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News for 29 September 2016

All the news for Thursday 29 September 2016


USA makes the top in the men’s competition

The Americans achieved their second win. Trinidad & Tobago walked out with a victory in their first match.

Josefina Chavez Díaz



Trinidad & Tobago girls made their first presentation in the Siglo XXI, Stadium.

They played Guatemala and were able to show their offensive strength in their first appearance in the competition.

The action occurred on Guatemala’s side. The Caribbean girls looked for opportunities and got their reward defeating Kristel Caves goal,13 times.

"We knew it would be difficult to adapt to height, but we feel good. Now we look forward to play Mexico, our next opponent, "said Yesenia Luces, from Trinidad & Tobago.

"We are still playing without 5 or 7 players; the ones with more experience." They will arrive for the next game. It is a little frustrating. I thank today’s players for the big effort in coping with the incomplete team", said Kristel Caves.

Trinidad & Tobago will play again tomorrow. This time against México. Women’s second round will start next Friday and Guatemala will play Mexico, once more.

USA and Mexico played an exciting game at the end of day 2. These teams knew each other very well, as they played friendly matches before the tournament.

USA came into the pitch looking for Mexico’s net but the hosts stood strong in their defense. The teams went into the half time without scoring.

In the second half the North American continued pressing and opened the scoreboard thru Sean Cicchi defeating the Mexican Goalkeeper, Jose Hernandez. Some minutes later, Paul Sing added one for USA.

The final score was 2-0 for USA.

Tomorrow, Barbados will play Guatemala in the men’s competition. 

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Two Late Goals Lift USMNT Over Host Nation Mexico at FIH Hockey World League Round 1



SALAMANCA, Mexico - In a disciplined and controlled performance from the U.S. Men's National Team in their second game of Hockey World League Round 1 in Salamanca, Mexico lead to a 2-0 win against host nation Mexico. The resilience came forth in the second half when two late goals, one from Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.) and a first of the tournament from Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.), locked the victory and secured the win for Team USA.

Energized by the partisan crowd that filled the stands, Mexico started the game with energy as they sought to take the game from the USA. However, Team USA were in no mood to oblige as they quickly imposed themselves on the game and their opponents. Attack penalty corners were created but Mexico's goalkeeper was solid form as he turned away a number of opportunities that kept the score locked at 0-0 at the end of the first half.

The second half began as the first ended, with the USA pressing and Mexico looking to play quick counter attack hockey. It was on a penalty corner, in the 53rd minute, that Team USA managed to break their opponent's resistance. Holt flicked the ball hard and low into the goal to give USA a 1-0 lead. Just nine minutes later, Singh responded the quickest on a rebound and gave Team USA a two-goal cushion.

The game was far from over though and Mexico pushed the USA defensive into errors in the circle that resulted in penalty corners that they were unable to convert. Beyond that, Mexico chances were limited and Team USA were in control as the buzzer sounded to confirm the 2-0 win.

“Full credit to Mexico and the way they played," said Chris Clements, USMNT Head Coach, pleased with his team's performance. "It was a tough game, especially playing against a team on their home ground, but the team showed great resilience and we scored two great goals. I’m happy with our overall performance and I’m delighted to make it two wins from two.”

“Mexico played really well," added Singh. "I think we could certainly have converted more of our chances but more than anything it was about coming away with the win and we did that.”

The USMNT has the next two days off before returning to the field on Saturday, October 1 to play Guatemala at 1:15 p.m. EST in their final match before crossovers

USFHA media release



Calypso Stickwomen crush Guatemala 13-0

Nigel Simon


T&T's Yesenia Luces, right, heads for goal while Guatemala's Nataly Lopez gives chase in their opening match of the FIH World League Round One qualifiers at the Siglo XXI Stadium, Salamanca, Mexico, yesterday. T&T won 13-0.

Yesenia Luces scored a handful of goals to lead T&T senior women’s hockey squad to an emphatic 13-0 mauling of Guatemala in their opening match of the FIH World League Round One qualifiers at the Siglo XXI Stadium, Salamanca, Mexico, yesterday.

Luces opened the scoring for T&T in the 19th minute and added further items in the 45th, 52nd, 53rd and 69th minutes in the lopsided contest to join host Mexico on three points after the latter’s 18-0 thrashing of the Central Americans on Tuesday.

Saarah Olton chipped in with a pair of second-half goals for the Brian Garcia-coached T&T women’s squad in the 48th and 59th minutes while captain Teresa Lezama (20th), Chelsea Dey (34th), Zene Henry (37th), Sekayi Liburd (40th), Giann Sealey (60th) and Felicia King (64th) chipped in with one apiece.

Today, T&T and Mexico will face off from 3.30 pm in to complete the first round of their three-team two-rounds round-robin series, at the end of which only the winner will advance to the World League Second Round.

T&T’s last run in the FIH World League was in the 2014-2015 season which saw them winning Round One, held in Kingston, Jamaica before moving on to a sixth placed finish in Round Two, held in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Yesterday’s Results

T&T 13 (Yesenia Luces 19th, 45th, 52nd, 53rd, 69th, Saarah Olton 48th, 59th, Teresa Lezama 20th, Chelsea Dey 34th, Zene Henry 37th, Sekayi Liburd 40th, Giann Sealey 60th, Felicia King 64th) vs Guatemala 0

Tuesday

Mexico 18 (Michel Navarro 4th, 9th, 16th, 70th, Arlette Estrada 4th, 19th, 69th, Marlet Correa 15th, 47th, 58th, Ana Juarez 23rd, 25th, Fernanda Oviedo 28th, 37th, Karen Orozco 57th, 59th, Anelly Gonzalez 32nd, Laura Velasquez 61st) vs Guatemala 0

Remaining fixtures

Today - T&T vs Mexico, 5.45 pm
Tomorrow - Mexico vs Guatemala, 5.45 pm
Saturday - Guatemala vs T&T, 3.30 pm
Sunday - T&T vs Mexico,

The Trinidad Guardian



India take on Pakistan in the U-18 Asia Cup semifinals

DHAKA: A traditional rivalry will take centre-stage when India take on Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament here on Thursday.

The two teams have enjoyed success before in the competition, India having been twice - winners in 2001 and fifth in 2009. Pakistan have also twice been part of the tournament, winning it in 2009 and finishing with Bronze in 2011.

In the ongoing tournament, the two teams have had a contrasting set of results. Pakistan have brushed past a relatively inexperienced and easy pool with ease, beating Chinese-Taipei 6-1 in their opener and China 6-0 in the next game. They won their final game against Hong Kong 14-0 to top the group.

India faced a tough challenge against the hosts in the opening game of the tournament and went down 5-4 in what was arguably the most exciting match played yet. Brushing off that loss, they defeated Oman 11-0 to take their first points of the competition.

Indian forwards Ibungo Singh Konjengbam and Dilpreet Singh have been in sparkling form in the tournament with four goals each.

At the back, despite the disappointment of the first game, Captain Nilam Sanjeep Xess and goalkeeper Pankaj Kumar Rajak have been standout performers.

Speaking about the encounter Coach BJ Kariappa said, "The traditional rivalry adds a unique flavour to the contest, but we expect that. The boys are focused on the task at hand. Pakistan have been prolific in front of goal, so obviously we will need to tighten up our defensive structure in the game. On the other hand, I don't think they have had to face an attacking side like ours, with this depth of talent yet, so it will be a challenge for them too."

The Times of India



Md Umar: We have to play good hockey, do simple things



Mercurial Indian forward Mohd. Umar sees bright spots in his hugely raw team mates tomorrow when Indian team takes on arch rivals Pakistan in the fourth Beximco Asia Sub-Junior Asia Cup at the Moulana Bashini stadium in Dhaka.

“Most of our boys are new to international competition, and are making debut here. However, they improved a lot in the last two matches”.

“I feel we need to play good hockey, then the result will be good. We will try to do simple things well like rotation, getting penalty corners and converting and then don’t complicate things”, said the youngster with clarity”.

He considers losing to Bangladesh in the opener is an eye-opener for the young team, but sees positives here.

“The mere fact that we had a tough match against the hosts in our opener here, has given us a good measure of competition. This is good for us. On the other hand, Pakistan so far had easy matches, and will be pressed hard into a tough match tomorrow against us. Therefore, I see we have advantage tomorrow”.

Umar and Captain Nilam Sanjeeb are the only two players in the Indian team who had some experience of playing big matches that too against Pakistan.



Rest of the Indian team, barring Hardik Singh, who played last SAF Games, play their first international tournament.

Umar is the Junior Asia Cup gold medal winner, at the cost Pakistan last year in Kuantan and then Silver in the South Asian Federation Games. India lost the final to Pakistan in the Guwahati event.

“Those two Pakistan teams were strong, and our games were equally matching. The experience is with me and with Nilam"

. "The new boys will keep up the improving trend”, the youngster from Bhopal, which has produced numerous players for Indian hockey, said.

Umar plays upfront, and is often target of defenders. He was twice hit hard and seen writhing on pain often.

“Tough tackles and injuries are part of the games, it hardly matters”, signs of Umar.

If India has to do well tomorrow and ensure final berth, much will depend on this youngster’s form tomorrow.

Stick2Hockey.com



Pak coach Kamran: “Its not correct to hype up India-Pak matches”

s2h team



Former ace forward Kamran Ashraff shoulders the responsibility of leading Under-18 boys in the ongoing fourth Sub-Jr Asian Championship in Dhaka. His team have won all the three matches to majestically enter the semis, where it will meet traditional sporting foe India. Kamran speaks to www.stick2hockey.com on his team, prospects, and vision for Pakistan hockey.

“We played three matches, and I found we improved each match. If we continue, we hope to have a good match against India too”.

On asked why his team goes for too many goals against weak teams he has to say this: It was part of our game plan to score as many goals as possible so that players get confidence. When you score field goal you get confidence, it will reflect on pressure games. More goals was our game plan, am happy the team delivered.

On Pakistan team not scoring through penalty corners, he said at the moment the team is focussing on field goals.

“Its our traditional game, and I subscribe to it. However, we scored penalty corners when we wanted it. Yes, not many of them.”

Everyone expected India-Pak clash for the crown, but they will bemeeting in the semis. On this he said: “We obviously thought we will play India in the final. We have to any case play either in the semis or the final. It has a match earlier. Whatever, its big match, I hope both teams play good hockey”.

Every player in my team will face off India for the first time. It will be a pressure game, no doubt about it. Pressure may be, but I told my boys its not war as media or somebody else would describe, for players it’s a game, play the way used to play, normal game.

This trend of treating India-Pak match as war and something like this is not good for our collective hockey. The trend has to change, else we wont be able to improve globally.

“Its wrong to hype up our matches. Our target is not each other, but improving ranks globally. And try to get back our identity. Everyone knows we are what we are at Asia level. But the vision is long term, to become a force to reckon with globally.



On asked whether players in his team understand your vision, and will consider tomorrow’s semifinal match as a normal game, he said: “Since I took over coaching, I have been telling the boys the simple thing, don’t take pressure for any match, be it Dutch or India, whatever. The colts here are new, they will certainly take pressure, but my effort will be see they don’t.

We expected India will be a good side, balanced one. I found the same here. Yes they lost to Bangladesh, it doesn’t mean they don’t have capacity to challenge any other team. Therefore we consider India top team and accordingly we will go all out.

On asked about the impact a success in Dhaka will have on Pakistan hockey, the ace forward said: "It will be a big boost for Pakistan hockey. As we missed out some major international tournament, there is a lack of interest for hockey among kids".

On Uri effect, and deteriorating Indo-Pak political situation, he was categorical that politics should not reflect on sports. " I never gave importance to political situation even when played top level hockey. I will hold the same even now. Its match, that’s all. Go and do what is planned and the result of the match is up to the willing of the Almighty".

Stick2Hockey.com



Will play to beat Pakistan for sake of our soldiers: PR Sreejesh

BENGALURU: Acknowledging the supreme sacrifice made by Indian soldiers at the borders, national hockey captain PR Sreejesh vowed that his team will give its all to beat Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia next month.

Sreejesh did not mention the recent Uri terror attack which led to heightened tensions between the two countries but said his team would not want to disappoint Indian soldiers by losing against Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy to be played at Kuantan in Malaysia between October 20 and 30.

"India-Pakistan match brings a lot of excitement to the table. We want to give hundred per cent. We don't want to disappoint our soldiers by losing, especially when they sacrifice their lives in the exchange of fire at the borders," Sreejesh said.

India face Pakistan on October 23 in their round-robin match in the tournament to be played among the top six teams in the continent.

Sreejesh also said that Pakistan was currently playing low-grade hockey though they have a special quality of springing a surprise on any given day.

"They are now playing totally a lower-grade hockey. That is what I feel. But they (Pakistan) have a strong mental attitude. They can beat any team anytime. That is their specialty," Sreejesh said at the Sports Authority of India center where the team has been training.

Fresh and rejuvenated after a brief break following their eighth-place finish in the Rio Olympics, core probables of Indian senior men's hockey team had returned to the national camp, which started here on September 18.

The four-week camp has set the momentum for the fourth men's Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia where India go in as favourites. The camp features 26 core probable, including former captain Sardar Singh and the likes of Akashdeep Singh and Chinglensana Singh.

"We are better placed than Pakistan as we have been playing against top teams around the world. Pakistan on the other hand failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in their history," Sreejesh said.

The Indian captain said other teams in the tournament like Malaysia and Korea cannot be taken lightly because they have been making improvements.

"We cannot say that Asian Champions Trophy is that easy a contest. The Koreans are in the process of developing their team. Malaysia is working towards getting noticed at international level," he said.

The Times of India



Kenya to host Africa Hockey Club Championships

By BRIAN YONGA


Telkom Orange players celebrate a goal against Strathmore University during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on July 24, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya will host the 2016 edition of the Africa Cup of Club Championships after Zimbabwe withdrew from the race last month, the Africa Hockey Federation disclosed on Wednesday.

The tournament dates have further been moved from December this year to January 21-29 next year due to the Junior World Cup that will be held at the end of the year.

Africa Hockey Federation (AHF) President Ahmed Seif asked Kenya to embark on preparations for the continental event.

“Hockey Association of Zimbabwe had pulled out of hosting the event due to financial constraints and we are glad Kenya has agreed to host this prestigious competition that brings the best clubs and players in our continent,” Seif said in a statement.

About 12 men and eight women teams are expected to take part in the annual competition. Kenya has hosted the event twice, in 2007 and 2009, before and Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) chairman Nashon Randiek welcomed the move by the continental governing body.

“In the past, some of our clubs have found it hard to participate in the competition but it will now be on home soil meaning we shall have full representation,” Randiek told Daily Nation Sport.

The federation also plans to replace the current astro turf at City Park Stadium with the refurbishment set to commence in March 2017.

TELKOM WON

Fifteen clubs (eight men and seven women) took part in last year’s edition played at the Olympic Centre in Lusaka, Zambia. Local side Telkom Orange and Eastern Company from Egypt won the women’s and men’s titles respectively.

Orange beat Ghana Police 3-2 on post-match penalties to lift Africa’s elite hockey club crown for a record eighth time, their fourth in a row. Eastern Company saw off their Egyptian arch-rivals Sharkia 3-2 in the men’s final.

Strathmore University Scorpions, Butali Sugar Warriors and Kenya Police withdrew from the competition due to lack of funds.

Orange, who won an unprecedented 18th league crown, will defend their crown next year alongside Sliders - who finished second in the league.

Sliders will be making a return to the competition after a seven-year absence.

Sliders won the continental title in 1999 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and lost out to Orange in the 2009 edition played at the City Park Stadium.

Men’s champions Butali Sugar Warriors and runners Kenya Police will lead the country’ assault in the men’s competition.

The defunct Armed Forces Club is the only local men’s side to have won the competition back in 1998 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Daily Nation



Canadian men compete for clubs – locally and overseas – after Olympics

Shaheed Devji


Scott Tupper (far right) and his Schaerweijde Hockey teammates celebrate a victory in Dutch hockey league play.

After a much deserved break following the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Canada’s men’s field hockey players are back competing. But with the Men’s National Program still in stand-down mode until its carding camp in October, many players have taken to the field with their club teams locally and overseas.

Headlining the group that is back on the field is Canadian captain Scott Tupper, who has returned to Europe to play for Schaerweijde in Utrecht, Holland.

“I love playing hockey abroad,” says Tupper, who has also previously played club hockey Belgium and Germany. “It gives you an opportunity to play high level hockey week in, week out.”

Schaerweijde has played in the Hoofdklasse, Netherland’s top division, for the past five seasons, but was relegated at the end of last season. In the Overgangsklasse, the second division of Dutch hockey, Tupper is competing against Men’s National Team teammate Floris van Son, who plays for HIC.

On a team of young players looking to return to the top flight, Tupper, who has now competed at two Olympic Games, adds a veteran presence.

“I was excited to be part of a team and club that has a clear mission for the year, and I look forward to the pressure of having to perform and win every Sunday.

Also playing overseas in Germany, is veteran Canadian forward Keegan Pereira.

Pereira joined Uhlenhorst Mülheim, a team in the the German first division for similar reasons as Tupper.

“I wanted to be put in a high pressure match every weekend and the level of this league allows that,” he says. “It’s like playing an international match every weekend. I’m hoping my experience at Mülheim makes me a better player and that carries over when I play for Canada.”

Canadian midfielder Gabriel Ho-Garcia recently returned from New Zealand, where he played in the New Zealand Hockey League for Midlands and came back with a League title to his name.

Also overseas, is veteran Richard Hildreth who is playing in Great Britain.

Additionally, as is the norm at this time of year, a group of athletes have gone back to playing locally.

Seniors Gordon Johnston, Matthew Sarmento, Paul Wharton and a handful of Junior National athletes including Balraj Panesar and Floyd Mascarenhas have returned to school to play for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, which competes in the Vancouver Men’s Premiere League, facing the likes of the University of Victoria, and club teams from Surrey, Vancouver, and Burnaby, all of which are replete with National Team players.

Additionally, Canada’s Under-21 begin a series of games against local competition – including the Senior Development Squad – this week as they prepare for the 2016 Junior World Cup in December. The series precedes the Carding Camp, which will be followed by Junior World Cup team selection.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Victoria and Auckland win University titles



The Victoria University Women and Auckland University Men have picked up honours at the 2016 National University Tournament in Wellington.

Four universities made the trek to the capital to do battle, with a number of close games over two days of intense competition.

Victoria University stood out in the women’s competition, beating AUT from Auckland in the final 4-1 after the score was tied 1-1 at halftime.

Victoria went through the tournament unbeaten and were deserving of their title.

Auckland University did not have it all their own way in the men’s competition, having to claw their way into the final after going down 3-2 to Canterbury in their first game.

After three teams were tied on six points, it was Auckland University and Victoria University who played the final with Auckland rushing out to a 3-0 lead at halftime which they held on to throughout the second half.

The New Zealand University teams were also announced at the conclusion of the tournament.

These teams will take part in the Hockey NZ Affiliates Tournament being held in Hawke’s Bay from 3-7 April, 2017.

The women’s side will be coached by Craig Anderson from Canterbury University, with the men being coached by Nigel Pollock from Victoria University.

CLICK HERE to see the teams

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Terps field hockey’s Anouk van Asbeck is back in the U.S. after living in the Netherlands

By James Crabtree-Hannigan


Midfielder Anouk van Asbeck moves the ball up the side of the field in Maryland's 4-1 win over Indiana at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on September 17, 2016. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)

Anouk van Asbeck spent the vast majority of her childhood in The Netherlands, and as she grew up, she saw some of her family friends going to the United States to play college field hockey.

The Maryland field hockey midfielder was envious.

"They told me about the field hockey and how it's getting bigger," van Asbeck said, "and I was like 'Cool, I wanna do that.'"

She joined the No. 8 Terps this summer and has adapted well on the field while continuing to get used to a new lifestyle.

Van Asbeck was born in Greenwich, Connecticut and lived in Rye, New York for the first three years of her life. When she speaks about the U.S., she refers to it as "my country."

"I don't really remember [America]," van Asbeck said, "but there's a lot of pictures."

Both of van Asbeck's parents played field hockey, and her father had experience with the Dutch national team at all levels of international play, including the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

They passed the sport along to their daughter.

"I mean, they start when they can walk," coach Missy Meharg said.

While that experience has showed — van Asbeck has played in all 10 of the team's games and started in half of them — the freshman has had to adjust to studying and playing at the same school.

In the Netherlands, van Asbeck said there are only club teams.

"You get back from school on your bike and get some food, and you bike to the club," van Asbeck said. "We practice for an hour and a half, and then we just got on our bikes and got back."

As she grew up, van Asbeck realized she wanted to play in America. College coaches are used to recruiting international players, but players still sometimes have to take the initiative to get notice.

Van Asbeck signed up with an organization called UStudy, which helps European students and athletes get into American universities. About halfway through her junior year, they sent out a highlight tape to some schools, jumpstarting the recruitment process that eventually landed her with the Terps.

Helping her acclimate to all the changes were a trio of Terps with close ties to the Netherlands. Midfielder Lein Holsboer and forward Sophie Pelzer are both Dutch, and associate head coach Joppe de Vries spent more than a decade teaching and coaching in the country.

"Talking to them is feeling a little bit as if you're home," van Asbeck said. "That's really nice to have if you're having any hard times."

Van Asbeck also knows Dutch field hockey players at other universities, including California and St. Joseph's, both of which Maryland beat earlier in the season. Her parents have already made some visits to College Park this season as well.

Those reminders of home helped van Asbeck become more comfortable with the team and with her English, which she initially struggled with.

Her teammates have noticed her improvement.

"She's come out of her shell … she's not afraid to voice her opinion," midfielder Brooke Adler said. "She's becoming a big strong presence with her position in the backfield."

Off the field, the team describes van Asbeck as laid-back, a personality that fits well with the Terps. Perhaps it's no surprise that a girl who always felt a strong connection to the country she was born in found her place so quickly.

"She's happy. She really laughs a lot," Meharg said. "The older girls adore her because she's very cool, to the younger women she's a good friend and to the coaching staff she's excellent. … She fits in with everybody."

The Diamondback

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