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Al the news for Friday 12 June 2015

Canada upset New Zealand in shootout drama

Canada beat New Zealand in a dramatic shootout while Argentina defeat Japan



Canada defeated New Zealand in a shoot-out drama with Adam Froese converting the 28th attempt to seal a 8-7 win. The Maples Leafs marched into the semi-finals at the Argentina Hockey Semi-Final in Buenos Aires and will now play host nation Argentina. The Leones walked away with a narrow 2-1 victory against Japan in today’s last quarter-final thanks to goals from Matias Paredes and Gonzalo Peillat.

Match 24: QF3 New Zealand v Canada 7-8 SO (0-0)

The match was goalless after regulation time as both defences stood up to the challenge posed by their opponents. Canada earned the first penalty corner of the match after a Scott Tupper strike hit a Blacksticks’ foot. Gordon Johnston flicked low but his attempt was denied.

New Zealand also forced their first penalty corner in the first quarter but Andy Hayward’s dragflick was saved by the outstanding Canadian goalie David Carter.  Scoring opportunities were limited in the second quarter as much of the action took place in midfield.

The match remained tied until the end. New Zealand earned one penalty corner but Carter dived to save another Hayward flick. With both sides looking for a late goal, the Black Sticks probably had the better chances towards the end but could not break through the Canadian defence marshalled by captain Scott Tupper.

The shootout was heartbreaking as it has taken 14 rounds to find the winner. Adam Froese had eventually finished the drama. It is worth mentioning that both goalkeepers, Devon Manchester for the Blacksticks and Carter for the Maple Leafs, had an outstanding evening denying 7 and 8 attempts respectively.

Thoughts on the match

Adam Froese (CAN)
“Our goalkeeper Dave Carter kept us in the whole time. I can’t express how much credit I can give to him, he just played incredible tonight during the game and in the shoot-out. I can’t be more happy for these boys. It’s not about which goal went in, it’s a team effort. I’m so proud of these guys.”

Shea McAleese (NZL)
“No, I haven’t experienced a drama like this before and especially not for the biggest piece of pain, the Olympics. Canada played a good game and we didn’t play well enough. We should have won this game in normal time but unfortunately we didn’t.

Match 25: QF 4 ARG v JPN 2-1 (0-1)

Matias Paredes put his Leones ahead after 7 minutes when he got a touch on Lucas Vila’s fantastic pass. The Leones were in good control of the match but Japan defended hard to keep the score at one until halftime.

In the second half, the Samurais got a few chances through counter-attacks that they could not convert. Despite being the better side for much of the match, Argentina failed to double their lead. Their first penalty corner arrived 8 minutes before the end of the match. Gonzalo Peillat (52’) sneaked the dragflick in under Japanese goalie Suguru Shimmoto to increase the lead to 2-1 marking his fourth goal at this event.

However, the Samurais recovered quickly and pulled one back through Toshiro Tachibana (53’) just one minute later. Japan fought hard to get the equaliser forcing another penalty corner through Hiroki Sakamoto. However, the shot was nicely saved by Argentine goalie Juan Vivaldi to keep the 2-1 lead.

Thoughts on the match

Carlos Retegui
“We are very happy that the classification for the Olympic Games is almost reality. Today was a very difficult match for us. The match reminded me on our qualification match for the 2014 World Cup in Johor, Malaysia.”

Matias Paredes
The corners and the circle penetrations will be the key to beat Canada. In our pool match their keeper saved a lot, so we need to ensure that we convert our chances.”

FIH site

Stunning shootout win moves Canada one step closer to the Olympic Games

All-world performance from David Carter sends Canadians to WL3 semifinal

Kishan Mistry

A shootout performance of a lifetime from goaltender David Carter led the Canadian Men's Field Hockey Team to an upset victory over the seventh ranked New Zealand Black Sticks 0-0 (8-7 in a sudden death shootout) in the Quarterfinals of the World League Semifinals Thursday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

With the win, Canada will have two chances to earn 2016 Olympic qualification on the weekend and also qualifies for the World League Final tournament taking place in India in November.

Coming off a 9-0 loss against Germany, Canada had its work cut out for them heading into Thursday’s Quarterfinal match against the Black Sticks. The 15th ranked Canadian side knew they had to completely turn the tables to land themselves a spot in the Semifinals of the tournament.

Within minutes of the match it appeared that Canada meant business and proved why they earned a spot in the Quarterfinals. In what seemed like a completely different team in the red and white, Canada was calm and confident throughout the duration of the match.

It was a high intensity throughout and it appeared that the team which scored first would win the match and move on. After a back and forth pace match in regulation time, it was up to the classic shootout to determine the fate of Canada and their road to the Olympic Games in Rio.

The pressure started to build for the Canadians after finding themselves down 3-1 in the shootout, with the Kiwis having an two opportunities to come out victorious. New Zealand’s Ryan Archibald believed to have scored a goal winning the game. However, upon video review, the ball did not cross the line in time to count as a fair goal.

The no-goal was followed by a confident goal from Canada's Sukhi Panesar and then a shot missing wide of the net for New Zealand’s Simon Child.

With his the weight of the team on his back, needing to score, Gordie Johnston ties the shootout up keeping Canada’s hope alive.

It was then up to Carter, who, in sudden death, continued his all-star form making four consecutive shootout saves to keep Canada alive and give them an eventual shot to win.

After dramatic events of goals from both countries, video reviews, and mind boggling saves by both goaltenders, it was Canada who came out on top. Adam Froese, a shootout hero from last year's Champions Challenge in Malaysia, claimed the title of hero as he netted the shootout winner sending his country into the Semifinals!

The big storyline coming out the huge Quarterfinal win for Canada is without a doubt their goaltender, David Carter. Wearing his emotions on his sleeves during the post-match interview, Captain Scott Tupper had a lot to say about the man in goal.

“I think he’s underappreciated worldwide," said the Canadian captain. "Hopefully people after this tournament will get a bit more respect for some of the things he’s done in the pipes.”

True to his nature, Carter credits his teammates for also bailing him out when he did help.

“More or less I was just trying to stay composed," said the 33 year-old from Vancouver following the exhilarating shootout. "The guys work so hard and you just want to make every save for them. And If I let one in they pick me up.”

“It’s a great team effort and I’m happy for all eighteen guys”

Inching themselves closer to Rio 2016 qualification, the Canadians have earned themselves a day off and will face off against the winner of the Argentina-Japan Quarterfinal in one of two semifinals on Saturday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If Canada wins its semifinal on Saturday it automatically qualifies for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games. If it loses, it will have a second shot at qualifying by winning the third place match.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Agonising loss for Black Sticks Men in shoot-out



The Black Sticks Men have had a heart breaking loss in their quarter-final game against Canada at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires.

After a nil-all draw at full time, 14 penalty-shoot attempts from each side resulted in the Black Sticks Men being pipped 7-8, relegating them to a 5th-8th classification game on Sunday at 4am (NZ time).

The Kiwis were hoping to finish in the top three at this tournament to book a spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but with those hopes now dashed, their next opportunity to qualify will be to beat World No.1 Australia and other Pacific nations at the Oceania Cup in Taranaki in October.

The shoot-out, which had two sudden-death rounds, was full of drama with a superb display from both goalkeepers to keep their teams in the game.

The drama included an attempt from Ryan Archibald which was disallowed after the video umpire ruled the hooter had sounded before the ball went over the line. Furthermore, Blair Hilton had an opportunity to win the game in sudden-death, but the ball agonisingly was deflected onto the cross bar and the shoot-out continued.

Hugo Inglis and Hilton scored two each, Simon Child missed both his chances, Archibald missed three while Steve Edwards calmly slotted home all of his attempts.

During regulation time, there were few goal-scoring chances at either end with Canada rattling the Black Sticks and turning over the ball. Canada’s goalkeeper David Carter was outstanding, his balance and precision saving any attempts New Zealand had on goal.

With the score still locked at 0-0 at the start of the fourth quarter, the pressure mounted and New Zealand desperately worked to win the ball back at every opportunity. Kane Russell, who was playing his 50th international game, rued a great opportunity to knock home an attempt in front of the goal.

The Germans beat Korea 2-0 and the Dutch won 3-1 against Argentina in the earlier games today, setting up a Germany vs Dutch semi-final at 6.30am this Sunday (Live on Sky Sport 2). Canada will face either Argentina or Japan in the second semi-final.

RESULT
Full time: 0-0. Lost the penalty shoot-out 7-8.
Half time: 0-0
Penalty shoot-out
NZ: Hugo Inglis x2, Blair Hilton x2, Steve Edwards x3,
Canada:  Mark Pearson x2,  Sukhi Panesar x2, Gordon Johnston x3, Adam Froese

BLACK STICKS RESULTS SO FAR:

Black Sticks Men vs Canada                       
0-0. Lost the penalty shoot-out 7-8

Black Sticks Men vs Korea                           
3-3 draw

Black Sticks Men vs Netherlands             
1-1 draw

Black Sticks Men vs Japan                           
2-1 win

Black Sticks Men vs Egypt                          
4-1 win

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Shoot-out defeat a blow to Olympic plans

By David Leggat


New Zealand goalie Devon Manchester. Photo /Getty

New Zealand have lost a dramatic shootout in their quarter-final of the world league semifinal in Buenos Aires.

The game against 15th ranked Canada didn't produce a goal and amid a demonstration of goalkeeping excellence from both Black Stick Devon Manchester and Canada's David Carter, the Canadians prevailed 8-7 in the shootout which required two sudden death rounds.

The result was a serious blow for the seventh-ranked New Zealand, whose prospects of qualifying directly for the Rio Olympics next year from this tournament are now gone.

The match was evenly contested through the first three quarters. However New Zealand totally dominated the final 15 minutes but were unable to penetrate stout-hearted Canadian defence, in which Carter was outstanding.

The scores were locked 3-3 after the mandatory five rounds of penalties before players on both sides managed to have eight successive attempts stopped by Manchester and Carter.

The decisive moment came with the 28th penalty attempt, when Adam Froeze beat Manchester to initiate jubilant scenes among the Canadians.

Of the New Zealand penalty takers, veteran Ryan Archibald missed all three attempts - with one the ball crossed the goal line fractionally after the hooter sounded to signal his eight seconds to score were up.

Captain Simon Child missed with both his chances. Blair Hilton's second attempt, which would have won the game, was deflected onto the crossbar.

Midfielder Steve Edwards was easily the pick of the New Zealanders, nailing all three attempts with aplomb.

In normal time, New Zealand were unable to score with four penalty corner attempts.
They now face Australia in the Oceania series, the winner guaranteed a trip to Rio. After that, New Zealand must look at another avenue to try and qualify for Rio.

Meanwhile the women's Black Sticks were beaten 3-1 by the Netherlands in the first of two warmup tests for their world league semifinal starting next week.

Brooke Neal scored New Zealand's goal from a penalty corner in the final quarter.

The teams meet a second time tomorrow night at the Noordwijkse club before heading to Antwerp, Belgium for the tournament, which begins on June 20.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks men miss Olympic qualification chance with shootout loss


Black Sticks captain Simon Child was left disappointed by his team's inability to make the semifinals of the World League semifinal in Argentina. Fairfax NZ

The Black Sticks have lost to Canada in heart breaking style after a shootout which was dominated by great goalkeeping

The Black Sticks men's hockey team missed a golden opportunity to qualify early for the Rio Olympics when they lost a dramatic penalty shootout to Canada in Argentina.

With scores tied at 0-0 after regulation time in their quarterfinal at the FIH World League Semifinal tournament in Buenos Aires on Friday, the penalty shootout went into a third round before Canada's Adam Froese finally squeezed a shot past gallant New Zealand keeper Devon Manchester for an 8-7 victory.

Veteran Ryan Archibald had given Canada the opportunity to win when he missed his penalty attempt for the third time as tensions rose with 28 shots required to break the deadlock.

Black Sticks captain Simon Child was left disappointed by his team's inability to make the semifinals of the World League semifinal in Argentina.

The goalkeepers were the heroes with Manchester magnificent with seven saves.

But his opposite David Carter was even better and ultimately made the crucial save off a devastated Archibald to give Froese the chance to send Canada into the last four.

Being part of the last four is a vital position. The top three finishers from this tournament automatically qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, with the top four progressing to the World League Final in India in November.

New Zealand have now missed out on that opportunity. After being so disappointing at the London Olympics, they will have to look at other avenues to reach Rio and a chance of making amends.

Twelve teams are involved in the Olympics hockey competition. New Zealand can get there as Oceania Cup winners but they would need to beat powerhouse Australia at the tournament in New Plymouth in October to achieve that.

There was high drama in the shootout.

Archibald had the winning goal disallowed as the ball failed to go over the line within the eight-seconds time limit.

Stuff

Stats Speak: Arch Rivals

By B.G.Joshi

Sehore-Bhopal, India:   Continental rivals Germany-Netherlands and Argentina-Canada are in the fray for Olympic berth in Buenos Aires Hockey World League Round 3. All four giants will play in semifinals on June 13-2015, though it is not Summit clash, but winner will book ticket for Rio Olympics (2016), looser still have a chance of playoff win for entry in Olympics (2016). Records of Arch Rivals in men’s hockey are given below, in which Title Matches are accounted for, Gold Medal wins are given in parenthesis:

Fieldhockey.com

Tears of joy for Spain



There were very different emotions at the end of day two in Valencia at the Women's HWL Semi-Finals. While Spain's Maria Lopez de Eguilaz declared herself "ready to cry,", China's Cui Qiuxia was near tears after the host team beat their Asian opponents in a tense 1-0 match.

In the earlier contest, Agustina Albertarrio’s hat trick helped Argentina cruise to a comprehensive 6-0 win over Canada to start their World League campaign in great style. "We found that tough," said Canada's Abigaye Raye after her team conceded six goals to their Pan-American rivals. "We will go away and re-focus for the next game. We have been a bit tentative in the opening two games, we need to play with a lot more confidence."

Florencia Habif opened the scoring 11 minutes in, and Albertarrio added her first three minutes later from a corner rebound. Noel Barrionuevo got in on the act soon after with a direct corner flick for 3-0. The second Albertarrio effort was a spectacular solo effort, beating the last defender before launching the ball into the roof of the net. Carla Rebecchi’s drag-flick accounted for the fifth goal while Albertarrio completed her triple in the 42nd minute from close range.

After the game, Albertarrio said: “We are really happy to win by such a big margin. As its only our first match, we want to keep building and building our performance but this was a good start. “I am really happy with my personal performance but, like I said, it is about the team and about us building on what we are doing.”

In the final match of the day, it was Lola Riera’s who was hero of the hour. Her brilliant low drag flick earned Spain their first win over China since 2006, ending a series of heavy defeats to the Asian side in battling fashion. She struck in the tenth minute in a fractious early spell, marked by plenty of corners.

Qian Yu went close to equalising from a corner-deflection move only for Maria Lopez to brilliantly save on the line from the pick of the other chances. Goalkeeper Maria Lopez de Eguilaz produce some similar heroics with an excellent double save to keep out Mengyu Wang first up and then produced another fine stop from the same foe soon after.

There was late drama when China thought they had earned a corner with 36 seconds remaining but they had one video review remaining and successfully argued for danger as Christina Guinea blocked a last ditch shot. They held on, becoming the fourth side in the group to sit on three points after day two of action in Pool A in Valencia.

China captain Cui Qiuxia was visibly disappointed as she spoke after the event: "That game is now finished and there is nothing we can do about it. Spain were strong, particularly in defence, and while our players played hard, they didn't score."

Maria Lopez de Eguilaz summed up her team's feelings after the game: “The last minute, I just wanted to cry. The final whistle, all the tension went away and I knew I didn’t have to do anymore. I am so happy; this was a really important game and we did what we had to do.

“Olympic qualification; this is why I am here! We came here to win; yesterday wasn’t the best game for us and we were a bit sad. But it is not how we start; it’s how we end!”

FIH site

The crying game


Spain celebrate scoring against China

Pool A: ARG v CAN 6-0: CHN v ESP 0-1
Pool B: USA v URU 2-0: GER v IRL 3-1

The second day of hockey in Pool B saw USA and Germany working hard to breakdown the stubborn defences of Uruguay and Ireland respectively. Spain and Argentina were the victorious teams in Pool A, much to the delight of goalkeeper Maria Lopez de Equilaz. "I was ready to cry," declared the Spaniard after her team beat China in a tough 1-0 match.

In the other Pool A match, Argentina beat Pan-American rivals Canada 6-0, with a riveting display of attacking skills.

In their opening game of the HWL Semi-Final, USA's Rachel Dawson’s drag-flick and Kat Sharkey’s late goal gave the USA victory but the team had scratched their collective heads wondering how they could beat the diminutive Rosanna Paselle and her hard-working defence.

Speaking after the game, Paselle said: "It was a lot of hard work but we are pleased to have played an excellent match. It was good for us after yesterday. “Facing so many corners is no problem for me; I like it! We were all 100 per cent focused for this match, wanting to go better than we did against Germany. We hope to have more opportunities against Ireland and South Africa.”

The opening goal scorer, Rachel Dawson (USA) said: “It was definitely a battle for our first game of the tournament, one we can learn and grow from. We did come away with the three points and that is what these tournaments are all about.

“They are one of our Pan-Am competitors that we have seen in the past. They are a tough, talented team and we knew we would need to stick it out to get the result.”

In the second Pool B match, Germany held on for the second win of the tournament but they were made to work all the way in a classic battle with Ireland in Valencia in a 3-1 victory.

It was a thrilling match with three efforts bouncing off the post and both sides having to save shots off the line. Ultimately, two goals in quick succession from Anna Schroder and Marie Mavers in the third quarter proved all-important.

Anna O’Flanagan got one back but Ireland could not nab another to force a result before Lydia Haase nabbed a late third goal.

Ireland will count themselves unlucky, Kate Dillon had an effort disallowed after she tipped on to the post from Nikki Evans’s cross and Megan Frazer slammed a clever corner routine onto the post as the match somehow stayed 0-0 at half-time.

It was not the result that Shirley McCay – who celebrated 200 caps for Ireland – wanted. "We are a bit disappointed with the result but proud of the performance. We are disappointed to concede so late on when we had come back into the game. We created enough chances to nick a result, at least a draw. But they are European champions for a reason and they took their chances and were clinical.”

In the third match of the day, Agustina Albertarrio’s hat trick helped Argentina cruise to a comprehensive 6-0 win over Canada to start their World League campaign in great style.

"We found that tough," said Canada's Abigaye Raye after her team conceded six goals to their Pan-American rivals. "We will go away and re-focus for the next game. We have been a bit tentative in the opening two games, we need to play with a lot more confidence."

Florencia Habif opened the scoring 11 minutes in, and Albertarrio added her first three minutes later from a corner rebound. Noel Barrionuevo got in on the act soon after with a direct corner flick for 3-0. The second Albertarrio effort was a spectacular solo effort, beating the last defender before launching the ball into the roof of the net. Carla Rebecchi’s drag-flick accounted for the fifth goal while Albertarrio completed her triple in the 42nd minute from close range.

After the game, Albertarrio said: “We are really happy to win by such a big margin. As its only our first match, we want to keep building and building our performance but this was a good start. “I am really happy with my personal performance but, like I said, it is about the team and about us building on what we are doing.”

Lola Riera’s was hero of the hour for the host nation. Her brilliant low drag flick earned Spain their first win over China since 2006. She struck in the tenth minute in a fractious early spell.

Goalkeeper Maria Lopez de Eguilaz produce heroics with an excellent double save to keep out Mengyu Wang first up and then produced another fine stop from the same foe soon after. There was late drama when China thought they had earned a corner with 36 seconds remaining but they had one video review remaining and successfully argued for danger as Christina Guinea blocked a last ditch shot.

Spain became the fourth side in the group to sit on three points after day two of action in Pool A in Valencia.

China captain Cui Qiuxia was visibly disappointed as she spoke after the event: "That game is now finished and there is nothing we can do about it. Spain were strong, particularly in defence, and while our players played hard, they didn't score."

Maria Lopez de Eguilaz summed up her team's feelings after the game: “The last minute, I just wanted to cry. The final whistle, all the tension went away and I knew I didn’t have to do anymore. I am so happy; this was a really important game and we did what we had to do."

“Olympic qualification; this is why I am here! We came here to win; yesterday wasn’t the best game for us and we were a bit sad. But it is not how we start; it’s how we end!”

FIH site

USA and Germany tough it out for Pool B victories



The second day of hockey in Pool B saw USA and Germany working hard to breakdown the stubborn defences of Uruguay and Ireland respectively.

USA struggled to break down Pan-American rivals Uruguay as they battled to a 2-0 victory in their first game of the competition, while Die Danas racked up their second win of the competition with a 3-1 win over Ireland.

In their opening game of the HWL Semi-Final, USA's Rachel Dawson’s drag-flick and Kat Sharkey’s late goal gave the USA victory but the team had scratched their collective heads wondering how they could beat the diminutive Rosanna Paselle and her hard-working defence.

Speaking after the game, Paselle said: "It was a lot of hard work but we are pleased to have played an excellent match. It was good for us after yesterday. “Facing so many corners is no problem for me; I like it! We were all 100 per cent focused for this match, wanting to go better than we did against Germany. We hope to have more opportunities against Ireland and South Africa.”

Dawson broke the deadlock toward the end of the first half after 25 minutes of near total dominance. The second half followed a similar pattern with Lauren Crandall and Paige Selenski going close but no further goals accrued until the final minute, when Kat Sharkey controlled a bouncing ball and smartly turned and shot.

The opening goal scorer, Rachel Dawson (USA) said: “It was definitely a battle for our first game of the tournament, one we can learn and grow from. We did come away with the three points and that is what these tournaments are all about. “They are one of our Pan-Am competitors that we have seen in the past. They are a tough, talented team and we knew we would need to stick it out to get the result.”

In the second Pool B match, Germany held on for the second win of the tournament but they were made to work all the way in a classic battle with Ireland in Valencia in a 3-1 victory. It was a thrilling match with three efforts bouncing off the post and both sides having to save shots off the line. Ultimately, two goals in quick succession from Anna Schroder and Marie Mavers in the third quarter proved all-important. Anna O’Flanagan got one back but Ireland could not nab another to force a result before Lydia Haase nabbed a late third goal.

The Germans were first to cause danger, with Ireland's keeper, Cliodhna Sargent, saving off the line and Charlotte Stapenhorst hammering a shot off the frame of the goal. It was Ireland's turn to create, when Kate Dillon had an effort disallowed after she tipped on to the post from Nikki Evans’s cross – an earlier foot the infringement. Megan Frazer slammed a clever corner routine onto the post as the match somehow stayed 0-0 at half-time.

Germany broke the deadlock through Schroder in the 32nd minute and Mavers then got on the end of a great cross from the right to touch in for 2-0. Germany then killed off the game in the dying moments when Lydia Haase touched in for 3-1.

It was not the result that Shirley McCay – who celebrated 200 caps for Ireland – wanted. "We are a bit disappointed with the result but proud of the performance. We are disappointed to concede so late on when we had come back into the game. We created enough chances to nick a result, at least a draw. But they are European champions for a reason and they took their chances and were clinical.”

Kristina Hillman paid tribute to the opposition: "That was really hard, a big challenge. Ireland had a good structure and a good game plan. For us, we have a nice progression in this tournament because our next game, against USA, will be even tougher."

FIH site

The U.S. Women's National Team Leaves First Round of Pool Play Victorious

VALENCIA, Spain - The U.S. Women’s National Team began their FIH Women’s Hockey World League Semifinals campaign on the second day of the event with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.

“The team’s objectives going into this tournament are to begin on the right foot and start the first match well, which we did and look to position ourselves for quarterfinal competition,” said Craig Parnham, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach. “We’re looking to win that round and progress into the semifinals to put us in a strong position to qualify for the Olympics.”

The stage was set for USA to take the first steps on the road to achieve the goal of Olympic qualification at the Estadio de Hockey de Valencia on Spain’s East Coast. With a FIH World Ranking of 29th, Uruguay was looking to get their World League Semifinal journey back on track after coming unstuck against Germany in a 0-8 defeat the day before. In front of a rowdy crowd there to support both national teams and under overcast skies, play got underway. The first quarter began with USA dominating possession and controlling the flow of play. The high tempo that characterizes the USA style of play led to the ball being moved into the attack circle on numerous occasions with USA earning a solid string of attack corners in the early minutes, a pattern that was to continue through the match. Uruguay’s Janine Stanley received a green card in the 12th minute to round out the period. Despite close attempts, the scoreboard remained unmarked.

The red, white and blue continued their dominance into the second period where Team USA’s circle penetrations proved to outnumber Uruguay’s overall attack attempts. On defense, Team USA continued to put pressure on the ball pressing Uruguay into conceding possession in their own defensive half. The best early opportunity of the match fell to Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) who was able to intercept the ball and trail it into the circle to earn another corner opportunity.

It wasn’t until the 25th minute when Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.) launched a drag flick from the center of the semicircle, flying over Uruguay’s keeper Rosanna Paselle to put USA into the lead 1-0.  In the 46th minute Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) earned a green card quickly followed by Uruguay’s Federika Kempner’s green card in the 49th minute. Team USA’s agility was present throughout the match to maintain a steadfast attack.

“The physicality of the group and the work completed prior to Hockey World League certainly helped the girls sustain a high work rate and facilitate a very high number of positive outcomes in the opponent's defensive circle,” said Dave Hamilton, USA Field Hockey’s Director of Performance Science.

In the final minutes of play, a series of passes connecting USA athletes stretched across the pitch to find Kat Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) unmarked in front of the goal. Sharkey made no mistake and capitalized on the opportunity by slamming it into the left corner of the cage to seal the win and the all-important three points for an earned victory. The match closed USA 2, Uruguay 0.

“We’ve put in the work and did the proper preparation,” said USA athlete Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.). “Today wasn’t perfect and it was frustrating not to connect on corners, but we hold each to extremely high standards. I have confidence we’ll be able to capitalize more in the games to come. This game was an important stepping stone to get the tournament underway. We needed to play, get our feet running and get into game mode. As long as we stick to the process we’ll be able to bring our best game to the pitch.”

The top four teams from the pool stages will meet in the quarterfinals on Thursday, June 18th.  The top three finishers in each of the two World League Semifinals are guaranteed places in the 2016 Rio Olympics Games. Team USA continues on with Hockey World League Semifinals Saturday against South Africa 9 a.m. EST.

USFHA media release

Argentina hands Canada its second loss at Women's World League Semifinals

Canada will search for its first win on Saturday against Spain

Shaheed Devji



The Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Team dropped its second straight match at the World League Semifinals losing 6-0 to the tournament’s top team, Argentina, Thursday in Spain.

Following an opening match loss to China on Wednesday, the tournament didn’t get any easier for the Canadians when facing their Pan American rival.

Argentina was playing its first game of the tournament and was looking to make a statement in Pool A.

“It’s always difficult the first match of the tournament,” said Argentina’s Carla Rebecchi, who scored once during Thursday’s win. “We opened the score quite early so that was good for us.”

Argentina managed to score twice in the first quarter. First a turnover forced by Rebecchi resulted in the Argentinian going in one-on-one with Canadian goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams, who made the save in close but couldn’t stop the rebound from Florencia Habif in the eleventh minute.

Three minutes later, Agustina Albertarrio scored her first of three goals on the day on a penalty corner. Her first drag flick was stopped on the goal line by Canada’s Abigail Raye, but the second attempt was placed low in the bottom right corner.

Argentina doubled its 2-0 lead before half-time.

In the second quarter, Noel Barrionuevo also snuck a low shot in past Williams on a penalty corner in the twenty-fourth minute, and Albertarrio got her second of the game a minute later to make it 4-0 at half-time.

After Rebecchi scored in the thirty-sixth minute, Albertarrio netted her hat trick in the forty-second. The two third-quarter goals put Argentina up 6-0.

Canada did push back in the fourth quarter, not wanting to concede more in a tournament which places a strong emphasis on goal differential.

Their best chances of the game came in quick succession in the fourth quarter. Thea Culley's deflection in close was turned away by the Argentinian goalkeeper Belen Succi, who also batted away a chance moments later.

Despite a seemingly discouraging start, the first two matches have played out how many would have expected, with Canada having faced the top two teams in its group and two of the tournament’s top three ranked teams.

The Canadians have a chance to make up some ground in their next two matches when they face World No. 15 Spain - which is also winless through one game - on Saturday (11am PT/1pm ET), before finishing off the round robin Sunday (8am PT/11am ET) against World No. 8 Great Britain.

The top four finishers from each pool play earn a spot in the tournament quarterfinal.

All matches can be watched live on StarSports.com.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Ireland fall short to Germany in 3-1 defeat


Photo credit: Stanislas Brochier

Ireland pushed European champions Germany all the way but ultimately succumbed as third quarter blitz proved their undoing in Valencia.

Nonetheless, they carried plenty of the verve and attacking gusto from their opening 4-1 win over South Africa a day earlier, creating a series of chances in a tie packed with action.

Indeed, three efforts bounced off the post while both sides having to save shots off the line. Ultimately, two goals in quick succession from Anna Schroder and Marie Mavers in the third quarter proved all-important.

Anna O’Flanagan got one back but Ireland could not nab another to force a result before Lydia Haase nabbed a late third goal.

The Germans were first to cause danger, Cliodhna Sargent called on to volley a deflected corner shot off the line. Charlotte Stapenhorst then hammered a shot off the frame of the goal before Ireland started to get back into the tie.

Kate Dillon had an effort disallowed when she tipped on to the post from Nikki Evans’s cross, an earlier foot the infringement. Megan Frazer slammed a clever corner routine onto the post as the match somehow stayed 0-0 at half-time.

But it did not stay that way for long early in the second half. Schroder popped home from the second phase of a corner from a baseline cross in the 32nd minute.

Mavers then got on the end of a great cross from the right to touch in for 2-0. Ireland rallied, though, and were back in the mix when Dillon and Katie Mullan worked a cross for O’Flanagan to sweep in.

Nike Lorenz kept out a chance for an equaliser before Germany killed off the game in the dying moments when Lydia Haase touched in for 3-1.

Speaking afterwards, Shirley McCay – who celebrated her 200th cap – said that her side was “disappointed with the result but proud of the performance”.

She added: “We are disappointed to concede so late on when we had come back into the game. We created enough chances to nick a result, at least a draw. But they are European champions for a reason and they took their chances and were clinical.”

Coach Darren Smith said that the game could have been different had Ireland nicked one or two more of their big chances.

“There were plenty of positives; the girls showed an ability to control the ball under a high press and we created eight to ten really good opportunities. At times, we defended really well and so, a lot of positives, we are looking forward to Saturday.

“It would have been nice to finish a few of the opportunities. I thought we had quite a few against a tough team. I really admire the way they move the ball and their skills. Sometimes that can suck a bit of energy out of you, trying to chase them.”

Ireland are next in action on Saturday (midday Irish time) against world number 29 side Uruguay – Ireland are 14th – in their third group game with a top four place ensuring a quarter-final berth

Women’s World League Round 3

Ireland 1 (A O’Flanagan) Germany 3 (A Schroder, M Mavers, L Haase)

Ireland: E Gray, C Sargent, E Smyth, K Mullan, S McCay, M Frazer, A Connery, L Colvin, N Daly, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan

Subs: Y O’Byrne, N Evans, C Watkins, A McFerran, C Watkins, K Dillon, A Meeke

Germany: K Reynolds, N Lorenz, A Schroder, K Hillmann, N Hasselmann, J Muller-Wieland, H Kruger, J Teschke, L Altenburg, F Hauke, M Mavers

Subs: Y Frank, A Korth, L Steindor, C Stapenhorst, L Stockel, E Hoffmann, L Haase

Irish Hockey Association media release

Shirley McCay to Reach 200 Caps



Ireland will face Germany in their second Pool B match of World League 3 at 14:00 (Irish Time) and the game will be shown live on Sky Sports 1! But today will also mark a significant milestone for Shirley McCay. McCay will reach 200 caps, becoming only the 2nd woman to reach such an achievement in Irish hockey history! McCay earned her first cap in 2007 against Canada and quickly established herself as an integral part of the Green Army.

Speaking about the achievement Shirley said “Reaching 200 caps is a pretty special feeling! It has come as a result of so many years of hard work and commitment so I am really proud to have reached the milestone. For me it has been an absolute pleasure and honour to be able to pull on an Irish jersey and I couldn't wish to do it with a better bunch of girls.”

McCay is firmly focused on the task at hand at World League 3 in Valencia “Since my first cap the goal has always been to qualify and have the chance to compete at an Olympic games and we will give everything we have to make the chance a reality”.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to play for Ireland and despite the sacrifices it takes the reality is that we are in a privileged position and one that not many get to experience.”

An Irish hockey stalwart in every sense, McCay paid tribute to those who have helped her reach the incredible achievement “It's important for me to be able to thank those who have made my international career possible. When I was a teenager it didn't pay me a second thought to ask my parents to take me on a 3 hour round trip to train in Belfast, or on a 400km round trip to train in Dublin. Now when I drive it myself most weekends I realise the commitment that they made to make it happen. They sacrificed so much and I can’t thank them enough.”

National team coach Darren Smith said “Shirley is a fantastic Green Army team player, not only in her quality on the pitch but also her professionalism and humour off it. Watching her 200th will be an honour and again we will get commitment, skill and passion, as we have for the past 199.Top player!”

Congratulations Shirley!

Irish Hockey Association media release

Pushing each other to the limits has spurred me, says Great Britain's Emily Maguire

Scotland and GB international recorded 150th cap in Valencia and still feels young in a "timeless" sport
           
By Rod Gilmour


Landmark: GB and Scotland defender Emily Maguire, second right, recorded her 150th combined cap against Spain  Photo: ADY KERRY

Emily Maguire has to pause for a moment as she tries to remember her GB debut, which came late in 2009 against Argentina. Six years on, Danny Kerry, the Investec Great Britain women's coach, reflected on the Scot’s 150th combined cap yesterday in Valencia. “That’s some achievement,” he said.

Maguire, part of Kerry’s 18-strong squad, recorded the milestone as she came on during Great Britain’s 2-0 win over hosts Spain, in the opening game of the World League, a tournament acting as Olympic qualifiers for next year’s Rio Games.

“I don’t know where the time has gone really,” she says. “It has kind of snuck up on me.”

Maguire graduated in maths and statistics in 2009, a year when England Hockey’s centralised programme came into fruition. That October she was ensconced into the GB system at Bisham Abbey

“I’ve been lucky that I’ve never had to find a real job as I transitioned from university into a full-time hockey player,” said the Olympic bronze medallist, who left Kelburne, her childhood club in Paisley, after 15 years to join Reading.

“In terms of coming in and out of the [Scotland] squad, I’ve always found it easy. There have never been any barriers and there is never any conflict. I find the two sides of representing Scotland and GB sit in harmony.”

Maguire once said that “hockey makes you feel like Peter Pan” and the defender believes today that the sport remains a “timeless” one, a reflection of Great Britain’s mix of experience and youth.

“Being in such a wide, diverse squad with a variety of ages, helps you feel young at heart,” admits the 27-year-old, clearly revelling in the team environment.

“The body feels the years at times, but we are good at looking after ourselves and the GB staff help us remain in the best possible shape.

“Every job has its ups and downs, but I love being able to play hockey. What we do is so unique and you can only do it for a short amount of time. Whatever has been thrown at us on a hockey pitch, you know that the girl standing next to you is going to be able to deal with it. There’s nothing quite like that.”

After holding off a physical Spanish outfit, who racked up 29 fouls against Great Britain on Wednesday, Maguire and Co will welcome a day off before matches come thick and fast thereafter.

They play Argentina on Saturday, the first of three games in four days. The last of which, against China, will be played out in the lunchtime heat in Valencia.

However, Maguire admitted that Kerry’s “beasting” camps have given the GB squad extra impetus as they looked to finish inside the top three that will guarantee 16 tickets to the Rio Olympics.

She said: “Valencia was one of the toughest training camps, but it was great to go through that. Pushing each other to the limits, knowing everyone else has done it, you take a lot of confidence from it.”

World League, Valencia

Pool A: Argentina, Canada, China, Great Britain, Spain.
Pool B: Germany, Ireland, South Africa, United States, Uruguay.

Saturday v Argentina (4pm)
Sunday v Canada (4pm)
Tuesday v China (12pm)

The Telegraph

Dan Shingles out of World League semi-final


Dan Shingles in action for GB vs Germany 2015

Reading’s Dan Shingles has been forced to withdraw from the World League squad after picking up an injury in training this week.

The 28-year-old, who last featured in a tournament at the 2014 World Cup has already been assessed by medical staff and whilst the injury is not thought to be serious, he will not be fit enough to compete at the tournament in Antwerp.

His place is taken by Beeston’s Tim Whiteman. The No21, who has 40 caps to his name will fly out with the rest of the squad for the start of the tournament.

Revised squad:

David Ames Beeston
James Bailey Wimbledon
Alastair Brogdon Wimbledon
Nick Catlin Holcombe
David Condon East Grinstead
Adam Dixon Beeston
Dan Fox Holcombe
Mark Gleghorne East Grinstead
Chris Griffiths East Grinstead
Michael Hoare Wimbledon
Ashley Jackson East Grinstead
Iain Lewers Holcombe
Harry Martin Beeston
Barry Middleton Holcombe
George Pinner Holcombe
Sam Ward Beeston
Henry Weir Wimbledon
Tim Whiteman Beeston

Great Britain Hockey media release

Indian women's team leaves for HWL in Belgium

s2h team

New Delhi: The Indian women's hockey team today left for Antewrp, Belgium to compete in the Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 from June 20 to July 5. India is placed in Pool B with Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Poland and will be playing their opening match against Belgium on June 20.

The 18-member squad, led by Ritu Rani, is aiming high and has been practicing meticulously under the headship of their newly appointed Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens. Speaking just before the departure, Ritu said, "This tournament is extremely important for us."

"Clinching the title of the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 has boosted the team's confidence and we hope to perform and beat the teams ahead of us on the FIH ranking which will help us book the all important place in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"We have worked on our penalty corner conversions and we are looking at a positive result at the end of the tournament." Commenting on the team's preparations, Ahrens said he is confident of good results.

"While we have worked on various strategies, the goalkeepers on their end have been practicing on their reaction time.

"That I think will be the key as they have to ensure that they do not give away easy goals. The team realizes that the tournament is very important that they are leaving nothing to chance," he said.

The Hockey World League Semi-Final will feature 10 teams divided in two pools. They will be seen fighting to finish in top three to qualify for the FIH Hockey World League Final.

Stick2Hockey.com

Indian women's team departs for World Hockey League

The Indian women's hockey team left for Belgium on Wednesday to take part in the Fintro World Hockey League (HWL) semifinal in Antwerp. Under the leadership of Ritu Rani, the 18-member team will play the ten-team tournament which stretches from June 20 to July 4.

Placed in Pool B, India will begin their campaign on the first day of the tournament on June 20, against the host nation Belgium. Rani's team, which will also face Australia, New Zealand and Poland, will be aiming a place in the top four in order to qualify for the HWL Final to be played in Argentina in December. Meanwhile, the top-three will qualify for the 2016 Olympics.

Indian captain Rani cut a confident figure prior to the departure, and like team-mate Lilima Minz, stressed on the importance of converting penalty corners. The 23-year-old halfback, while being aware of the implications surrounding the tournament, pointed out that her side will have to play out its skins if they are to book a ticket to Brazil next year.

"This tournament is extremely important for us. Clinching the title of the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 has boosted the team's confidence and we hope to perform and beat the teams ahead of us in the FIH ranking, which will help us book the all-important place in the 2016 Rio Olympics," Rani said. "We have worked on our penalty corner conversions and we are looking at a positive result at the end of the tournament."

Newly-appointed chief coach Mathias Ahrens echoed Rani's thoughts and said the team's main focus remains converting the corners and playing with more speed. The Canadian assured that the team is strong and is concentrating on things coming together which will put the team right back on the saddle. "I am confident and we will reap good results. The girls are looking settled as a unit. While we have worked on various strategies, the goalkeepers on their end have been practicing on their reaction time," Ahrens said.

"That will be the key as they have to ensure that they do not give away easy goals. The team realises that the tournament is very important that they are leaving nothing to chance."

The Times of India

Officials at World League

Get to know the Australian officials in Valencia and Buenos Aires



Throughout the next 10 days, Hockey Australia will be publishing a series of articles as we countdown the days until the World League Semi Finals in Belgium. We will bring you key information regarding the tournament, new faces of the Australian squads, Australian officials, oppositions and more.

Here, in the first article of our countdown, we introduce the officials who are currently representing Australia at the World League Semi Finals in Valencia and Buenos Aires.

Four distinguished Australian officials - Joshua Burt (judge), Murray Grime (umpire), Kylie Seymour (umpire) and Lisa Roach (video umpire) - will be putting their valuable experience and knowledge learnt from prestigious tournaments across the globe into action at the ongoing Olympic qualifiers.


Men’s World League Semi Final – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Joshua Burt
Judge
Melbourne, Victoria
Born: 1 March 1972
Profession: Sports Management
First international appointment: Sultan Johor Cup, Malaysia, November 2011

It was a natural progression for Joshua Burt to become a technical official after gathering valuable experience working as a state team coach and manager in Victoria.

Burt gives credit to his mentors - Garry Marsh, Ken Read, Dallas Riseley and Rosie Stern - who encouraged him to take his passion for officiating to an international level.

Major tournaments:
Oceania Cup: Hobart 2011
Champions Trophy: Melbourne 2012
Junior World Cup: New Delhi 2013
Youth Olympic Qualifier: Port Vila 2014
Youth Olympic Games: Nanjing 2014
Indoor World Cup: Leipzig 2015


Murray Grime
Umpire
Born: 11 October 1969
Profession: Owner of Artificial Lawn Supplies
First international appointment: Six nations tournament, Penang, Malaysia, 1993

An international umpire since 1993, Murray Grime has umpired over 170 international matches. In 1996 he was appointed to the International Hockey Federation’s World Cup and Olympic Games list, a position he has held since.

After finishing playing hockey in 1993, Grime decided he wanted to put something back into the game for 12 months. 25 years later he is still umpiring. Amongst his many highlights, Grime umpired the 2004 Olympic semi final between Netherlands and Germany and the bronze medal match at the 2002 World Cup.

Major tournaments:
Olympic Games: Sydney 2000; Athens 2004; Beijing 2008
World Cup: Malaysia 2002; Germany 2006
Champions Trophy: Lahore 1994; Chennai 1996; Adelaide 1997; Lahore 1998; Brisbane 1999; Rotterdam 2001; Amstelveen 2003;  Auckland 2011; Bhubaneswar 2014
World League: New Delhi 2014


Women’s World League Semi Final – Valencia, Spain
Kylie Seymour
Umpire
Campbelltown, NSW
Born: 23 August 1986
Profession: Teacher
First international appointment: Four nations tournament, Mendoza (ARG), February 2011

Umpiring since the age of 12 with Campbelltown City Women’s Hockey Association, Kylie Seymour pays tribute to her umpire coach and mentor John Robinson who she says encouraged her to pursue a career in umpiring.

Seymour carried out her first international appointment at the four nations tournament in Mendoza in 2011, before returning to the same location four years later to umpire the women’s 2014 Champions Trophy.

Major tournaments:
Olympic Qualifier: Kakamigahara 2012
Champions Trophy: Mendoza 2014
Champions Challenge: Dublin 2012
Junior World Cup: Monchengladbach 2013
Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2014


Lisa Roach
Video Umpire
Sydney, NSW
Age: 47
Profession: Ranger, Kogarah Council
First international appointment: Four nations tournament, Sydney, September 1999

Lisa Roach began umpiring as a junior, progressing through local, state and national pathways. An international umpire for 14 years and a member of the World Panel since 2007 she earned her golden whistle for 100 international matches at the Champions Trophy in 2011.

Shortly after umpiring the bronze medal match at the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, Roach retired from umpiring. The World League semi-final in Valencia will be Roach’s first international appointment as a video umpire.

Major Tournaments:
Olympic Games: Beijing 2008, London 2012
Olympic Qualifiers: Victoria 2008, Kakamigahara 2012
World Cup: Rosario 2010, The Hague 2014
World Cup Qualifiers: Rome 2006, Kazan 2010
Indoor World Cup: Vienna 2007, Poznan 2011
Champions Trophy: Rosario 2004, Quilmes 2007, Sydney 2009, Nottingham 2010, Amstelveen 2011, Mendoza 2014
World League: Tucuman 2013
European Championships: Amstelveen 2009
Junior World Cup: Santiago 2005

Hockey Australia media release

Black Sticks Women outmuscled by Dutch


20 year old Liz Thompson was the standout for the Black Sticks

The Black Sticks Women have been beaten 3-1 in the first of two tests against the Netherlands at the Noordwijkse Hockey Club in Holland.

The tests are part of New Zealand’s build-up to the FIH World League Semi-Final which runs from 20 June - 5 July in Antwerp, Belgium.

Despite the fatigue of arriving in Europe just over a day ago, the Black Sticks were competitive against the world champions.

Plenty of positives came out of the contest including the side’s solid defence, which stopped all five Dutch penalty corner shots.

Northland’s Brooke Neal scored New Zealand’s lone goal from a penalty corner in the fourth quarter.

Assistant coach Sean Dancer said it was a tough challenge and good way to get the team into competition mode.

“We only arrived yesterday and at times you could see the girls were quite tired, but that just makes the task a bit more difficult and is not an excuse,” he said.

“The Dutch were more reactive and quicker than us on the ball, especially in the midfield where we got outmuscled a bit.

“Liz Thompson was the standout for us today. She was put under a lot of pressure and more often than not won the challenge.

“We finished well and had a good fourth quarter, so we will go away and get better ahead of our next game. At the end of the day we knew it would be a tough game and it was a good challenge.”

The Black Sticks play a second test against Netherlands at midnight tomorrow night (NZ time) before travelling to Belgium for the World League Semi-Final.

First up at the tournament are relative unknowns Poland at 8:00pm on Saturday 20 June (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks beaten by Dutch


Brooke Neal, left, scored New Zealand's only goal.

The Black Sticks Women have been beaten 3-1 in the first of two tests against the Netherlands at the Noordwijkse Hockey Club in Holland.

The tests are part of New Zealand's build-up to the FIH World League Semi-Final which runs from 20 June - 5 July in Antwerp, Belgium.

Despite the fatigue of arriving in Europe just over a day ago, the Black Sticks were competitive against the world champions.

Plenty of positives came out of the contest including the side's solid defence, which stopped all five Dutch penalty corner shots.

Northland's Brooke Neal scored New Zealand's lone goal from a penalty corner in the fourth quarter.

Assistant coach Sean Dancer said it was a tough challenge and good way to get the team into competition mode.

"We only arrived yesterday and at times you could see the girls were quite tired, but that just makes the task a bit more difficult and is not an excuse," he said.

"The Dutch were more reactive and quicker than us on the ball, especially in the midfield where we got outmuscled a bit.

"Liz Thompson was the standout for us today. She was put under a lot of pressure and more often than not won the challenge.

"We finished well and had a good fourth quarter, so we will go away and get better ahead of our next game. At the end of the day we knew it would be a tough game and it was a good challenge."

The Black Sticks play a second test against Netherlands at midnight tomorrow night (NZ time) before travelling to Belgium for the World League Semi-Final.

The New Zealand Herald

Kookaburras v GB

Aussie men return to London Olympic Park for World League warm-up



The Kookaburras return to the Olympic Park in London this weekend in the first of two matches against Great Britain as both teams prepare for the Fintro World League Semi Final in Antwerp.

The venue holds mixed memories for the Australian men, who clinched bronze three years ago at the Olympic Games. But, they will always feel that it could have been gold but for the semi final slip to eventual champions, Germany.

It was the hosts that they beat on 11 August 2012 to claim bronze – a sixth consecutive Olympic medal for the Aussie men – thanks to goals from Simon Orchard, Jamie Dwyer and Kieran Govers. All three are expected to feature on Saturday in what will be another special day for Govers as he steps out in the green and gold for the 100th time.

With GB reverting to its home nations in non-Olympic tournaments, the Kookaburras haven’t met Great Britain since, but they have come up against England on three more recent occasions.

At the 2014 World Cup, the Kookaburras ran out memorable 5-0 winners, including Kieran Govers’ wonder goal, ably assisted by captain Mark Knowles’ pinpoint overhead pass from the halfway line. Less than two months later they met again in Glasgow in the Commonwealth Games semi final, a match that Australia took 4-1 on their way to winning the gold medal.

However, more recently, England’s results have improved, enacting a level of revenge in December’s Champions Trophy as they picked up a 3-1 win over the Kookaburras in the pool phase. Last month, GB drew two games with Argentina – 1-1 and 0-0 – and in April they lost narrowly to Olympic champions Germany, 2-1, having also drawn 2-2 with them in March.

For Aussie fans in London, tickets are still available for Saturday’s clash at Olympic Park (2pm BST start). Visit englandhockey.co.uk for all the information. There is no broadcast coverage of this match.

The teams’ second encounter, on Monday at Great Britain’s training base at Bisham Abbey is not publicly ticketed.

Follow the goals and updates via Twitter using @Kookaburras.

World League Warm-Up Matches
Saturday, 13 June
Olympic Park, London
2pm: Great Britain v Australia

Monday, 15 June
Bisham Abbey, Buckinghamshire
12pm: Great Britain v Australia

The Kookaburras head to Antwerp on Tuesday ready for their opening round clash with France. Every match of the Kookaburras' World League campaign in Antwerp will be shown live in Australia on Fox Sports. For more information, visit our Watch page.

Hockey Australia media release

Shootout Victory for USMNT Over Den Bosch

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - After training at Dragons Hockey Club in Antwerp earlier in the day, the U.S. Men's National Team travelled back to Holland to play HC Den Bosch at 8:00 p.m. local time.

Both teams played well throughout the first two periods. Team USA squandered some counter attack opportunities in the second period which could have aided the team going into the break. After a good half time talk, the USMNT started the second half with more intent.This resulted in a goal when Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) transferred the ball efficiently through the middle of the field to find an overlapping defender, Aki Kaeppeller (Stuttgart, Ger.) who found the far corner of the goal from a backhand shot in the first two minutes of the half. Just two minutes later after some good team build up play Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.) stole the ball and fed it to Tom Barrett (Greensboro, N.C.) who was able to send the ball to Tom McCarthy (East Windsor, Conn.) in front of the goalkeeper to deflect it past him.

"At this point I was happy with our progress and intent within the second half of the match," said Chris Clements, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. "We were even looking for our players to be more aggressive with their passing directions and carrying of the ball."

Any lead, let alone a two goal lead, is never enough and after some relax play, Den Bosch earned a penalty corner and scored. A few minutes later, an uncharacteristic error in the USMNT's outlet led to a simple conversion to tie the game.

"Following directions and focusing on implementing these every moment of the game is something that we have identified to work on," said Clements. "We are unhappy with this in today's game which we addressed immediately after the game and will look to see a return tomorrow."

Kaeppeller felt that throughout today's game that the team played well. "Lapses in concentration are unacceptable and lead to us not being able to finish the game as we should," added Kaeppeler. "The team learnt a good lesson from a team that comes from a hockey culture that punishes you for these lapses."

Team USA completed a shootout due to the tie at the end of 60 minutes. All five Team USA players were successful in their attempts, leading to a win.

"We are continually looking to improve and we need to look hard at the opportunities we have as a team," said Clements. "Even though we won we are looking closely at the process to allow us to arrive at certain outcomes and today was not our best effort."

The U.S. Men's National Team are back in action tomorrow against Tilburg at 8 p.m. local time.

USFHA media release

USMNT Fall to Tilburg in Sudden Death Shootout

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Men's National Team traveled back to Holland to play their third game of the European Tour against HC Tilburg.

The USMNT arrived at the field at 5 p.m. and trained multiple areas of focus from the previous evening's game. With the starting whistle at 8 p.m., it was evident that Team USA took to the field the new improvements and created better quality chances from the start. Opportunities continued to come Team USA's way when Moritz Runzi (Boston, Mass.) took a backhand shot from the top of the circle and score, putting USA up 1-0. HC Tilburg answered shortly after when a turnover in the backfield resulted in a quick counter attack on goal.

The remainder of the match was played in HC Tilburg's defensive end, however the USMNT was unable to produce any goals from numerous attacking opportunities. After regulations, the final score stood at USA 1, HC Tilburg 1.

"We made another positive step tonight in our development of play," said Chris Clements, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. "Our backfield is limiting opportunities, our midfield is creating free flowing attacks and now we need to finish these off. We are too rushed in the attacking third, however we made a big change tonight by creating better spacing and shapes to allow for a higher number of opportunities. Now we will look to finish these chances."

After the 60 minutes, the teams competed in a shoot out and Team USA lost in sudden death shootouts.

"The way we played today was pleasing beside it not showing on the scoreboard," add Clements. "Our players made the necessary adjustments after some firm messages and training being received today."

"The pace was high in the match tonight, we could have made better connections in the attacking end of the field," said Christian Linney (San Diego, Calif.). "We had a lot of chances however did not execute as well as we could have. We made improvements with our spacing to create these opportunities."

The U.S. Men's National Team will train for the next two days before facing China on Sunday.

USFHA media release

Video referrals might make their way into Malaysian Hockey League

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) could see the introduction of video referrals.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee is mulling over the move after the suggestion was brought forward by teams at a recent meeting.

Competitions committee chairman George Koshy said that while the MHL will follow the same format found previously, the only possible new aspect is the video referrals.

“We are seriously looking into this, but first there are certain concerns that we need to look into. The inclusion was requested by the teams that took part last year. It is a good suggestion but one that will come with an increase in cost,” he said.

Besides the cost, MHC will also need to ensure that every match has television coverage.

Koshy said everything else would be maintained, including the two-division format.

The Premier Division last year had six teams. It will be the same this year, unless there is a request from the teams. The rest of the outfits will play in Division One.

On the foreign players quota, Koshy said a firm decision will be made by next week whether to retain just six foreigners or to reduce that number.

He added that the MHC has started calling for entries and the closing date has been set for July 1. The MHL will likely start at the end of July with Division One while the Premier Division will start a week later.

The competitions committee, which met for the first time on Tuesday, is also looking at a knockout competition which will involve all the teams in the MHL.

The Star of Malaysia

Gurdwara Cup: Perak break duck after 64 years


Perak Boys Under-18 hockey team who finished third and earned the crucial one point to give their contingent the Overall title for the first time in 64 years.

GRITTY Perak finally laid their hands on the coveted Gurdwara Cup Overall title when they edged Kuala Lumpur by one point at the Penang Sports Club last weekend.

The Gurdwara Cup and Sikh Festival of Sports was at its 64th edition, and it was the first time in 64 years that Perak won the Overall title.

Nine contingents from Johor, Perak, Kedah, Royal Malaysian Police Sikhs Sports Association, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Singapore and hosts Penang competed in this annual event.

Kuala Lumpur have been in total domination of the event and their only other defeat in the Overall title was in 2001 when Singapore dethroned them.

And amazingly, the one point was delivered late into the tournament by Perak's Under-18 Boys' hockey team.

Perak Sikh Union president Gurjeet Singh said: "It is real wonderful moment for Perak as its our first Overall title in 64 years and I credit all the players in every event who gave their best to achieve this milestone. The boys under-18 team finished third and were a little disappointed, but in the end, it was their one point which saw us edge Kuala Lumpur to the title."

Perak accumulated 20 points while Kuala Lumpur had 19. The Gurdwara Cup will be held in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, next year.

On hand to give moral support for Kuala Lumpur was the country's  Asian Games gold medallist ACP (rtd) Datuk Nashatar Singh.

The highlight of the championship was the senior men's hockey final at the Penang Sports Club ground where debutant Royal Malaysian Police Sikhs Sports Association were sent packing 6-1 by Kuala Lumpur.

Organising committee chairman Dr Terlochan Singh said for the first time the Royal Malaysian Police Sikhs Sports Association has been invited to participate in the Gurdwara Cup, one of the oldest sporting events in the country.

Roll of Honour:
Overall champions: Perak
Best Sikh Sportman 2014: Navraj Singh Randhawa (athletics).
Most Promising Sikh Sportman 2014: Jasraj Singh Dhanoa (cricket), Shaunvinder Singh (cricket) and Ishaan Singh (tennis).
Hockey Fair Play Trophy (senior): Johor
Football Fair Play Trophy (senior): Perak
Netball Fair Play Trophy: Penang

RESULTS - Badminton: Final: Negri Sembilan 2 Perak 0; 3rd-4th: Selangor 2 Kuala Lumpur 0.

Football (juniors) Final: Perak 3 Kuala Lumpur 0; 3rd-4th: Selangor 3 Singapore 0.

Seniors Final: Kuala Lumpur 1 (4) Perak 1 (2); 3rd-4th: Negri Sembilan 0 (3) Selangor 0 (0).

Golf: 1 Perak (304 pts), Singapore (309), 3 Selangor (314).

Hockey (juniors) Final: Kuala Lumpur 4 Negri Sembilan 1; Bronze: Perak.

Seniors Final: Kuala Lumpur 6 Royal Malaysian Police Sikh Sports Association 1; 3rd-4th: Perak 0 (6) Selangor 0 (5).

Netball Final: Selangor 25 Kuala Lumpur 22; 3rd-4th: Penang 23 Perak 21.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Dar Hockey Academy colts went down fighting against Breda HC

By Ijaz Chaudhry


Dar HA defender clears ball against Breda

Established in 1906, Breda is one of the oldest hockey clubs of Holland. A number of Dutch hockey stalwarts have played for them including V.Wyte, V.Pelt and Matthys Brouwer, who is also the current coach of Breda’s first team. They presently have four turfs. 

Against the under 16 boys of Dar HA, Breda fielded no less than eight from their first team.

The initial 10 minutes mainly witnessed mid field game. The somewhat dry turf was a bit slippery and also made it difficult for the ball to travel. The hosts managed to make inroads during the closing minutes of the first quarter. First Mubashar and then Aqeel made decisive tackles to thwart their forwards. Finally they had a shot at the goal but off the mark.
                                
The pattern persisted in the beginning of the second quarter with Breda exerting pressure but the Dar HA’s defence stood firm; clearances within the circle showed maturity beyond their age. A counter attack in the 25th minute resulted in Pakistani academy’s best chance till then but Umair failed to make it count. Now, the game got more evenly balanced with the Dar HA also penetrating the opponents’ circle. Breda were awarded a controversial penalty corner in the 29th minute. Net minder Awais affected a fine save. It remained scoreless at the end of the second quarter.

After being watered during the break, the pitch played better in the second half.

Breda continued to bear down on the Dar HA goal with two penalty corners in the first six minutes. The second was due to a clumsy stick check in the 25 yard area. Niels broke the deadlock with a flat push which scrambled across the line beneath the body of the diving goal keeper. After sustaining pressure for the first 10 minutes of the third quarter, Dar HA regrouped and made forays into the Breda circle without threatening the goal. But Breda had three good opportunities in the last couple of minutes. Two were repulsed by the defence and another didn’t meet the connection.

A superb fast, low and well placed drag by Bastiaan Steunenberg off their fourth penalty corner in the 3rd minute of the final quarter doubled the hosts’ lead. Soon, they had two other such set pieces which went fruitless.  Still, the boys from the Lahore based academy didn’t lose heart and kept searching for the goal. A superb Asad cross from right side couldn’t find the stick of any team mate. Finally, after conceding six penalty corners, the Dar HA had the first of their own in the 12th minute. Usman senior, the captain for the day, sent a fast high flick but the 6’9” custodian palmed it away.

Final whistle blew with the Dar HA suffering the first defeat of the tour against the club with eight players from the side which until only few weeks back had been playing in the toughest hockey league of the world. It was a brave performance by the young lads who despite being outplayed for large periods by the men did give exhibition of their skills which was appreciated by the onlookers. The tour is designed to give them exposure against the various teams of one of the world’s leading hockey nation.  You always learn more by playing against better opposition.

Dar Hockey Academy (under 16): 0  Breda HC: 2 (Neils, Stenenberg)

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

Fieldhockey.com

David Wansbrough awarded OAM

David recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Former Kookaburra and Olympian David Wansbrough was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List after an exceptional career as an international hockey player and administrator.

Competing in two summer Olympics - 1988 and 1992 - David was part of the 1992 Australian silver medal winning team in Barcelona. Away from the international stage, he has been part of the Victorian Olympic Council as an executive board member.

A life member at Camberwell Hockey Club in Victoria, David has also been heavily involved in hockey as a player, coach and parent. An entrepreneur, he is currently the director of health.com.au, Julius Patching Foundations Ltd, Kindilan Foundation, and Evans and Partners stockbrokers in Melbourne.

Speaking about his achievement, David said, “It was a very humbling experience to be nominated for an OAM. When you see the other names involved in far more important community areas like medicine, philanthropy and education, it’s natural to feel a little embarrassed.

“I still feel fortunate to have been introduced to the game by my father Colin who has done far more for the game than I ever will. From the age of five when I first took to the field for Camberwell Hockey Club, I have been given opportunities that have enriched my life with friendships and experiences money could never buy.

“I’m only half way through my hockey career and still learning with more to achieve. I hope the game continues to grow and develop across the globe, especially here in Australia with people appreciating the tremendous sport it is.”

Hockey Australia media release

Ex-Olympian Arshad Ali Chaudhry passes away

LAHORE: Former Pakistan Olympian and one of the members of the incumbent national hockey selection committee Arshad Ali Chaudhry died here on Thursday. Arshad, who had been fighting cancer for the last six months, was 65.

He was a member of 1971 World Cup gold medal-winning team in Barcelona with his international hockey career spanning from 1971 to 1976.

Arshad was also a member of the 1972 Games wherein Pakistan earned silver medal. His participation in the 1973 World Cup, 1974 Asian Games, 1975 World Cup and 1976 Olympics made him shot to fame as a prominent hockey player in Pakistan.

Arshad having hanged his boot after the Montreal Olympics decided to perform duty in his parent organisation PIA and remained station manager for the national flag carrier in London, Jeddah, Riyadh, Rawalpindi and finally in Lahore before retiring in 2010.

However, he joined the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) as a member of the national selection committee during the tenure of Qasim Zia and when the latter left, his cousin, another Olympian Akhtar Rasool as PHF president retained him as selector.

The deceased was the first selector who announced that he would do free work since this time the cash-strapped PHF was not in a position to pay salaries.

On Thursday, he was scheduled to watch the national trials in Islamabad for selecting the squad for the Olympic qualifying round but he died the same day with the PHF announcing suspension of Thursday’s trials besides shortening them to just one day to be now held on Friday at the Naseer Bunda Stadium, Islamabad.

The former Olympian leaving behind two sons, a daughter and a widow to mourn his death, was laid to rest at a local graveyard with a good number of people associated with the game of hockey as well as other walks of life attending his funeral.

PHF president Akhtar Rasool Chaudhry and secretary general Rana Mujahid Ali have condoled the death of Arshad.

In a condolence message both Akhtar and Rana Mujahid said that Arshad’s untimely death has saddened the entire hockey fraternity across the country, adding that he was a dedicated hockey lover for whom the game always remained supreme. They prayed that Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.

Dawn