Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 17 January 2017

All the news for Tuesday 17 January 2017


Ireland battle to victory over Malaysia’s Tigress

Green Army make it two wins from two at the women’s Hockey World League Round 2 event in Kuala Lumpur



The Hero FIH World Rankings were thrown out of the window on Monday (16th January) as Ireland’s Green Army wrestled with Malaysia’s Tigress en-route to a 2-1 victory in the women’s Hockey World League Round 2 competition taking place in Kuala Lumpur’s Tun Razak Stadium.

In what was arguably the best match so far played at the competition, it came as no surprise when the Tigress ended on the losing side but the quality of their efforts earned them a standing ovation from fans and Malaysia Hockey Confederation officials.

The Malaysians surprised the gallery with their determination, speed and individual skills in this crucial match against their European opponents. Ranked world number 16, the Irish were up against the host, ranked 21 in the world, and were prepared for a tough time in this crucial encounter in unfamiliar territory.

Despite defeat, Malaysia remain second in Pool B and sit one point ahead of Kazakhstan, ranked 33rd, whom they play in the last pool match on Tuesday. Three points from the Kazakhstan game would likely result in a quarter-final meeting against the third placed side from Pool A, a position currently being contested by Wales and Thailand. 

"I am very proud of my players who took the game to the higher ranked Irish and even won six penalty corners”, said Malaysia coach K Dharmaraj.  “But we could not score and that was the only difference today between both the teams. Looking forward, we need to beat Kazakhstan by a simple margin and we are half way there.”

In a sudden burst of counter-attack in the sixth minute, an unmarked Irish captain Chloe Watkins picked the ball at the top of the circle and swept it past an outstretched goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya, who fell short in reaching the ball much to the joy in the Ireland camp.

But that early goal only fired-up the wounded Tigress as they came back firing on all cylinders with four unconverted first half penalty corners.

The drama continued after half time as the Malaysians chased for the equaliser. Hanis Nadiah Onn saw her powerful shot padded away by goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran in the 42nd minute and team captain Siti Noor Amarina’s penalty drive in the 49th minute was well saved by McFerran once again.

Ireland, however, silenced the home fans with a 51st minute field goal from Anna O’Flanagan to go 2-0 up but the Malaysians rallied back for the equaliser through Hanis Nadiah who placed the ball into the back of the net in the 54th minute from an acute angle on the left.

The next six minutes proved to be nightmarish moments for the Irish as the Tigress went at full force to earn four penalty corners but Graham Shaw’s Green Army prevailed until the end.

Ireland’s Head Coach paid glowing tribute to the Malaysians whom he reckoned have the pedigree to play excellent hockey at the world level.

“I'm surprised that Malaysia is ranked 21 in the world as they played very well. They are a good set of players with great individual skills and should give every team they meet after this a tough fight. They should make it to the semi-finals.”

Kazakhstan won their first two points in the tournament following a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong in a shoot-out after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Vera Domashneva fired Kazakhstan ahead in the sixth minute from a field goal but Hong Kong rallied back three minutes later for the equaliser through Ching Nam Chan. However, in the shootout only Symbat Sabazova and Alissa Chepkassova were successful.

“Honestly, the players have only been training indoor for the last few weeks as it is winter season back home. The only pitch that we have is covered in snow. That is why we could not settle down against Ireland in our first match but today we played a much better game,” said Kazakhstan Head Coach Serik Kalimbayev.

As for the last group match against the Malaysia’s Tigress, Kalimbayev said: “We are determined to go all out against the host. They are a great team and we will watch them play Ireland tonight and come up with a plan. The players are all fired up after this win and hopefully ‘shock’ the Malaysians on Tuesday,” added Kalimbayev.

Report provided by the Malaysia Hockey Confederation

Results
Pool B: Malaysia 1 Ireland 2; Kazakhstan 1 Hong Kong 1 (Kazakhstan win 2-0 in shoot-out)

Fixtures – Tuesday (17 Jan, 2017):
Pool A: Italy v Singapore (1.45pm); Wales v Thailand (4.00pm).
Pool B: Ireland v Hong Kong (6.15pm); Malaysia v Kazakhstan (8.30pm).

FIH site



Green Army Make It Two Wins From Two



The Green Army made it two wins from two at Hockey World League 2 in Kuala Lumpur as they defeated hosts Malaysia 2-1.

Chloe Watkins, Ireland’s captain for the fixture, got her side off to the ideal start with an early field goal in the 5th minute. However the Green Army were down to 10 players a minute later as Zoe Wilson received a green card, the first of 8 cards issued in a hotly contested match. The cards continued to fly for the remainder of the half with Ireland picking up a further 2 greens as well as a yellow.

The game settled in the early stages of the second half as Ireland took a firm grip of the tie. The Green Army held their structure and controlled the tempo as they pressed for a second goal. Cliodhna Sargent routinely dispatched the ball with pinpoint accuracy to her awaiting team mates up the field but play was frequently broken down, leading to 2 cards for Malaysia. Ayeisha McFerran, earning her 50th cap today, was in flying form and was called on to make several saves in a row. Malaysia enjoyed no fewer than 8 penalty corners but could not convert. Anna O’Flanagan showed no signs of taking her foot off the pedal following her 4 goals 2 days previously as she doubled her sides lead in the 52nd minute. Watkins picked up a yellow card as the game wound down, and Malaysia took advantage as Hanis Onn scored. But the late goal wasn’t enough to throw the Green Army and they finished deserved victors over an improving Malaysian side that have recently beaten New Zealand, world number 5.

Ireland is back in action tomorrow against Hong Kong at 10:15am Irish time.

Ireland 2 (Watkins, O’Flanagan)
Malaysia 1 (Onn)

Squad: McFerran, Sargent, O’Byrne, Evans, Mullan, McCay, Watkins (Captain), Colvin, Daly, O’Flanagan, Wilson

Subs: Cassin, Tice, Carroll, Pinder, Upton, Barry, Matthews

Irish Hockey Association media release



Malaysia pull out all the stops but still fall to Ireland

by S. Ramaguru


The ball is mine: Malaysia’s Siti Ruhani (left) and Ireland’s Kathryn Mullan vying for the ball in the FIH World Hockey League Round 2 match at the Tun Razak Stadium last night. — M. Azhar Arif /The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia pulled out all the stops but still could not beat Ireland in the FIH World Hockey League Round 2 at the Tun Razak Stadium.

Ireland won 2-1 in the Group B clash to top the group with six points after two matches. Malaysia are second on three points.

Malaysia play third-placed Kazakhstan in their final group match today while Ireland take on Hong Kong.

All the eight teams – Groups A and B – are assured of places in the quarter-finals. They are now jostling for places to have an easier draw in the quarter-finals.

Having lost six times in seven international meetings with Ireland, Malaysia were desperate to narrow the gap.

But it was world No. 16 Ireland who drew first blood after only five minutes with Chloe Watkins scoring a field goal.

Malaysia, the world No. 21, came back strongly and had three penalty corners in the first half. But they were let down by poor executions.

The Malaysians pushed hard in the last two quarters, but their efforts were easily foiled by the Irish.

Against the run of play, Ireland increased their lead.

Forward Anna O’Flanagan proved too nippy in the D as she capitalised on a defensive error to slot home from close range in the 52nd minute.

Malaysia then managed to reduce the deficit with Hanis Nadiah Onn scoring a field goal in the 54th minute. Tried they did but Ireland held on for all three points.

Malaysia coach K. Dharmaraj was happy with the performance but felt that they could have won the match.

“It was our best chance to beat Ireland. The players played to instructions, but we wasted a lot of goalscoring chances,” said Dharmaraj.

The Star of Malaysia



Scotland men draw with Russia in Barcelona


Gav Byers

Scotland’s senior men drew 2-2 with Russia in the second of three test matches in Barcelona ahead of World League 2. It was a much improved performance that was unlucky not to be rewarded with a victory against a side ranked six places higher than the Scots in the hockey world rankings.

The game got off to a good start with Scotland playing some good hockey. The Scots created some decent opportunities to score with chances for Alan Forsyth, Ed Greaves, and Nick Samra coming close.

Scotland, however, found themselves 1-0 down at end of the first quarter with Russia opening the scoring from a corner routine. Despite this, Scotland controlled most of the game and looked the better team for large portions of the match, but they were unable to find the net despite pressure.

The breakthrough finally came in the fourth quarter. The well-earned equaliser was prompted when Ben Cosgrove on a high press made a good interception before progressing into the Russian D. He drew the goalkeeper out before passing to Gavin Byers who slotted home to make it 1-1.

The Blue Sticks were flying and Alan Forsyth then gave Scotland the lead from the penalty spot. A Russian defender barged into the back of Cammy Fraser and the Scots were awarded a penalty flick. Alan Forsyth made no mistake from the spot and on the day of his selection for the GB programme, he celebrated yet another clinical finish, giving Scotland a 2-1 lead.

Five minutes to go and an umpire decision that was expected to go Scotland’s way, went in favour of Russia, and they capitalised with a clinical break that ended with the ball in the back of the Scotland net to make it 2-2.

Scotland nearly snatched it at the death but Cosgrove was unlucky when his strike was deflected over the bar, and the game finished as a draw.

Scotland senior men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth, said:

“It’s disappointing not to win the match but these games are all about performances, and today’s was a much better performance. It feels like a loss but that shows how well we played.

“We’re hoping to continually improve and in the final game of the series we aim to keep improving. Results will look after themselves if our performances keep improving.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Susan McGilveray retires from international hockey


Susan McGilveray

After 101 caps for Scotland, Susan McGilveray has announced her retirement from international hockey.

McGilveray, who received her 100th cap against Spain in Valencia last Tuesday, has been battling with a knee injury for the past year. She is currently part of the squad preparing for World League 2 in Valencia, where during a game on Thursday her knee worsened. In this camp she was to take a full part to see whether she was in a position to manage performing in a full tournament – World League 2 in February. McGilveray has sadly since decided to retire from international hockey with immediate effect.

First capped back in 2010, McGilveray has been a vital player for Scotland and a great ambassador for the sport. Her Scotland career highlights include representing her country at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, and playing in the European Nations in 2013 and 2015 where Scotland retained A Division status. She has played an important role in the success of the senior women’s squad in recent years.


Susan McGilveray 100 caps

Susan McGilveray said:

“I came to the Valencia training camp to fight for my place in the World League 2 squad. Sadly my knee has not coped with the rigours of consecutive games and can no longer withstand the demands of tournament hockey.

“Whilst I am devastated to be announcing my retirement from International hockey, I do so with the team and my own health in mind, and know it is the right decision. My dream was to play the sport I love for Scotland. I achieved that dream 101 times and have made countless memories along the way. Although I am sad that the journey has been cut short, I feel immensely proud of my achievements to this point.

“I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches and support staff past and present, as well as Scottish Hockey and Sportscotland Institute of Sport for their excellent support over the years. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my family and close friends for their unwavering love and support as I pursued my dream”

Susan will stay in Valencia for the remainder of the camp to help the squad prepare for tournament next month.

Scotland Senior Women’s Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said,

“I would like to thank Susan for her years of commitment to the national team. She has played a huge part in the rise of the team and its success over the years. Susan has had to make a very difficult decision to end her career. It’s never easy to deal with having to end what you love due to injury. Susan has represented Scotland at European Nations championships and also the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. She will be missed by all in the squad and management.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Nine new faces join men's central programme


Phil Roper and Alan Forsyth

Marking the beginning of a new era for men’s hockey, Head Coach Bobby Crutchley has added nine new faces to his 27-man playing squad for the new Olympic cycle.

The squad has an average age of just 25 as Crutchley relaunches his team, and their first opportunity comes this summer when England play in the prestigious Hockey World League in London. Indeed it is an exciting time for all of the Great British teams with Scotland and Wales both safely through to World League round two in March, when they will go up against each other for a place in the next stage.

Joining the programme are Liam Ansell, Brendan Creed and David Goodfield (all Surbiton), Jonty Griffiths, Ed Horler and Luke Taylor (all Loughborough University), James Albery (Beeston), Dan Kyriakides (Cardiff & Met) and Liam Sanford (Team Bath). These nine represent the very best young talent in the nation and many have progressed through the Player Pathway to join the central programme at Bisham Abbey, funded by UK Sport and the National Lottery.

These youngsters will blend into the existing group of the country’s best hockey players, who were in medal contention for every major tournament between London 2012 and Rio, earning bronze at the last Commonwealth Games and fourth at both the World Cup and EuroHockey Championships.

Barry Middleton, the most capped player in his country’s history, is closing in on 400 caps and will return to the setup in the hope of competing in his fifth Olympics. From Rio, David Ames, David Condon, Adam Dixon, Mark Gleghorne, Michael Hoare, Harry Martin, George Pinner, Ian Sloan, Sam Ward and Henry Weir will also look to take their Olympic experience to Japan in three years’ time.

Scotland’s Alan Forsyth and Chris Grassick will again play a key role in the central programme, with Forsyth aiming to build on his very impressive domestic goalscoring record, and Grassick currently working extremely hard to battle back from injury. As mentioned above, we are delighted to also add Welsh representation to the squad in the form of Cardiff’s Dan Kyriakides.

As previously announced, Olympians Alastair Brogdon, Dan Fox, Simon Mantell and Dan Shingles have retired from international hockey and we would like to wish them the best of luck for the future.

A large number of athletes contributed to the Rio cycle, and we would like to place on record our gratitude for their continued contribution over a number of years, most recently double Olympians Nick Catlin and Iain Lewers.

After his third Olympic cycle, Ashley Jackson has decided to make himself unavailable for selection at this stage, along with James Bailey who - following a successful internship - has taken up a full-time job at Citibank in London.

With the Hockey World League in London this June, England’s men have a wonderful opportunity to play in front of a vociferous home crowd and bid for World Cup qualification - tickets for the event are on sale now. With the Rabo EuroHockey Championships later in the year and the Commonwealth Games at the start of 2018, there are a number of opportunities for Crutchley’s team to show their talents on the biggest stages as they enter a new era for men’s hockey.

Head coach Bobby Crutchley said, “We’re very excited about this new group, there’s been significant change and we’re looking forward to really getting going and developing the players.

“When we had the players in for assessment late last year, seeing how keen and eager the players were really reinvigorated the group and will keep all of us on our toes. As always at this time there has been significant change, difficult decisions and we will miss all of the players who have either retired or aren’t selected for this cycle.

“We’ve got some key tournaments coming up this year, particularly the Hockey World League in London and the EuroHockey Championships in Holland, and while we’ll be taking something of a long lens for those events, we need to improve quickly and create a team that will stand us in good stead for the whole cycle.

“I’m excited about the challenge, we have a vibrant squad with a good blend of youth & experience, and we’re eager to get going.”

Full time athletes:
James Albery (Beeston)+
David Ames (Holcombe)
Liam Ansell (Surbiton)+
Tom Carson (Reading)
David Condon (East Grinstead)
Brendan Creed (Surbiton)+
Adam Dixon (Rotterdam)
Alan Forsyth (Surbiton)*
Harry Gibson (Surbiton)
Mark Gleghorne (Beeston)
David Goodfield (Surbiton)+
Chris Grassick (Surbiton)*
Chris Griffiths (East Grinstead)
Michael Hoare (Wimbledon)
Harry Martin (Rotterdam)
Barry Middleton (Holcombe)
George Pinner (Holcombe)
Phil Roper (Wimbledon)
Liam Sanford (Team Bath Buccaneers)+
Ian Sloan (Wimbledon)
Luke Taylor (Loughborough University)+
Sam Ward (Holcombe)
Henry Weir (Wimbledon)
Ollie Willars (Beeston)

Part time athletes:
Jonty Griffiths (Loughborough University)+
Ed Horler (Loughborough University)+
Dan Kyriakides (Cardiff and Met)+**

+New addition to the central programme
*Qualifies to represent Scotland
** Qualifies to represent Wales

England Hockey Board Media release



Alan Forsyth and Chris Grassick selected for GB senior programme


Forsyth  and Grassick

Scottish Hockey is proud to announce that Scotland’s Alan Forsyth and Chris Grassick have been selected for the full-time men’s Great Britain Hockey senior programme for the new Olympic cycle working towards Tokyo 2020.

Forsyth and Grassick were both part of the previous cycle and will again play a key role in the GB central programme, with Forsyth aiming to build on his very impressive domestic goalscoring record, and Grassick currently working extremely hard to battle back from injury.

It is a well-earned reward for two of Scotland’s hardest-working players who have played important roles for the Scotland and GB hockey squads.

Scotland senior men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth said, “It is great news for Scottish Hockey and it’s good to see the hard work of the players over the years has paid off. Hopefully they can push on for selection.”

GB men’s Head coach Bobby Crutchley said, “We’re very excited about this new group, there’s been significant change and we’re looking forward to really getting going and developing the players.

“When we had the players in for assessment late last year, seeing how keen and eager the players were really reinvigorated the group and will keep all of us on our toes. As always at this time there has been significant change, difficult decisions and we will miss all of the players who have either retired or aren’t selected for this cycle.

“I’m excited about the challenge, we have a vibrant squad with a good blend of youth & experience, and we’re eager to get going.”

Full time athletes:
James Albery (Beeston)+
David Ames (Holcombe)
Liam Ansell (Surbiton)+
Tom Carson (Reading)
David Condon (East  Grinstead)
Brendan Creed (Surbiton)+
Adam Dixon (Rotterdam)
Alan Forsyth (Surbiton)*
Harry Gibson (Surbiton)
Mark Gleghorne (Beeston)
David Goodfield (Surbiton)+
Chris Grassick (Surbiton)*
Chris Griffiths (East Grinstead)
Michael Hoare (Wimbledon)
Harry Martin (Rotterdam)
Barry Middleton (Holcombe)
George Pinner (Holcombe)
Phil Roper (Wimbledon)
Liam Sanford (Team Bath Buccaneers)+
Ian Sloan (Wimbledon)
Luke Taylor (Loughborough University)+
Sam Ward (Holcombe)
Henry Weir (Wimbledon)
Ollie Willars (Beeston)

Part time athletes:
Jonty Griffiths (Loughborough University)+
Ed Horler (Loughborough University)+
Dan Kyriakides (Cardiff and Met)+**

+New addition to the central programme
*Qualifies to represent Scotland
** Qualifies to represent Wales

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Wimbledon quartet named in much-changed English panel



Wimbledon’s Henry Weir, Ian Sloan, Phil Roper and Michael Hoare and Holcombe’s David Ames, Barry Middleton, George Pinner and Sam Ward have all retained their places in the Great Britain men’s squad named by Bobby Crutchley for the new Olympic cycle.

The Wimbledon quartet will play their part in the EHL KO16 against UHC Hamburg on April 15 in Eindhoven while Holcombe bowed out of the competition in ROUND1 but are in good shape for a return visit after a good start to the English league.

It is a squad with a large number of changes with Ashley Jackson making himself unavailable for the time being as is goalkeeper James Bailey.

Double Olympians Nick Catlin and Iain Lewers have not been selected while Ali Brogdon, Dan Fox, Simon Mantell and Dan Shingles have all retired, meaning six of their Rio Olympians are not around for the next cycle.

Nine new faces have been added to the panel in total with Brendan Creed and David Goodfield joining the 27-man list. Now with Surbiton, the pair both won EHL medals with Harvestehuder THC last season following superb displays to raise their profile.

Barry Middleton, the most capped player in his country’s history, is closing in on 400 caps and will return to the setup in the hope of competing in his fifth Olympics. From Rio, David Ames, David Condon, Adam Dixon, Mark Gleghorne, Michael Hoare, Harry Martin, George Pinner, Ian Sloan, Sam Ward and Henry Weir will also look to take their Olympic experience to Japan in three years’ time.

Scotland’s Alan Forsyth and Chris Grassick are also part of the central programme, with Forsyth aiming to build on his very impressive domestic goalscoring record in the English league.

Their first competitive outing as a squad will be on home turf at the World League semi-finals in London where they will hope to earn World Cup qualification.

Head coach Bobby Crutchley said, “We’re very excited about this new group, there’s been significant change and we’re looking forward to really getting going and developing the players.

“When we had the players in for assessment late last year, seeing how keen and eager the players were really reinvigorated the group and will keep all of us on our toes. As always, at this time, there has been a significant change, difficult decisions and we will miss all of the players who have either retired or aren’t selected for this cycle.

“We’ve got some key tournaments coming up this year, particularly the Hockey World League in London and the EuroHockey Championships in Holland, and while we’ll be taking something of a long lens for those events, we need to improve quickly and create a team that will stand us in good stead for the whole cycle.

“I’m excited about the challenge, we have a vibrant squad with a good blend of youth & experience, and we’re eager to get going.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Jacobi retires from German international side



UHC Hamburg goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi has become the sixth German international to retire from international hockey in the wake of the Rio Olympics.

He follows captain Moritz Fürste, who had announced his retirement from the national team already during the Olympic tournament, as well as Oskar Deecke, Oliver Korn, Linus Butt and Florian Woesch.

The UHC keeper, who won with the men in Rio Bronze, wants to devote himself to his work having founded a successful start-up business in the last year.

Jacobi was also part of the German Olympic squad in 2012 in London as the reserve goalkeeper in their gold medal winning panel and has been the long-time goalkeeper with UHC.

Euro Hockey League media release



Black Stick Katie Glynn humbled by New Year Honours

SAM HEWAT


Katie Glynn played 134 matches for the Black Sticks, scoring 77 goals throughout her international career. GETTY IMAGES

For seven years, Katie Glynn was New Zealand hockey's golden child.

Since she debuted in 2009 at age 19, she played 134 matches for the Black Sticks including two Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics.

Her ability to find the back of the net made her one of the game's most potent strikers, scoring 77 goals throughout her international career - the second highest by any New Zealand woman.

She was known for her resilience on the hockey turf - her most notable moment coming in the semifinals of the 2012 Olympics when she was struck in the head by a stick, needing five staples and two sutures, however continued to play on - but in 2014, her career took a spiralling detour.

She was training at a gym after returning from Glasgow Commonwealth Games, when her back gave way, prompting doctors to identify her discs as a major problem.

"I've had a few disc injuries before, but I knew this was a little bit different," Glynn said.

The resulting injury kept her out of hockey in 2015 and forced her to announce a shock retirement in the first half of 2016 - just months before the Rio Olympics.

"To be honest, it was pretty unbearable.

"I was masking it a bit and stopped telling people how much pain I was in and kept trying to push through.

"I'd get home and couldn't even get out of bed the next day."

She spent 16 months trying to get over the injury but found with each day, her situation was failing to improve.

Eventually, she made the tough decision of giving up the game she loves - the game that had given her so much.

"I'm really close with my family, but I actually didn't talk to any of them about it," Glynn said.

"I just got to the point where I knew I couldn't keep doing it. I just couldn't do what I wanted and I couldn't push myself. I hated the feeling that I wasn't where I wanted to be."

But the hardest part for Glynn, was sitting on the couch, watching her friends and teammates play at Rio. She admits it was emotional, but her love of the game meant she was always supporting.

Glynn was recently announced in the 2017 New Year's Honours List as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to hockey.

At just 27 years old, she's one of the youngsters on the list, and her short, yet impressive career, makes her naming even more surprising.

"I was pretty shocked when I received the letter to be honest, but obviously humbled and honoured at the same time.

"It's really nice to be recognised for things but that's not exactly why you do it."

She's no longer able to play for her Roskill-Eden Hockey Club, but now Glynn is looking to give back everything she can to the game.

She's currently a sports manager at Auckland's Diocesan School for Girls, coaching the first XI hockey team and facilitating development.

"I love the game, it's been my whole entire life, and I'm really passionate about it," she said.

"I had some really great coaches growing up, so I guess it's my way of giving back."

Stuff



Twenty Canadian women to take part in training tour in Australia’s Gold Coast

Shaheed Devji



Canada’s senior women’s field hockey team will be spending the better part of January on a training tour in Queensland, Australia to kick off a very busy 2017.

The Women’s National Team has selected twenty athletes to take part in the tour which will include a training camp and matches against the Queensland state team, a team which features several players with experience on Australia senior Women’s National Team that is ranked 4th in the world.

With World League Round 2 in West Vancouver and the quest for 2018 World Cup qualification fast approaching at the start of April, the tour provides an opportunity for game action after the Canadian women spent majority of the latter part of 2016 focused on training in Vancouver.

“The next three weeks is more about adding the competition block to what we did prior to Christmas,” says Women’s National Team head coach Ian Rutledge. “The schedule is more match intensive than more training intensive, and gives us an opportunity to test our new on field systems.

“I think we’re in a good place technically, tactically, and physically. Now it’s just about finding the on-field performance.”

All matches to be played in Gold Coast are exhibition matches will not be capped internationally.

In addition to a core of senior players with extensive experience such as team captains Kate Wright and Danielle Hennig, and forward Hannah Haughn, as he did last year, Rutledge has selected a handful of junior athletes – Hannah Eborall, Jordyn Faiczak, Margaret Pham, Sam McCrory, and Thora Rae – to take part on the tour.

“Those five young girls have the opportunity to be merged into the larger squad,” he says. “It’s a good way to integrate some of the junior program which has been really hard working.”

Canada’s women left for Australia on Sunday.

Women's National Team - 2017 Gold Coast Tour

Touring Staff

Head Coach – Ian Rutledge
Assistant Coach – Steph Andrews
Manager – Nancy Mollenhauer
Athletic Therapist – Rachelle O’Brien
Nutritionist – Joanna Irving

NOTE: Kathleen Leahy, Maddie Secco, Nikki Woodcroft, Rosie Beale, and Rachel Donohoe are currently recovering from injury.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Letchford takes on Belgian U-21 role and step down from Racing in summer



Racing Club de Bruxelles’ coach Simon Letchford has been announced as the new Belgian Under-21 women’s coach, taking over from Xavier Reckinger after an excellent World Cup performance in Chile.

The Englishman will remain in situ with Racing until the end of the season and was recently named as the assistant coach to the Belgian’s senior women’s side. He will work full-time on these new roles from the summer of 2017.

"Times are exciting for Belgian women's hockey with magnificent results in all age categories,” Letchford said of the new appointment.

“With the Under-21s, we will prepare for the European Championships this summer in Valencia while always keeping in mind that our main objective is to develop senior internationals for the future.

“With my dual role, I will be able to develop common themes, principles and philosophies, with the aim of fostering a development process centered on athletes."

Euro Hockey League media release



HIL 2017: Dabang Mumbai coach has high hopes from Gurjant, Harmanpreet

Vineet Ramakrishnan

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 2017 Hockey India League, Dabang Mumbai are gearing up for a better season after missing out on play-off berths in the previous editions. In 2015, the franchise finished last in their first appearance, while under the tutelage of Jay Stacy, they missed out on the play-offs on goal difference in 2016.

Stacy, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, is optimistic about his team's performance in this edition. In an exclusive chat with TOI Sports, the 1999 World Hockey Player of the Year spoke about his team's objective and the impact young players from India's Junior World Cup winning team will have on their performance.

Excerpts:

What are your expectations from this season?

Our objective is always to make the play-offs and from there on we will see what happens. We were very close last year. We plan on getting to a better start this year as we were slow to start last season. We missed out on the play-offs on goal difference in 2016 and that was disappointing; on the other hand, it was an encouraging performance compared to the first season Dabang Mumbai had.

We had our backs to the walls in many games last season, but we came from behind. I remember against Delhi (Waveriders) we were trailing but the team had the belief that if we persist with our game plan and put the opposition under pressure we will get the opportunities and we did that and beat Delhi. The character of this group is good, so I am optimistic about the season.

What went wrong last season?

I was very happy with the way the team played, and the way we developed through the tournament. I don't think the season was bad for us. It was just that we had some close matches, we were in winning positions in some but failed to close out for varying reasons, in different situations of the game - so that bit was disappointing. But overall, I was pretty happy with the development the team made and the individuals as well, they played well. This year I am certain those individuals would have developed even further and I believe they will have more impact this season.

You talked about developments of the individuals. Players like Gurjant Singh and Harmanpreet Singh are coming off the high of winning the Junior World Cup. How do you think they will carry forward that momentum into the HIL?

I was in Lucknow to observe my Victorian (Vikings) players playing for Australia in the World Cup and also watched the Indian matches. The Dabang Mumbai players in the World Cup performed very well and they had significant impact and influence on the outcome of the tournament. I am certain they would have gained a lot of confidence and belief in their abilities and I hope they can translate that into good performances for Dabang Mumbai.

Who are the key players for the team?

The first name that comes to my mind is Florian Fuchs. He is a world class player and played really well last year. We will miss Mathew Swann who has gone out with a fractured foot, but the players who have come into the team are equally good. We have Robery Kemperman from Holland and Emmanuel Stockbroekx from Belgium, and I am looking for some big performances from Gurjant, Harmanpreet and also from Nilakanta (Sharma) in midfield who has developed quite well. Affan Yousuf also has improved a lot from last year and he is looking lively, He scored a few goals for India in the recent series in Australia and is confident in his ability, so he is looking good as a scoring forward.

The HIL has been a good addition to the hockey calendar. What are your thoughts on the league?

I think HIL is great for the game. The world's best players are playing for different franchises, matches are on every night and the access to elite level games is fantastic. Also, it is a promotion of the sport worldwide. I know for a fact that lot of my friends and colleagues back in Melbourne follow the league. The viewership is not only in India, it has started to travel worldwide and is getting bigger and bigger because most of the best players are playing here.

It is also a very good development vehicle for local Indian players and they are starting to see some benefit from that. The national team is performing really well. They probably would have hoped to do better in Rio, but things can go awry in big tournaments. Overall the players are developing well, players coming through the ranks in the next few years from the Junior World Cup-winning team will make India a very strong nation in the years to come.

You have been a very successful coach in the Australian Hockey League (AHL). How has the experience of coaching here been?

I take it as a challenge, but it is a challenge that I like. It doesn't matter if you play for any country or or whatever principles players adhere to, I want them to show their natural ability. I want to empower them to show them their natural game and give them some guidelines to play as a team.

Last year, the team atmosphere was good, they got on very well. The players were very clear and understood their role in the team and of course the team is first and foremost in my view. Individual flair is important, but we don't want somebody thinking about themselves. So whatever anyone does should contribute to the team's performance.

The Times of India



Clubs tipped for more glory

By BRIAN YONGA


Telkom Orange captain Tracy Karanja (centre) lifts the Africa Cup of Club Championship title at the City Park Stadium on January 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenyan hockey clubs have been tipped for more glory after an impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Club Championship that ended on Sunday at the City Park Stadium. The hosts were represented by four clubs- two men and two women at the 27th edition of the event.

Telkom Orange underlined their dominance in the competition after they successful defended their crown, winning it for record ninth time, their fifth in a row after a 2-0 win over Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the women’s final.


Grant Monica (left) of Ghana Revenue Authority and Betsy Ommala of Telkom Orange vie for the ball during their final match of the Africa Cup of Club Championships at City Park Stadium on January 15, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya Police and Butali Sugar Warriors won silver and bronze respectively on their return to the continental stage. Police lost 3-2 on penalty shootouts to champions Eastern Company of Egypt with the hosts creating a host of chances in normal time. Sliders finished in seventh place after an eight-year absence on the continental scene.


Eastern Company's Ebrahim Soliman celebrates with Africa Cup of Club Championship men's trophy at the City Park Stadium on January 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

Local and international coaches believe the performance of the home teams shows the country has what it takes to dominate both at club level and the international scene.


Telkom Orange captain Tracy Karanja with the Africa Cup of Club Championship women's trophy at the City Park Stadium on January 15, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

“The success of Orange shows that we are miles ahead of the rest of the countries. We now need to replicate this form to the national team,” Orange coach Jos Openda said.

It was also the first time that 23-times winners Sharkia, who finished in fifth place, did not reach the final since the tourney began in 1988. Ghana Police coach Emmanuel Obltey believes other clubs are catching up with their Egyptian counterparts.

“Sharkia did not make it to the semi-finals and Eastern needed penalties to win after they were outplayed by Kenya Police. I think Kenyan clubs as well as others are slowly bridging the gap to Egypt and this is good for the sport,” he said.

Eastern skipper Ebrahim Soliman was also full of praise towards the Kenyan clubs noting they were ‘unlucky’ not to win the competition.


Ibrahim Amr (left) Eastern Hockey shields the ball away from Richard Birir of Kenya Police during their final match of the Africa Cup of Club Championship at City Park Stadium on January 15, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

“We beat Butali and Police on penalties and this shows that they are tough opposition and have very good players, “Soliman said. The last local men’s club to win the title was the defunct Armed Forces in 1998 in Namibia.

A record 19 clubs, including 10 women took part in the week-long competition that saw huge crowds throng City Park. Orange scooped a double after veterans striker Jackline Mwangi won the golden sticks award alongside GRA’s Elizabeth Opoku, with both finishing on nine goals.


Telkom Orange coach Jos Openda poses with the Africa Cup of Club Championship trophy and winners' medal at the City Park Stadium on January 15, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

The men’ top scorer was Ghana Exchequers’ Emmanuel Ankomah with eight goals. Iman Ali (Sharkia) and Farhat Elrazek (Eastern) were voted the best women and men’s goalkeeper. The tourney was not without controversy with some clubs complaining about poor officiating.

Nigeria’s Niger Flickers and Sliders were among the clubs that felt let down by the umpires’ decisions and went ahead to lodge complaints to the union. The next edition of the competition is set for December 2017.

Daily Nation



Big wins for Punjab and Jharkhand

Ramanathapuram: Deepika Soreng followed up her eight goals against Hockey Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, with six against Hockey Madhya Pradesh on Monday.

Her efforts helped Hockey Jharkhand register a thumping 14-0 win in the A-division of the 7th National sub-junior hockey tournament for women here on Monday.

In another match, Kashish pumped in five goals to help Hockey Punjab thrash Chhattisgarh Hockey 15-1.

The results: A-division: Hockey Punjab 15 (Kashish 5, Rozi Bharati 3, Sneha 2, Pooja 2, Baljeet Kaur 2, Soni) bt Chhattisgarh Hockey 1 (Laxmi Prajapati); Hockey Odisha 4 (Neha Lakra 3, Abinsimukti Surin) bt Hockey Bihar 0; Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 6 (Yogita Verma 2, Soniya Kumari, Divya Yadav, Hritika Singh, Sanskriti Sarwan) bt Delhi Hockey 0; Hockey Jharkhand 14 (Deepika Soreng 6, Dipti Toppo 3, Pramodini Lakra 2, Prini Kandir, Dipti Killu, Beauty Dungdung) bt Hockey Madhya Pradesh 0; Hockey Haryana 12 (Deepika 4, Sharmila Devi 3, Annu, Jyoti, Meenakshi, Reet, Bharati Saroha) bt Hockey Karnataka 1 (J. Chandana); Hockey Gangpur Odisha 10 (Jyotsna Rohidas 2, Sunita Xaxa 2, Aten Toppo, Anjela Toppo, Jiwan Kishore Toppo, Maisha Oram, Phlicia Toppo, Namrata Jasmine Bara) bt Bengal Hockey Association 0; Hockey Patiala 2 (Kirandeep Kaur 2) bt Hockey Mizoram 0.

The Hindu

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author