criteria established by the FIH, such as having new development initiatives, increasing hockey activities and participation in tournaments (local, national and international), increasing number of qualified officers and participation in seminars.

Delucchi added: "We presented what we have been doing: the Academy in the Northern Zone of Peru, our work with the Development Academy in Lima, the most important and massive tournaments of young players, the “Festideportes”, where we took hockey to peripheral areas of the city. All of this work has been presented to the International Federation and the authorities have selected Peru as the new winner”.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

FIH signs 2019-2022 media rights agreement with Ziggo Sport (Netherlands)



Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is very pleased to announce the signing of a four-year (2019-2022) media rights agreement with the Dutch company Ziggo Sport. The rights include the Hockey World Cup andthe FIH Pro League.

Furthermore, Ziggo Sport will be the host broadcaster for all FIH Pro League home matches of the Netherlands.

Additionally, every match from the Netherlands, Men’s and Women’s, will be broadcasted live.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “This is an exciting partnership that we’re starting with such a dynamic company as Ziggo Sport. The Netherlands are already one of the superpowers of hockey but this deal will grant an even bigger promotion of the game in the country. This will help us further in our quest to increase the development of hockey anywhere in the world.”

Will Moerer, director at Ziggo Sport stated: “Ziggo Sport supports Dutch sports and besides field hockey, also pays attention to sports like handball, volleyball and basketball. The exciting thing is that we can offer our customers not only league matches, but also the matches of the national teams. In each tournament, the Dutch field hockey teams are medal candidates and it’s great to witness their quest for gold on Ziggo Sport.”

FIH site