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News for 18 February 2020

All the news for Tuesday 18 February 2020


First FIH Hockey Junior World Cup on African soil



Lausanne, Switzerland: The next Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in 2021. While the dates will be determined later, FIH can confirm that the competition will be played towards the end of that year. It is the first time that the African continent will organize the pinnacle of junior hockey.

The Men’s edition will be staged in India. Venue and dates will be confirmed at a later stage but the event will also take place at the end of 2021.

The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup involves the best of young talents globally. This is the perfect platform for under-21 players to unleash their raw skill onto the international hockey scene and progress further to become the stars of tomorrow, making this event a unique one!

16 teams will compete for the title, with continental quotas established as follows:

Men

    Africa: 2 teams
    Asia: 4 (including India, as hosts)
    Europe: 6
    Oceania: 2
    Pan America: 2

 Women

    Africa: 2 teams (including South Africa, as hosts)
    Asia: 3
    Europe: 6
    Oceania: 2
    Pan America: 3

The European Continental Championships were completed in 2019 and saw the following teams qualify:

    Men: Germany, England, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, France
    Women: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia, England

 The next Continental qualifiers are scheduled throughout 2020:

    Asia:  April 2020 (Women), June 2020 (Men)
    Africa: June 2020
    Pan America: December 2020
    Oceania: TBC

The full qualification criteria are available here

The 2016 FIH Hockey Junior World Cups were won by Argentina (Women) and India (Men). For more information on these events, please click here.

#RisingStars

FIH site



South Africa to host the 2021 Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup


Picture - FIH

The International Federation of Hockey (FIH) today announced that South Africa will host the 2021 Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup. Potchefstroom will be venue for the 9th staging of the tournament with the dates to be confirmed, but confirmation that it will be in the back end of the calendar year.

The Junior World Cup, a tournament for players aged Under 21, started in 1989 when West Germany defeated South Korea in the final in Canada. The tournament has since been to Spain, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, United States and Germany. It now comes to Africa for the first time.

The 2021 tournament will comprise of 16 nations broken down between the continental associations as follows. Africa will get two spots, including South Africa as the hosts, Asia will get 3, Europe 6, Oceania 2 and Pan America 3. Europe have already staged their Continental Championship with their spots going to Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia and England. The remaining continental spots will be competed for over the next couple of months.

South Africa’s own history in the tournament is impressive with 6 previous appearances finishing 6th in 1997 and 2001. Having already qualified for the 2021 tournament current U21 coach Lenise Marais will be raring to go in preparing her squad for the first ever U21 World Cup on African Soil.

Netherlands are the most successful team in the history of the tournament having won it three times, with Argentina, the current defending champions, having won it twice. South Korea have also won it twice with Germany (as West Germany) won the inaugural edition.

The 12th Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup will be returning to India in 2021 for the third successive event. The tournament will also take place in the final months of 2021.

SA Hockey Association media release



Jr World Cup for India for third time in a row

s2h team


Pic: Bedecked Dhyan Chand Stadium, Lucknow, venue of the 2017 Jr men's World Cup

After hosting twice earlier in a row, India will now be donning the mantle for third time as hosts of the Junior Men's World Cup with the Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) choosing it for the 2021 number as well. In all likelihood, a city in the Chhatishgarh State -- Raipur, its capital, hosted the 2015 HWL Finals -- may be allotted as host city in India if available info are any indication. However, it is observed India's eager and enthusiasm to host major global events is restricted to only Men's though women's hockey is equally bringing laurels to the country if not more.

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi hosted the 2013 number where Malaysia & France turned out to be the surprise packs. Three years later, another Dhyan Chand stadium, now in Lucknow, saw the hosts winning the title beating Belgium for the ultimate honours.

With the FIH announcement, India will have the rare distinction of host of next Jr and Sr World Cup 2022.

India has been hosting big ticket field hockey events regularly since 2010. It hosted Sr World Cup twice and Jr Twice in the interregnum. Next numbers of the both events will also be held in India.

However, it is worthwhile to mention here that Hockey India's interest is restricted to Men's events only, though it often hosted World and Olympic Qualifiers for both. The state of affairs is unfathomable as women too bring laurels to the country in equal measure even in terms of medals. In the recent Asian Games at Jakarta, for an instance, Rani Rampal's women won Silver while their much favoured and pampered male counterparts could only manage a bronze.

A sort of gender parity can do wonders for the nation which still is passionate about field hockey.

Stick2Hockey.com



India to host Men's Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021, South Africa to host women's edition

India will host the 2021 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup while South Africa was awarded the hosting rights for the Women's Junior World Cup.

Uthra Ganesan


India's junior team lifted the Men's Junior Hockey World Cup trophy held at Lucknow in 2016.   -  Rajeev Bhatt

India would be hosting the 2021 Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, making it the second big-ticket event awarded to the country for the second time on the trot.

The defending champion had hosted the 2016 edition as well, becoming the first host nation to lift the trophy defeating Belgium 2-1 in the final. On Monday, the FIH named India as the host for the next edition as well, ensuring the marquee event in the sport remains within the country at both senior and junior levels.

India has already been named as the host for the 2023 Men’s World Cup after the 2018 edition. However, while the senior event would be held in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the venue and dates for the junior event would be decided at a later stage. The 2016 edition was held to packed houses in Lucknow.

The FIH meanwhile also decided that the next women’s Junior World Cup would be held for the first time ever in Africa, naming Potchefstroom, South Africa, as the host.

The 16-team men’s event would include six from Europe, four from Asia and two each from Africa, Oceania and Pan America. For the women, Pan-Am gets an extra spot and Asia loses one. While the European teams have already been decided following the continental qualifiers last year, the rest would be finalised by the end of this year. The Junior Asia Cup and the African qualifiers would be held in June followed by Pan-Am event in December.

Germany, England, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and France have already booked their spots. Among the women, Russia replaces France as the sixth team.

Sportstar



Dutch men win second shoot-out in two days in FIH Pro League

By Michael Houston


The Netherlands made it through two shoot-outs in two days ©Getty Images

The Netherlands' men's team won their second penalty shoot-out in two days against hosts Argentina in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League.

Both matches finished in 2-2 draws at the CeNARD in Buenos Aires, with the second game today seeing the visitors stage a late two-goal comeback.

Robbert Kemperman scored in the final five minutes to take the match to penalties.

In the first match, the shoot-out finished 3-1 with Agustín Mazzilli missing a penalty to keep Argentina in the match.

Lightning struck twice when Mazzilli, who put his side 2-0 up in normal play, again missed the decisive penalty as the Dutch won 4-3.

It moves the winners up to second with Argentina in seventh, level on points with three other teams.

Spain, who won their first match against bottom-of-the-table New Zealand in Christchurch, suffered defeat in their second game after Kane Russell scored a double to help his side win 3-2.


New Zealand had a strong showing in both matches against United States ©Getty Images

In the women's event, New Zealand won 3-1 against bottom-side United States for the second day in a row.

Argentina and The Netherlands lost their first matches of this year's Pro League when they traded wins in Buenos Aires.

The hosts won the first match 2-0 over the reigning champions, but in the second game the Dutch staged a comeback to win 3-1 after conceding early.

Despite their opening defeat, The Netherlands sit top of the league with Argentina in third behind New Zealand, with two games in hand on the Black Sticks.

India will play Australia in the next round of the men's competition, with New Zealand to play Argentina in the women's event.

Inside the Games



Mitton calling on boisterous home support

By Adam Clifford



Kookaburras striker and Perth local Trent Mitton has issued a rallying cry for West Australians to turn up in droves when they tackle Olympic Champions Argentina on March 6 and 7 in the FIH Pro League.

With little over 150 days until the Tokyo Olympics begin, the Kookaburras will be out to inflict some psychological wins ahead of their quest for a second ever men’s gold medal.

“The Argentinians are the reigning Olympic Champions and have only had a few changes to their team from 2016,” said Mitton.

“They are really experienced with a heap of guys that have played 250-300 games and they have the best drag flicker in the world as well, so no doubt it will be good watching.”

“Last year for the Pro League in Perth we played Great Britain and it was one of the best crowds we had.”

“There were a lot of people out on the hill which spurred us on to raise our performance and we now have got the new turf which has been laid down at the Perth Hockey Centre, so hopefully another big crowd turns out because it will be quality sporting entertainment.”

Tickets prices represent huge value in the event that Kookaburras co-captain Eddie Ockenden equals Jamie Dwyer’s national record of 365 caps in Friday night’s game and then goes on the break the record on Saturday, March 7.

“I’ve been fortunate to play almost every one of my 170 international games with Eddie, which has been pretty cool and it’s an amazing achievement to play that many games at the level that he’s been playing at consistently,” said Mitton.

“More than anything, he’s played every position on the field. When he first started he was a forward, during most of my career he’s been a midfielder and only in the last couple of years he’s transitioned to a defender and he gets nominated for World Player of the Year!”

But first Ockenden, Mitton and co must tackle a rampaging India in front of their hockey-mad home crowd this weekend.

“They are in top form. With wins against Holland and Belgium in consecutive weekends, a confident India is always tough to play against, particularly in front of their home crowd,” said Mitton.

“We’ll do our homework on them and then start focusing in on us in the lead up to Friday and Saturday’s games.”

Mitton first travelled to India for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and says India’s playing style suits him.

“Personally, I’ve only lost once or twice during my ten-year career so far and scored a few goals. I quite like playing against them because their players don’t mind running the ball and I back myself to take it off them, so hopefully I can do that and score a few more this weekend.”

Mitton, 29, admits he was disappointed to miss the opening Pro League games last month but returned with a bang, scoring in both games against Great Britain.

“I had some good conversations with the coaches when I missed selection against Belgium where they weren’t happy with my back end of 2019 which was fair enough, so I had a bit of a point to prove against GB and my job is to score goals, so it was nice to find the back of the net.”

The third-generation Kookaburras forward says despite 170 games and 77 goals, it still niggles at him that an Olympic Games doesn’t appear on his hockey resume but feels he’s worked out what brings out his best.

“That’s one thing dad was able to do (play at the Olympics in 1984), not that he ever reminds me, but we’ve identified that I play my best when I’m relaxed so he tries to remind me of that often and to back myself and play with speed whenever I can,” said Mitton.

“I’ve also dropped a bit of weight and muscle bulk in this Olympic cycle because the game has changed, and you need to get up and down the field really quickly. Previously I moulded my game on being bigger than other guys and more physical, but I think an asset of mine lately has been my speed and repeat sprint efforts.”

Australian hockey fans can catch Mitton and his teammates LIVE in action on Friday March 6 and Saturday March 7, in what will be their penultimate home Pro League games before Tokyo 2020.

Tickets to the Kookaburras’ home FIH Pro League matches are available through Ticketek, while you can catch all of the matches LIVE on Kayo.

Hockey Australia media release



Germany Tests await SA Hockey Men at Wits

The German men are headed to South Africa for a four-test series against the African Champions at Wits University. The Germans have only played two games in the 2020 Pro League so far with a victory and draw against Spain, so will be using the camp to prepare for both the Pro League and the Olympic Games later this year. The 2008 and 2012 Olympic Champions will be hoping to return to the top of the podium in Tokyo this year.

Captain Tobias Hauke has more than 300 caps for the country and is joined by fellow centurions in the German squad in Mathias Muller (116), Lukas Windfeder (111), Martin Haner (249), Martin Zwicker (232), Benedict Furk (167), Niklas Wellen (135), Christopher Ruhr (139), Marco Miltkau (101) and Florian Fuchs (216) in a very strong German squad. The Germans took part in 25 test matches in 29, while the South Africans played just 14. It’s a well-practiced and disciplined side that is going to be a remarkably tough test for the South Africans.

To add to the challenge, apart from the South African players based in Germany, all other European based players are not available, so the likes of Keenan Horne, Austin Smith, Taine Paton and Dan Bell are not available for the series. It does however offer other players the chance to impress Garreth Ewing and his coaching staff as well as the selectors for a seat on the plane to Tokyo but robs the team of building on the good progress that was shown in the USA series.

They have however won 15 of their last 18 test matches and the SA Men will not be a walkover for Germany. Nic Spooner is one of the finest in the squad and plays his club mate and good friend in Hauke, while Bili Ntuli has showed throughout his 50 tests how good he can be with limited goal opportunities. There is some big experience in the likes of Jethro Eustice, Clinton Panther and Rassie Pieterse while Peabo Lembethe’s hockey cv gets enhanced every time he steps on the field.

There is also the added element of opportunity for the South Africans that a single victory against Germany in this series would produce approximately 17 ranking points, where a defeat will lose only approximately 2 points. With the African Champions sitting on the heels of Ireland, these test matches will assist in getting SA closer to the top 10 in the world.

All four matches will be streamed live on Shoott South Africa’s Facebook page, but if you are in Johannesburg head down to Wits for series.



SA vs. Germany Test Series – Men’s Squad

Rassie Pieterse, Siya Nolutshungu, Jethro Eustice, Matt Brown, Le-Neal Jackson, Tyson Dlungwana, Chad Futcher, Gareth Heyns, Andrew Hobson, Alex Stewart, Peabo Lembethe, Sam Mvimbi, Nic Spooner, Clinton Panther, Ryan Julius, Dayaan Cassiem, Ignatius Malgraff, Bili Ntuli, Ryan Crowe, Richard Pautz and Rusten Abrahams.

SA Hockey Association media release



Eugene Magee Officially Retires from International Hockey



Having made his debut for Ireland in 2005 against Belgium, Magee since received 295 caps for Ireland before officially deciding to retire from International Hockey. With over 60 goals scored for Ireland, and a self-described career high of scoring against Germany in the Olympics in Rio 2016, Magee informed team-mates and management of his decision late last week.

Men’s Head Coach, Mark Tumilty, who has also worked with Eugene for a number of years with Banbridge Hockey Club, described Eugene as “a fantastic servant to Irish Hockey, [having] played a key role in the success of the team over the last decade. Eugene will rightly be regarded as one of the best to have worn the green shirt.

An exceptional hockey player, team-mate and person. It has been a pleasure to work with Eugene at club and more recently at international level and I wish him and his family all the best with his retirement from international hockey.”

Magee retires as Irish Hockey’s most capped Men’s player. He was an integral part of Ireland Men’s historic return to competing in the Olympics in 2016, as well as their return to the World Cup last year having failed to reach that level since 1990. He scored twice in the Olympic Qualifier sudden death shootout in Canada last year, as well as scoring in a famous 4-2 win over England at the European Championships back in 2015.

“After much consideration, I have decided to retire from international hockey,” said Eugene, “I have enjoyed 15 years as part of the Irish Men’s hockey team and it has been my privilege to represent my country among so many talented players.

To be able to play hockey with your friends is one thing but to compete on an international scale takes a huge amount of work from a lot of people and to them I am truly grateful. To all the coaches, players, physiotherapists, doctors, psychologists, physiologists, nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches, managers, hockey Ireland background staff, equipment sponsors, financial sponsors, employers, home hosters and the wider hockey family, I would like to say huge thank you.

I would also like to publicly acknowledge my support network at home, particularly my parents and my wife Aoibhne, without whom I would not have enjoyed the career I have had.

Through many years there have been ups and downs but overall, I have loved the experience. International hockey has been a huge part of my life and although it will feel strange to retire, I feel very privileged to have gained all the experiences I have had and to have played my part for the team. I now look forward to exciting times ahead with a young family and watching the incredible talent in this team develop.

It has been an honour to wear the Irish shirt.”

Eugene’s advice to young hockey players over the years has been “Play with freedom, hard work and a smile and the rest will take care of itself.”

Irish Hockey Association media release



Ireland’s most capped player hangs up his hockey stick

Olympian Eugene Magee, who won 295 caps in 15 years, will continue to play for Banbridge


Ireland’s Eugene Magee played at the 2016 Olympic Games and won European bronze in 2015. Photograph: Rowland White/Presseye/Inpho
 
Ireland’s most capped male player Eugene Magee has formally retired from international hockey after 15 years and 295 caps at the top of the game, playing at the 2016 Olympic Games and winning European bronze in 2015.

The Banbridge man had previously indicated he would retire at the end of the 2020 Olympic cycle, something which came to pass last October in cruel fashion in Vancouver.

His last international touch was a delicious shoot-out dummy that put Ireland 4-3 ahead of Canada but the side could not see out the victory that would have brought a ticket to Tokyo.

Those skills were indicative of what he brought to the game, a unique skillset with a heavy hurling influence from his days with the Down minors combined with a rock-hard will.

Magee rubber-stamped his decision to step back yesterday evening with interim head coach Mark Tumilty, who worked extensively with Magee at Bann, leading the tributes.

‘One of the best’

“He has been a fantastic servant to Irish Hockey and played a key role in the success of the team over the last decade,” Tumilty said. “Eugene will rightly be regarded as one of the best to have worn the green shirt.”

For Magee, himself, he said: “I have enjoyed 15 years as part of the Irish men’s hockey team and it has been my privilege to represent my country among so many talented players.

“To be able to play hockey with your friends is one thing but to compete on an international scale takes a huge amount of work from a lot of people and to them I am truly grateful.

“International hockey has been a huge part of my life and although it will feel strange to retire, I feel very privileged to have gained all the experiences I have had and to have played my part for the team.”

The 33-year-old will continue to play Banbridge.

The Irish Times



After fallout with MHC, Dharmaraj gets West Java offer

By Jugjet Singh


Coach K. Dharmaraj (left) meeting West Java officials

KUALA LUMPUR: After his relationship with the Hockey Confederation (MHC) soured, former national women's coach K. Dharmaraj will soon pack his bags and leave for Indonesia.

Dharmaraj signed a deal with Indonesia's West Java province today, and it could lead to bigger things by the end of the year.

After the MHC did not extend their coaches’ contracts (which ended on Dec 21) and told them to re-apply for their positions, Dharmaraj decided to quit for good due to the friction between himself and his employer.

After announcing his stand at a press conference, the former national coach was overwhelmed with offers from around the world.

Dharmaraj decided to take the West Java offer because they have presented a 12-year plan leading to their bid to host the 2032 Olympics.

After winning praise for hosting the 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia put in a bid last year for the Olympics.

New Straits Times



Green-shirts’ training camp likely to be shifted from Lahore

KARACHI: The Pakistan hockey team's ongoing training camp is likely to be shifted to some other city due to the visiting MCC side's matches and the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The Green-shirts are preparing in Lahore for the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, which will be played in Malaysia in April. The MCC team will play their third and fourth match on Monday (today) and Wednesday, while the PSL matches in Lahore will begin February 21.

According to sources, due to strict security measures for the MCC side's matches and the PSL, in which many international stars are featuring, the hockey team's training camp will be shifted from Lahore.

The National Hockey Stadium, where the Green-shirts are training, is located near the Gaddafi Stadium where PSL matches will be held. Last month, during Pakistan cricket team's T20 series against Bangladesh in Lahore, the training camp of the junior hockey side was also halted for ten days because of stringent security arrangements.

The News International



Day 2 Sees Rise USWNT Add Two More Wins Against Canada

1
Image Taken by Jennifer Richardson

CHULA VISTA, Calif. - The second day of competition between the U.S. Rise Women's National Team and Canada's U-18 team saw USA added two more wins at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif.

In game 3, the first quarter was a nervy affair as both teams felt their way into the match. It would take until the final minute of frame for USA to open the scoring as Lauren Wadas (Annville, Pa.) fired in a backhand from the top of circle. Wadas tallied her second in the 21st minute as the ball was pulled back from the baseline to beat the advancing Canada goalkeeper before being knocked home from close range. Before the half was out, Elizabeth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.) added a third for USA off a penalty corner drag flick which found its way past the Canada goalkeeper after a cruel deflection off a defender.

Attacking through the baseline would pay dividends in the second half as Kiersten Thomassey (New Albany, Ohio) scored two well taken goals from close range in the 34th and 56th minutes. Between Thomassey's two goals, Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) found the back of the net with a deft deflection after a series of well worked passes through the circle. USA defeated Canada, 6-0.

“We made adjustments after yesterday and improved in today's game," said Yeager, following the match. "Our press was effective, we moved the ball well and created opportunities in the circle."

Game 4 of the series was a tight affair through three quarters before the Rise USWNT scored three unanswered goals in the final frame to finish 6-1 winners.

Anna Castaldo (Endicott, N.Y.) got things going in the first quarter as she slammed in a shot on the run from the top of the circle to cap off a nice period of possession from USA. However, the red, white and blue were not able to add to their advantage and Canada continued to threaten as USA went into the halftime break leading 1-0.

Midway through the third quarter, Claudia Thomas (Louisville, Ky.) saw her penalty corner effort deflect off a Canada defender to beat the goalkeeper and double USA’s advantage. This was short lived as a turnover on a USA outlet was punished by Canada in an efficient manner to cut the lead in half, 2-1.

USA continued to press and, combined with some nice build up play from the back, Barbara Civitella (Wayne, Pa.) scored two goals from close range, the second an exquisite behind the back deflection. Not to be outdone, Kennedy Cliggett (Warrington, Pa.) added two of her own, the first a deflection off a shot from Thomas and the second a sharp rebound after the Canada goalkeeper saved Castaldo’s initial effort.

“Today’s game against Canada was a big step up and improvement from yesterday," said Alexandra Morgan (Winnetka, Ill.). "Going into the game we were focused on our connections and maintaining possession while creating attack which we did efficiently. We are excited to work to improve even more for our final games tomorrow and continue on an upward trajectory."

The Rise USWNT has two more matches today, February 17, to round out the six-game series against Canada's U-18 team. These games will not be live streamed. This event is open to the public and admission is free.

Rise USWNT vs. Canada U-18 Games

Monday, February 17      Rise USWNT vs. U-18 Canada   1:00 p.m. PT
                                       Rise USWNT vs. U-18 Canada.  3:15 p.m. PT

USFHA media release



EG women relegated, men finish fourth in EuroHockey Indoor competitions



East Grinstead’s men and women were in EuroHockey Indoor Club action over the weekend as they took on elite opposition from across Europe.

The women’s team, who were competing in the top tier of the competition, began with a closely fought draw (0-0) against Club Campo de Madrid in their initial match. However, consecutive defeats to MSC Sumchanka (5-1) and HDM (5-0) meant the team would miss out on a semi-final berth and go into Pool C.

The team began Pool C well, opening with an emphatic 4-1 victory over SV Arminen as Harriet Mitchell, Sophie Bray, Courtney Hansford and Katerina Lacina all struck.

But, after drawing against Club Campo de Madrid in Pool A (the result being carried over due to the Spanish side also falling into Pool C), the team needed a positive result in their final match against Dinamo Elektrostal. It was the Russian side who prevailed, taking a 10-3 victory to ensure they would top Pool C and relegate EG in third, just one point below the Madrid based team in second place.



East Grinstead’s men commenced the EuroHockey Club Indoor Trophy in Alanya with a solid 6-3 victory over Three Rock Rovers, Joe Naughalty and Tijn van Groesen on target with Simon Faulkner and Ben Mackay recording braces.

The team followed this up with another victory, this time a much closer 5-4 win over Dutch side SCHC, as van Groesen and Alexander Hammersbach added to Naughalty’s hattrick to guarantee their place in Pool D where they could battle it out for promotion to the top tier.

A 7-4 defeat to Hockey Klub Zelina, who topped the table, in their final Pool A match was followed up by a thrilling 7-7 draw to Luc Ronchin HC in which van Groesen’s last minute goal secured the tie and completed his hattrick.

Despite putting in several good performances and enjoying a positive tournament, it wasn’t to end with promotion as the team fell to a 6-4 defeat to Turkish side Gaziantep Polisguku SK in their final match, meaning the side would miss out on a top two finish.

Having given a good account of themselves in the competition, Patrick Smith also scooped the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award after some special showings in the East Grinstead net.

For more event information and full results please click HERE for the women’s competition or HERE for the men’s tournament.



England Hockey Board Media release



Cardiff & Met Hockey – Third in EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge I.

This weekend saw Cardiff & Met compete in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge I in Bulgaria.
 
The Cardiff team played a series of pool games against some very experienced indoor competition from across Europe. The eight qualifying teams were placed in two pools of four, with the top two from each going through to a final pool to decide the placings.
 
The opening day saw Cardiff & Met obtain a loss and draw in the first of their pool games against Slagelse of Denmark and Soroksari of Hungary respectively.
 
The team settled quickly into day 2 with a 5-3 win over the Wildcats of Scotland with three goals in quick succession in the 2nd quarter, and two more in the 37’ and 38’, to see them secure second place in their pool and move to the next stage of the tournament in the top half of the competition.
 
The first of their two matches in the top pool saw them take on the Italian side HC Bra. An early goal from Jack Valentine in the 2’ minute saw the Cardiff side take the lead, but the opposition struck back with a goal in the 11’ to equalise. The teams remained in a 1-1 headlock until the first minute of the third quarter when Jack Rhodes found the back of the net taking the final score to 2-1.
 
The final game of the pool and tournament saw Cardiff & Met face tough competition from original pool winners HC OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa of the Ukraine. The Welsh team saw two goals from their opponents in the third quarter, but a goal by Ieuan Davies from penalty corner in the opening minute of the final quarter kept them in contention.
 
The score remained at 2-1 in this final game and the tournament standings decided, with the top three teams being HC OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa, Slagelse and Cardiff & Met respectively.
 
Cardiff & Met Head Coach, Walid Abdo spoke about the way in which his team had competed over the weekend,
 
“I’m incredibly proud of the teams achievement. To compete at this level is hard enough, but to do it without being able to practice in a suitable facility has been a real challenge.
 
“Hopefully this achievement will give us a springboard for the rest of the league campaign and our outdoor Euros in June.”

Hockey Wales media release



HockAdemy's victory marred by protest

By Jugjet Singh


HockAdemy Sports Club romped home with the League title yesterday.

DESPITE being formed only a few months before the Malaysian Women’s Hockey League started, HockAdemy Sports Club romped home with the League title yesterday.

Playing at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, HockAdemy hammered Mutiara Impian 13-0 to end up with 25 points.

However, HockAdemy’s win was “marred” by Terengganu Ladies Team’s (TLT) decision to send in a protest note to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), saying that the newcomers were not registered with the Kuala Lumpur HA.

HockAdemy founder and KLHA president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman cleared the air.

“HockAdemy have sent in the affiliation forms as well as paid the fees. It’s only that KLHA Council have yet to hold a meeting to endorse them officially.

“However, it’s only a formality as we at KLHA did not have the time to call for a meeting.

“If Terengganu are unhappy, HockAdemy are ready to play a match with them and the losing side shall apologise.

“That’s all. In the sporting world, let’s be a little sporting,” said Megat.

It was a nervous start for the champions, but once they got going there was no stopping them.

In the first leg, they had hammered Mutiara Impian 11-0.

Terengganu Ladies Team finished second on 23 points, PKS Uniten third on 20 points and Police Blue Warriors fourth on 11 points.

And the HockAdemy men also reached their target as coach S. Selvaraju had targeted the sixth spot, and claimed it.

“The women were simply awesome in their debut and even the men achieved their target even though both our coaches had only two weeks to train their players,” said Megat.

The HockAdemy men’s team were made up of three imports and former internationals as well as young players.

The women’s team consisted of six of the best national players in the country.

“I hope the HockAdemy story will encourage more state affiliates to form clubs and field teams in the MHL and MWHL.

“This is the only way forward to a bigger pool of quality players for the nation,” said Megat.

The semi-finals will be held tomorrow with HockAdemy playing Police and Terengganu meeting UniTen.

New Straits Times



Tigers plan to pounce on league champs UniKL

 By K. RAJAN



PETALING JAYA: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) are not all-conquering. Tenaga Nasional showed that in their last league match when they forced the newly-crowned Malaysia Hockey League champions to come from behind for a 1-1 draw.

Now, underdogs Maybank are plotting to do one better than Tenaga by pulling off an upset against the varsity side in the TNB Cup semi-final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.

The Tigers finished fourth in the eight-team league with 20 points from 14 matches to advance to the semi-finals and had lost both their league matches against UniKL – 2-4 on Jan 29 and 0-4 on Feb 14.

But Maybank coach and former international Azrul Effendy Bistamam reckons the TNB Cup will be a different ball game.

Azrul’s men proved they are capable of upsets when they held defending TNB Cup winners Terengganu to a 2-2 draw in their last league game on Feb 16.

“We are the underdogs ... we have no pressure on us and this is a different competition compared to the league ... we will have our plans to stun UniKL,” said Azrul.

“We always play better when there’s no pressure on us. That’s why we managed to draw with Terengganu in our last game.”

“We have studied UniKL’s game and have identified their weak points ... I’m confident my players know what to do when they face the favourites. We just need to execute our game plan.”

The Tigers, who rested their key players in their last two league matches against Terengganu and UniKL last week, will be banking on internationals Mohd Haziq Samsul (pic), Meor Muhamad Azuan Hasan, Joel Samuel Van Huizen and Mohd Zaimi Mat Deris to get a positive result.

Azrul said that losing their ace striker Hafifihafiz Hanafi due to a hamstring injury was a blow but the team had coped well in his absence.

“Losing a player with Hafifihafiz’s calibre is tough but he has been guiding and motivating the other players from the sidelines ... he will be doing the same against UniKL too,” said Azrul.

The Star of Malaysia



RIP Jean Kilcoyne (Corrigan)



Hockey Ireland extend deepest sympathy to the family of Jean Kilcoyne (Corrigan) who died on Saturday following a long illness.

Jean was an international umpire and former President of South East & was hugely involved in the Development of Carlow Hockey club

https://rip.ie/death-notice/jean-kilcoyne-rathvilly-carlow/413744#!photo

Irish Hockey Association media release

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