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News for 05 March 2021

All the news for Friday 5 March 2021


Red Lions win difficult victory against Great Britain



Belgium’s Red Lions faced Great Britain again today for their second test game of the week. After an outstanding performance, winning (5-1) on Tuesday under a pleasant sun, the question was whether they would perform equally well in the rain and the grey Belgian weather.





Germany build for Pro League ties with fourth win over India



Germany’s women made it four wins in succession in their test series against world number nine India this week with Naomi Heyn and Charlotte Stapenhorst on the mark in Thursday’s 2-1 success.

It followed 5-0, 1-0 and 2-0 successes, putting them in good shape ahead of their Pro League games against the Netherlands on Saturday and Sunday in Amstelveen.

German coach Xavier Reckinger said of the fourth win: “We have made good development steps, but we are not yet where we need to be. In the four games against India, we spotted a number of issues that we have to and will work on in the coming months.  

“I’m sure Holland will ask us a few more questions over the weekend that we will have to digest. We must certainly do our best there in order to survive.”

Over the course of the series, Germany featured EHL-bound Club an der Alster players Lisa Altenburg, Hannah Galbać, Kira Horn, Victoria Huse and Anne Schröder.

Heyn put them in front in the 26th minute before Stapenhorst extended the advantage in the second half from a corner variation.  

There were chances to extend the lead but India fought back in the closing 10 minutes and got one back via youngster Lalremsiani and they went close to equalising but for two good interventions from Nathalie Kubalski.

For the Pro League games, Germany are sitting back in seventh place but have six games in hand over many of their rivals having only played two games to date. They meet the Netherlands, a challenge Stapenhorst is looking forward to.

“The Netherlands are a team that defends really well and then counters quickly, so our chief aim will be to make sure we are marking their attacking players really well.

“We may only get two or three chances. It will be so good to get into the tempo and play the high level again.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Indian women put up a valiant fight but go down 2-1 to Germany

Indian eves have lost all four matches on their German trip

By Samrat Chakraborty



The Indian Women's hockey team suffered a 2-1 defeat against Germany in the fourth match of their Germany tour in Dusseldorf on Wednesday.

Germany scored the first two goals through Naomi Hyen (30') and Charlotte Stapenhorst (37'). Meanwhile, in the fourth quarter, India pulled back a consolation goal through Lalresiami (51').

After going down in the first three matches, the Indian eves looked determined to put up a fight and churn out a positive result in the last match of the trip. In the first 10 minutes, it was end-to-end action as both sides attacked right from the word go.

India gave away two penalty corners, but the opposition could not make the most of the opportunity and the danger was averted courtesy of some gritty defending.

However, within minutes, Rani Rampal and co. earned a penalty corner at the other end but their effort was not sharp enough to trouble the German defence.

The second quarter started on an even keel as both sides looked to break the deadlock. Once again, it was high octane attacking hockey from two sides at times.

The Indian forwards got sight of the goal on a couple of occasions but could not find the back of the net. On the other hand, just at the stroke of half-time Germany broke through with Heyn scoring the opening goal of the match.

German dominance continued in the third quarter and they earned a penalty corner within a couple of minutes of resumption after the half-time break. But Indian defenders stood tall and parried the ball away to safety.

However, in the 37th minute, Stapenhorst broke Indian resistance for the second time in the match and got an insurance goal for her team.

Looking to overturn a two-goal deficit, the Indian team threw caution to the wind and started raiding Germany's defence with intent and purpose. They kept hovering around the attacking circle and were testing the keeper in every possible opportunity.

They were rewarded for their efforts when Lalresiami halved the deficit, and in the process scored the first goal for her team of the trip. They continued their search for the second goal but were unsuccessful in their attempts. India ended the trip with a fight but remained winless.

Olympic Channel



Indian women's hockey team ends Germany tour with 1-2 defeat

It was India's fourth defeat in as many matches as the team stayed winless in the tour.


The Indian side fought hard in the fourth quarter but couldn't avoid defeat.   -  Twitter @HockeyIndia

The Indian women's hockey team ended its tour of Germany with yet another defeat, going down 1-2 in the fourth and final match here on Thursday.

Naomi Heyn (29th) and Charlotte Stapenhorst (37th) scored for the world number three side before Lalremsiami (51st) pulled one back for the visitor late in the game.

It was India's fourth defeat in as many matches as the team stayed winless in the tour.

After rain delayed the start of proceedings, Germany found a lively tempo to their attack and earned a penalty corner with just ten minutes on the clock.

Savita and her defence stood firm to see off the threat. India, too, were awarded a PC just minutes later. But Germany's defensive line ensured that the score remained goalless after the first quarter.

With barely a minute left before the end of the second quarter, Heyn put the hosts in the lead with a brilliant field goal.

Germany continued to push forward after the interval and got their second PC. India once again showed good composure in defence but the German side steadily started to build a series of attacks.

The host took a 2-0 lead after Stapenhorst found the back of the net in the 37th minute.

The Indian side fought hard in the fourth quarter and put extensive pressure on the German defense line.

Lalremsiami found the back of the net in the 51st minute, but Germany protected its lead well in the closing stages to pick up its fourth successive win of the tour.

Sportstar



Netherlands seek advantage over European rivals



When the Netherlands face Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March, they will be looking to continue their push for top place in the FIH Pro League table. The Dutch currently sit in second place in the league, behind Belgium, with four wins, four draws and just one loss. The Oranje, who are ranked at number two in the world, will also be looking for a confidence boost against a side that they will meet in pool A at the rescheduled Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as well as at the EuroHockey Championships.

Germany, who are ranked sixth in the world, have yet to really get going in the competition. Die Honamas have played just four games and are in eighth position. Their last match was a 1-1 draw against Belgium, which would have been a real confidence boost for the squad as they had lost the previous day’s match 6-1.

For Jeroen Hertzberger, the Netherlands skilful forward, any match against Germany is always an exciting encounter and this one has a heightened sense of anticipation because it has been such a long time coming. The last FIH Pro league for the Netherlands was that exciting encounter with the Belgium Red Lions on 4 November.

In terms of getting their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign back on track, it is important to get a result over the German team. Hertzberger knows he and his colleagues will need to find a way through the tight German defence.

“The Germans are a really good team and they know how to defend really well. We will be trying to manipulate their defence to create some chances. Their man marking is very good but we will try to go round them, not through them.”

When it comes to his own team’s fallibilities, Hertzberger says it is efficiency in front of goal that can let the side down. “We are on the right track and playing really well but it hasn’t always the case that we have been efficient. We will try to be as sharp as we can be in front of goal.”

The Dutch team will also be pushing hard to win penalty corners as this is an area where they spend a lot of time honing their options. As Hertzberger says, the squad has been getting ready for this return to action for a long time now, four months of waiting could see a very exciting and high octane encounter take place in the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam.

“We train every week, we are ready for anything that comes, and we are really excited to play games again. We want to give the hockey world some nice entertaining hockey and usually any match between us and Germany is good, entertaining hockey so I hope we can do that again.”

Although the fans will not be allowed into the stadium itself, the matches will be available to watch via television or digital streaming thanks to our broadcast partnerships, as well as on the new Watch.Hockey app in every country where a rights holding broadcaster is not showing the matches live.

You can also keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

#FIHProLeague
#HockeyInvites
#PlayHockeyStayHealthy

Official FIH Pro League Site



Fuchs ready for Dutch challenge



“It will be a tricky encounter,” says Germany’s long-serving striker Florian Fuchs as he prepares for a return to FIH Hockey Pro League action on 6 and 7 March – against the Netherlands and in the home of Dutch hockey, the iconic Wagener Stadium.

While Germany are sitting in eighth place in the competition, six places below the Netherlands, it is worth noting that Die Honamas have only played four matches in the competitions far, compared to the Netherlands’ nine.

It is also worth noting that fixtures between these two teams are always extremely competitive, tightly contested matches and both sides will be determined to get an advantage ahead of their encounters later in the year at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, where they will meet in Pool A; and at the EuroHockey Championships. In their past 22 meetings in all competitions, the Netherlands are just ahead in the statistics with 11 wins to Germany’s nine. While the stats might point to a home win, the German team are always capable of beating the odds.

“It will be made more difficult as we haven’t had a FIH Pro League game since September last year, but we have used the last couple of months to train really hard and to put focus on our defence. We know the Dutch team is very good at countering. They have a lot of pace in the team so whenever they make a turnover they move the ball very quickly.

“But when we have the ball, we are going to move very confidently and offensively. It will be a really nice match.”

The German team’s last FIH Hockey Pro league match was an encounter with the table topping Belgiums. The first match was a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of the world number one side, but Germany bounced back to force a 1-1 draw and then to win the ensuing shoot-out. Fuchs says the team has been working on lessons learnt from that match.

“We are looking forward to being on the pitch again. 2020 has been such a difficult year and we are just excited to be back playing an international match again. This match will see a lot of both defensive and offensive play and I think people will really enjoy it. I just can’t wait to kick off this year.”

Although the fans will not be allowed into the stadium itself, the matches will be available to watch via television or digital streaming thanks to our broadcast partnerships, as well as on the new Watch.Hockey app in every country where a rights holding broadcaster is not showing the matches live.

You can also keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

#FIHProLeague
#HockeyInvites
#PlayHockeyStayHealthy

Official FIH Pro League Site



Time To Let Go?

Ashley Morrison

Most of us have at some point in our lives been in a situation where we have had to let go. It may have been a sick pet, a bad job, or a partner. It can at times be heart-wrenching, but in most of those situations you know that you are doing the right thing, and that you will survive.





Hockey fans face Tokyo Olympics shut-out


The Oi Olympic Hockey Stadium is in the waterfront area of Tokyo Bay

Overseas hockey supporters face being barred from attending the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan’s Mainichi newspaper reported this week that the government was planning to stop overseas visitors due to over pandemic fears.

A government official told the paper: “Under current circumstances, we cannot accept spectators from overseas.”

A decision will be made by next month, Japan’s Olympics minister, Tamayo Marukawa, said on Wednesday.

Tokyo public mood

A Yomiuri newspaper poll released this week revealed that 91 per cent of Japanese want spectators kept to a minimum or not allowed at all if the Games are to go ahead.

The poll also showed that 58 per cent of people do not want the Olympics and Paralympics to be held this year because of Covid fears.

An opinion poll in January revealed that around 80 per cent of the public believe that Tokyo 2020 should be cancelled or rescheduled.

What differences will there be at Tokyo Olympics?

Tokyo Olympic organisers released a raft of rules for athletes and officials ahead of the rescheduled Games to quell coronavirus.

The IOC’s pandemic ‘playbook’ rules include a ban on public transport use and wearing masks at all times “except eating or sleeping”.

Olympians will be tested 72 hours before arrival in Japan (and then at least every four days, although there will be no quarantine).

During the Games, face masks must be worn by everyone at all times outside of competition, unless competitors are outside and more than two metres social distancing. A smartphone app will also be used to trace competitors.

The quiet Olympics?

If overseas fans are barred, venues may well see atmosphere lacking if no Japanese are competing.

According to the playbook, singing or chanting at venues is to be discouraged in supporting the athletes, while Olympians will be asked to clap in celebration instead of hugging and high fives.

It remains to be seen how the Olympic broadcasters will adapt to this. It is already clear that the Games will be made-for-TV.

Olympic tickets

It is reported that around 1500 are still hoping to travel from the UK to attend the Games ahead of the decision.

Due to the ticketing process, Tokyo organisers have already said that it will decide on an overall spectator limit and restrictions on entering Japan from overseas by this spring.

A spokesman for the British Olympic Association told the Daily Mirror that the supporters’ ticket provider “remains in contact with all ticket and travel package purchasers and would wait for official confirmation to see if advice changes.”

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The Hockey Paper



Neha’s heartfelt thank you message


Photo credit: Hockey India

As people across the world prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, we heard from members of the international hockey community from across all five hockey-playing continents. Via videoed messages to athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans, the five people – all prominent within the world of hockey – spoke with heartfelt honesty about the strong women who have proven influential and supportive to them throughout their hockey journeys.

Today’s message comes from a nation with a great hockey tradition, India. With the women’s team preparing to compete in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, after a strong qualification campaign, there is great hope that the women’s national team is on an upwards trajectory that will prove inspirational to generations of girls and young women – both within the sport and in wider society.

Speaking in Hindi, Neha Goyal, a 24-year-old athlete who has more than 75 caps for the national women’s team, has the following message to share:

“Hello everyone, my name is Neha, a member of the Indian Women's Hockey Team.

“I have been inspired by two great women in my life. The first is my mother and the other is my childhood coach, Pritam Siwach.

“My mother had to greatly struggle to ensure I have this life today. I lost my father at a very young age. Me and my three sisters were left behind with my mother, so she was the sole bread earner of the family. She single-handedly had to ensure we were all taught, provided for and support my sisters as they moved into married life.

“Even after the financial crunch, she never hesitated to get me anything that I needed for hockey.

“Secondly, my coach Pritam Siwach, who coaches more than 150 kids in the village where I come from without much in the way of facilities and amenities. She has immensely supported me to get me to where I am today.

“Today, I would like to thank both of you so much Mom and Didi. It's because of your struggle and support that I am at this stage today. A very happy International Women's Day to all of you, let's celebrate the women in our life! Thankyou!”

#ChooseToChallenge
#IWD2021
#StrongerTogether

FIH site



HGC land goal-machine as van Doren returns to Dragons



The transfer carousel has kicked off in earnest with HGC signing three Great Britain internationals while Loïc van Doren will return to KHC Dragons next season.

For HGC, they have landed the prize signing of GB striker Alan Forsyth from Surbiton in England to add to the firepower for the 2021/22 season.  

The 28-year-old has netted 102 goals in 182 international matches – between Scotland and GB – while his 160 goals for Surbiton have seen him be the top scorer in the English league for four of the last five seasons.  

He will be joined by 21-year-old Zak Wallace, a 2019 nominee for the FIH Rising Star award and fellow Surbiton player. Ollie Willars, meanwhile, makes the move from Beeston.

They will link up with Seve van Ass who has agreed a three year extension to his contract with the club while Steijn van Heijningen has lengthened his stay by for two years.  

Belgian number two goalie Van Doren, meanwhile, will return to Dragons after three seasons with Den Bosch, going back to the club where he won three national titles. With Den Bosch, he helped them earn an EHL place for the first time with a spot at next October’s EHL event.

Euro Hockey League media release



British hockey trio sign for Dutch club HGC


Ollie Willars, Alan Forsyth and Zach Wallace will play in Holland for 2021/22 season PIC: HGC

English domestic hockey will lose one of its most potent forwards in recent years after Surbiton ace Alan Forsyth was announced as an HGC player next season.

The Hague club secured the signings of three GB players on Thursday after Scottish international Forsyth, Surbiton team-mate Zach Wallace and Beeston’s Ollie Willars were announced as men’s players for the 2021/22 Hoofdklasse.

HGC coach Paul van Ass said: “These three players have been on our wish list for some time. I see in them a welcome reinforcement in every line. It ensures that I have a broader and less vulnerable selection.”

Since 2016, Forsyth, who has spent eight seasons with Surbiton, has netted 101 goals for Surbiton and finished top scorer in four of the past five seasons.

It is not known at this stage whether Forsyth and co will play any more domestic hockey should the season be completed, which is English hockey’s intention for its flagship leagues.

The exodus of top talent from the English domestic leagues continued last month when Phil Roper signed for Oranje-Rood on a two-year deal.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to go and play in the best league in the world. The challenge to play against some of the best players week in and week out is hugely exciting to me.”

In December, it was announced that GB women’s star Lily Owsley will play for Dutch club hdm next season following the rejigged Tokyo Olympics.

It is customary for a raft of GB players on the central programme to play abroad following the four-year Olympic cycle.

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The Hockey Paper



Postponement of Vantage Nationals Masters Tournament



Following the Government’s announcement this evening to move Auckland to Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country to Alert Level 2 for seven days from 6am tomorrow, Hockey New Zealand has made the tough decision to postpone the Vantage National Masters Tournament due to start tomorrow.

The decision was made after discussions with the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Tauranga Hockey and Tauranga City Council.

This was clearly not the news any of us wanted especially so close to tomorrow’s start and with so many participants having already travelled to Tauranga.

While we had prepared plans to deliver the tournament under Alert Level 2, we must now follow the Government’s guidance to stay home and not travel.

In making the decision we took into account the uncertainty of the current situation, the complexity of how participants have travelled to the event (many through Auckland) and the fact a significant number of participants from Auckland will be under a level 3 lockdown.

Hockey NZ decided it was simply not appropriate to hold a tournament of this size in such a high-risk environment.

If a postponement is possible, it will not be in the immediate future.

Please note the Tauranga Hockey facility is closed until further notice.

Follow Hockey NZ’s Facebook page for further updates.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Hockey for life for this Master of the game



As a record 92 teams prepare for next week’s Vantage National Masters in Tauranga, North Harbour’s Brent Miller tells us why he’s still playing 64 years after he first picked up a stick and why he jokingly admits he’s still ultra-competitive.

While most Aucklanders are hitting the motorways in early morning rush hour traffic, a group of keen hockey players are hitting the turf at the new National Hockey Centre in Albany.

You might think it’d only be our Vantage Black Sticks eager to get on the turf so early in the day, but there’s certainly no lack of competitiveness or ability among these players.

Affectionately known as the Miller Club – named after North Harbour and Takapuna Life Member Brent Miller –  the group of Masters-aged players meets at 8am on Tuesdays and Fridays for a hit round. This week there’s a real spring in their step with the Vantage National Masters tournament just days away.

“Some days there’ll be 20-odd of us and we just like to have a run around and play a bit of 7-a-side,” says Miller.  

“There’s no hitting, just pushing – and we’re all trying hard not to be ultra-competitive.”

Having blown out 70 birthday candles a few years ago, Miller will be one of the more mature of around 1500 participants registered for this year’s National Masters starting on Sunday in Tauranga. He hasn’t missed a National Masters since he first caught the Masters bug in 1999.  


Brent Miller (third from left) with other members of his North Harbour 65s team.

Those who know Brent describe him as one of the nicest guys you’ll meet, until you put a stick in his hand.

“I’m not sure I even like myself at times”, he jokes about the Jekyll and Hyde-like transformation when he walks on to the turf.

And it is likely to be Canterbury on the opposite end of that competitiveness, having pipped Miller’s North Harbour team in the shootout in last year’s 65s final after several close battles over the years.

Miller is living proof that hockey is a sport for life. He started the sport at 10, dropped his other love cricket at the age of 21, and has been playing in the fullback position ever since.

“I’ve been reasonably lucky with injury. Everyone else seems to have had hip and knee replacements but I’ve been fortunate.”

Miller has also played in numerous New Zealand Masters sides, with a bronze medal in Newcastle in 2016 the highlight in the black strip.

So what’s kept him in the game so long?

“It’s the camaraderie isn’t it, and the travel and the fact everyone just really enjoys it.”

Three generations of the Miller family now play the sport with his two daughters having joined their father in the Masters ranks.

Off the turf there isn’t much Miller hasn’t achieved. It speaks volumes when an actual turf is named after you – the Miller 3 turf at the new National Hockey Centre where the Miller Club trains bears his family’s name. The long-term volunteer has also been on the North Harbour Hockey Board, the Harbour Hockey Charitable Trust and the National Hockey Centre Governance Group.

But where he’s happiest is on Tuesday and Friday mornings having a hit round with his mates. Hockey really is for life for this master of the game.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Good news for one of THT's Covid-positive trio

By Jugjet Singh


Shello Silverius (right), who tested positive for Covid-19, is now cleared to play. - NSTP/File pic

One player cleared to play, and two more to go. That's the encouraging news for the Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) on their three Covid-19 positive players yesterday.

Shello Silverius returned a negative after he was tested by the Ministry of Health (MoH) following his 10-day quarantine.

The other two, Faizal Saari and Khalid Hamirin, will be tested again by MoH when their quarantine period is over today.

"It's good news for THT as Shello has ended his quarantine and tested negative. Now we need to wait for results for our other two players.

"The letters from MoH will be submitted to the MHC (Malaysian Hockey Confederation) so that they will be allowed to play in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League)," said THT coach K. Rajan yesterdaty.

THT are looking to win at least one title this season, but to do that, they will have to deny treble holders Universiti Kuala Lumpur.

Initially all three THT players were sent to the MAEPS Covid-19 quarantine centre in Serdang. However, the Terengganu outfit managed to take the trio out and they were housed in a homestay in Kuala Lumpur instead.

"MAEPS is very crowded and the THT management decided to put the three in a homestay to better monitor them and provide them with the food that they need to keep their diet.

"The three players also kept themselves active by doing simple exercises during the 10-day duration," said Rajan.

Shello, Faizal and Khalid did not show any Covid-19 symptoms.

"These boys are very fit and there were no outward Covis-19 symptoms. So, they did not 'suffer' too much and are as good as the day they went into quarantine," said Rajan.

The MHC had said that all THT need to do is show them letters from MoH stating that their three players are no longer positive, and they will be allowed to play in the MHL.

All the 14 MHL teams, eight men's and six women's, will undergo another mandatory Covid-19 test before checking into a bio-secure sports bubble venue at a hotel in Bangsar on March 10.

The men's MHL starts on March 11, followed by the women's event four days later, with both tournaments set to end on April 3.

The men's league will have Universiti Kuala Lumpur, THT, Tenaga Nasional, TNB Thunderbolts, Maybank, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Sabah and Nurinsafi.

The women's league comprises PKS UniTen, Police Blue Warriors, Mutiara Impian, Sabah, Young Tigress and UniKL Ladies.

New Straits Times



States gear up for Hockey India Nationals to come up in Haryana

By K. ARUMUGAM



Age group State teams are gearing up for the forthcoming Hockey India National Championships, many of which could not be held last year due pandemic conditions. Sub-Jr Nationals, starting this week and next week are the first major domestic activity in India after the calamitous COVID-19.

The commencement of Nationals on the domestic scene has opened up a flurry of activities. Most States have also selected their teams as Hockey India’s deadline for submission of the teams has closed last week.

Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, accordingly, was seen abuzz with activity, first trials for girls followed by boys and then the selected teams undergoing vigorous practice sessions.


Starting of age group national has activated the domestic hockey activities

The boys teams was seen being trained by well known Rajdeep Singh(All India University’s hockey team coach) with SAI Coach Sriprakash, up and coming Rahul Raj and Sunil Kumar in attendance.

“These youngsters with me are given daily practice on turf. Its a welcome first step. We see these boys fall in groom insofar as grasping the instructions and implementing them in match situations are concerned. I have seen them improving leap and bounds from shaky boys in day one to now, as they start attacking and scoring against seniors” said Rajdeep.

Today the boys played a game against the Seniors, and were seen getting half a dozen penalty corners,  half of them in the dying moments of the last quarters.

Rajdeep hastened to add: The remaining fortnight is crucial, and we will leave no stone unturned to polish them because our focus is Junior Nationals and for that this feeder should be perfect in all respects”.

“Its nice of Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, who on our one visit, opened the stadium for us. This has set the pace.  Our obstacle in proper development of hockey in Delhi was availability of turf. We have got it now. The boys and girls are all set to perform”, says Mahesh Dayal, Secretary of Delhi Hockey.

He added: “Olympians Vineet Kumar and Arvind Chhabra (both are of Indian Airlines fame) and enthusiast Nikki Kantawala have put in a lot of effort to pindown the best 18 boys and girls, as selectors and promotors”.


Delhi Hockey fraternity gather to set the ball moving for the domestic season  

What’s going on in Delhi is almost what is happening in other States too. The revival also has another significance other than kick-starting hockey for the new season.

Recently, Hockey India has restructured its domestic flag ship program, the annual National Championships.  As per the restructured National Championships, only States are allowed to take part in the Hockey India National Championships proper.

However, separate Nationals will be held for Academies and Institutions.

The 11th Hockey India events for boys and girls (u-18) are the first to be held under the new structure.

Hockey Haryana will host the 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2021  from 17 to 25 March in Uchana, Jind district at the Rajiv Gandhi Mahavidyalaya, Uchana college grounds.

The 25-team Uchna event will see pool matches for five days before the quarterfinals (March 22), semi-finals (24th) and the will be on 25th March. The defending champions Hockey Odisha are in Pool A.

Sunil Malik, the Organizing Secretary for the Uchna is stated that all athletes and officials need to have the Aaroya Setu app on their devices.

Hockey Haryana have also appointed Dr Pradeep Nain and Dr Amit Kumar as Hygiene Officers who will be present at the venue to monitor the participants’ well-being.

Stick2Hockey.com



Weekend College Games: March 4 - 10


Photo Credit: Coker Athletics Media Relations, Lexie Nugent, Will Stumme, Bill Wood

More and more college teams are starting to get back to competition! This coming weekend and week's 42-game schedule (schedule subject to change) will be the most games played so far in 2020v2!

Thursday, March 4, 2021

DI: Saint Louis vs. Miami | 3:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

Saint Louis (3-0) and Miami (1-0) will play at SportPort International in Saint Louis, Mo. for a pair of non-conference games Thursday and Friday.

The Billikens have yet to concede a goal in their first three games, while tallying 12. They have started the season 3-0, for the first time since 1990, and have posted three-straight shutouts since 1991. Saint Louis is coming off a double win weekend over Bellarmine. Demi Sahuleka was named Atlantic-10 Player of the Week honors for tallying five goals and one assist in the Billikens opening week of the season. Kendyl Underwood was named Atlantic-10 Defensive Player of the Week and Play Safe Turf & Track/NFHCA Division I Defensive Player of the Week following three consecutive shutouts, tallying six saves while facing ten shots.

The Redhawks started the season on Tuesday with a win over Ball State. Miami scored first in the 10th minute and Ball State responded in the 25th. The match went scoreless through the third period, before the Redhawks found the back of the goal in the final minute of play. The Mid-American Conference field hockey coaches selected Miami to repeat as the 2021 regular season champion

In their 8-game history, Miami has won all matches.
      
Friday, March 5, 2021

DI: Rutgers vs. Iowa | 11:30 a.m. ET  | BTN+($)

Continuing the second weekend of B1G at The Beach action in Virginia Beach, Va., Rutgers (2-0, 2-0 Big Ten) and Iowa (2-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will meet in the first game of four for a battle of the unbeaten.

Rutgers is coming off a two win weekend, where they defeated Indiana, 3-0, and Ohio State, 2-1 in overtime. The opening game against Indiana, which marked the first time they played in 477 days, saw the Scarlet Knights had three different goal scorers convert. Against Ohio State, Rutgers scored in the 3rd minute off a penalty corner, which was the only goal in the first half. The Buckeyes tied the game in the 40th minute, but it was the Scarlet Knights who converted in overtime for the game winner.

Iowa won both their games last weekend by a score of 1-0. Against Indiana, the Hawkeyes produced 8 of their 17 shots on goal, while the defense held the Hoosiers without a shot the entire game. Their game against Penn State was a battle, as both teams held one another without a shot during the first quarter. The final shots fell in favor of Iowa, 6-5, who scored the lone and game winner goal in the fourth period.

These teams last played in October 2019, where the Hawkeyes came out on top 2-1.

DI: North Carolina vs. Louisville | 1:00 p.m. ET | ACCNX

A rematch you won't want to miss! North Carolina (10-1, 4-1 ACC) will host Louisville (8-2, 7-1 ACC) for a rematch of the 2020 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Final played in November 2020.

Louisville ended the Tar Heels' 47-game win streak in October with a 3-1 win. North Carolina came back to defeat the Cardinals, 4-2, in the ACC Championship.

In their all time history of playing they have met 14 times, with North Carolina winning nine of the meetings.

DI: Northwestern vs. Penn State | 1:15 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

The second B1G at The Beach game will feature Northwestern (2-0, 2-0 Big Ten) against Penn State (0-1, 0-1 Big Ten) in Virginia Beach, Va.

The 'Cats are coming off a two win weekend. In the first game against Michigan State, Northwestern trailed after the first quarter but came back to score once in each remaining frames for a 3-1 win. In the second match, Maryland took an early lead in the 6th minute but the 'Cats dominated the second half, producing six more shots and scoring on two. The wins mark the first time since 2011 that Northwestern opens the season 2-0.

After having their first game against Michigan postponed, Penn State was unable to capitalize in a close season opener against Iowa. With stats close at Iowa leading shots, 6-5, and Penn State leading penalty corners at, 4-3, it was a fourth quarter Hawkeye goal that made the 0-1 difference.

The last time these teams played was in October 2019 which finished in a thrilling fashion with Penn State winning 3-2 in double overtime.

DI: Quinnipiac vs. Providence | 2:00 p.m. ET | Quinnipiac All-Access

Quinnipiac will host BIG EAST opponent Providence (0-1, 0-1 BIG EAST) in Hamden, Conn. for their season opener.

This game will be Quinnipiac's season opener. The Bobcats went 5-1013 in 2019, going 2-5 in the BIG EAST.

Providence opened the season last weekend against Connecticut, the BIG EAST preseason favorite. Scoreless throughout the first quarter, the Huskies broke through once in both the second and third frames and twice in the fourth.

Quinnipiac and Providence last played October 2019, that was decided in double overtime with Providence claiming the 3-2 victory.

DI: Virginia vs. Duke | 3:00 p.m. ET | ACCNX

Virginia (4-7, 2-3 ACC) and Duke (2-7, 1-4 ACC) will restart the 2020v2 season with an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) match-up in Charlottesville, Va.

The Cavaliers went 4-7 in the fall, before dropping their game against Louisville in the ACC Semifinals.

The Blue Devils were 2-7, falling to Syracuse in the ACC Quarterfinals.

The last time these teams played, Duke won 2-0, scoring goals in the first two quarters.

DI: Wagner vs. Hofstra | 3:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

Wagner will welcome in-state Hofstra (0-3) to Staten Island, N.Y. for an out-of-conference game.

This game will be Wagner's season opener. The Seahawks went 2-11 in 2019, and 1-5 in the Northeast Conference (NEC).

Hofstra has three games under their belts, losing all three contests to Temple, Connecticut and Monmouth. The Pride's most recent game saw them score first in the second quarter before Monmouth responded twice in the third for a close 2-1 loss.

Wagner and Hofstra have a history of opening the season again one another, and in 2019, the Seahawks won 3-0.

DI: Northeastern vs. Massachusetts | 3:00 p.m. ET | Howlin' Huskies Production

After having their first two games of the 2020v2 season canceled, Northeastern will welcome Massachusetts (0-1) to Dedham, Mass.

The Huskies were supposed to play Connecticut and Maine last weekend but both games were canceled. Northeastern went 11-8 in 2019, and split their Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record at 3-3.

Massachusetts season opener last weekend saw them fall 1-3 to New Hampshire. The Minutewomen held an early advantage before New Hampshire rallied to produce three goals for the win.

The last time these teams played was in 2018, where Massachusetts won the high scoring contests in double overtime, 5-4.

DI: Maryland vs. Ohio State | 3:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

The third B1G at The Beach game will be between Maryland (1-1, 1-1 Big Ten) and Ohio State (0-1, 0-1 Big Ten) in Virginia Beach, Va.

Maryland is coming off a split result weekend where they opened the season defeating Michigan State, 2-1, then fell to Northwestern, 1-2. Two goals in the second period was all the Terrapins needed to shutout Michigan State last Friday. After holding a single goal lead about Northwestern, the 'Cats rallied to produce two goals in the third frame, as Maryland suffers the loss.

Ohio State has played one game on the season, after their opener against Michigan was postponed. Sixty minutes were not enough to decide their game against Rutgers, as an overtime period was needed. The Scarlet Knights struck first in the third minute, before Ohio State responded in the 40th minute to force the overtime.

Maryland and Ohio State last played in October 2019, with the Terrapins taking the 6-3 win.

DI: Saint Louis vs. Miami | 3:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

DI: Drexel vs. La Salle | 3:30 p.m. ET | DragonsTV

Both Drexel and La Salle will open the season at Buckley Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Dragons original season opener against Saint Joseph's last weekend was postponed. They went 4-14 overall and 2-4 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play in 2019. The Explorers were 7-11 and 3-5 in the Atlantic-10.

These teams have only played each other three times since 2006, with Drexel claiming all wins.

DI: Michigan vs. Indiana | 4:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

Michigan will host Indiana (0-2, 0-2 Big Ten) in Ann Arbor, Mich. for their Big Ten season opener.

The Wolverines have claimed two of the last three Big Ten regular-season titles and seek their 11th in program history. They went 13-7 last season and 5-3 in the Big Ten, before falling to Louisville in overtime in the NCAA First Round.

The Hoosiers are 0-2 on the season after falling to Rutgers, 3-0, and Iowa, 1-0, in last weekend's games at the B1G at The Beach event in Virginia Beach, Va.

Michigan boosts an 18-8 advantage in the all-time series against Indiana and has won nine of the last 10 meetings, including a 5-0 decision last season.

DIII: Washington & Lee vs. Eastern Mennonite | 7:00 p.m. ET | Washington & Lee All-Access

Washington and Lee and Eastern Mennonite open the season against one another in Lexington, Va. for an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) match-up.

The Generals went 10-8 overall and 6-2 in the ODAC last year. They fell in the ODAC Semifinals to Shenandoah, 1-2. The Royals were 5-13 and 1-7 in the ODAC, and had their season finish against that same Shenandoah team.

In their last ten meetings, Washington and Lee has won seven, including the 2019 win of 5-0.

DIII: Lynchburg vs. Shenandoah | 7:00 p.m. ET | YouTube

Both Lynchburg and Shenandoah will open their seasons in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) meeting in Lynchburg, Va.

The Hornets went 20-4 and 8-0 in the ODAC in 2019. They fell in the NCAA Quarterfinals to Salisbury ending their season.

DIII: Bridgewater vs. Sweet Briar | 7:00 p.m. ET | Team 1 Sports

Bridgewater and Sweet Briar open up their seasons in another ODAC matchup with the Eagles as hosts. The Vixens posted a 6-7 record in 2019 while the Eagles went 5-14.

Historically, Bridgewater and Sweet Briar last met in 2016 where the Eagles claimed a 13-0 victory.

Saturday, March 6, 2021

DIII:Drew at Catholic | Postponed

DI: Boston College at Wake Forest | 2:00 p.m. ET | ACCNX

Boston College and Wake Forest will meet in a spring ACC matchup in Winston Salem, N.C.

Saturday's matchup will be the first for Wake Forest since competing in the ACC Championship in November, where they fell to Virginia, 1-2.

The Eagles meanwhile are coming off a 5-3 victory over Maine in the team's spring opener. Boston College got on the board early and never looked back as the team found the goal in each quarter and ultimately outshot the Black Bears 19-12 and led 6-5 in penalty corners.

These two teams previously met in the fall where Wake Forest claimed a 6-2 win on the road.

DI: Old Dominion at Liberty | 2:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

First place is on the line this weekend as Old Dominion (4-1, 4-0 BIG EAST) travel to Lynchburg, Va. to face Liberty (5-0, 4-0 BIG EAST) in a pair of must-watch conference tilts.

Both teams head into Saturday's game coming off back-to-back conference wins. Led by Play Safe Turf & Track/NFHCA Division I Offensive Player of the Week and BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week Marlon de Bruijne, the Monarchs posted 4-0 and 7-1 victories over visiting Villanova last weekend.

The Lady Flames meanwhile were on the road for two games against Temple, winning 2-0 in both contests. In the latter matchup, Liberty wasted no time getting on the board after drawing their first penalty corner just over three minutes in. The score remained the same over the next 55 minutes until Liberty struck again with less than 90 seconds to play on a breakaway opportunity.

These two teams previously met in the 2019 season where ODU tallied a 3-1 win in the BIG EAST Semifinals. That win pushed the historical record between these two teams to 4-4 dating back to 2014.

DI: Longwood at Davidson | 4:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

Longwood will hit the road for the team's first game of the 2020v2 season against Davidson (1-1).

Saturday's game will mark the Wildcats' third-straight home game having previously hosted Liberty and Appalachian State. In the latter matchup, Davidson struck three times in less than 11 minutes of the second quarter en-route to a 4-2 win. It was also the most goals the Wildcats recorded in one game since 2018.

This matchup historically favors the Lancers, who currently boast a 16-8 record against the Wildcats dating back to 2004.

DI: Temple at Villanova | 5:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

Temple (1-4, 0-4 BIG EAST) and Villanova (0-4, 0-4 BIG EAST) will play in a home-and-home conference series this weekend, with Villanova playing host to start.

Both teams come in looking to shake off their losing streaks.The Owls fell 0-2 last weekend in a back-to-back series against Liberty. In the first game, Temple had two good looks in the first quarter on two penalty corners, but couldn't convert. The Owls fired a season-high 15 shots on goal but could not find the back of the net. Their second matchup against the Lady Flames saw the team go down early in the first quarter, and despite two chances to tie in the second frame, could not capitalize as they held Liberty to a season-low two goals for the second-straight time.

Villanova meanwhile is looking to bounce back after being outscored 1-11 across two games versus Old Dominion last weekend. In their first matchup, the Wildcats' defense was on full display as they faced 23 shots by the Monarchs in a 1-4 loss. In game two, Villanova posted nine shots on goal but could not find the back of the net in a shutout loss.

DII: Saint Mary's MD at Frostburg | 4:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

Sunday, March 7, 2021

DI: Villanova at Temple | 12:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

DI: Maryland vs. Northwestern (Virginia Beach, Va.) | 10:30 a.m. ET | BTN+($)

Maryland is coming off a split result weekend where they opened the season defeating Michigan State, 2-1, then fell to Northwestern, 1-2. Two goals in the second period was all the Terrapins needed to shutout Michigan State last Friday. After holding a single goal lead about Northwestern, the 'Cats rallied to produce two goals in the third frame, as Maryland suffers the loss.

The 'Cats are coming off a two win weekend. In the first game against Michigan State, Northwestern trailed after the first quarter but came back to score once in each remaining frames for a 3-1 win. In the second match, Maryland took an early lead in the 6th minute but the 'Cats dominated the second half, producing six more shots and scoring on two. The wins mark the first time since 2011 that Northwestern opens the season 2-0.

DI: Iowa vs. Penn State (Virginia Beach, Va.) | 12:45 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

Iowa won both their games last weekend by a score of 1-0. Against Indiana, the Hawkeyes produced 8 of their 17 shots on goal, while the defense held the Hoosiers without a shot the entire game. Their game against Penn State was a battle, as both teams held one another without a shot during the first quarter. The final shots fell in favor of Iowa, 6-5, who scored the lone and game winner goal in the fourth period.

After having their first game against Michigan postponed, Penn State was unable to capitalize in a close season opener against Iowa. With stats close at Iowa leading shots, 6-5, and Penn State leading penalty corners at, 4-3, it was a fourth quarter Hawkeye goal that made the 0-1 difference.

Penn State currently holds the historical edge against Iowa with a 13-12 record dating back to 2001.

DI: Colgate at Bucknell | 12:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

A Patriot League matchup for both teams to begin 2020v2 season.

Colgate closed out the 2019 season with a 1-0 win against Bryant, finishing with a 3-14 overall record and 0-6 in the Patriot League. Bucknell finished 9-9 overall and 4-2 in conference play in their past season. They look to get started this season following a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Lafayette in the Patriot League Semifinals.

Colgate and Bucknell last met in October 2019 where the Bison pulled away in a 6-1 win.

DI: Old Dominion at Liberty | 1:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

DI: Sacred Heart at Hofstra | 1:00 p.m. ET | Stretch Live

Hofstra will have four games under their belts coming in to this matchup, while it will be Sacred Heart's first of the 2020v2 season.

Sacred Heart concluded its 2019 season with a 1-2 loss in the Northeast Conference semifinals to top-seeded Fairfield having won their previous nine matchups.

DI: Boston at Holy Cross | 1:00 p.m. ET

Patriot League play continues Sunday with both Boston and Holy Cross ready to begin their 2020v2 season campaigns.

In 2019, the Terriers and Crusaders posted records of 6-12 (2-4 Patriot League). In their previous matchup, Boston won a 5-4 thriller which saw the game winner in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Boston holds a 22-2-1 record historically versus Holy Cross.

DI: Louisville at Ball State | 2:00 p.m. ET

With one game each under their belts in the 2020v2 season coming in to Sunday, Louisville and Ball State will meet Sunday in Muncie, In.

Ball State and Louisville last played in October 2018 at the Briner Sports Complex, resulting in a 5-1 win for Louisville.

Louisville leads the all-time series 16-11 and has won the last six over Ball State. BSU last defeated Louisville by a 2-1 decision Sept. 24, 2004 in Muncie.

DI: American at Leigh | 2:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+($)

Another can't-miss Patriot League matchup, American and Lehigh will begin their regular seasons in Bethlehem, Pa.

American finished with a 13-6 (6-0 Patriot League) record in 2019 which was topped off with a 3-2 win over Lafayette for the Patriot League Title. moving on to the Division I NCAA Tournament, the Eagles fell in a late heartbreaker to Fairfield in the opening round. For Lehigh, a 7-11 (2-4 Patriot League) season concluded with a storybook 2-1 overtime win on Senior Day over Boston University.

Historically, American has won all 20 matchups against Lehigh coming into Sunday. They last played each other in October 2019, where the Eagles won 4-1 over the Hawks.

DI: Connecticut at Providence | 2:00 p.m. ET

Connecticut (2-0, 1-0 BIG EAST) and Providence are set to meet in the second matchup between the two teams in as many weekends. This game is also the second of four between the two programs this spring.

The Huskies hosted the Friars last Sunday in Stoors, Conn. where they claimed a 4-0 victory. Providence held off Connecticut's offense in the first quarter turning away four shots on goal and weathered three-consecutive penalty corner opportunities to keep the game scoreless. The Huskies broke the 0-0 deadlock when Providence gained possession and got the ball into the attacking circle with under 15-seconds to play in the half, but mishandled the ball, allowing Connecticut to take a 1-0 lead into the break. They added another goal in the third before adding two more in the fourth.

Connecticut held a 21-1 advantage in shots and a 10-0 advantage in penalty corners.

DI: Vermont at Massachusetts | 2:00 p.m. ET

Vermont will begin their 2020v2 season on the road in Amherst, Mass.

Massachusetts season opener last weekend saw them fall 1-3 to New Hampshire. The Minutewomen held an early advantage before New Hampshire rallied to produce three goals for the win.

DI: Indiana at Michigan State | 3:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)

In their second game of the weekend, the Hoosiers will travel to Ralph Young field to face Michigan State (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten).

The Spartans come in following a 1-3 loss to Northwestern in Virginia Beach, Va. Michigan State took a 1-0 lead after the first quarter, but could not hang on as Northwestern scored twice in the second half. The Spartans were outshot 14-4 and were edged 7-1 in penalty corners.

Michigan State holds a 22-5 historical record versus Indiana, but the Hoosiers last claimed victory in September 2019.

DI: Ohio State vs. Rutgers (Virginia Beach, Va.) | 3:00 p.m. ET

DI: California at UC Davis | 4:00 p.m. ET | AE TV

An America East conference matchup on the West Coast, UC Davis will host California in Davis, Calf. for the first of two matchups in the between the teams in the coming days.

The Aggies finished 8-9 (1-3 America East) in 2019, the program's best win-loss percentage to date, which concluded with a 0-5 loss to Stanford in the America East Tournament. The Golden Bears ended their 2019 campaign at 8-11 (1-3 America East) and a trip to the America East Semifinals against Monmouth.

The two teams met twice last season, splitting the series 1-1.

DI: Bryant at Northeastern | 7:00 p.m. ET | Stretch Live

DIII: Randolph-Macon at Roanoke | 4:00 p.m. ET | Watch Here

This ODAC matchup will be the first for both programs in the 2020v2 season.

Randolph-Macon finished their 2019 season at 10-9 (5-3 ODAC) while Roanoke ended at 12-8 (4-4 ODAC). The Yellow Jackets are looking to avenge last season's 2-3 ODAC quarterfinals loss to the Maroons.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

DI: UAlbany at Fairfield | 7:00 p.m. ET | Facebook Live

This non-conference matchup will be the first of spring competition for both UAlbany and Fairfield.

Last season, the Great Danes finished 11-8 (2-3 America East) while the Stags registered 19-3 (6-0 NEC).

These two teams last met in 2017, where UAlbany won 8-2 and is 8-0 all time versus Fairfield.

DII: Newberry at Coker | Postponed

DII: Belmont Abbey vs. Limestone | 1:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats

An exciting South Atlantic Conference (SAC) matchup will see Belmont Abbey (2-1, 2-1 SAC) and Limestone (2-0, 2-0 SAC) square off in Gaffney, S.C.

Last game against Converse, Limestone scored the go-ahead goal with one second remaining in the first half, and the defense did the rest by limiting the Valkyries to just five shot attempts, including only one shot on goal, in a 2-0 decision at Saints Field.

The Crusaders come in to Tuesday following a 1-4 loss to Newberry, After a scoreless first quarter, Newberry struck for two in the second, including one just 56 seconds before halftime.

The Wolves increased the lead to 3-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining before Belmont Abbey got on the board.

These two teams have met seven times since 2016, with Limestone winning each one, with the most recent being a 3-0 final in 2019.

DII: Converse at Queens | 4:00 p.m. ET | Stretch Live

In another SAC tilt, and with both sides seeking their first win of the 2020v2 season, Converse (0-2, 0-0 SAC) will travel to Charlotte, N.C. to face Queens (0-1, 0-1 SAC) in a South Atlantic Conference (SAC) matchup.

The Royals opened up their 2020v2 season on Feb. 19 when they hosted Belmont Abbey in a 2-4 loss. Queens was able to pull within one when a foul inside the shooting circle awarded the home team a penalty stroke. However, the Crusaders were able to score once more in the 55th minute sneaking a deflected ball into the goal and putting them ahead by two, 4-2, for the remainder of play.

The Royals edged the Crusaders in shots, 13-12, as both teams put seven shots on goal. Additionally, the Royals totaled 12 penalty corners to Belmont Abbey's six.

Converse is currently 0-2 after losses to Newberry and Limestone, while their match against Coker on Feb. 26 was canceled. Last game against Limestone saw both teams deny each other any scoring opportunities in the first quarter. Both sides had a penalty corner but were unable to capitalize on them. In the second, the Saints pulled ahead with a goal near halftime. They added a rebound goal to double their lead in the third.

Queens holds a 5-1 all-time records against the Valkyries and have won the past four matchups.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

DI: Monmouth at Drexel | 4:30 p.m. ET

Monmouth (1-0) looks to add another early season win when they travel to Philadelphia to face Drexel.

After falling behind 1-0, Monmouth scored two unanswered goals to defeat Hofstra last weekend.

The Dragons original season opener against Saint Joseph's last weekend was postponed. They went 4-14 overall and 2-4 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play in 2019. The Explorers were 7-11 and 3-5 in the Atlantic-10.

Click here for the weekly schedule and live stream links. Note: schedule and times subject to change.

USFHA media release



Riley Donnelly is fulfilling her potential as a star for Maryland field hockey

Shane Connuck


Defender Riley Donnelly challenges for a ball during Maryland field hockey's 3-0 win over Iowa on Oct. 11, 2019. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)

Maryland field hockey netted two goals en route to a shutout win in its season opener last week against Michigan State. Both of those goals were set up by strong passes from defender Riley Donnelly, leaving her with two points on the season.

And only about six minutes into the Terps’ Sunday match against Northwestern, it was the junior out of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, whose drag gave Maryland its first and only score of the match.

“Riley is a very patient player,” midfielder Emma DeBerdine said. “She’s very patient and so skillful and so powerful on the field.”

As the Terps return to the Virginia Beach Sportsplex this weekend for matchups with Ohio State and Northwestern, Donnelly’s four points are far out in front for the team lead and tied for second in the Big Ten.

But despite Donnelly’s strong play, Maryland finds itself with a 1-1 record through the first weekend. And when coach Missy Meharg’s squad returned to College Park for a few days this week, it trained and practiced a variety of skills, including penalty corners.

“I think the first weekend was a great learning experience for us,” DeBerdine said. “This is just another weekend for us to come back and show what we’ve worked on the past few days.”

Not only has Donnelly been effective in putting points on the scoreboard this season, but she has also successfully set up opportunities for herself and her teammates. She’s taken 10 shots this year, and the next highest total in the conference is seven. Also, her pair of assists are tied for the second most in the Big Ten.

She’s still listed as a defender. Yet, she’s provided more offense than most in the conference this year.

“What’s super nice with Riley is she can play a lot of different positions, and she’s got a lot of different skillsets,” Meharg said. “She’s really coming into another level of her game, which is fantastic.”

Donnelly is off to a fast start with the Terps in her third season. But it’s not just Maryland where she’s a top field hockey player.

DeBerdine and Donnelly are prominent members of the U.S. under-21 field hockey team. In December, the duo — along with Brooke DeBerdine, Kyler Greenwalt and a number of other Big Ten athletes — will compete at the 2021 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

“We’re all going to be out of this craziness and be traveling and back to real world sports,” Meharg said. “I’m hopeful that we all get there.”

In February 2020, Donnelly was with Team USA in Chula Vista, California, taking on Canada. And she found the cage on a penalty corner drag flick in its shutout win.

It’s a part of her game that has become a real threat to opposition defenses for both college and country. This weekend, Donnelly will be at it again, looking to rifle home another shot into the back of the cage on a penalty corner — or set a chance up for someone else to do the same.

The Diamondback



Hockey duo honoured to be ‘Share a Yarn’ ambassadors



Hockeyroo Mariah Williams and Australian Junior representative Renee Rockliff have been named ambassadors of the 2021 Australian Institute of Sport Share a Yarn program.

The duo were among 14 athlete ambassadors announced from Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth Games sports for the program that intends to build more meaningful connections between sport and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Proudly part of the Wiradjuri people, the largest Aboriginal tribe in central New South Wales, Williams has always had a passion to learn more and be further involved with Indigenous people.

“Since leaving school I haven’t been involved with the Aboriginal community as much as I want to be,” said Williams, who won Most Promising New Talent in Sport at the 2013 Deadly Awards and wants to work in Indigenous health.

“Being a Share a Yarn ambassador allows me to get in touch, hear about people’s stories and their history and learn more than what I know now.”

“I feel honoured to be an ambassador of this program. It shows the steps forward that have been taken as a nation to recognise Indigenous culture.”

“We still have a long way to go but programs like this one are so good for the community, both Aboriginal people and non Aboriginal people.”

Rockliff, who represented Australia’s Junior Women’s Hockey Team last year and was in the Perth Thundersticks squad in the inaugural Sultana Bran Hockey One League season, is one of the non-Indigenous athletes in the Share a Yarn program.

An Indigenous subject she undertook at university sparked Rockliff’s interest, followed by a trip to the Aboriginal community of Wiluna with the Wirrpanda Foundation.

Rockliff’s experience and the instant connection she had with the Aboriginal people at Wiluna aroused her interest in becoming a Share a Yarn ambassador.

"I feel very privileged to be a part of such a great new initiative,” said Rockliff.

“To me it's only a small step in the right direction but I hope I can do my part to learn, teach and grow this powerful movement of identity and inclusion."

"After my trip up to Wiluna I thought this was a great opportunity to further my knowledge of indigenous culture and community."

"I want to be a catalyst for change and stimulate conversation to build better relationships."

Williams and Rockliff’s ambassadorships complement the commitment and work Hockey Australia (HA) is doing to acknowledge and support the Indigenous community.

Initiatives such as holding a special Indigenous Round during last year’s FIH Pro League, and involvement in Indigenous community hockey programs in the Pilbara with the support of Fortescue Metals Group, and the Cairns Hockey Association’s Aspire to be Deadly program.

“To have two ambassadors from hockey in this Share a Yarn program is fantastic,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“Mariah and Renee have shown their passion and desire to use their positions as athletes to make a positive impact by facilitating connections with Indigenous people and growing both their own and the community’s understanding of Australia’s first people.”

Hockey Australia media release

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