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News for 22 March 2016

All the news for Tuesday 22 March 2016


Another Australian lesson

By Jugjet Singh

WORLD No 1 Australia beat Malaysia 5-0 in the Second Test in Perth Monday, on the back of a 7-1 drubbing.

he national team are preparing for the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in April 6-16, where they will face Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Canada and Japan.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) technical director Terry Walsh said: "Malaysia were much more competitive in this match and had two penalty corners in the second half.

"One of which hit the post. On the offset, we had three soft goals scored against us which could have been avoided.

"It was a much more even performance throughout the match as the players had more confidence to play passes and build out of defence.

"However, we still make careless decisions during critical moments but are progressively getting better," said Walsh who is with the team.

On the First Test drubbing, Walsh was more supportive of the Malaysian team.

"The final score (1-7) was a little flattering to the Australians, but the reality is we are a only several steps behind the best team in the world.

"Their dominance was fairly evident throughout the match. Malaysia only controlled six to seven minutes of the first quarter and small parts of the fourth quarter.

"The players will need to believe that they can compete against the best teams in the world. We are still developing as a team and a result like this, albeit painful, will allow us to constantly identify weaknesses in our system of play and training programmes. The objective is to keep improving, in every possible way," said Walsh.

Third and final Test on Thursday.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Australia hand second defeat to Malaysia in friendly series

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia put on a much improved performance, but were still no match for world champions Australia as they went down 0-5 in the second friendly at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Malaysia, who are preparing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh next month, were hammered 7-1 in the first friendly on Friday.

National coach Stephen van Huizen said there were some improvements, but the players were still error prone.

“It was a much better display. But once Australia increased the tempo, we made several mistakes and were punished.

“This is what we have been trying to tell the players. Against the best, you cannot make mistakes. You have to be on your toes at all times. Today, we were sorely lacking in this aspect,” he added.

Trent Mitton opened the scoring with a field goal for the homesters in the 18th minute. Blake Govers then scored a brace in the 31st and 39th minutes for a 3-0 half-time lead.

Veteran Jamie Dwyer was on target in the 47th minute and Glen Turner completed the rout in the 59th minute.

Malaysia will play their third and final match against Australia on Thursday.

“I will try to give all the players, especially the youngsters, some playing time,” said Stephen.

“The main objective will again be to restrict the Australians. We must also show improvements in areas that we have identified. The Australians are consistent and that is what we have to strive for. Our players can learn a lot from these matches,” said Stephen.

The Star of Malaysia



U.S Women’s National Indoor Team and U-18 National Squad Clench Two Series Victories Over Canada

TORONTO, Canada – In a tight and hard fought series, the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team won the Indoor Hockey Can American Series in Toronto over the weekend in a sudden death shoot out.

Team USA got off to a strong start on Saturday morning, winning the first match 4-1 with three goals from Mary Beth Barhan (New Haven, Conn.) and a last minute Katie Gerzabek (Springfield, Pa.) penalty stroke. Canada came back from behind twice to tie the second game 2-2. Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.) put the USA in front in the 16th minute and Claire Webb (Exton, Pa.) restored the lead from a penalty corner in the 34th minute only for Canada to tie the game from the penalty spot with 3 minutes to go.

Zanolli got the USA off to another good start in the third game but Canada fought back with three unanswered field goals to win 3-1 and tie the series on Sunday morning.

In the deciding penalty shoot out, the teams were tied 1-1 after the first round. With Canada missing their first attempt in sudden death under pressure from goalkeeper Sam Carlino (Amherst, Mass.), Makayla Gallen (Glen Mills, Pa.) calmly put her shot away to give the Can American Indoor Series title to the USA.

“This was a good test for our women’s team,” said Jun Kentwell, USWNT Indoor Head Coach. “Four young players earned their first caps this weekend and held their own in three very physical games. We identified a few areas we need to improve but overall I am pleased with the progress the team has made.”

During the U-18 event, Team USA swept the series 3-0 with three decisive wins.

After being held to 0-0 at halftime, the first game goals came in quick succession after the break from Megan DuVernois (Collegeville, Pa.) (4), Mayv Clune (Quakertown, Pa.) (2), Bryn Boylan (Doylestown, Pa.) (1) and Meredith Shoulder (Alburtis, Pa.) (1) to give Team USA a comfortable 8-0 win.

Six USA players got on the score sheet in the second game, Annie McDonough (Kennett Square, Pa.) (2), Boylan (2), Mayv Clune (Quakertown, Pa.) (2) and Jessica Dembrowski (Quakertown, Pa.), DuVernois, and Shoulder scored one each. Behind 4-0 at the half Canada got off to a strong start after the interval to pull two goals back before Team USA regained their rhythm and ran out as 9-2 winners.

In the final game on Sunday morning, Boylan gave the USA an early lead only to see Canada tie the game at 1-1 in the 4th minute on a penalty corner. With a goal each side of the break from DuVernois the USA took control of the game. DuVernois added three more, McDonough scored from a penalty corner and Clune closed out the scoring as the horn sounded to give the USA an 8-1 victory and the complete U-18 Can Am Series win.

“Two or three of the U-18 team athletes really impressed me,” commented Kentwell on her young junior squad. “I shall be looking to give those players an opportunity at the senior level in the near future as we work towards the Pan American Indoor Cup.”  

Tryouts for the 2016-17 U.S. Women's National and Junior National Indoor Teams will be held at The Training Center (Spring City, Pa.) on April 3, 10 and 17 from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST.

All participants interested in trying out must hold a current USA Field hockey Membership and be a USA citizen.To register for the tryout click here.

Each athlete must indicate on the registration form which date they will be attending. ATHLETES ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO ATTEND ONE OF THE TRIAL DATES

If you are unable to tryout on those dates, contact the U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Jun Kentwell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for alternative arrangements.

USFHA media release



India fields strong team for Azlan Shah Cup

New Delhi: As only expected, India will field its strongest possible team for the forthcoming Silver Jubilee Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. The 18-member team will be led by Sardar Singh. Azlan Shah Cup will be held in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia from April 6-16. Besides India, defending champions New Zealand, 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, Australia, Pakistan, Japan, Canada and hosts Malaysia will be taking part in the annual tournament.

undefined While Sardar Singh will lead the team as Captain, SV Sunil will be supporting him as the Vice-Captain. Besides two goalkeepers- Harjot Singh and Akash Anil Chikte, the squad will have five defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular, Kothajit Singh, Surender Singh, Harmanpreet Singh. The midfield will be under the leadership of skillful Sardar Singh and he will be assisted by Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, S K Uthappa, Harjeet Singh. While, Vice-Captain SV Sunil, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah will form India’s forwardline.

With the 2016 Rio Olympics few months down the line, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will serve has as a barometer to measure the team’s preparation for the most important sporting event of the year, the 2016 Olympic Games.

“India has a good record in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and we would like to keep it that way. Being an Olympic year, this tournament assumes special importance as it will give us an idea where we stand. Playing against good teams like Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan and not to forget hosts Malaysia will give the team critical competition exposure. It will be a good opportunity trying out new things and new combinations in the tournament to see if they work,” said Sardar Singh, Captain of the Team

In preparation for the tournament, the Indian men’s team is currently undergoing a training camp that started on 7 March 2016 at the SAI Centre in Bangalore.

“The boys have been working hard as a unified unit and are geared up for the tournament ahead. Azlan Shah will be good testing ground for us right before the Rio Olympics and will be very crucial for the team. We are focused on improving the game technically and implement the right strategies.” said Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans.

One of the concern areas of the Indian team has been the tendency to concede late goal. The team has been working on plan to eliminate this flaw. “In the past we have conceded late goals that have taken away the games from us. We want to eliminate that particular weakness. We have been working on it for some time now, which we will be able to put to test in the tournament,” he added.

Indian has enjoyed a good run in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup since it started as a biennial tournament in 1983 before becoming an annual affair since 1994. India has won the prestigious tournament five times in 1985, ’91, ’95, 2009 and 2010, while it earned bronze on six occasions and finished runners-up once in 2008. However, it won’t be easy for the men in blue to counter the likes of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Malaysia. Host Team Malaysia will be eager to make an impact under their new Coach Stephen van Huizen.

The round-robin format of the tournament will help the team to get decent amount of competition exposure under its belt. It will also give them an opportunity to gauge the fitness level, since the conditions in Ipoh around this time of the year will be extremely hot and humid. The Indian team has shown considerable improvement in the fitness levels in the past couple of year. The team

GOALKEEPER
Harjot Singh Akash Anil Chikte

DEFENDERS
Rupinder Pal Singh
Jasjit Singh Kular
Kothajit Singh
Surender Singh
Harmanpreet Singh

MIDFIELDERS
Danish Mujtaba
Chinglensana Singh
Manpreet Singh
Sardar Singh (C)
S K Uthappa
Harjeet Singh

FORWARDS

Talwinder Singh
Mandeep Singh
SV Sunil (VC)
Ramandeep Singh
Nikkin Thimmaiah

Stick2Hockey.com



Seniors rested for Azlan Shah Cup

Sardar Singh will continue to lead


At the helm: With some senior players beign rested, India will be hoping to try out new things and new combinations under Sardar Singh's captaincy

Several senior players have been rested ahead of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament as the 18-member squad for India’s first international outing in 2016 was announced on Monday.

The team management has tried to test as many players as possible in an Olympic year. While Sardar Singh would continue to lead the side, goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh has been rested along with senior defender V. R. Raghunath. Both Sreejesh and Raghunath have been playing non-stop for almost two years now.

Others who were part of India’s bronze-winning effort in the Hockey World league Finals in Raipur last year but have been excluded from the side include strikers Dharamvir Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Mohd. Amir Khan as well as Lalit Upadhyay. Midfielder Devinder Walmiki has also not been included while key defender Birender Lakra is recuperating from surgery in a race to be fit ahead of the Rio Games.

Besides India and host Malaysia, defending champion New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, Japan and Canada would be part of the tournament. With four of the seven participating teams having qualified for Rio, the Azlan Shah Cup would be an important tournament for India as part of its preparations. The competition would be played in Ipoh, Malaysia, from April 6-16.

While young goalkeeper Akash Chikte finally gets a chance, two members of the junior side – defender Harmanpreet Singh and junior captain Harjeet Singh – have been included. Defender Surender Kumar, who impressed all by his excellent stickwork during the Hockey India League, has been rewarded while Nikkin Thimmaiah returns after recovering from injury.

“Being an Olympic year, this tournament will give us an idea where we stand. Playing against good teams like Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan will give the team critical competition exposure. It will be a good opportunity to try out new things and new combinations,” Sardar said.

Coach Roelant Oltmans said the team was concentrating on eliminating key weaknesses. “The boys have been working hard as a unit. In the past we have conceded late goals that have taken away the games from us. We want to eliminate that particular weakness and we are focused on implementing the right strategies.” said Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Harjot Singh, Akash Chikte; defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh; midfielders: Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, S. K. Uthappa, Harjeet Singh; forwards: Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, S. V. Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah.

The Hindu



PR Sreejesh finally rested as India test bench strength at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Apart from PR Sreejesh notable omission from the squad are Akashdeep Singh, Dharamvir Singh, VR Raghunath and Birendra Lakra.


Sreejesh-m In Sreejesh’s absence, Harjot Singh will be the goalkeeper and the tournament will give him much-needed exposure.

After nearly three years of major competitions, Indian hockey team’s first-choice goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been rested with chief coach Roelant Oltmans deciding to give second-choice Harjot Singh and youngster Akash Chikte a try-out instead during the Azlan Shah Cup next month in Malaysia.

Oltmans and his predecessors have often been at the receiving end of criticism for not rotating goalkeepers, a position Sreejesh has made his own by producing some consistent match-winning performances over the last few years. While Sreejesh’s rise has brought some stability to India’s defence, there is currently no reliable back-up, with Harjot nowhere close to Sreejesh’s calibre and also lacking in experience.

However, with the Olympics just five months away, Oltmans has chosen to test his reserve goalkeepers. While Harjot has warmed the bench for quite some time, Chikte has earned great reputation with some remarkable performances with the junior side. The duo is a part of the 18-member side led by Sardar Singh that will travel to Ipoh next month for the Azlan Shah Cup. Besides India, New Zealand, 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Australia, Pakistan, Japan, Canada and hosts Malaysia will be taking part in the annual tournament.

Besides the two goalkeepers, Oltmans has also decided to include young drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh in place of veteran VR Raghunath. Harmanpreet has been consistently scoring from short corners for the junior team and gave a good account of himself in the Hockey India League. Striker Mandeep Singh, who has been on the fringes for quite some time, will hope to use this opportunity to cement his place in the team as Oltmans continues his hunt for a poacher.

Junior team captain Harjeet Singh too has been included in the squad, which sees the return of Nikkin Thimmaiah, who missed recent tournaments owing to injury.

Oltmans said the tournament will be a good testing ground for the team ahead of the Olympics. “The boys have been working hard as a unified unit and are geared up for the tournament ahead. Azlan Shah will be a good testing ground for us right before the Rio Olympics and will be very crucial for the team. We are focused on improving the game technically and implement the right strategies,” Oltmans said.

India have enjoyed a good run in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. They won the prestigious tournament five times in 1985, 91, 95, 2009 and 2010, while they earned bronze on six occasions and finished runners-up once in 2008.

The Squad: Goalkeepers: Harjot Singh, Akash Chikte; Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular, Kothajit Singh, Surender Singh, Harmanpreet Singh; Midfielders: Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, SK Uthappa, Harjeet Singh; Forwards: Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah.

Indian Express



Hockey India names 18-member team for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup


Sardar Singh to lead India. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Hockey India today announced an 18-member Indian team led by Sardar Singh that will take part in the 25th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 6 to 16.

Besides India, New Zealand, 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Australia, Pakistan, Japan, Canada and hosts Malaysia will be taking part in the annual tournament.

While Sardar Singh will lead the team, S Sunil will be supporting him as the vice-captain. Besides two goalkeepers - Harjot Singh and Akash Anil Chikte, the squad will have five defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular, Kothajit Singh, Surender Singh, Harmanpreet Singh.

The midfield will be under the leadership of skillful Sardar and he will be assisted by Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, S K Uthappa, Harjeet Singh.

While Sunil, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah will form India's forwardline.

With the 2016 Rio Olympics few months down the line, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will serve has as a barometer to measure the team's preparation for the most important sporting event of the year.

"India has a good record in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and we would like to keep it that way. Being an Olympic year, this tournament assumes special importance as it will give us an idea where we stand. Playing against good teams like Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan and not to forget hosts Malaysia will give the team critical competition exposure. It will be a good opportunity trying out new things and new combinations in the tournament to see if they work," said Sardar Singh.

In preparation for the tournament, the Indian men's team is currently undergoing a training camp that started on March 7 at the SAI Centre in Bangalore.

"The boys have been working hard as a unified unit and are geared up for the tournament ahead. Azlan Shah will be good testing ground for us right before the Rio Olympics and will be very crucial for the team. We are focused on improving the game technically and implement the right strategies," said chief coach Roelant Oltmans.

One of the concern areas of the Indian team has been the tendency to concede late goal.

"In the past we have conceded late goals that have taken away the games from us. We want to eliminate that particular weakness. We have been working on it for some time now, which we will be able to put to test in the tournament," he added.

India have enjoyed a good run in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. They won the prestigious tournament five times in 1985, 91, 95, 2009 and 2010, while they earned bronze on six occasions and finished runners-up once in 2008.

The round-robin format will help the team get decent amount of competition exposure under its belt. It will also give them an opportunity to gauge the fitness level, since the conditions in Ipoh around this time of the year will be extremely hot and humid. The Indian team has shown considerable improvement in the fitness levels in the past couple of year.

TEAM:

GOALKEEPER: Harjot Singh, Akash Anil Chikte

DEFENDERS: Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular, Kothajit Singh, Surender Singh, Harmanpreet Singh

MIDFIELDERS: Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, S K Uthappa, Harjeet Singh

FORWARDS: Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah.

The Times of India



Sardar to lead young squad in Azlan Shah

New Delhi: Sardar Singh will lead an experimental 18-member hockey team in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia, next month. The team will be without as many as seven senior players including goalkeeper and vice-captain PR Sreejesh.

The seven players from the Hockey World League Final squad have been left out as the selectors want to give rest to the seniors ahead of the Olympics.

Apart from Sreejesh, the most notable omission from the Azlan Shah-bound squad are striker Akashdeep Singh, midfielder Dharamvir Singh, drag-flicker VR Raghunath and ace defender Birendra Lakra. Devinder Walmiki and Lalit Upadahyay were the other two players who were not picked.

Sreejesh’s place was taken by young Akash Anil Chikte while SK Uthappa and strikers Mandeep Singh and Nikkin Thimmaiah also made their comebacks.

Besides, Surender Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Harjeet Singh were the other new entrants to the side. SV Sunil has been appointed Sardar's deputy.

“All these players have been playing continuously for the last one year,” said Hockey India selection committee chairman BP Govinda. "We need to give them rest to avoid burnout.”

The Tribune



Men’s National Team named, schedule confirmed for 2016 Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia

Shaheed Devji


Photo: 2015 Hockey World League Final, Raipur, India. By Yan Huckendubler.

Field Hockey Canada’s Men’s National Program has confirmed the Men’s National Team roster for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a pre-Olympic tune-up tournament to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 6-16, 2016.

Led by team captain Scott Tupper, who is currently ranked 10th all-time in matches played for Canada with 222, the team consists of 14 of the 16 athletes who won a silver medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto last summer, helping Canada officially qualify for 2016 Olympics.

The remaining four athletes on the eighteen-man roster (Jagdish Gill, Richard Hildreth, Antoni Kindler, and Keegan Pereira) all represented Canada at the 2015 Hockey World League Final in India last December.

This year’s Azlan Shah Cup is the twenty-fifth edition of tournament hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Federation. The seven-team tournament will feature four of the twelve teams headed to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil this August.

Canada, which is currently ranked fourteenth in the world, is one of the teams headed the Olympics and will be joined in Malaysia by fellow Olympic qualifiers Australia (World No.1), India (World No.7), and New Zealand (World No.8).

The tournament line-up is rounded out by Pakistan (World No.10), host Malaysia (World No.13), and Japan (World No.16).

Canada opens the tournament on April 6, 2016 at 4:05pm local time against Pakistan.

For Canada’s full schedule, results, and game recaps click here.

 

Follow Field Hockey Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for full tournament coverage.

 

 

Canadian Men’s Field Hockey Team – 2016 Azlan Shah Cup

 

 

*Team Captain

 

 

Staff – 2016 Azlan Shah Cup

 

Head Coach – Anthony Farry
Assistant Coach – Paul Bundy
Team Manager – Geoff Matthews
Video Analyst – Greg Drake
Physiotherapist – Josh Ferguson
Communication Manager – Shaheed Devji

Field Hockey Canada media release



Hockeyroos squad announced

"Strongest" line up for Hawke's Bay Cup, youngsters in for China test Thursday


Karri McMahon will be in defence

As he hones in on his Rio 2016 Olympic Games team, Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens has named what he believes is the Hockeyroos’ strongest squad for the Hawke’s Bay Cup in New Zealand next month.

In contrast, a one-off Test against China in Perth on Thursday has also provided Commens with the chance to blood new, young talent in preparation for the future, post-Rio.

Commens and the selectors have named an experienced group for the trip to New Zealand for the annual Hawke’s Bay Cup invitational event. 12 experienced campaigners will return to the side for the trip across the ditch following the China clash, including captain Madonna Blyth, dual Olympian Casey Sablowski, and defensive trio Anna Flanagan, Karri McMahon (pictured above) and Jodie Kenny.

Commens said, “We perceive this side to be our strongest group of 18, although there are a number of players that have missed out who are still well in contention for the Olympic Games.

“It’s always great to be playing against high level opponents when they’re in the same phase of preparation as we are for an event like the Olympic Games. It gives us a good idea of where we’re at, and in a tournament scenario like the Hawke’s Bay Cup there’s an added pressure to get results, which forms an important element of our preparation.”

Australia will field a unfamiliar looking side for the one-off clash with China this week with goalkeepers Audrey Smith and Jocelyn Bartram replacing regulars Rachael Lynch and Ashlee Wells. It will represent a senior international debut for Bartram (pictured right at AHL) and also for Jacqui Day (below left), who has been part of the Australian women’s development squad for the past 18 months.

Commens added, “The game against China was a late inclusion in our program and gives us the chance to provide opportunities to players just outside our senior group, and a few of those in with a chance of selection for Rio.


Jacqui Day will make her debut

“Jacqui Day has been in our development squad since coming out of our junior program and has continued to improve. We see her as a player for the future who deserves her opportunity. She’s a physical athlete with good speed and strength, and someone who was in good form last year at the AHL and domestically in the league in Perth, where she won the Ric Charlesworth Medal as the league’s best player.


Jocelyn Bartram takes over as Keeper for the one off test against China

“Jocelyn Bartram joined the centralised program this year and has progressed well in training, making steady improvements.”

Sisters Savannah and Madison Fitzpatrick will also feature against China, along with 18 year-old Madi Ratcliffe, who made her debut against Great Britain last month and Grace Stewart, also 18, who debuted in January.

Experience comes in the form of Ashleigh Nelson, who will make her 200th appearance for Australia on Thursday, Georgia Nanscawen, and Kellie White, whose return from a long-term knee injury was stifled slightly last month when she missed the GB series with a minor knock.

In Hawke’s Bay, six of the eight teams competing – Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan and India – have qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games, with Canada and Ireland completing the eight team competition. The Hockeyroos have been drawn in Pool A against Japan, Korea and Canada.

Eddie Bone should make her 100th appearance for the Hockeyroos in the teams’ second pool match, against Korea, on 3 April.

The Hawke’s Bay Cup has quickly established itself as an annual fixture in the Hockeyroos’ calendar with Australia’s women having enjoyed success in recent years, winning the event with victory over New Zealand in 2015 and finishing as runners-up to Argentina in 2014.

Hockeyroos’ squad v China, Test match
24 March 2016, Perth, WA
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC)
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW)
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT)
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA)
Jacqui Day (Mountain Crrek, QLD)
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD)
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) [QAS]
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) [QAS]
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW)
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW)
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) [SASI]
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC)
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA)
Madi Ratcliffe (Warrnambool, VIC)
Audrey Smith (Wynnum, QLD)
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW)
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD)
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW)

Hockeyroos’ squad for Hawke’s Bay Cup
2-10 April 2016, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD)
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT)
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA)
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT)
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD)
Rachael Lynch (Melbourne, VIC)
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA)
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW)
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) [SASI]
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA)
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA)
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT)
Casey Sablowski (South Coast, NSW)
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA)
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW)
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW)
Ashlee Wells (Moe, VIC)
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW)

Hockeryroos’ Hawke’s Bay Cup fixtures
Saturday 2 April – Hockeyroos v Japan – 11am AEDT / 8am AWST
Sunday 3 April – Hockeyroos v Korea – 11am AEST / 9am AWST
Tuesday 5 April – Hockeyroos v Canada – 12pm AEST / 10am AWST
Thursday 7 April – Quarter Finals
Saturday 9 April – Semi Finals
Sunday 10 April - Finals

Hockeyroos’ Olympic preparations
Thursday 24 March – Hockeyroos v China, Test match, 9pm AEDT / 6pm AWST
2-10 April – Hawke’s Bay Cup (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand)
31 May – 4 June – International Hockey Open (Darwin, NT)
18-26 June – FIH Women’s Champions Trophy (London, Great Britain)

Hockey Australia media release



Black Sticks' Emily Gaddum eyes Rio farewell, but Zika risks a concern

SHAUN EADE


Emily Gaddum, nee Naylor, hopes to make the Rio Olympics her fourth and final with the Black Sticks. CAMERON BURNELL/FAIRFAX NZ

The Black Sticks' most capped player says the Zika virus is causing some concern within the team, but it is unlikely to stop her making the Rio Olympics the scene for her last hurrah in the national team.

Emily Gaddum, nee Naylor, returned last year after a season off the sport in a bid to make it to her fourth Olympics.

The 30-year-old has played a record-263 games for the Black Stick,s starting as an 18-year-old when she went to the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Last year she juggled the possibility of coming back before finally settling on making her return and retiring for good at the end of Rio.

"I thought it is not far away so if I am fit and able, I might as well give it one last shot," she said.

The risks of the Zika virus have thrown another spanner in the works, but at this stage she still plans to go to Rio if she is named in the final 16-woman Black Sticks squad.

"It was a little bit of a worry hearing about it," she said. "Obviously, I would still like to hear a little bit more about it just to make sure it is all pretty safe.

"From what I have seen at the moment, it does not seem to be too much of an issue. But if it becomes an issue, I would have to rethink. It is a bit of a worry in the back of my mind."

Missing Rio would be a tough call for Gaddum, who is still chasing her elusive first Olympics medal.

The Black Sticks were eighth in Athens in 2004, 12th in Beijing in 2008 and an agonising fourth in London four years ago.

In London, New Zealand missed a spot in the final after losing a shootout 3-1 against the Netherlands, having been level 2-2 at the end of regulation.

They went on to lose the bronze medal match to Great Britain.

"It was a pretty amazing experience, the London Olympics," Gaddum said. "It was also pretty gutting because we got so close to getting the medal and getting into the final, then to finish fourth.

"It was a big high and then a bit of a low to finish that last game and not come away with a medal."

She said the whole team was heart-broken after coming so close.

But it was also the best New Zealand had ever done at the Olympics and they have continued their form since, currently ranked fourth in the world.

Gaddum said the team was in good shape looking towards Rio.

She said the team has a number of younger players pushing the ​more experienced stars for places.

"We are looking really good and really competitive," she said. "There is a strong squad of 25 so everyone is vying for an Olympic spot. This is probably the most depth in the group that I have seen for a long time. We are really pushing each other."

The Black Sticks have two matches against Canada in Hamilton this weekend.

They then play in the Hawke's Bay Cup in April before their final hit-out ahead of Rio in the European Series in June.

Gaddum expected the final squad for Rio to be named in July and admitted she would be feeling the nerves when it is revealed.

"I will be pretty nervous when the Olympics team gets named," she said. "You can never get too complacent and expect to get in. I still have to work hard and probably harder now I have had a year off. Some of these young guns are firing and ready to get picked as well, so I definitely can't take it for granted."

Stuff



It's EHL KO16 week! Four days to go

The jewel in the crown of the Euro Hockey League, the KO16 returns for its ninth edition next Friday, March 25 with AH&BC Amsterdam’s iconic Wagener Stadium playing host to 16 clubs from eight countries vying for four FINAL4 tickets.

Indeed, it is an extra special edition this year, featuring the recently named FIH World Player of the Year Robert van der Horst (Oranje Zwart), FIH Goalkeeper of the Year David Harte (SV Kampong) and Umpire of the Year Nathan Stagno, showing why this is the world’s premier club competition.

There are many highlights on the agenda. Rot Weiss Köln’s tie with German rivals – and the EHL’s most decorated side – UHC Hamburg takes centre stage on Friday, March 25. It follows a tie between Polish champions WKS Grunwald Poznan and KHC Leuven who return to the competition after six years away.

KHC Dragons, bolstered by the return of Thomas Briels, face an enticing prospect against an Atlètic Terrassa who have also added to their ranks with Roc Oliva and Pol Garcia-Cascon back at the club. Day one finishes with Racing Club de France’s debut in the KO16 phase where they will meet Dutch side Kampong.

Saturday’s KO16 matches are similarly intriguing. After Dinamo Kazan’s game with 2014 champions Harvestehuder THC, Real Club de Polo meet near neighbours Club Egara in an all-Spanish league affair.

The hosts Amsterdam meet debutants Wimbledon who become the 58th different club to play in the Euro Hockey League by virtue of their English success last spring.

Reigning champions Oranje Zwart complete the weekend’s line-up when they meet Royal Leopold. Spanish star striker Gabriel Dabanch and Elliot van Strydonck both moved to Leo from OZ for this season, showing some of the quality they bring to this encounter.

Easter Sunday and Monday bring the KO8 quarter-finals to raise the tempo another notch while, as always, there are a wealth of side-events from the Junior EHL to coaching clinics to a G-Hockey tournament to make it another weekend to remember in the world’s best club competition.

Make some noise and enjoy!

You can join the EHL fun via numerous different avaneues:

Live Stream: http://www.ehlhockey.tv/live/ - all games broadcast live and direct!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuroHockeyLeague/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EHLHockeyTV #EHL #EHLKO16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehlhockeytv/ #EHL #EHLhockeytv

Euro Hockey League media release



Polo's Lucas Vila finally tasting EHL action

Real Club de Polo completed their build-up to the Euro Hockey League KO16 with a thumping 6-2 win over Atletico San Sebastian last Sunday and star man Lucas Vila says his side is on a “great track”.

Vila (who you can see earlier this season in a beautiful exchange with Xavi Lleonart) scored one of the goals in the win, adding to four from Lleonart and another from Manu Bordas, continuing a run of victories in all competitions that dates back to mid-November, encompassing the Copa del Rey victory last week.

It assures them a top four place this season with four games to go and so Polo go into the KO16 full of confidence.

Vila joined the Barcelona club this year on a two-year contract. He is hoping to finally make some positive memories in EHL; he was previously with HGC back in their title winning run in 2011but missed the whole campaign through injury.

Looking back at that time, the Argentina super star has mixed emotions.

“Well, it a bit of a sour memory because even though I was part of the champions team, which was great, I suffered a big injury on my knee so I couldn't play any games.

“But what I saw and felt is that the EHL its the biggest club competition. With so many good players and different styles in the same continent, the TV and media communication, it’s awesome and the public enjoy it very much!”

Polo are looking forward to meeting Club Egara in the KO16 on Saturday at 12.45pm (CET). Egara are the last team to beat Polo in any competition, winning in the Spanish league in November.

It being a derby also adds an extra element to proceedings and Vila says that this can work in different ways.

“We know there is going to be a derby atmosphere but we don't have to think about that and let those thoughts mess with our minds. We have got to play as if they were any other European team.

“We know this is the EHL and not the Spanish league and if we fail we are done, so we are going to prepare for the match thinking about our own game, not about the opponents.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Holcombe claim last play-off spot in dramatic fashion with victory at Clifton

By Mike Haymonds


Holcombe were left delighted after earning a play-off place. HockeyImages.co.uk

HOLCOMBE clinched the final play-off place in the Investec Premier Division with a 3-2 win at Clifton with goals from Emily Maguire, Nicola White and Sarah Jones.

The hopes of the other contenders East Grinstead were ended after a 2-1 home defeat by the bottom club Buckingham who, despite the win, are relegated.

Bowdon Hightown avoided automatic relegation, recovering from a 3-2 deficit to win  5-3 at Reading, and face next month’s relegation/promotion play-offs with the Conference champions Slough, Wakefield and Sutton Coldfield.

League winners Surbiton’s 2-0 victory over Leicester ended their second season with an unbeaten league record which has reached 40 games dating back to February 2014.

At the championship play-offs Surbiton play Holcombe while Canterbury meet University of Birmingham.

One of the men’s Cup semi-finals produced a major shock when Chichester from the Conference West beat second placed Premier club Surbiton 1-0 with a goal from Tom McCarthy. The winners successfully defended 14 penalty corners, helped by an inspired performance by their Polish goalkeeper Macieja “Magic” Pacanowskiego.

Chichester captain Kieran Hann said: “We were massive underdogs but we really wanted to prove that getting this far wasn’t a fluke. Magic is an outstanding goalkeeper. Whenever we concede a penalty corner he lights up because he knows it’s a chance for him to excel. We all rally round him and his performance definitely spurred us on.”

In the final Chichester meet Premier team Beeston, who will be gunning for a fifth Cup final success after beating City of Peterborough 5-1.

Daily Express



Dharmaraj's ladies start journey of a million miles

By Jugjet Singh

NATIONAL women's coach K. Dharmaraj selected two juniors in a squad of 20 for a five-match series against the China national team in Changzhou, from Tuesday.

He is preparing a team for Round Two of the World League which Malaysia will host at the end of the year.

"I have just taken over the women's team but have seen great potential in the short span. The aim is to break into the next round of the World league, and I believe Malaysia can achieve it," said Dharmaraj.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation president Datuk Sri Subahan Kamal is determined to ensure that both the men and women are provided the best possible opportunities to develop.

"China is one of the best teams in the world. Even their Junior Squads are formidable. We take this as an opportunity to learn and gauge ourselves after undergoing 70 days of training.

"I am pleasantly surprised by the talent we have, but a lot of work is required if we are to progress", Dharmaraj said.

The two juniors are defender Nurul Najah and striker Nuraslinda Said.

WOMEN: Goalkeepers: Farah Ayuni, Mas Huzaimah; Defenders: Juliani Din, Siti Noor Amarina, Siti Shahida, Raja Norsharina, Nurul Safiqah, Nurul Najah Farhani.

Midfielders: Nur Aisyah, Noorain Arshad, Norazlin Sumantri, Noor Hasliza, Norbaini Hashim, Fatin Shafika; Forwards: Nuraslinda Said, Wan Norfaiezah, Hanis Nadiah, Norhidayah Ahmad, Nurul Nabihah, Siti Rahmah.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



National Under-16: A shambolic scam

By Jugjet Singh


TERENGGANU ...Boys champions.


CHAMPIONS ...Selangor girls and runners-up boys

THE 1MAS-Milo National Under-16 Boys' and Girls' tournament concluded on Sunday with Terengganu and Selangor winning the respective categories in a 9s tournament which saw many flaws from the very start.

First of all, there were no schools tournaments in states leading to inter-district for fairer selection. The reason was because the Education Ministry did not have funds for hockey tournaments at schools.

So, selections were based on who the respective coaches knew and who were on the radar of team managers and state secretaries.

Those who played in the Junior Hockey League (JHL) were of course more visible and picked over others who never had a chance to show their skills at schools level.

This being an Under-16 tournament, fresh faces should have been preferred, instead of relying on the same old faces who play in the JHL, especially in Division Two.

But states were looking for results more than a bigger pool of players, as Open trials were held, but selection were already done weeks before trials were called.

Those who walked in for trials never had a chance in their lives to play in the National Under-16.

Some trials were called for a period of two days, but after just one day, those who walked in were told not to turn up for the second day trials as the coach already had in mind players from last year, and players from sports schools which he wanted to pinch.

This practise shrunk the pool for national selectors  --- 1MAS director Tai Beng Hai, Nor Saiful Zaini, Mohamed Suffian, S. Vellapan and Amin Rahim.

This group was tasked to select boys for the Four-Nation Under-16 tournament in Mannheim, Germany, on May 13-16.

Injustice was done to many who were not selected by states in their haphazard Open trials, and not the best in the country will now head to Mannheim.

These are the players who will represent the country in the next Junior World Cup, provided they play well and qualify.

The 9s tournament also did not serve the purpose it was intended for -- more goals and more open space to run and throw the ball. As players were lost playing this format for the first time.

And a week before its start, no indepth planning was done before the 9s rules were drafted.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee had sent out forms for 15 names to be registered from the normal 18.

All 13 boys and 13 girls teams promptly dropped one goalkeeper each -- sidelining 26 goalkeepers in a blink.

And two more players from each state, 26 boys and 26 girls, were also left out in the cold because the MHC changed the format.

When pointed out that a total of 26 goalkeepers and 52 players, totalling 78 overall, will not play in the National Under-16, competitions committee chairman George Koshy finally realised the folly they were heading into.

Credit to Koshy, he immediately instructed his charges to amend the rule and sent a email to all states to save 78 boys and girls from the agony of missing out the chance of their lives.

But still, in the end, the tournament did not serve its purpose as a selection base for raw and promising talent. It was actually a waste of time, because even the national selectors already had selected their Mannheim Four-Nation team from JHL players who they watched earlier.

The saving grace would be if the MHC selects another two teams, one each for boys and girls, from raw and promising talent and watch them grow and fight for a spot with the Mannheim team.

If not, might as well scrap the Under-16 it from next year's calendar.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



1Mas-Milo Under-16 hockey format likely to stay

by S. Ramaguru


Terengganu celebrate after winning the boys’ 1Mas-Milo Under-16 hockey title on Sunday.

KUALA LUMPUR: The nine-a-side format used in the recent 1MAS-Milo Under-16 hockey championship could be extended for another year.

The competitions committee will get feedback from all the teams before making a decision.

But the exciting finals in both the boys and girls category showed that the format could spark greater interest and excitement in the game.

MHC competitions committee chairman George Koshy said that both the finals went into penalty shootouts and generated greater excitement.

“The teams did not have much time to practice following the change in the format but they will get better at it. We will wait for the feedback,” he said.

There are mixed feelings over the format.

Some coaches feel that having fewer players on the field is not good for the development of the sport.

Selangor’s coach Azman Ali thinks otherwise.

“Time was too short to practice this year.  We will be more prepared if this format is used again. I have no issue if the format is used,” he said after leading the Selangor girls to the title for a second time on Sunday.

Terengganu won the boy’s title for the first time and their coach Mohamed Fitri Harun also has no issue over the new format.

“We need to get used to it. Many are concerns on the fewer number of players. There is also a need to change the playing style to adapt to this format.  We will follow the MHC’s decision,” he added.

This year’s meet saw the participation of 13 states except for Sarawak.

The Star of Malaysia



Hockey Battle reloaded

Fight on for Nzoia Region supremacy

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Dennis Mwangi (left) of Friends School Kamusinga fights for the ball Markuku Rokoi (right) of Narok Boys High School Dennis Mwangi (left) of Friends School Kamusinga fights for the ball Markuku Rokoi (right) of Narok Boys High School

It is that time of the year, when egos are broken, dreams realised and others shattered as Nzoia Region Term One games start tomorrow.

For the newcomers in school games, Nzoia Region is the bedrock of secondary schools boys' hockey talent. Every year, the region's finals provide hockey enthusiasts with a chance to savour the country's best, after all, it is here that national and East Africa champions live.

Two East Africa boys hockey giants call this place home. Friends Schools Kamusinga and St Anthony's Kitale carry the region's blessings, year in, year out.

Playing host to this year's finals, Kamusinga will hope to overcome their nemesis and qualify for the national games. There too, they will be keen to win and secure a ticket to the East Africa games. They can't let that pass them; surely, they cannot.

"We have to win the Nzoia games because this is the region that has produced East Africa champions and winning here is a sign of better things to come."

Sanya added that he is not worried about favourites St Anthony's, but they are worried about the new schools that are now challenging other top sides.

He said he has been building his team since 2014 and his boys are ready to compete for the regional title.

"I began building my current squad after we had a successful year in 2014. We lost last year because most of them were playing competitively for the first time, but we intensified our training and I believe they are ready for the trophy."

Sanya could be right when it comes to focusing on emerging teams. His team's exit last year is a true testament.

Kamusinga, who have lifted the national title an impressive 11 times have also won the East Africa gong three times. Not a bad feat for Kamusinga. That counted for nothing, however, when Chesamis Secondary School came calling during last year's Bungoma County games.

Just like the Biblical story of David versus Goliath, when the 80 minutes of play were over, Kamusinga didn't know what had really hit them. Yet there they were. Shell-shocked. Dumbfounded. Bewildered. They had just lost 2-3 on post-match penalties!

Kamusinga are in group B together with Kakamega High and Chewoyet Boys of West Pokot County.

East Africa champions St Anthony's are also determined to complete a double this year. The team's coach Kevin Lugalia said he is eyeing the national title after they lost 3-0 in a penalty shootout to Narok Boys.

"We have been working hard to achieve our feat of 2011 and 2012 when we won the national and East Africa crowns. My boys are ready for this and I believe we will make it," Lugalia said.

The Standard Online



JPOL Set to Kick Off with Over 50 Clubs in Six Regions

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -  The US Junior Premier Outdoor League (JPOL) runs under the umbrella of Junior Premier Hockey (JPH) that was created by Nigel Traverso and Rachael Bloemker in 2011. Its objective is to run organized, competitive outdoor leagues in each region whereby youth clubs and their membership have the opportunity to compete against each other on a regular basis.

This year JPOL is pleased to announce the signing of a new 3-year Title Sponsorship Agreement with World Camp USA & SportEuroTour. JPOL would like to welcome them and thank them for their support.

JPH is very much aware that each region has different scheduling concerns with spring sports, Futures, Regional Club Championship and various Showcases.

"The Junior Outdoor Premier League (JPOL) is one of the top junior leagues in the country and promotes a high level of field hockey competition throughout the spring,” said Shawn Hindy, USA Field Hockey Board of Directors Chair. “USA Field Hockey loves to see field hockey players, umpires and coaches working together and having high level games each weekend. We are huge advocates of these games and know that college coaches, parents, fans and lovers of the great sport of field hockey will thoroughly enjoy watching them!"

As JPOL continues to spread their wings and expand, they continue to welcome requests from other regions to bring the JPOL model to their neighborhood. This year they received several requests from clubs in Region 8 (South) and for expansion into the U-14 Division. After much review and discussion, they decided to accommodate both requests.

JPH would like to take this opportunity to welcome the participating clubs from Region 8.

The U-14 Division will take a different twist than the regular JPOL that is played by Regions. It will be a one-pool format of twelve club teams, representing five different Regions, with no more than four clubs from any one Region. These club teams will travel over six dates, including the Championship, participating at venues in three of the Regions (R5, R6 and R7) to compete against each other. Each club team will play a total of eleven pool games plus two on the Championship date for final ranking.

For 2016, JPH is pleased to announce that the 2016 JPOL will be played in Region 5 (Pennsylvania), Region 6 (New Jersey), Region 7 (Chesapeake), Region 8 (South) and Region 9 and 10 (Midwest), plus the newly created U-14 Division.

This JPH league is played annually during the spring months of April and May with the Championships held on the first or second weekend of June. Clubs will be competing in three divisions, U-14, U-16 and U-19.

The following clubs have accepted the invitation and will be participating in the following regions:

Region 5 (Pennsylvania):

Alley Cats - Harrisburg, Pa.
East Coast FH - Hersey, Pa.
Electric SurgeFHC – Dallas, Pa.
FSC – Mechanicsville, Pa.
Horizon FHC - Drexel Hill, Pa.
PA EliteFHC – Kingston, Pa.
Philly HC- Hatfield, Pa.
Souderton Strikers –Hatfield, Pa.
Xcalibur FHC - Elverson, Pa.

Region 6 (New Jersey):

FC United - Daren, Conn.
G-Force FH - Lake Hiawatha, N.J.
Jersey Intensity FH - Monmouth Beach, N.J.
Lasting Legacy FHC - Huntington, N.Y.
Mid Jersey Knights FHC - Highland Park, N.J.
Princeton FHC - Princeton, N.J.
Quik Stix Elite - Plainfield, N.J.
Rapid Fire Elite - Edison, N.J.
RYE Academy - Mount Kisco, N.Y.
South Jersey Edge FHC - Erial, N.J.
Spirit of USA FH - Cherry Hill, N.J.
Surf n Sand FH  - West Long Branch, N.J.
Total Dutch FH - Somerset, N.J.
Uprise FHC - Moorestown, N.J.
Xplosive HC - Mt. Laurel, N.J.

Region 7 (Chesapeake):

Freedom HKY - Annapolis, Md.
MMalik Stars FHC - Pikesville, Md.
Oranje-Gottaloveit - Millsboro, Del.
Southeast Storm - Crofton, Md.
SPark- Severna Park, Md.
Storm Chasers FH - Annapolis, Md.
The Gaels FHC - Severna Park, Md.
TNT FH–Cockeysville, Md.
Warhawks FH - Elkridge, Md.

Region 8 (South) - NEW:

757 FHC - Virginia Beach, Va.
Capitol Pegasus FH - Rockville, Md.
Charlotte Ambush FHC - Charlotte, N.C.
Focus FH - Williamsburg, Va.
Hawks Premier FHC - Yorktown, Va.
High Voltage FH - Fredericksburg, Va.
Metro HC - Bethesda, Md.
Nova Elite FH - Stafford, Va.
Richmond Panthers United FH - Richmond, Va.
Potomac Rapids FH - Broadlands, Va.
Rampage FH - Centerville, Va.
Saints FHC - Henrico, Va.
TCOYO FH - Virginia Beach, Va.

Region 9 & 10 (Midwest):

Aim FH - St. Louis, Mo.
Bluegrass Premier FHC - Louisville, Ky.
Fer de Lance - Ann Arbor, Mich.
FH Life - Oxford, Ohio
IFHCK - Louisville, Ky.
Milwaukee FHC - Mequon, Wis.
Pinnacle FH - Ann Arbor, Mich.
Stealth FH - Louisville, Ky.
Windy City FH - Northbrook, Ill.

U-14 Division: NEW

Central Penn FH - Dillsburg, Pa.
FC United - Daren, Conn.
Freedom HKY - Annapolis, Md.
Jersey Intensity FH - Monmouth Beach, N.J.
PA Elite - Kingston, Pa.
Philly HC - Hatfield, Pa.
Potomac Rapids FH - Broadlands, Va.
South Jersey Edge - Erial, N.J.
Storm Chasers FHC - Annapolis, Md.
Total Dutch FH - Somerset, N.J.
Uprise FHC   - Moorestown, N.J.
Xcalibur FHC - Elverson, Pa.

JPOL is a USA Field Hockey Sanctioned Event. Participation in JPOL will provide athletes and coaches with a high level of competition on a regular basis that will prepare them and their club for success at Regional Club Championship, National Club Championship, National Hockey Festival as well as any and all domestic and international competition.

"We wish JPOL participants all the very best for the upcoming season,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey Executive Director. "Enjoy the competition, build on your individual and team skills and above all, have fun in field hockey."

Should your club be interested in participating in the JPOL in the future or needs additional information about this year’s event, please go to the website at www.JuniorPremierHockey.com or contact Rachael Bloemker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Nigel Traverso, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Good luck to all participants and club teams!

USFHA media release



Allen resigns from VIS

Katie Allen resigns as Victoria's women’s hockey Head Coach



The Victorian Institute of Sport has announced that Katie Allen has resigned from her position as Head Coach of the Women’s Hockey Program after 7 years at the helm.

Allen has decided it is an appropriate time for her to concentrate on completing her academic studies on a full time basis and in her own words, “to challenge myself in a different direction both personally and professionally for the remainder of 2016”.

VIS Performance Manager Dave Crosbee paid tribute to Allen, “Without her hard work, effort, coaching insights and desire to support and challenge athletes both in their hockey and personal development, the program and women’s hockey in Victoria would not be in the positive position it finds itself in.”

“I believe Katie’s decision highlights the fact she not only talks about challenging to effect change, but is also prepared to live this ethos on a personal level,” Crosbee added.

Katie was appointed to the Head Coach position of the VIS program in 2009, prior to this she played hockey for Australia at World Cups, Champions Trophy competitions, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, being part of the Gold medal winning team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 before moving into coaching.

During her time at the VIS Allen has worked with a range of developing athletes, many who have gone on to represent Australia at the highest level of competition.

Other highlights of her tenure include guiding the Victorian Vipers to victory in the women’s Australian Hockey League competition in 2012, after a long 9 year wait. And more recently, developing the Elite Mentoring Program which utilised the experience of past and present senior players to improve the skills and abilities of a select group of VIS youth.

Mr Crosbee confirmed that Allen’s formal last day with the program and the VIS will be Wednesday 27th April and that all the partners in the program, Hockey Australia, Hockey Victoria and VIS are working together to ensure athlete support continues unaffected.

Hockey Australia media release



Hockey heroes out to ensure cricketers' safety in Mohali

Sidharth Monga in Mohali


Rajpal Singh, a former India hockey captain, now works with Punjab Police. Sidharth Monga/ESPNcricinfo

There has been a longish tradition of India hockey players or athletes guarding cricketers at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The thing is, nobody knows they are being looked after by legends in their own rights
1K shares 19

When you go to Mohali for the next World T20 match and the police is trying to stop you from reaching your favourite cricketers for autographs, look closely and possibly ask them where DSP (Traffic) Rajpal Singh or SP (City) Gagan Ajit Singh are. Ask for their autographs too. Rajpal is a former India hockey captain, Gagan Ajit a former striker. Both are Arjuna Award winners, but they now work full time with Punjab Police.

There has been a longish tradition of India hockey players or athletes looking after the security of cricketers at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The thing is, nobody knows they are being looked after by legends in their own rights. Nobody in the crowd knows, cricketers don't know - although it is hard to expect them to scan every cop's face - and sometimes even the other cops don't know that one or two of them has represented India at hockey. Even if you have interest in hockey, it is hard to tell with Sikh players when they are not in gear: they go from patka (bandana) to turban, and the beard is not always tied when they are not playing. Punjab Police is a big employer of sportspeople.

It's only GS Sandhu, the CEO of PCA, who was a decathlete himself and also a vice-president of Indian Hockey Federation, who recognises them at the stadium, among a sea of Punjab Police employees posted there for international and IPL matches. In 1999, during an India-Pakistan ODI he saw the legendary Pargat Singh here. He asked Pargat what he was doing here, and Pargat said he was on duty. Sandhu was surprised.

Sandhu was the manager of the Indian hockey team when Pargat took them to Australia in 1991 for Tests and Olympics qualifiers. Pargat, considered one of the best defenders in the world at his time, went on to captain India at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and in Atlanta in 1996.

Sometime back, Sandhu spotted Sunita Rani here. She has won an Asian gold in 1500m, and also holds the national record in 1500m. She has won an Arjuna Award and a Padma Shri. She too ensured the players' and crowds' safety without anybody recognising her.

Rajpal, 32, has to wake up at 6.30am every day to play his hockey. He is not a part of the national team, which means he has to be on duty just like any other policeman. That, from 6.30am before his duty hours, is the only hockey Rajpal gets to play. The IPL-style Hockey India League doesn't hire players over 30. Rajpal has done a few IPL games here, and is now posted for the World T20 too. He doesn't feel bad that nobody recognises him. He knows hockey is not that popular a sport in India anymore nor is he on TV in the IPL-style league. "Anyway people don't expect a player to be doing duty in uniform," he says. "It is not easy to recognise."

Nor does Rajpal grudge that he has to look after the safety of the cricketers. "I am not doing this as a former India captain," he says. "I am doing this is a policeman. I am a hockey player from 6.30am to 8.30am." He wants to continue being that hockey player in the morning for as long as his fitness can hold. The pride in his job shows in Rajpal. He didn't get an honorary post like, say, Harbhajan Singh, the cricketer, did. He applied for it, went through proper training and exams, and then made it as a policeman.

So google these names, check their images, go up to them. Do selfies. Tweet them. So that the next time there is a cricket match in Mohali, Sandhu shouldn't be the only one recognising them.

ESPN Cricinfo

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