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News for 21 January 2016

All the news for Thursday 21 January 2016


Dutch defeat Hockeyroos

A frustrating night for the Hockeyroos as Netherlands win 2-0


Photo credit: TPG Academy

The Hockeyroos went down 2-0 to the Olympic and world champions, the Netherlands, in their second match of the TPG International Tri-Series in Singapore on Wednesday evening.

A goal in each of the first two quarters from Maria Verschoor and Roos Drost was enough to help the Dutch to victory, their first of the tournament following a 0-0 draw with Germany on Tuesday. The result leaves the Hockeyroos with a draw and a defeat from their opening two matches of the tour, which marks the start of their 2016 Olympic preparations.

With his entire 26 athlete squad in Singapore, coach Adam Commens made seven changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Germany on Monday. But the reshuffled side failed to make an impact on the Netherlands, who enjoyed the best of the chances throughout.

Having seen his side narrowly defeated in an even contest when the two sides last met five weeks ago in the World League, Commens was disappointed that his team had not continued their progress in matching the Dutch.

“Tonight, we didn’t take the steps forward that we wanted to. I was disappointed with how we handled the ball and we didn’t put the Dutch under pressure. Many parts of our game were off,” he admitted.

“At the World League we saw an even match where both teams created chances but tonight we made limited opportunities.

“I thought Ash Wells did well in goal to keep it to 2-0 and although in the second half we had more endeavor our basic skills let us down. If we want to be successful this year we need to improve in that area.”

With just under 200 days to go until the Olympic Games, Commens is using the tournament as a testing ground for his young side, with performances rather than outright results the focus.

“This tournament is about learning and exposing new players to this top level of international hockey. We can learn a lot about individuals, can they handle the pressure when the team is struggling. Tonight there weren’t many that put their hand up when we were struggling and we’re disappointed with that.”

The Hockeyroos’ third match is against Germany at 10pm AEDT on Thursday.

The TPG International Tri-Series is hosted by The Project Group, a major partner of the Hockeyroos.          

TPG International Tri-Series
Singapore

Match 2

HOCKEYROOS  0 (0)
-

NETHERLANDS  2 (2)
Maria Verschoor 13 (FG)
Roos Drost 29 (FG)

See the Hockeyroos v Great Britain live in Bunbury and Perth in February



With less than 200 days to go to Rio 2016, the Hockeyroos will take on Olympic rivals Great Britain in six showpiece matches in Western Australia next month that will go a long way towards preparing both teams for the Olympic Games.
Tickets are now on sale to see the see some of the biggest stars in world hockey going head-to-head, including Australia’s very own Anna Flanagan, Casey Sablowski and Jodie Kenny,  and the likes of Great Britain’s Alex Danson, Kate Richardson-Walsh and Crista Cullen.

Fans can expect to see plenty of fierce contests as players from both sides look to book their spot on the plane to Rio.
Beginning Friday 12 February, catch matches one and two live at Bunbury Districts Hockey Stadium and the remaining four games at Perth Hockey Stadium.

Fixtures
Match 1: Friday 12 February - 5:30pm AWST, Bunbury Districts Hockey Stadium, Bunbury
Match 2: Sunday 14 February - 2:00pm AWST, Bunbury Districts Hockey Stadium, Bunbury
Match 3: Tuesday 16 February - 6:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley, Perth
Match 4: Thursday 18 February - 6:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley, Perth
Match 5: Saturday 20 February - 3:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley, Perth
Match 6: Sunday 21 February - 3:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley, Perth

*** Buy tickets for the Hockeyroos v Great Britain ***

Ticket prices
$12.00 for adults
$6.00 for concession, juniors (6-16) and seniors
*NB:  Credit card and transaction fees apply

Live streaming
Details of live streaming arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

Bronze medalists at the London Olympics four years ago, the majority of Great Britain’s team won the European Championships with England in London last August, their success coming hot on the heels of GB’s first place finish at the World League Semi-Final in Valencia. In Rosario, at the World League Final in December, GB finished seventh but not before having beaten the Hockeyroos 1-0 in their pool match.
 
Australia’s Hockeyroos finished one place higher, sixth, in Rosario. While 2015 might not have been quite as successful for the Hockeyroos as the previous year they still claimed continental bragging rights by winning the Oceania Cup, finished third in the World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games.
 
The matches in Bunbury are presented in conjunction with the Government of Western Australia through the Department of Sport and Recreation, Lotterywest, Bunbury and Districts Hockey, City of Bunbury and the South West Development Commission.

Hockey Australia media release



Green Machine Put 4 Past Canada In Convincing Win



The Green Machine and Canada met for the third time in six days this evening in Cape Town. There were goals aplenty as the Green Machine stepped up another level as their warm weather tour continued.

Both teams, growing ever more familiar with each other, were kept quiet by the opposition defence in the opening quarter. The only chance fell to Cockram thanks to clever link up play with Kyle Good. Cockram had another chance with a penalty corner in the second quarter but the Canadian defence was quick out of the traps to prevent any danger. The Green Machine were pushing for a goal and Bruton’s final touch skimmed just wide, but it was the Canadians who broke the deadlock first. Johnson’s powerful drag flick gave his team the lead shortly before half-time, 1-0 to Canada.

The Canadians lead didn’t last longer than the opening moments of the second half though as Watt levelled the match from a tap in at the post. Mitch Darling started the move with a pinpoint pass to Kyle Good who picked out Watt at the back post. As the final quarter fast-approached Johnson was on hand to drag-flick Canada into the lead once more. The final quarter got underway at a blistering pace and Bruton scored a superb reactionary goal after the initial PC shot pinged off the cross bar, 2-2. Minutes later, Cockram got his deserved goal as he received a top-drawer reverse pass from Jackson and slammed the ball homeward from the top of the circle, 3-2 to Ireland. The goals didn’t abate there though and another PC for Ireland resulted in Shimmins making it 4-2 as he was first on the scene to reach to the rebound from O’Donoghue’s initial drag.

Ireland 4 (Watt, Bruton, Cockram, Shimmins)
Canada 2 (Johnson x2)

Squad: Fitzgerald (GK), Harte, Gleghorne, Gormley, Jackson, Shimmins, S Cole, O’Donoghue, Good, Darling, Cockram, Carr (GK), J Bell, M Bell, Cargo, Magee, Watt, Bruton.

Match Schedule (GMT):

14th January 16.00 Ireland 2 v 0 Canada
16th January 14.00 Ireland 1 v 1 Canada
17th January 14.00 Ireland 2 v 3 Spain
18th January 18.00 Ireland 3 v 3 South Africa
20th January 18.00 Ireland 4 v 2 Canada
21st January 16.00 Ireland v Canada
23rd January 12.00 Ireland v Belgium
24th January 12.00 Ireland v Belgium

Irish Hockey Association media release



SA hockey men upset Spain

JONATHAN COOK

The world's 15th ranked South African men's hockey team ended world number 11 Spain's unbeaten run in scintillating fashion with a 2-1 victory at Hartleyvale last night.

Western Province and WPCC Jockeys club star striker Lloyd Norris-Jones nailed the winner on the back hand into the far corner with 24 seconds left in this pulsating test match.

Maties and WP penalty corner drag-flick ace Daniel Bell had equalised for SA with six minutes left in the match, this after Spain had gone 1-0 up in the second chukka when a lapse in concentration in defence opened the path for Miki Delas to net a deflection goal.

Turning around 1-0 down, after playing against the wind in the first half, SA played with grace and style to delight the home crowd.

SA head coach Fabian Gregory was full of praise for his young untried and inexperienced team.

"It was a magnificent performance, we could have been in front by two goals early on in fact.

"Playing against the wind or not, world stars or not, these youngsters don't know the meaning of fear.

"And the experience and know-how of the likes of captain Rhett Halkett, Jethro Eustice and so on has shown also that everyone has answered the challenges of raising the team standard."

Gregory said defensively SA were "fantastic" for the most part while he could not say enough about the value every single one of the SA squad players - including those outside the 18 that took on Spain - brought to the party.

"The lads played like Trojans and I am very chuffed to say we were full value in defeating a Rio Olympic Games team.

A great night for SA hockey.

University of Cape Town student Charlie Bowren certainly has a good tale to tell his grandkids one day.

It's not every day that an SA men's hockey team debutant gets to beat a country that's qualified for the Olympic Games.

SA Hockey Association media release



Scotland set realistic expectations for European indoor campaign

Scotland Senior Women travel to the north of France this week to take part in the EuroHockey Nation Championship II competition in Cambrai.

Taking place from 22-24 January, the Scots have been drawn in Pool A alongside Croatia, Lithuania and Switzerland. Pool B features hosts France, England, Russia and Wales.

The top two from each pool will qualify for a promotion pool stage, with the winner and runners-up qualifying for the Championship division in 2018.

The remaining four teams will battle it out to avoid relegation, with the bottom two sides dropping down to Championship III.

Assessing his side’s hopes ahead of the competition, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “Our target is to be competitive in every pool match, hopefully finish in the top two positions and therefore reach the promotion stage of the competition.

“But every game will be a challenge, and I know that a number of the competing teams have invested a great deal of time and money in preparation for the tournament. Switzerland, for example, have had prep camps and several warm-up matches before this weekend. So retaining our place in the division is the realistic target.”

The Dundonian and his coaching staff have selected a team containing a mixture of experienced individuals and younger players, with a real focus on development and exposure at this level of international competition for the new, incoming squad members.

Additionally, injuries have meant a re-jiggle of the original selection plans, with vice-captain Kareena Marshall pulling out of the squad after picking up a knee injury in the Grove Menzieshill indoor tournament. Surbiton’s Robyn Collins is drafted into the travelling party.

“Seven of the squad will be uncapped at indoor international level, and two players are still at school”, said Shepherd. “The indoor programme has always been designed to blood new players in this environment to allow them to progress to joining the senior outdoor programme. For example, Susan McGilveray and Nicki Lloyd broke into the senior squad in this manner a few years ago.

“I’m excited about the potential of the squad, we have good young players to add to the experience of Vikki Bunce and Becky Ward. The tournament will be a good test of the entire squad.”

Scotland Senior Women: Vikki Bunce (captain), Charlotte Watson, Becky Ward (all Dundee Wanderers), Nicola Cochrane, Susan McGilveray, Alison Howie, Jennifer Eadie, Heather Howie (all Milne Craig Clydesdale Western), Jayne McLaughlin (Western Wildcats), Amy Costello (CALA Edinburgh), Katie Robertson (Grove Menzieshill), Robyn Collins (Surbiton) .

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Experienced hockey player Nadia back in national training

by Aftar Singh


National women hockey team captain Nadia Abdul Rahman celebrates with her team-mates after they beat Thailand at the Myanmar SEA Games in 2013. - The STAR Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s most experienced women’s hockey player Nadia Abdul Rahman is back in the national training squad – after a lapse of 14 months.

The 31-year-old national skipper and penalty corner flicker, who gave birth to a baby boy last July, is among 30 players called up by coach K. Dharmaraj.

Nadia, who has 156 international caps, last featured for Malaysia in the Incheon Asian Games in October 2014.

After a prolonged break, she reported back for training at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Monday, in sluggish form.

“I’m rusty after the long lay-off. It will take me more than two months to regain my fitness,” said Nadia, who thanked her husband Asri Safwan (Abdul Halim) for allowing her to answer the national call-up.

“My in-laws have been very supportive also ... they will take care of my son Aisy (Nadhif Azri Safwan) while I train full-time with the national team.

“I may be 31, but I believe I can still contribute to the national team for another two years,” added Nadia who wants to help Malaysia retain the SEA Games gold medal next year in Kuala Lumpur.

She was in the team that beat China 3-1 to bag the bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan, in 2013.

The Star of Malaysia



Rupinder brace sees Waveriders pip Punjab Warriors

Uthra Ganesan


Mark Pearson (third from left) was one of the scorers for Delhi Waveriders in its 5-4 win over Jaypee Punjab Warriors. — PHOTO: AKHILESH KUMAR

The game was far more attacking and energetic than the opening encounter but host Jaypee Punjab Warriors ended up the losing side, falling 5-4 defeat to former champion Delhi Waveriders here on Wednesday.

The host, which managed to eke out a narrow win on Tuesday, was thwarted by an aggressive Delhi side that saw drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh making a victorious competitive debut at his alma mater.

Rupinder, a product of the Chandigarh Hockey Academy housed here, struck twice for Delhi and defended equally well to keep the opposition at bay and help Delhi begin its campaign in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League on a winning note.

While both teams took their chances up front, Delhi was the more enterprising side, taking the lead both in terms of scoring and creating opportunities.

With Talwinder Singh and Mandeep Singh combining well on the left flank and Yuvraj Walmiki fed by Vickram Kanth on the right, the Delhi side pressed hard and was rewarded when Walmiki was put through on top of the circle.

He made no mistake, shooting a backhand into the net past a diving Tristan Clemons to put Waveriders up 2-0 (a field goal is counted as two).

The lead did not last too long though, and 30 seconds later, Matt Gohdes struck the equaliser with a second shot after his first was blocked by Delhi custodian Devon Manchester.

Two penalty corners in the second quarter saw Delhi restore its lead with two more goals before Chris Ciriello pulled one back for Punjab with one of his own drag-flicks.

Captain Simon Child marshalled his troops well, dropping back often to assist the midfield. Punjab pressed hard, and Jake Whetton, S.V. Sunil and Satbir Singh constantly threatened but were unable to break past Delhi’s defence.

With Sardar Singh and Nithin Thimmaiah feeding the forwards, Punjab was unlucky to miss a few sitters in front of the goal. The lack of a poacher also hurt the side.

Despite Ciriello, the team also wasted a few of penalty corners, easily saved by Manchester.

Rupinder, named ‘Man of the Match’, extended the lead to 5-3 in the 36th minute, and though Mark Gleghorne managed to reduce the margin in the fourth quarter, the Delhi defence held firm to deny the host.

The result: Delhi Waveriders 5 (Yuvraj Walmiki-FG, Rupinder Pal Singh-2, Mark Pearson) bt Jaypee Punjab Warriors 4 (Matt Gohdes-FG, Chris Ciriello, Mark Gleghorne).

The Hindu



Delhi Waveriders defeat JPW 5-4



Chandigarh: Twice finalist, Delhi Waveriders laboured a lot before defeating fighting Jaypee Punjab Warriors 5-4 in a high energy match played here at the Sector 42 stadium in the the 4th Coal India Hockey India League.

The third match of the league encounter witnessed an attacking game with goals raining from both the ends, ensuring the spectators enjoyed every minute of action.

The third match of HIL began with Delhi Waveriders pressing hard on home team Punjab Warriors from the very first minute.

The attacking game of the visitors soon showed results when Yuvraj Walmiki scored a field goal in the 9th minute giving Delhi Waveriders an early lead of 2-0. The visitors could not hold on to their lead as the hosts Jaypee Punjab Warriors struck back with an equaliser in the very next minute through Matt Ghodes.

The game there after saw numerous unsuccessful penetrations into the opponents circle from both the sides, until the 24th minute when Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner to give the Waveriders a hard fought lead of 3-2 in the game.

The visitors pressed harder and were again rewarded with their second penalty corner in the 28th minute which too was converted beautifully through Mark Pearson giving the Delhi Waveriders a comfortable two goal (4-2) lead in the game. The hosts pressed hard on the counter and successfully converted a penalty in the 29th minute through Christopher Ciriello, to lag behind at 3-4 at the end of the first half.

The second half began on an attacking note with the Delhi Waveriders striking in the 36th minute through a penalty corner conversion from Rupinder Pal Singh extending their lead to 5-3.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors tried many attempts thereafter to reduce the gap but could not capitalise on the opportunities that came their way. Even a penalty corner conversion by Mark Gleghorne in the 54th minute through Jake Whetton could not help them much as the match came to an end with Delhi Waveriders defeating Jaypee Punjab Warriors 5-4.

AWARDS
The Coal India Goal of the Match award (INR 50,000) went to Yuvraj Walmiki (DWR)while Jake Whetton JPW)won the Most Entertaining Player of the Match award. Rupinder Pal Singh (DWR) walked away with the Man of the Match award (INR 50,000) while his team mate Mandeep Singh won the INR 25,000 Hero Emerging Player of the Match award.

Stick2Hockey.com



Delhi pip Punjab, off to winning start

Deepankar Sharda


The Delhi Waveriders players celebrate after scoring a goal against Punjab Warriors in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Vicky Gharu

Chandigarh: Delhi Waveriders beat Punjab Warriors 5-4 in their opening match of the Hockey India League here today. As against Punjab's attacking style, the Waveriders opted for a relatively defensive approach to kick off their campaign on a winning note.

Punjab's players looked a little tired from their opening match on Tuesday evening. The local team won four penalty corners, but could convert just two. Delhi, on the other hand, converted all three opportunities they earned.

Starting the proceedings, Punjab, in keeping with their attacking style, went on the offensive. In the ninth minute, Delhi's Yuvraj Walmiki, however, took control of the ball and sounded the board to give Delhi a 2-0 lead.

The stunned hosts responded in the very next minute. Striker Matt Gohdes dodged past Delhi's defender Rupinder Singh and the goalkeeper to score an equaliser.

Thereafter for about 15 minutes the two teams sparred without much success. But Delhi earned a penalty corner in the 24th minute, and drag-flicker Rupinder Singh made no mistake, making it 3-2. Just four minutes later, Delhi won another short corner. This time Rupinder failed to beat the goalkeeper but, on a rebound, Mark Pearson sent the ball in to make it 4-2.

Down by two goals, Punjab's strikers stepped up the pace. Sardar Singh, with some help from Jake Whetton, managed to win the first penalty corner for the side. Punjab's penalty corner specialist Christopher Ciriello converted the opportunity to make the score 3-4 in the 30th minute.

The goal boosted the confidence of the home side and it earned two more penalty corners in the next ten minutes. Unfortunately, both the chances went in vain.

Delhi, in the meantime, extended the lead through skipper Rupinder Pal in the 36th minute. He converted another penalty corner after half-back Mandeep Singh won it for the team.

As the match drew to a close, Punjab, making a last ditch effort, won a penalty corner. Mark Gleghorne sounded the board but Punjab still fell short by a goal.

The Tribune



Delhi Waveriders win HIL thriller

Hindol Basu


(Photo Courtesy: TOI)

CHANDIGARH: In a Hockey India League match that saw the teams engaged in a see-saw battle, Delhi Waveriders beat Punjab Warriors 5-4 here at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh struck twice for Delhi and proved to be the difference between the two teams in this closely-contested game.

The Waveriders took the lead through a field goal from Yuvraj Walmiki in the 9th minute. Walmiki's stinging reverse hit found the back of the net and according to the new rules of the tournament, the field strike was considered as two goals. Waveriders were up 2-0.

But the lead was short-lived. Matthew Gohdes of Warriors scored a field goal in the very next minute and brought the match on level terms. The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 2-2. In the second quarter, Delhi upped the ante and tested the Punjab defenders in frequent raids. They got desired results too. In the 24th minute of the game, Waveriders got a penalty corner and Rupinder made no mistake in slotting it home past Warriors goalkeeper Tristian Clemons.

Rupinder's strike was followed by another in the 28th minute. And like the previous one, it was again a penalty corner conversion. But the scorer this time was Mark Pearson, who lifted the ball in to the net after Rupinder's flick was not fully blocked by Clemons. The Warriors pulled one back in the next minute (29th) as Christopher Ciriello made no mistake with a powerful penalty corner conversion.

The half-time score was in favour of the Waveriders, who led 4-3. Just after the break, Waveriders got back their two-goal cushion. In the 36th minute, they earned a penalty corner after a slap shot from Benjamin Stanzi hit the foot of a Warriors defender. The resulting penalty corner was duly converted by Rupinder.

The fourth quarter of the match saw Warriors desperate for a field goal. In its pursuit, the Punjab team earned three quick penalty corners. They missed the first two but the third one was successfully converted by their English recruit Mark Gleghorne in the 54th minute.

The Times of India



Waveriders beat Warriors 5-4 to make winning start


Delhi Waveriders. (TOI Photo)

CHANDIGARH: Delhi Waveriders defeated Jaypee Punjab Warriors 5-4 to get off to a winning start in the Coal India Hockey India League (HIL) at the Chandigarh Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.

Waveriders rode on goals from Yuvraj Walmiki and Rupinder Pal Singh, while Mark Pearson scored one. For Warriors, Matt Gohdes, Christopher Ciriello and Mark Gleghorne scored.

Waveriders started on an attacking note, riding on the energy and pace provided by young forwards Mandeep Singh and Talwinder Singh.

Talwinder passed the ball towards Steve Edwards but the latter was slow to react as Mark Knowles cleared the ball for the home side.

Warriors too had their chances when S.V. Sunil's searing drive inside the circle threatened Waveriders but Gleghorne was not up to the task.

In a turnover, Waveriders took the lead in the ninth minute when Mandeep fed Yuvraj from the left and the latter employed a brilliant reverse-hand strike to stun Warriors goalkeeper Tristian Clemons.

The goal received a sparkling response from the hosts. Captain Mark Knowles charged up and passed the ball to Ciriello, who played it to Gohdes. Australian Gohdes' first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Devon Manchester. But Gohdes grabbed the rebound and slotted home to bring his side level on 2-2.

Warriors could have taken the lead but Armaan Qureshi fired inches wide of the post, much to the relief of Waveriders head coach Cedric D'Souza.

As soon as the second quarter began, Delhi continued their impressive play with skipper Simon Child and centre-half Harjeet Singh building good initiatives. Their efforts bore fruit when Rupinder scored off a penalty corner in the 24th minute to make it 3-2.

And four minutes later, Child's strike went up in the air after being halted by Clemons and fell just outside the goal-line, earning a penalty corner. Canadian Pearson lifted the ball in after Rupinder's flick was not fully blocked by Clemons.

Trailing by two goals, Warriors pulled one back with a penalty corner conversion from Ciriello as the scoreline ended 4-3 after the half-time.

Warriors conceded a penalty corner early in the 36th minute. Austrian attacking midfielder Benzamin Stanzi played to the foot of a Warriors defender, earning a penalty corner that was converted by Rupinder as the visitors regained the two-goal advantage.

Warriors hit back with two quick penalty corners but -- on the first occasion, Gurwinder Singh Chandi's push was not trapped properly by Simon Orchard and in the second, Ciriello's flick was too straight to defeat Manchester.

Sardar Singh's brilliant foray into the circle was wasted by Chandi who ran out of space before being cleared off.

Later, Englishman Gleghorne brought down Delhi's lead to one with a successful conversion in the 54th minute.

However, Waveriders managed to hang on to the one-goal lead and won 5-4.

The Times of India



Hockey India Welcomes Two New Academies

The Chandigarh Hockey Academy and the SGPC Hockey Academy have been included under Hockey India.


Indian hockey players during a practice session. © NDTV

New Delhi: Hockey India on Thursday announced the inclusion of two new academies as members of the national body and said their training centres will be used for the development of young talents of the country.(All the Latest Updates From Hockey)

The Chandigarh Hockey Academy, an initiative by the Chandigarh administration, operates under the supervision of Dr Sarita Malik, Director Sports-cum-Secretary, Chandigarh Hockey Academy. The academy which aims to promote young hockey talent from in and around Chandigarh is owned by The Administrator of the Union Territory, Chandigarh.

The academy operates out of the Chandigarh Hockey Stadium, sector 42.

The other academy is the SGPC Hockey Academy which was founded in 2013 under the supervision of and guidance of five Olympians Brig Harcharan Singh, Surinder Singh Sodhi, Ajitpal Singh, Pargat Singh and Rajpal Singh.

The academy is headed by Balwinder Singh. Since its inception in 2013, the insitution has been a host to a number of junior men tournaments. The academy is funded by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Amritsar.

NDTV Sports



PIA down PQA 5-1 on day one

KARACHI: Atif Mushtaq’s brace guided PIA to a 5-1 victory over PQA on the opening day of the 1st CNS All-Pakistan Hockey Tournament at the Hockey Club of Pakistan on Wednesday.

PIA opened their goal tally in the last minute of the first quarter when Mohammad Zubair scored in the 14th minute as PIA’s Ihsanullah scored the second through a penalty corner in the 17th minute, followed by an 18th-minute field goal by Mushtaq.

National Hockey Championship: Adnan, Karim strike to take PTV to last-eight

PIA received another penalty corner in the 24th minute which was successfully converted by Abu Bakar to lift PIA to 4-0. PQA fought back when Wahab Raza scored in the 46th minute to cut down the lead to 4-1, but Mushtaq scored the fifth for PIA in the 50th minute to complete the rout.

In the other match, Army defeated PAF 2-1.

The Express Tribune



Chasing The Dream with USWNT Athlete Katie Bam



As part of our weekly Wednesday Chasing the Dream posts, we’ll be featuring a USWNT athlete up until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Perhaps her jersey number is omniscient of great things to come because Team USA’s #16 has had her eyes firmly focused on 2016 for quite some time. For the London 2012 Olympian Katie Bam, formerly Katie O’Donnell, 2015 held highlights such as Pan American Games gold and qualifying for the Rio Olympic Games as well as her recent marriage to former South African Hockey Team athlete and Beijing 2008 Olympian Marvin Bam. Although in martial bliss from her recent winter wedding, Katie is looking to add five more rings to her collection.

Both having extensive experience at the national team level and even the Olympics, Katie and Marvin are a hockey power couple, being each other’s support system on the pitch. They review film, talk strategy and keep each other honest.

“Because [Marvin] has been through all of the physical and mental demands the Olympics entails too, he understands that a national team athlete continually trains very hard,” said Katie. “But there’s always something about competing in an Olympic year where you are forced to kick it up even more. He offers advice and also helps out with things like cutting back on his sweet intake to help keep those sorts of temptations for me to a minimum.”

Her husband is added to an extensive group of individuals that push Katie to be the best striker possible, including the entire U.S. Women's National Team.

Katie is one of the most decorated field hockey athletes in the nation. Starting her national career at the age of 16, the Blue Bell, Pa. native was the youngest player ever to be named to Team USA. Although the 2011 University of Maryland alum missed out on the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Katie used that to direct her focus on securing her name on the London 2012 Olympic roster. She won the Sportswomen of the Year award by the Women's Sports Foundation in 2010 - an award previously given to Mia Hamm, Serena and Venus Williams. Beyond her accolades and achievements, Katie enjoys the simpler pieces to playing hockey.

“This is going to sound really weird, but I love the locker room stuff,” said Katie. “The talks, the camaraderie that doesn’t have much to do with the on-field action. It’s everything that a teammate can give you a smile, a complement and your entire day and mindset have changed.”

When Katie is not on the pitch driving and diving balls into the cage, she's found wandering winding trails with a camera in hand to snap images of her two favorite subjects, the outdoors and her dog. Katie and Marvin, who also excels in photography, were even asked to shoot USWNT goalkeeper Jackie Brigg's wedding. It may seem like an immense amount of pressure to capture's someone else's big day, but Katie shines in this kind of intense environment. It's a characteristic that will serve her well in the 198 remaining days leading up to the Olympic Games. 

USFHA media release



Women’s National Team kicks off 2016 with “Olympic Experience” front and center

Shaheed Devji



After a busy year and a short break, the Canadian women’s field hockey team is back in Vancouver training.

The team kicked off its 2016 campaign with fitness and strength testing at the Richmond Olympic Oval this week and hits the field later this week. But before getting lost in training and tours, the team was given a clear reminder of what it’s playing for at its first team outing.

Monday after testing, the women visited the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX), a new Olympic museum situated at the Oval. It was the perfect way to keep an eye on the prize.

“That’s the goal, to make it to the Olympics and leave that legacy for generations to come,” says veteran goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams. “I can’t think of anything more exciting than that.”

The ROX is part of the International Olympic Committee’s network of official Olympic museums, and is the first and only site in North America.

It consists of interactive media and memorabilia from both Canadian and international Olympic history, as well as Olympic and Paralympic sport simulators. The experience is centered around the ideas of achieving a dream and becoming a hero.

Watch the Women’s National Team visit the Richmond Olympic Experience:

“It was very inspiring and motivating,” adds Williams. “The video we watched at the beginning – ‘chasing a dream’ is the theme of it – it’s exactly what we’re doing. It gave me goose bumps.”

For the Women’s National Team, which is narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, talk of the Olympics could be taken as a reminder of what did not become.

Instead, the team is focused on what they achieved in the 2015: bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Toronto, the first time a Canadian women’s team has medaled at the Games since 1999. They’re also focused on what they’re primed to achieve in 2020.

“It’s not tough to stay motivated,” says midfielder Natalie Sourisseau. “It’s almost easier to stay motivated because of that sting of not making the Olympics and how tough that felt and tough it still feels. That definitely motivates you because you never want to feel that again.”

Sourisseau’s drive was on full display on the first day of testing, as she was the longest lasting athlete in the YoYo test which measures aerobic conditioning.

“Especially coming off a big break and travelling for six weeks, I was very happy to get that score,” she says.

The women get back on the field on Thursday with their first of two on-field training sessions this week at the University of British Columbia’s Wright Field.

They will train in Vancouver until February when they head to San Diego for a test series against the United States, the team got the better of them in the Pan Am Game semifinal and went on to win gold and secure an Olympic berth.

“Last year just left us all wanting more,” says Williams. “That’s kind of hard. You finish on such a high note and then you have nothing. You have a break. It’s just that itch to kind of get back at it, to train again.”

The women have a year full of quality training and competition. They are scheduled to take on many of the world’s top teams and work towards further demonstrating that Canadian women are on the rise.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Lewers and Hinch scoop Hockey Writers' Prizes


Maddie Hinch and Iain Lewers HWC Winners 2015

THE Hockey Writers’ Club is proud to announce that the 2015 players of the year are England and Great Britain goalkeeper Maddie Hinch and England and GB defender Iain Lewers, who both play for Kent club Holcombe.

The awards were made at the Hockey Writers’ Club Annual Awards Presentation Lunch on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Knightsbridge.

The two players also won the Marjorie Pollard and Chris Moore salvers for their performances at the EuroHockey Championships at Lee Valley in the summer.

Hinch won the HWC Women’s Player of the Year, sponsored by Investec. The goalkeeper was ahead of fellow internationals Lily Owsley and Alex Danson, who finished second and third respectively.

Hinch’s glorious moment came in winning a shootout in the Unibet EuroHockey final against the world and Olympic champions Netherlands in front of a home crowd at Lee Valley in the Olympic Park.

England women came from 2-0 down before overcoming the Dutch to win the Championships for the first time since 1991. Hinch was the hero, saving three times in the shootout and making a number of other superb stops.

Hinch said:“It is such a great honour to win both these awards and to be honest I was surprised to hear I had! It has been a fantastic year for us as a squad with a lot of strong individual performances throughout so these awards cap off a pretty surreal 2015 for me. Qualifying for Rio and in the fashion we did it in (unbeaten and conceding only two goals) was a fantastic achievement for us, but the stand out highlight of the year has to be the European Final and beating the Dutch to take the gold medal in front of a home crowd."

“I still get goose bumps thinking about it ! I did unfortunately tear my medial cruciate ligament (MCL) in my right knee during the third shootout. I felt something go in my knee, but with so much adrenaline running through my body I wasn’t aware of what I had done."

"I don’t think the ‘pile on’ after helped much though ! The World League finals recently in Argentina was a good trip for us to try out a few new things and continue our development as a team. Having said this,we went out there to do the best we could, taking each game one at a time, so to finish seventh overall was disappointing. But with the Olympics very much the main focus, there are plenty of important learnings we can take from Argentina on to Rio.”

THE HWC Men’s Player of the Year award, sponsored by Mercian,was won by Lewers for the second year in succession.The defender won a very close vote ahead of Nick Catlin and Dan Fox.

Lewers, of Holcombe, has been an integral part of the squad in the England and Great Britain defence and his performances in the World League in Antwerp where GB qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the European Championships at Lee Valley’s Olympic Park, where England came fourth, has won him the plaudits.

Lewers, who is currently playing for the Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League, said the award was “fantastic news” and was “genuinely unexpected”. He added: “I really enjoyed the lunch last year, and found it very humbling that the people who watch international hockey all year round reckon I’m not too bad at it! So to receive it again is a huge honour and I’m delighted.”

”Obviously it was great to qualify for Rio, it was expected of us and, fortunately, it went pretty smoothly without any hiccups. It was disappointing not to reach the final of WL3 as it was our ambition to do so.”

”The Euros as a hockey event was a unique experience to play in London again, with some very encouraging performances, but unfortunately we ultimately came up short when it mattered which was disappointing. Both tournaments can be used to our advantage if we learn about our shortcomings and successfully address them in the coming months.”

HOCKEY WRITERS’CLUB

UK PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

PREVIOUS WINNERS

1983 Margaret Gleghorne Paul Barber
1984 Karen Brown Richard Leman
1985 Linda Carr Sean Kerly MBE
1986 Moira McLeod Ian Taylor
1987 Violet McBride Imran Sherwani
1988 Barbara Hambly OBE Jon Potter
1989 Vickey Dixon David Faulkner
1990 Maggie Souyave Andy Halliday
1991 Joanne Thompson Jason Laslett
1992 Jane Sixsmith MBE Rob Hill
1993 Sandie Lister Julian Halls
1994 Karen Brown Simon Mason
1995 Tammy Miller Ian Jennings MBE
1996 Kathryn Johnson Bobby Crutch;ley
1997 Karen Brown Jon Wyatt
1998 Carolyn Reid David Hacker
1999 Christina Cullen MBE Chris Ashcroft
2000 Jane Sixsmith MBE Mark Pearn
2001 Jane Smith Danny Hall
2002 Leisa King Robert Todd
2003 Kate Walsh Simon Mason
2004 Christina Cullen MBE Barry Middleton
2005 Crista Cullen Jonathan Ebsworth
2006 Crista Cullen James Tindall
2007 Kate Walsh Barry Middleton
2008 Beth Storry Ali McGregor
2009 Helen Richardson Ashley Jackson
2010 Helen Richardson Barry Middleton
2011 Alex Danson Mark Pearn
2012 Kate Walsh Barry Middleton
2013 Maddie Hinch Adam Dixon
2014 Susannah Townsend Iain Lewers

England Hockey Board Media release



Higgins Group Youth and Junior Awards winners


Charlotte Calnan in Surbiton action

The Hockey Writers’ Club is pleased to announce the 2015 winners of the Higgins Group plc Youth and Junior Awards with the presentations to be made at the Annual Awards Presentation Lunch on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Knightsbridge.

Mr Richard Higgins, Chairman of the Higgins Group plc, will make the presentations. Leandro Negre, President of the world body, the FIH, will be in attendance at the function.

There has been a terrific standard of entry and the judging panel could find very little between the nominations. They were very impressed with the high quality of the players on show at the clubs, the schools championships at Lee Valley and the Futures Cup at Cannock which augurs well for the future of the game in this country.

RESULTS

Youth, Boys 18 and Under

1 – Toby Reynolds-Cotterill; 2 – Euan Gilmour; 3 – Peter Scott

Youth, Girls 18 and Under

1 – Charlotte Calnan; 2 – Holly Munro; 3 – Holly Hunt

Junior, Boys 16 and Under

1 – Josh Pavis; 2 – Lucas Ward; 3 – Harry Gough

Junior, Girls 16 and Under

1 – Ellie de Heer; 2 – Lottie Ross; 3 – Nicole Bowen

Boys, Youth (18 and under)
Toby Reynolds-Cotterill,who made his mark with the England U-18 side, is now one of the England and Great Britain U-21 goalkeepers as well as a member of the senior England indoor squad. Toby, now at Loughborough University, was part of the GB side that won gold out in Malaysia at the televised Sultan of Johor Cup. In last year's U-18s, he was the highest capped goalkeeper playing a total of 11 internationals. In the European Championships in Santander in July, he was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament. He is from Bath, attending Colston's Collegiate (Bristol), King Edward's School, Bath, and Millfield School in Somerset. He was part of the Bath Buccaneers squad that won the West Conference and came third at the premier league play-offs.

Girls, Youth (18 and under)
Charlotte Calnan who is in the upper sixth form at Cranleigh School, has had a consistent career so far and was selected for the England U-21 squad in November. She has been a Double winner with the Surbiton club for two years running, having won the Investec Premier Division and the Investec Women’s Cup. She has also won an U-18s bronze medal with England in the Europeans in Santander in August this year.

Boys, Junior (16 and under)
Josh Pavis is a stand-out player. In 2013 he joined the England U-15 camp a year young. In 2014 he played in all the U-16 tournaments a year young. He helped win the U-16 national outdoor championship. He made his national league debut for Beeston at 15 years old. Last year the Trent College pupil captained England against Holland, went to the Euros with England to Santander and was in the U-21 team which won the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.

Girls, Junior (16 and under)
Ellie de Heer started at Sunbury HC when she was 10 and moved on to play for Surbiton where she made her first team debut in November 2014. She counts her highlights as going on tour to South Africa, with her school, Kingston Grammar in 2014, and playing with the England U-16 squad this season. "I'd have to say playing in Holland at Easter was the best," she said. "I got Players' Player at the Six Nations which was a great way to end the season."

Roll of Honour

UK YOUTH AND JUNIOR AWARDS sponsored by Higgins

2004 Rebecca Herbert Darren Cheesman
2005 Nikki Kidd Ashley Jackson
2006 Maddie Hinch Dan Barstow
2007 Sophie Bray Liam Doidge
2008 Alice Sharp Ben Arnold
2009 Sarah Haycroft David Condon
2010 Alice Sharp Andy Bull Harry Martin

From 2011 onwards the Higgins sponsorship was increased to allow a Junior (16-and-under Award to be added.)

THE HIGGINS YOUTH AWARD

(Age 18-and-Under)
2011 Martha Baker Joe Sharp
2012 Emily Defroand Luke Taylor
2013 Rebekah Walker Chris Proctor
2014 Holly Hunt Liam Sanford
2015 Charlotte Calnan Toby Reynolds-Cotterill

THE HIGGINS JUNIOR AWARD

(Age 16-and-Under)
2011 Joanna Leigh James Albery
2012 Charlotte Daly Conor Caplan
2013 Alice Wills Jack Turner
2014 Lizzie Neal Jack Whelan
2015 Ellie de Heer Josh Pavis

These Youth and Junior awards are sponsored by Higgins Group plc.

England Hockey Board Media release

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