News for 09 June 2016
All the news for Thursday 9 June 2016
The Netherlands Rise Above USWNT 2-4 in First Friendly Match
HILVERSUM, The Netherlands - In preparation of the 2016 Champions Trophy set to take place next week in London, the U.S. Women's National Team traveled to Holland for a two-game test series against The Netherlands. Today's first match recorded a final score of USA 2, The Netherlands 4.
The Netherlands came off of the starting line with momentum which Team USA found difficult to contain at the beginning of the match, allowing the Netherlands to score in the first minute of play. Despite their best defensive efforts, the USA gave up two more field goals in the second quarter to create a halftime score of 3-0. In classic, never-say-die American spirit, Team USA continued to bring an aggressive attack mentality to the second half of the match. In the 42nd minute Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) hit the target as a result of a penalty corner opportunity with a precise tip that fell over the goal line. The score change 3-1, The Netherlands still holding the lead. The Netherlands answered with a quick field goal to up the score by one in the 48th minute. Still running at full tilt, the USA earned a penalty corner in the 55th minute. Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) was well positioned to send a sharp strike to the backboard to give Team USA their second goal of the match. Although displaying resilience by closing the goal gap, the final scoresheet was marked USA 2, The Netherlands 4.
“There was a nice tempo to the game and I thought we played well for long periods," said Craig Parnham, U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach. "After a slow opening couple of minutes we grew into the game. We will take some valuable learning experiences from tonight’s performance that we will look to develop through the week.”
A special feature of today's match was the celebration of a landmark achievement for K. Reinprecht as she secured her 150th international cap.
“It was a pleasure to see Katie Reinprecht celebrate her 150th cap today," said Parnham.
Team USA will meet The Netherlands on the pitch again Friday at 7 p.m. local time for a final match.
USFHA media release
London's Calling: Men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 Preview
Men's event begins on Friday 10 June; women's starts on Saturday 18 June
Who will run away with this year's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy title? Photo: FIH/Getty Images
This Friday (10 June), Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre will open its doors and welcome thousands of sports fans eager to witness the 'Best of the Best' at the men’s and women’s Hockey Champions Trophies 2016.
The London 2012 Olympic legacy facility is playing host to the last major international hockey competitions before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.
Of the 12 teams competing in London, 11 will be in action in Rio. With the matches taking place in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, host of the 2012 Games, the Hockey Champions Trophies will officially kick off the sport’s Olympic celebrations.
The men’s Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016, which takes place from 10-17 June, will see world champions Australia (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) taking on Olympic champions and 2014 Hockey Champions Trophy winners Germany (WR: 3), host nation Great Britain (WR: 4), European giants Belgium (WR: 5), Asian continental champions India (WR: 7) and the always dangerous Korea (WR: 9).
Friday’s action gets underway at 16:00 (UTC/GMT +1) with a mouthwatering clash between title holders Germany and the ever-improving India.
Although they have not been at their brilliant best in recent months, Die Honamas have a reputation for getting it right in Olympic year and with world class players like midfield star Tobias Hauke, defensive rock Martin Häner and extraordinary striker Florian Fuchs (FIH Young Player of the Year 2012), they certainly have the firepower to make a solid defence of their Champions Trophy title.
India will prove to be a stern opening challenge, and following their third place finish at last year’s Hero Hockey World League Final in Raipur, are a side packed full of confidence, as made clear by Manpreet Singh ahead of the event. “We don’t feel scared to take on big teams anymore”, said the 23-year-old midfielder. “We don’t think ourselves as underdogs anymore. In fact, we will go with the confidence that we are as good as any other team if not better.”
The second match of day one, starting at 18:00 will see European giants Belgium take on Korea - a team that booked their ticket to the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 by winning the 2014 Hockey Champions Challenge.
Belgium’s Red Lions have earned a reputation as one of the world’s most feared attacking sides, with striker Tom Boon and midfield star John-John Dohmen being two of many exceptional players amongst their ranks.
The Koreans have numerous stars of their own, including veteran striker Seo Jong-ho, who first made an appearance in the Champions Trophy way back in 1999.
The final match of the day one schedule takes place at 20:00 and will see home favourites Great Britain – a side containing the respective talents of attacking duo Barry Middleton and Ashley Jackson – get their campaign underway against reigning World Cup and World League champions Australia.
“It's the first Champions Trophy any of us have played on home soil and it is a tournament that we want to win for the first time”, said Great Britain defender Dan Fox, speaking to Planet Hockey Magazine. “Everything we do this year is part of our Rio preparation. That said, the Champions Trophy is a major trophy and we will be trying full out to win it.”
The mighty Kookaburras will be determined to add to their record haul of 13 Hockey Champions Trophy titles here in London, and with the likes of Eddie Ockenden, Chris Ciriello and Blake Govers amongst their ranks, they have every chance of doing so.
The round-robin games of the men's Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 will conclude on Thursday 16 June, with the classification matches and showpiece final taking place on Friday 17 June.
The women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 begins on Saturday 18 June and runs through to Sunday 26 June.
It promises to be two weeks of action packed, world class hockey that will be enjoyed not just by the fans in the stadium but also by a global broadcast audience of millions.
Looking ahead to the showpiece events, FIH President Leandro Negre said: “The prestigious Champions Trophies are considered to be hockey’s entertainment showpiece events. They are always fiercely competitive and the line-up for the events in London – the last elite international competitions before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – ensures that the 2016 editions will be extra special.
“The hosting of innovative and exciting entertainment events is a key goal in FIH’s Hockey Revolution strategy, which is designed to raise the global status and popularity of hockey in a bid to reach our ambition of becoming a global game that inspires the next generation. With exceptional action on the field and fan-focussed entertainment all around the venue, we know that a very special time awaits everyone attending the events in London.”
Tickets for both events are still available and can be purchased by clicking here.
Key Facts:
• Number of previous editions: 35
• Number of teams participated: 16 (Netherlands, Australia, Germany, West Germany, Pakistan, Argentina, Spain, India, Korea, Great Britain, England, Belgium, Soviet Union, New Zealand, Malaysia, France.)
• Total number of matches played: 652
• Total number of goals scored: 2,923
• Average number of goals per match: 4.5
• Most matches played: 200 – Australia
• Most matches won: 112 – Australia
• Highest % of games won: 56.77% - Netherlands
• Most goals scored: 532 – Australia
• Previous winners: Australia (13 titles), Netherlands (8), Germany (7), Pakistan (3), West Germany (3), Spain (1).
• Top goal-scorer: 46 - Taeke Taekema, Netherlands
• Most matches played: 103 - Teun de Nooijer, Netherlands
Television / Live Streaming
Numerous broadcasters will be showing the action from London. To find out which broadcasters will be showing which games, visit the below links:
Men's: click here
Women's: click here
The FIH You Tube channel will be extremely active during the event, with match highlights and much more being posted as soon as they become available. In some territories, live matches may also be shown. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below.
www.youtube.com/hockey
#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
Kerry names squad for Hockey Champions Trophy
Danny Kerry, Great Britain Head Coach has named the 18 athletes who will take part in the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy in London. Kerry’s side features a number of experienced heads including Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh who is heading into her seventh Hockey Champions Trophy.
The tournament runs from 18-26 June, following directly on from the men’s event at the same venue from 10-17 June.
Great Britain’s first match is against Argentina, the World No2, on 18 June at 14:00. The following day Danny Kerry’s side take on the World and Olympic Champions the Netherlands. Remaining clashes are against New Zealand (21 June) USA (23 June) and finally Australia (25 June). The classification and medal matches will take place on 26 June.
The squad has a number of players who have competed in the tournament multiple times already. As well as Kate Richardson-Walsh’s six previous appearances, Alex Danson and Laura Unsworth have appeared in the competition five times already. Georgie Twigg, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Crista Cullen have all competed in the tournament four times. Each of those players collected a silver medal back in 2012; Great Britain’s best-ever finish.
Canterbury’s Susannah Townsend is poised to reach 100 international caps at the competition. The talented No9 currently has 95 appearances to her name.
Ahead of the tournament, Great Britain Coach Danny Kerry said:
“We have selected a complimentary blend of combinations that is adaptable to the differing challenges we will face at the Champions Trophy. We have creativity, pace, and assuredness across the lines and we are all looking forward to the opportunity to play again at Lee Valley in the wonderful Olympic legacy venue.”
“The Champions Trophy this year will be interesting as I believe all of the teams competing are capable of winning the prestigious trophy. That should make for tight games decided on the finest of margins.”
Full Squad for Champions Trophy:
Giselle Ansley (Surbiton)
Sophie Bray (East Grinstead)
Crista Cullen (No Club)
Alex Danson (Reading)
Maddie Hinch (GK) (Holcombe)
Joie Leigh (Clifton)
Kirsty Mackay (GK) (East Grinstead)
Hannah Macleod (St Albans)
Shona McCallin (Holcombe)
Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham)
Sam Quek (Holcombe)
Helen Richardson-Walsh (Reading)
Kate Richardson-Walsh (Reading)
Susannah Townsend (Canterbury)
Georgie Twigg (Surbiton)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead)
Hollie Webb (Surbiton)
Nicola White (Holcombe)
Great Britain Hockey media release
Chasing The Dream with USWNT Athlete Paige Selenski
There are iconic, classic pairings.
Peanut butter and jelly
Cat and mouse
Ross and Rachel
Salt and pepper
We’d like to add one more to the list. A hockey ball and USWNT athlete Paige Selenski. Capitalizing on her turbo like speed and the strength of her stick skills in the attack circle, the Shavertown, Pa. native is a huge threat on the international scene. The connection between Selenski and a hockey ball is somewhat magnetic. More than likely this means hitting the hard, plastic ball into the backboard, but there are have been a few occasions when Selenski has been on the receiving end, earning some shiners. Maybe the collection of five battle scars, acts as warning signals to her opponents that she’s an all-out, without-hesitation aggressive attacker that won’t stop for anything until the goal whistle blows.
“There have been a few bruises and a broken nose,” said Selenski. “At this rate, it’s normal. I just want to slap a Band-Aid on it and get back on the field.”
Although tough-spirited, there are some things a little gauze and medical tape won’t heal.
In late March of 2015 Selenski suffered from a rare injury where her hamstring tore from the bone. She took a month off for rehabbing purposes and then played in the 2015 Hockey World League Round 3 in Spain and the 2015 Pan American Games in Canada. Her hamstring pain resurfaced and she was forced to make a decision – surgery or attempt to let it heal on its own. She opted for surgery putting in every ounce of energy and effort to get back to the game and team she loves. While the team was training in San Diego, Calif. at the beginning of 2016, Selenski was in Lancaster, Pa., pushing herself through four-a-days, whatever it took to be back to full-tilt. Finally, all of extra hours seen and unseen paid off in May 2016 when she was back on the turf.
“It was eye-opening in a sense,” said Selenski. “It gave me perspective of how hard I can push my myself physically and mentally.”
A graduate from the University of Virginia, Selenski was named the 2012 Virginia Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year at the 67th Annual Portsmouth Sports Club Jamboree, the first collegiate athlete to twice earn the distinction. She scored the 100th goal of her career, marking as the 10th player in NCAA history to score 100 career goals at the time. Selenski was ranked among the top-five players in the nation in scoring, goals-per-game and points per game. She took her sharp shooting skills with to the senior national team in 2009 where she made an immediate impact. She took her senior year off at the University of Virginia to move to Coronado, Calif. to further her training full time with the red, white and blue. Her dedication paid off as she was selected to the London 2012 Olympic Games roster. Since then, Selenski has continues to play an integral part of Team USA's attack.
Her career has not been a solo journey. Since the elementary days of hockey, Selenski has always leaned on the love of her family. Brothers Brian and Greg and her mother and father are and continue to be a constant in her life. It’s an unbreakable bond strengthened by adversity. Navigating through high school homework is tough enough for any teen, but Selenski was also coping with her mother's treatment for Ovarian Cancer. Admirably and brave to put her personal hardships aside and attempting to forge some kind of normalcy, Selenski’s mother supported her daughter during the early years of hockey by always sitting on the sideline and attending high school practices and games. What happens when your constant, number one fan is no longer in the stands? It has the power to be debilitating. Selenski took the hurt and extracted from it the unshakeable strength and toughness of her mother and used it as a catalyst to propel her to extraordinary goals in sport.
“With Longstreth, I created a stick in my mom and aunt’s honor,” said Selenski. “The teal represents Ovarian Cancer Awareness for my mom and the pink represents Breast Cancer Awareness for my aunt. The stick is a reminder of why I play and who I play for.”
Within reach of 150 caps and as an Olympian, Selenski reflects back to why she was attracted to the sport in the first place.
“I love the diversity of how athletic you need to be to play field hockey,” said Selenski. “You need to be quick and strong and powerful all over. To be successful, you need to use your entire body, every muscle comes into play someway, somehow.”
Her perseverance through tragedy coupled with dynamite pitch presence has molded Selenski into a household hockey name within the United States. The sky is the limit to what she’s able to accomplish when up against an obstacle.
USFHA media release
Olympic team selection hinges on European tour for Canadian men
Shaheed Devji
With twenty Canadian men set to play seven games in Europe over the next ten days, Canada’s Men’s National Team is in the final stages of paring down its roster before selection for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The Canadian men open the European series with four matches in Ireland, beginning in Belfast on Thursday at 7:00pm local time (11:00am PT/2:00pm ET).
And while the tune-up against Olympic-bound Ireland and the three games against fellow 2016 Olympic competitor Spain to follow are key for Canada’s preparation for the Olympics, the Canadian men on the field are focused on one thing in Europe: selection.
“It’s a new experience,” says forward Devohn Noronha Texeira of the lead-up to the Olympic team being named.
Noronha Texeira is one of eighteen men in Europe vying for a spot at his first Olympic Games. Veterans Scott Tupper and Mark Pearson – the other two players rounding out the European touring team roster – are the only two active Canadian players who have competed at an Olympics (2008 in Beijing).
“I’m sure Mark and Tupper know exactly how to with those emotions and feelings leading into it. This is all a new experience for ninety percent of the team.”
Canada will be taking sixteen players to the Games in August, meaning four of the twenty on the European trip will not make the cut.
That makes for high stakes in Europe, as the matches serve as a last attempt for athletes to sway the coaching staff with their play on the field.
“I think most of the guys are starting to feel the pressure of the Olympics coming up soon,” Texeira adds. “It’s more realistic. It’s more alive and everyone is getting really excited about it.”
The Olympic team is set to be named shortly after the men return from Europe, which a public announcement schedule for the first week of July.
Canada’s newly named Olympic team will then play in a four-game series against the United States at home in Vancouver as part of an Olympic-themed week from July 4-10, which will also include the team announcement and a special Olympic Send-off and Hall of Fame Ceremony gala night.
July’s Olympic week is just part of what lies ahead for the select group of men who earn the honour of representing Canada on the biggest sporting stage the world has to offer.
“It’s the pinnacle of our sport,” Texeira says. “It’s an honour to represent your country and to go to an Olympics and represent your country, I can’t see anything that’s bigger than that.”
But first, there is work that remains for the twenty guys on the ground in Europe, who hope that their Olympic dream is just around the corner.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Black Sticks Women get boost in support
Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announced a new Team Behind the Team sponsorship for the Black Sticks Women.
Four businesses have come together to provide financial support for the next 12 months to the programme, which will help towards preparation to win on the world stage.
“Black Market is excited about the opportunity to support the talented Black Sticks team in their bid for success in 2016. The New Zealand owned, online wine company is delighted to be able to donate $5 from every case sold of the award winning W5 wine brand (promotional period: May to August 2016).”
– Richard Knight, CEO
“We are pleased to announce our support for the Black Sticks Women as part of the Team Behind the Team. Ranked fourth in the world, the team on the rise who can beat anyone on their day. We are all get behind them in their journey to becoming the best in the world.”
– Steve Smith, CEO
“Wardrobe World is pleased to announce that we will be offering financial support to the Black Sticks Women’s programme in order for them to pursue their hefty targets this year. This team, like ours, is committed to achieving excellence as they strive to deliver on the international stage.”
– Nigel Fisher, CEO 
“Oi is delighted to be on board as a social enterprise supporter for the Black Sticks. Our aim is to empower women to make small changes and healthy safe choices for the good of their health and the health of our planet. Oi celebrates all women, every day. Like all women the Blacks Sticks deserve safe and reliable products.”
– Bridget Healy, Co-Founder
Hockey New Zealand Media release
PHF gears up for Asian Champions Trophy
By Nabil Tahir
KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has commenced preparations for the senior team’s title defence at the 4th Men’s Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Kuantan, Malaysia from October 20 to 30.
Pakistan are the most successful team in the competition at the moment with two gold and one silver medals, while India have occupied the top of the podium once.
Hosts Malaysia took bronze in 2011, 2012 and 2013, while Korea are making their Asian Champions Trophy debut.
The tournament was last held in 2013 at Kakamigahara in Japan, where Pakistan defeated hosts Japan 3-1, and the PHF management and coaches are eager to retain the title this year.
“We’re trying to build a team that can defend the title,” head coach Khawaja Junaid told The Express Tribune. “We have planned an intensive training programme for the seniors after Ramazan, which will be finalised after discussing it with the management.”
He added that a boot camp at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul is also part of the plan. “A similar boot camp has helped the cricket team, so we have also planned to get the army’s help in building the players’ stamina,” said Junaid.
The coach further said that the selectors are also considering some names from the recently-concluded U18 national championship for the Asian Champions Trophy. “Some players performed well in the U18 tournament, and we believe they are a potential asset for the senior team.”
The Express Tribune
Hockey pupils to perform on national stage
Pupils excel at hockey
The hockey season is just heating up and Maragon Private Schools’ Mpho Komane, Caylin Barendsen and Jennifer Young will be looking to make a success of it.
The three pupils were selected to represent Gauteng at the Interprovincial tournament.
They will be facing off in Polokwane against teams such as Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The event will take place during the July school holidays.
Maragon has had numerous pupils representing the school on various hockey teams, ranging from the D12 District team to the Southern Gauteng hockey team.
Roodpoort Record