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News for 17 June 2017

All the news for Saturday 17 June 2017


Canada claim stunning victory over Pakistan on Day 2



London, England: Pan-American giants Canada and Argentina stole the headlines on the second day of action at the men’s Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final, with both sides claiming important wins at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The opening match of the day saw Canada (FIH Hero World Ranking: 11) taking on a Pakistan (WR: 13) team that sat two places below them in the rankings and was looking to bounce back from their opening day defeat against The Netherlands. It proved to be a sensational match for the Canadians, who stormed to a 6-0 victory in what goalkeeper David Carter described as “probably the best performance we have produced for two years”.

A penalty stroke from team captain Scott Tupper put Canada ahead in the fourth minute before a three goal burst in the second quarter put Paul Bundy’s side out of sight against their illustrious opponents. Iain Smythe scored twice before Floris van Son made the score 4-0 with a wonderful backhand effort past the left foot of Green Shirts goalkeeper Amjad Ali. Strikes from Brenden Bissett and Gordon Johnston in the final quarter sealed an emphatic Canadian victory that will provide great confidence in the race to secure Hockey World League Final and Hockey World Cup qualification.

“We were so good in all aspects of our game today, but the best part was our attacking”, said shot-stopper Carter. “It has been a real long time since we scored six times against a top 20 ranked team, so I am really happy about how we played. We have got some new faces up front and they are firing, so teams will have to be wary of that now.”

The second and final match of the day saw Argentina (WR: 1) overcome a stubborn Malaysia (WR:14), with Gonzalo Peillat rattling in four penalty corners on the way to a 5-2 win. The two sides exchanged blows early in the match, with Peillat’s fourth minute opener being cancelled out by Sharil Saabah three minutes later before Peillat rattled home a second for Los Leones before the quarter-time break. Tengku Tajuddin restored parity for Malaysia in the 18th minute and the scores remained locked together until Peillat completed his hat-trick in the 40th minute. Peillat made it 4-2 in the 47th minute with his sixth goal in just two matches before an open play strike from Facundo Callioni put the result beyond all doubt.

Argentina’s win was their second in two days, moving the Rio 2016 gold medallists onto six points and already looking strong candidates to top Pool A.

The action continues on Saturday (17 June), with the Pool A contest between China and Korea kicking off proceedings at 1200 GMT, a match followed by Canada versus India in Pool B at 1400. At 1600, home favourites England take on Pool A rivals Malaysia before Scotland and The Netherlands meet in Pool B at 1800. 

The top four finishers in London will qualify for the eight nation Odisha Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar, India, although there is a small caveat to this. If India, the host nation of the Final, do not finish in the top four then only the top three teams in London will qualify. They will be joined by the top three finishers from the Semi-Final competition in Johannesburg, South Africa, plus the highest ranked fourth place finisher from the two Semi-Final events.

When it comes to qualification for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, there are five automatic berths available here in London, although this will increase depending on the outcomes of the upcoming Continental Championships, which are also World Cup qualification events.

FIH site



Canada opens World League Semi-Final with dominant 6-0 win over Pakistan

Shaheed Devji


Iain Smythe (left) and Floris van Son (right) celebrate a goal in Canada’s in 6-0 win over Pakistan at the 2017 World League Semi-Final on June 16 in London (By Alex Morton/Getty Images)

It was a dream start for Canada’s men’s field hockey team Friday at the 2017 World League Semi-Final in London.

Canada’s men, ranked 11th in the world, defeated 13th ranked Pakistan 6-0 in the Canadians’ first match of the competition.

Veteran forward Iain Smythe scored twice, while Scott Tupper, Floris van Son, Brenden Bissett, and Gordon Johnston added singles in the winning effort.

“Absolutely can’t complain with that sort of game. We’re excited for sure,” Smythe said after the game.

“I think we came in with the game plan that we wanted to do and we stuck to it and maintained possession when we needed to and capitalized on the opportunities when we had the chance.”

The win is the first time the Canadian men have defeated Pakistan since a 3-2 victory at the 2010 World Cup.

The six goal margin of victory over Pakistan also surpasses Canada’s previous largest victory over Pakistan in 1998, when the Canadians won by five goals, 7-2, in a four-nation tournament in Durban, South Africa.

Pakistan was coming off a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in its first game of the competition on Thursday, so was looking for an improved performance against Canada.

But it was the Canadians who came out on the front foot.

After controlling play early but missing a penalty corner in the 4th minute, Canada got on the board in the 11th after van Son earned another corner with strong play through the midfield.

Tupper’s flick was ruled to hit a Pakistani foot and Canada was awarded a penalty stroke, which Tupper converted to put Canada ahead 1-0.

Van Son continued his strong play in the second quarter when a long aerial ball sent him and Smythe on a fast-break up the field. Van Son fired a backhand pass across the face of the goal to a diving Smythe who knocked the ball in for his first of the game and the 2-0 Canada lead.

“It was a great call by Ian,” van Son said. “I heard him calling for it. I just knew without even looking that he was there.”

The second quarter could have easily been dubbed “the van Son show,” as he wasn’t done.

After Smythe picked up his second of the night on a rebound off a Johnston flick, van Son was found open up-field again. This time, he made a quick move around the Pakistani player, and went to his backhand for a shot that beat the keeper Amjad Ali on the short side to give Canada the 4-0 in the 28th minute.

“4-0 going into the second half was amazing. We didn’t expect that,” van Son added after the match.

“We watched the Netherlands-Pakistan game so we knew what they were capable of, so we had a good game plan.”

The second half was quieter, and Canadian keeper David Carter was forced to make a couple of key saves as Pakistan tried to mount a comeback.

But their hopes were short lived. After a scoreless third quarter, Canada added to the lead in the fourth frame.

Gabriel Ho-Garcia went on a solo dash before before setting up Taylor Curran in the circle, where he moved the ball to Bissett for the game’s 5th goal. And Johnston scored on a penalty corner in the final minute to complete the scoring.

On Saturday, Canada – which currently sits in first place in Pool B, tied with the Dutch but ahead on goal differential – hits the field against World No.6 India, who beat Scotland 4-1 in their first match.

The game can be watched live online at 6:00am PT/9:00am ET at CBC Sports.

Canada and India last met at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, where they tied 2-2.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Canada Trounce Pakistan 6-0

Pakistan had their second big defeat in as many matches at the Hockey World League Semifinal Round at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
 
They lost to Canada 0-6; Pakistan's heaviest defeat against the North Americans.
 
Canada displayed free flowing hockey. Their attacks were swift and well coordinated, and commitment in the circle resulted in a couple of the best goals of the tournament.

The use of wingers was also very effective. Goals arrived  in every manner: three field via attempts, two penalty corner conversions and one off penalty stroke.
The hunger for goals remained unabated; sixth goal came in the last minute.
 
Pakistani defence made a number of unforced errors and the marking was poor. 

Most of the time, Pakistanis appeared a disjointed lot.

As in the first game, the green shirts had their chances but the finishing was very pathetic.

In the two matches Pakistan has earned just one penalty corner.

With the high profile game against India coming up on Sunday, the green shirts have to pull up their socks.
 
SCORERS:
Scott Tupper 11' (penalty stroke),John  Smythe 19', John Smythe 27' (penalty corner), Foris vs Son 28'
Brenden Bissett 50' & Gordon Johnston 60' (penalty corner)
 
In the only other match of the day, Olympic Champions Argentina defeated Malaysia 5-2

Gonzalo Pelliat, world's leading penalty corner striker, was in a lethal mood, scoring all the first four goals for his team off the set piece.

In the first half, Malaysia matched their superior opponents and it was 2-2 after 30 minutes.
 
SCORERS:
Argentina: Gonzalo Pelliat 4 (all PC) & Facundo Callioni
Malaysia: Sharil Saabah & Tengku Tajuddin

PHF Media release

 



India face buoyant Canada

s2h team



No team is weak as long as you win them. This must be the mantra for India today, as they take on Canada in the HWL SF in London. Exactly, this is the dictum that the Indians forgot in Rio and paid dearly for it.

Canada was the last pool match, India needed a win to avoid higher ranked teams in the quarters. The focus was to finish higher in the pool, and get pitted against Spain. But the PAN American Champions played their best match, their last, to frustrate the Indians. India somehow managed a draw, and expectedly went down to Belgium in the quarters. Things perhaps would have been different had they defeated Canada, which would have got them to lower ranked team in the crucial knock out.

Having watched the Canadians previous evening, where they steamrolled Pakistan for a 6-0 victory, a word of caution is in order for India. The Indians need to play a structured, flawless, cohesive hockey today to overcome the buoyant Pan Americans.

Its second match for both teams: the Asian and the PanAm Champions. India had a rest day after Scotland encounter. Canada on the other hand will be playing their second successive match in 22 hours. India has a bit of advantage here.

The Scots exposed India almost first first thirty minutes. Indians lacked intensity, variety and even the level of animosity that is required to go for the kill from the go in that spell.

Not always a pep talk in the half time will propel a team for four goals in one quarter, as India has demonstrated in the first match in London. That has happened is a good development for the ultimate winners, but the struggle in the opener for long spells and the easy with which captain Chris Grassic struck the stunner early in the proceedings, did not endear any Indian follower.

Canada has in it’s the power of turn overs, that stunned the Pakistanis the other day. Pakistan’s lone penalty corner futile excise and the way Canada launched the counter, which Floris Von encashed, should serve as a warning for Indians.

Canada showed its fire power. There is no way it will be firing less today in Queen Elizaberth Park.

Indians are expected to play a tight European brand with almost flawless in basics. Stronger defensive structure can demoralize Canada. Indians showed their mental strength in the third quarter, and need to stretch almost in all quarters to match their global ranking.

The rise of Ramandeep Singh is heart warming. His forehand landed on the other post, India's first goal against the Scots, is peach of a stuff. The way Akashdeep Singh deflected a perfect, firm cross from Manpreet Singh, infuse confidence in the Indian attack. SV Sunil as usual sets up good scoring opportunities, far cry from recent Azlan Shah Cup.

India need to show character right from the first second of the match to the last, not just to win today, but to get themselves the label of consistency.

Canadian goalie Carter, who was charted into Hockey India League last season with his excellent work under bar during the HWL Finals in Raipur, provides extra edge to his team.

On the other hand Junior World Cup goldie Vikas Dahiya mans Indian bar. The duel between the most experienced in Carter, and the less experienced on the other side, will be feature to be watched out today.

Canada is 11th in the FIH Ranking, five rungs below India, but that won't be an indicator for the outcome, as Canada is vastly improved outfit.

Exciting match on the cards today. That is good news for hockey fans

Last two encounters:
2016 Rio Olympics India 2 Canada 2
2016 Azlan Shah Cup India 3 Canada 1

Stick2Hockey.com



India sets sights on Pakistan clash

But first up it will have to negotiate Canada in its second pool match


Key player: With a crucial clash against Pakistan ahead, India will look to the likes of Akashdeep Singh, who scored against Scotland, to deliver. 

India plays Canada in its second pool match of the Hockey World League Semifinal here on Saturday, but it has already set sights on Sunday’s much-anticipated clash against Pakistan.

Although India skipper Manpreet Singh tried to downplay the hype surrounding the Pakistan encounter, he said the team will be going out all guns blazing to garner full points.

“We always look at Pakistan as just another team and we always look at earning those three points from the match to advance in the league stage,” the midfielder said on the eve of the match against Canada.

“They (Pakistan) are a good side, but we have had a good start to the tournament. The idea will be to stick to the plans the coach draws up before the match against both Canada and Pakistan. The plan will be to bring in more aggression into our game and aim at finishing on top of the table in the league stage,” said an optimistic Manpreet.

Even though India pocketed a comfortable 4-1 win over lowly Scotland on Thursday, it was far from impressive at the start.

India conceded an early goal before making a strong comeback after half time.

A ‘pep-talk’ by chief coach Roelant Oltmans during the 10-minute break at half-time changed the course of the match and Ramandeep Singh (31st, 34th), Akashdeep Singh (40th) and Harmanpreet Singh (42nd) struck in quick time to turn the game around.

“We knew we didn’t start well. But coach gave us that confidence during the break saying there’s still 30 minutes to go and nothing is lost yet. He asked us to bring more energy and aggression into our game,” Manpreet said. “He reminded us about the strategic planning we had made ahead of the match against Scotland and asked us to execute it and not think of the misses we had in the first two quarters,” the skipper said about the animated dressing room talk.

After the mini scare against Scotland, India cannot afford to take any side lightly even if Canada is ranked 11th in the world as against India’s sixth.

“Though the team is ranked below us, we don’t want to take them lightly. They can come up with a good game and hence it is important for us to stick to the roles assigned by our coach and execute them as planned,” Manpreet said.

He further emphasised that India has no added pressure as being the host it is already assured of a place in the Hockey World League Final to be held in Bhubaneswar later this year.

“We play with no pressure. We just want to perform to our potential and enjoy ourselves while giving our best,” he said.

The Hindu



Roelant Oltmans demands more aggression against Canada, Pakistan in HWL Semi Final

LONDON: High on confidence after an impressive 4-1 win against Scotland, Indian men's hockey team chief coach Roelant Oltmans wants the side to "bring in more aggression" when they face a determined Canada and unpredictable Pakistan in two Pool B clashes of the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi Final on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

India skipper Manpreet Singh also cautioned his side against any complacency in the upcoming games against Canada and Pakistan.

Commenting on the kind of pressure ahead of a high-octane India-Pakistan match, Manpreet said the team will come up with a good show.

"We always look at Pakistan as just another team and we always look at earning those three points from the match to advance in the league stage. They are a good side, but we have had a good start to the tournament."

"The idea will be to stick to the plans which the coach draws up before the matches against both (Canada and Pakistan) teams. He has asked us to bring in more aggression into our game and aim at finishing on top of the table in the league stage," Manpreet added.

India have a fair record against Canada, having won their league stage matches in the 2015 and 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a score of 5-3 and 3-1 respectively. India also drew a crucial match against them at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

But Manpreet said India cannot afford to take the opposition lightly as any team can bounce back in a match.

"Though the team is ranked below us, we don't want to take them lightly. They can come up with a good game and hence it is important for us to stick to the roles assigned by our coach and execute them as planned," he said.

Against Pakistan, India have enjoyed success in the recent past. In 2016, India beat Pakistan 3-2 in both the league and final matches at the men's Asian Champions Trophy.

India also won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match against Pakistan by a convincing 5-1 margin. This will be the first encounter between the neighbours this year.

Manpreet emphasised that the team has no added pressure as they have already qualified for the HWL Final to be played in Bhubaneswar in December.

"We play with no pressure. We just want to perform to our potential and enjoy ourselves while we give it our best," he said.

Pakistan lost 0-4 to The Netherlands in their opening match on Thursday and will play Canada later on Friday. India will take on Canada in their second Pool B match on Saturday before facing Pakistan on Sunday.

The Times of India



India aim to continue winning run in HWL Semi-Final

LONDON: Their campaign off to a positive start, an ever-improving India would look to continue their winning momentum when they take on another easy opponent in Canada in their second Pool B match of the Hockey World League Semi-Final here on Saturday.

For the sixth-ranked India, Saturday's match would provide them another golden opportunity to enhance their position in Pool B with their second consecutive win ahead of tough games against arch-rivals Pakistan and fourth-ranked Netherlands.

Just like their opening encounter, the Indians are considered as hands down favourites against 11th-ranked Canada, who have some Indian origin players in the squad.

But Roelant Oltmans' men will have to guard against complacency as a lowly Scotland gave India a run for their money at least in the opening two quarters.

In their tournament opener, the Indians were slow to get off the blocks and an opportunist Scotland utilised it to their advantage to take an early lead which they held on till half time.

But after dressing down from coach Oltmans at the half way stage, the Indians looked more organised and purposeful in the third and fourth quarter and completely dominated the proceedings to take control of the match.

The Indians scored as many as four goals in the third quarter through striker Ramandeep Singh's double strike, Akashdeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh to pocket full three points from the encounter.

But come Saturday, the Indians cannot afford to relax a bit from the onset as they did against Scotland the other day.

A win on Saturday will more or less assure India's place in the quarterfinals.

Against Scotland, the Indian defence was caught napping at least in the initial stages and Oltmans will be fully aware of the fact especially in the absence of Rupinderpal Singh, who was ruled out of the tournament at the last minute due to a hamstring injury.

The onus would be on Kothajit Singh and Harmanpreet Singh to hold the fort in the backline ahead of important clashes against Pakistan and Netherlands.

The mid-field led by talismanic Sardar Singh and skipper Manpreet looked in great shape while the forwardline too impressed in the opening match.

Canada, on the other hand, will be playing their first match of the tournament and will be going all guns blazing to upset the Indians.

Canada have nothing to lose and they would be hoping to capitalise on India's lapses to shock their rival early.

Meanwhile in the other Pool B match of the day, Netherlands will play Scotland while in Pool A Korea will face China and hosts England will take on Malaysia.

The Times of India



We always look at Pakistan as just another team: Manpreet Singh

LONDON: The Indian men's hockey team got over an early setback to register an impressive 4-1 win against Scotland with back-to-back goals in the third quarter. It was the kind of start India were aiming for at the Hockey World League Semi-Final, which began on Thursday.

In their next matches in Pool B, India will face a determined Canada and the ever-unpredictable Pakistan in what promises to be high-voltage games on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

While India has had a fair record against Canada, having won their league stage matches in 2015 and 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a score of 5-3 and 3-1 respectively, India drew a crucial match against them at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"Though the team is ranked below us, we don't want to take them lightly. They can come up with a good game and hence it is important for us to stick to the roles assigned by our coach and execute them as planned," expressed captain Manpreet Singh.

India bounced back into the game against Scotland in the third quarter after going goalless in the first two quarters. A 'pep-talk' by chief coach Roelant Oltmans during the ten-minute break at halftime changed the course of the match for India. It was goals by Ramandeep Singh (31', 34'), Akashdeep Singh (40') and Harmanpreet Singh (42') that scripted India's victory.

"We knew we didn't start well. But coach gave us that confidence during the break saying there's still 30 minutes to go and nothing is lost yet. He asked us to bring more energy and aggression into our game. He reminded us about the strategic planning we had made ahead of the match against Scotland and asked us to execute it and not think of the misses we had in the first two quarters," stated Manpreet about the animated dressing room talk.

On Sunday, India will take on its traditional rival Pakistan against whom the team has enjoyed success in the recent past. In 2016, India beat Pakistan 3-2 in both league and final match at the Men's Asian Champions Trophy. India also won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match against Pakistan by a convincing 5-1 margin. This will be the first encounter this year between India and Pakistan.

Although Manpreet tried to downplay the hype surrounding the Pakistan encounter, he said the team would put their best foot forward.

"We always look at Pakistan as just another team and we always look at earning those three points from the match to advance in the league stage. They are a good side, but we have had a good start to the tournament. The idea will be to stick to the plans coach draws up before the match against both (Canada and Pakistan) teams, bring in more aggression into our game and aim at finishing on top of the table in the league stage," expressed an optimistic Manpreet.

He further emphasized that the team has no added pressure as they have already qualified to participate at the Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 this December. "We play with no pressure. We just want to perform to our potential and enjoy ourselves while we give it our best," stated the skipper ahead of their practice session on Friday.

The Times of India



England prise open organised China with two quick goals

KUALA LUMPUR: England scored two quick first-half goals to overcome a well-organised China 2-0 in their opening Group A match of the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in London.

Seasoned campaigner Barry Middleton, 33, marked his 381st cap by scoring the first goal off a field attempt in the 11th minute at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Thursday.

In less than a minute, Mark Gleghorne doubled the score for England from the penalty spot.

After that, world No. 18 China tightened their defensive shield to prevent England from scoring.

Based on their performance against England, China could well spring a surprise or two in London.

England’s next match is against Malaysia today, while China will face South Korea.

Malaysia last played against England in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in April, when they lost 1-0 in a round-robin match.

England had also inflicted an 8-1 thrashing of Malaysia in a group match of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The other teams in Group A are Olympic champions Argentina, who edged South Korea 2-1 on Thursday.

In a Group B match on Thursday, European champions Holland began their campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Pakistan.

Thierry Brinkman (sixth minute), Micro Pruijser (26th), Mink van der Weerden (42nd) and Robbert Kemperman (49th) scored for Holland.

The Star of Malaysia



Birthday boy Goodfield delighted with England win


England vs China

David Goodfield celebrated his 24th birthday in fine style as he helped England to an opening day win over China in the Hero Hockey World League Semi Final in London.

Two goals in quick succession put Bobby Crutchley's side top of Pool A, with Barry Middleton and Mark Gleghorne both on target in a 2-0 victory.

Goodfield more than played his part to continue his impressive start to life in the central programme, and said afterwards, "It was obviously good to come out with the result and the win. It was a tight game but we have got loads of things we can do moving forward from here.

"It was good, not the perfect performance but there’s obviously loads of things we can work on which is good.

"Our philosophy is on the team and not anyone as an individual, all of us working to put in a shift in the game and playing as team is much more effective than working as individual. So for us it’s all about putting in a team performance.

"We always knew it was going to be a hard game. It was tight throughout the whole thing! We never thought it was going to be easy at all, they put in a really good game right until the end as we saw with them getting a corner right at the end."

Goodfield was delighted to play in front of a boisterous home crowd, saying, "This is my first time at Lee Valley with England and it’s amazing. The more people you can get here the better. For us the support is so, so good - I don’t think people realise how much that spurs you on as a team. Getting anywhere close to filling this stadium is amazing and obviously the more support we can get the better."

Asked about celebrating his birthday on such an important day for the team, he commented, "It was great. It’s quite strange having a birthday on a game day but it’s been brilliant. All the guys have made me have a brilliant day. Obviously there’s only so much you can do when you’re building up to a game but it’s been great. And obviously to have your first home game here at Lee Valley with a great crowd is a great way to spend your birthday."

David now looks forward to playing Malaysia on Saturday, followed by Olympic champions Argentina 24 hours later. Asked about Sunday's challenge he said, "We’re really confident ahead of Sunday. We’ve got a completely new team so for us any past results mean nothing. It’s a completely new team we’ve put together, we’re playing slightly differently now and with the collective performance we’re trying to put together on our day I think we can beat anyone. Obviously it’s a massive challenge and they are Olympic champions but I think we’re all looking forward to it and it should be a great game."

England Hockey Board Media release



Hockey trending in India following opening match


India vs Scotland

Hockey was trending on Twitter in India as they played Scotland in the first game of the Hero Hockey World League Semi Final in London.

India went 1-0 down to an early goal from Chris Grassick, but fought back with four goals in the second half to take all three points.

With India taking on Pakistan at 2pm on Sunday, interest in hockey is bound to take off once again, especially as the two nations also do battle in the ICC Champions Trophy cricket final on the same day, making a huge day of sport.

Final tickets for Sunday, which also includes England vs Argentina at 4pm, are on sale now - click here to buy, £25 adults and £7.50 kids in advance.

England Hockey Board Media release



India brace up for Canada with eye on Pakistan clash at Hockey World League Semi-Final

LONDON: They play Canada in their second pool match of the Hockey World League Semi-Final here tomorrow, but India have already set their sights on Sunday's much-anticipated clash against Pakistan.

Although India skipper Manpreet Singh tried to downplay the hype surrounding the Pakistan encounter, he said they will be going out all guns blazing to garner full points.

"We always look at Pakistan as just another team and we always look at earning those three points from the match to advance in the league stage," the midfielder said on the eve of the match against Canada.

"They (Pakistan) are a good side, but we have had a good start to the tournament. The idea will be to stick to the plans coach draws up before the match against both Canada and Pakistan. The plan will be to bring in more aggression into our game and aim at finishing on top of the table in the league stage," said an optimistic Manpreet.

Even though India pocketed a comfortable 4-1 win over lowly Scotland yesterday, they were far from impressive at the start.

India conceded an early goal before making a strong comeback after half time.

A 'pep-talk' by chief coach Roelant Oltmans during the 10-minute break at half time changed the course of the match and Ramandeep Singh (31st, 34th), Akashdeep Singh (40th) and Harmanpreet Singh (42nd) struck in quick time to turn the game around.

"We knew we didn't start well. But coach gave us that confidence during the break saying there's still 30 minutes to go and nothing is lost yet. He asked us to bring more energy and aggression into our game," Manpreet said.

"He reminded us about the strategic planning we had made ahead of the match against Scotland and asked us to execute it and not think of the misses we had in the first two quarters,"

the skipper said about the animated dressing room talk.

After the mini scare against Scotland, India cannot afford to take any side lightly even if Canada are ranked 11th in the world as against India's sixth position.

"Though the team is ranked below us, we don't want to take them lightly. They can come up with a good game and hence it is important for us to stick to the roles assigned by our coach and execute them as planned," Manpreet said.

He further emphasised that India have no added pressure as being the hosts they are already assured of a place in the Hockey World League Final to be held in Bhubaneswar later this year.

"We play with no pressure. We just want to perform to our potential and enjoy ourselves while giving our best," he said.

New Indian Express



India square-off against Canada in Hockey World League Semi-final, not to take them lightly

If India can win the next encounters then they might well aim at finishing on top of the table in the league stage. However, what they will also be looking at is to play without any pressure and play up to their potential.


Skipper Manpreet Singh has reiterated that India will not take Canada lightly.

After securing a thumping 4-1 win over Scotland in their last outing, the Indian hockey team is geared up for their next challenge in Hockey World League against Canada. While Saturday’s match will see the Indian team square off against Canada, Sunday features a blockbuster encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan.

India will surely look to stick to the plans that their coach draws up before the match against both the teams. What they will also look at is bring in more aggression – something that was a bit under par in the opening match. If India can win the counters then they might well aim at finishing on top of the table in the league stage. Another factor that India will be looking at is to play without any pressure and play up to their potential.

Speaking about the upcoming encounters, skipper Manpreet Singh said, “Though the team is ranked below us, we don’t want to take them lightly. They can come up with a good game and hence it is important for us to stick to the roles assigned by our coach and execute them as planned.”

Meanwhile, against Pakistan this will be the first occasion in 2017 where India squares off against their arch-rivals. Speaking about it, the skipper said, “We always look at Pakistan as just another team and we always look at earning those three points from the match to advance in the league stage. They are a good side, but we have had a good start to the tournament.

India face Canada on June 17 at 18.30 hours IST.

India face Pakistan on June 18 at 18.30 hours IST.

Indian Express



North Stand now open and earlier gates for Sunday fixtures


England fans at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre

Ticket for Sunday’s matches in the Hero Hockey World League Semi Final continue to sell very quickly, and we have opened the North Stand to accommodate more supporters for these high-demand fixtures.

In addition, gates will now open at midday in order to allow enough time for all supporters to access Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Sunday 18 June plays host to two great games of hockey. First up, Pakistan take on India at 2pm in one of the world’s most iconic sporting rivalries. The game takes place at lunch during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket final between the same teams, and as a result is set to be watched by a huge global TV audience. India’s first result in the Hero Hockey World League against Scotland was trending on Twitter on home soil, so this game will be one to savour in front of a vociferous crowd.

Then at 4pm, England play host to Olympic Champions Argentina in a crunch match.  The Argentine side are also ranked #1 in the world, but in front of a packed crowd, Bobby Crutchley’s side will be fired up and aiming for glory. It will be a crunch match in determining final positions in Pool A, and a great opportunity to see England on home soil.

After the England game, the players will be signing autographs pitchside, and U18s will be allowed onto the pitch – please pick up a wristband from the Info Hub, first come first served.

Tickets in advance are priced £25 adults/£7.50 children, rising by £2.50 at midnight on Saturday. Tickets allow you access to both matches, and with loads to do off the pitch at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, it’ll be a great afternoon – and it’s Father’s Day too!

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England Hockey Board Media release



Youngsters on the pitch after this weekend's games


England Hockey fans at Lee Valley

Under 18s will be allowed on the pitch after the final games of the day on both Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June at the Hero Hockey World League Semi Final.
 
Following the Scotland vs Netherlands game on Saturday, and the England vs Argentina game on Sunday, we will provide sticks and balls, please pick up a wristband from the Info Hub as early as possible on the day. Sunday in particular is likely to be very busy.
 
In addition, after the final games on Saturday and Sunday, players will hold autograph sessions pitchside at the front of the East and West Stands. If you’re in the South or West Stand, you’ll be directed to the correct please.
 
On Saturday the Scotland and Netherlands teams will meet supporters, and then on Sunday it’s England and Argentina in the hotseat!
 
We also hold autograph sessions after every other game in the Hockey Hub, please pick up a wristband from the Info Hub for those sessions.
 
Tickets for all games are on sale here.

England Hockey Board Media release



Green Army Undone By Clinical China



There wasn’t much to suggest the 7-place gap between these two sides in the world rankings in the opening half but China were clinical when taking advantage of loose passes and interceptions in the second 30 minutes and walked away 5-2 victors, a score line that perhaps flatters them. 

China won two penalty corners inside the opening 4 minutes but Ayeisha McFerran made a routine save and rarely looked troubled in the early exchanges. The Green Army had a penalty corner of their own 2 minutes later but they couldn’t convert either as the straight shot from Meeke was dealt with by China.  The opening goal came in the 10th minute as the umpire awarded a stroke from a penalty corner routine, Meiyu Lang dispatched the ball to McFerrans left to give her side the 1-0 lead. The second quarter saw China increase their circle entries but much of their opportunities were being created by loose passes from the Irish with the final ball just eluding the girls in green. Zoe Wilson and Hannah Mathews marshalled the Irish backline as China attempted to take advantage of the turnovers they were enjoying.

Ireland were back on level terms early in the second half as O’Flanagan was stick tackled on route to goal and Chloe Watkins scored the resulting penalty stroke. The two sides then exchanged goals over the course of the next 6 minutes with China taking the lead from a controversial goal as a crash ball up the pitch was deflected in by Mengling Zhong with the Irish defence looking unprepared following an injury. But Roisin Upton was on hand to level the game again with a superb solo goal; breaking into the circle and wrong footing her marker she riffled the ball high into the net from a tight angle. But 2 minutes later China had taken the lead again with some sharp passing down the right-hand side and Yang Peng scored from the P spot as the pass found her open. 2 further goals in the final quarter put a gloss on a game that was far closer than the score line suggests.

Ireland face Korea in their final match of the 4 Nations on Sunday at 11am (Irish time).

Ireland 2 (Watkins, Upton)
China 5 ( Liang, Zhong, Peng, Sun, Zhang)

Ireland: A McFerran, E Tice, Z Wilson, S McCay, Y O’Byrne, R Upton, N Daly, L Colvin, A O’Flanagan, D Duke, K Mullan (Captain)
Subs: G O’Flanagan, H Mathews, A Meeke, G Pinder, C Watkins, E Russell, N Evans

China: D Li, Q Cui, J Zhang, X Sun, X Ou, Y Zhao, Y Peng, J Zhang, Q Yu, M Wu, X Xi
Subs: J De, N Wang, M Zhong, X Zhang, M Liang, L Gao, J Ye

Berlin Four Nations (all Irish time)
Thursday: Germany 1 (J Teschke) Ireland 2 (A O’Flanagan, K Mullan); Korea 1 China 1
Friday, June 16: China 5 v 2 Ireland, 4pm
Sunday, June 18: Ireland v Korea, 11am

Irish Hockey Association media release



Selections Made for U-21 Junior and Development Squad National Camp at Conclusion of 2017 YWNC

LANCASTER, Pa. - The 2017 Young Women's National Championship, featuring the most elite female collegiate and post-collegiate field hockey players in the country, concluded play today at the Home of Hockey at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. Eight teams, including the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team and the U.S. Women’s National Developmental Squad, participated in this prestigious.

More than 130 athletes showcased their skills in front of coaches and selectors in order to progress within the Olympic Development Pipeline. USA Field Hockey would like to congratulate all athletes, coaches and umpires that participated over the 5-day event and give an extended congratulations to the following athletes on their selection to the 2017 U-21 Junior and Development Squad National Camp.

U-21 Junior National Camp

Madeleine Bacskai, Berwyn, PA
Kendall Ballard, Charlottesville, VA
Lakin Barry, Chapel Hill, NC
Kelsey Bing, Houston, TX
Jennifer Bleakney, Columbia, MD
Virginia Bramley, Elizabethtown, PA
Katrina Carter, Berkeley, CA
Amanda Collins, Binghamton, NY
Lexi Davidson, North Andover, MA
Brooke Deberdine, Millersville, PA
Theresa Delahanty, Washington Crossing, PA
Megan Duvernois, Collegeville, PA
Sarah Dwyer, West Long Branch, NJ
Greta Ell, Plains, PA
Linnea Gonzales, Bel Air, MD
Alexandra Halpin, Mohegan Lake, NY
Amelia Iacobucci, Malvern, PA
Kelee Lepage, Honey Brook, PA
Corey Mayer, Huntingdon Valley, PA
Mikayla Michals, Needham, MA
Colleen Norair, Fredericksburg, VA
Margaux Paolino, Villanova, PA
Kealsie Robles, Seaford, VA
Haley Schleicher, Virginia Beach, VA
Erin Shanahan, Pasadena, MD
Annie Snead, Midlothian, VA
Taylor Stone, Herndon, VA
Cassie Sumfest, Lewisburg, PA
Sophia Tornetta, Plymouth Meeting, PA
Christie Van De Kamp, Midlothian, VA
Jillian Wolgemuth, Mount Joy, PA
Elise Wong, Perth Amboy, NJ
Corinne Zanolli, Newtown Square, PA
Development Squad National Camp
Mary Barham, New Haven, CT
Morgan Bitting, Hummelstown, PA
Taylor Blood, Hampton Falls, NH
Samantha Carlino, Lewisburg, PA
Catherine Caro, Martinsville, NJ
Elena Curley, Louisville, KY
Sara Ellis, Laurel, DE
Skyler Fretz, Oley, PA
Danielle Grega, Kingston, PA
Makenna Grewe, San Diego, CA
Alexandra Hammel, Duxbury, MA
Caroline Hanks, Niskayuna, NY
Karlie Heistand, Hamburg, PA
Dani Hemeon, Gilroy, CA
Kellie Joyce, South Pomfret, VT
Natalie Konerth, Huntingtown, MD
Mallory Lefkowitz, Forty Fort, PA
Taylor Lister, Hummelstown, PA
Cameron Lloyd, Midlothian, VA
Carrera Lucas, Brooklandville, MD
Gabrielle Major, Royersford, PA
Ryan McCarthy, Madison, NJ
Emily McCoy, Lititz, PA
Eryn McCoy, Lititz, PA
Erin Menges, Richmond, VA
Megan Miller, Palmyra, PA
Meghan Murphy, Phoenixville, PA
Victoria Newbill, Wilton, ME
Melissa Progar, Yorktown, VA
Leah Settipane, East Greenwich, RI
Kasey Tapman, Annapolis, MD
Sarah Thornhill, Richmond, VA
Casey Umstead, Green Lane, PA
Katie Walsh, Louisville, KY

The 2017 U- 21 Junior and Development Squad National Camp will take place from June 17-20, 2017 at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. All invited athletes will need to accept their invitation for this event by midnight on Friday, June 16, 2017.

USFHA media release



Pro League hits world hockey like a tsunami

Hockey India League will also be affected by the Pro League

By Sameer Singh

The International Hockey Federation’s Pro League strategy has hit the sport like a tsunami, all set to disrupt the way the game has been played across the globe and disrupting the traditional calendar of the domestic leagues.

The FIH plans to keep aside the first six months of every calendar year — from 2019 — for the nine-nation home and away Hockey Pro League, with matches played week in and week out. The professed aim is to fuel the growth of the game.

It will require a major realignment of not just the usual international calendar of events, but also throw the domestic competitions into disarray, including the Hockey India League. And it can rule out the chances of regular hockey players from playing a major part in indoor competitions, which form a staple portfolio for the European players.

Four years in the making, the Hockey Pro League has come up with a rider from the wise men of the FIH that has left the hockey world rattled. The FIH mandarins may have devised and adopted from top league in other sport, but seems to have entirely overlooked the domestic events structure across hockey’s three major continents: Europe, Asia and Oceania.

At the Hockey World League Semi-finals at the Olympic Park in London, hockey officials are talking in hushed tones about the impact of the FIH decision to dedicated six months from January to June for the international Pro League.

“It is going to be a unique league indeed, for it will cause turmoil in the entire structure of domestic leagues,” says an England official, whose primary job assignment deals with the domestic events.

“If countries still want to retain their traditional season, the domestic and the international games will have no link whatsoever. Losing the elite international players altogether, it could take away whatever sheen remains in domestic competitions,” he said.

“Putting all their eggs in one basket may be the way forward for the FIH, which has decided to scrap even showpiece events like the Champions Trophy, but it might be a big risk for young hockey players just to focus on the professional playing career,” he asserted. “International players pursuing professional degrees as the universities and practicing professionals would probably now have to make a critical decision about sticking to hockey.”

Other hockey folks were wondering whatever would happen to people whose primary professional careers are outside hockey!

An Argentine official, in London for the World League Semi-finals, wonders how the national associations will be able to retain the players for half the year without offering professional contracts, and if they all can afford to do it. “Not all countries have full-time professional contracts. It may be fine for a few nations with deep pockets, but how are we all going to find the money,” he said.

The FIH had already made it known that the traditional structure of international tournaments, including showpiece events other than the World Cup, will have to make way for the Hockey Pro League, which will be confined to nine nations for men and women alike.

Outside these nine nations, from whom the FIH is looking at generating its finances as well, the rest of the hockey playing national might as well take a hike. If there are plans within the governing body for these countries, they are kept under wraps and would be far-fetched. Any plans for other contenders making the elite group of these nine nations will come into the frame years down the line.

In Europe, Asia and Oceania, the prime focus on hockey is during September to March. The national competitions and also the indoor season (in Europe) takes place in these months.

The FIH’s devised time frame for matches “week-in and week-out” has also left some people bewildered.

Which teams would like to come to play international hockey in London in January or February, or for that matter who would look forward to playing at the National Stadium in New Delhi in June. Perhaps, the FIH knows a thing or two about the weather patterns.

About European leagues

• European League - the name league is a misnomer, it is actually a knock-out tournament played in the winters whose early rounds are played in September October – before the mid-winter break for indoor hockey season – and the finals are played in February-March.

• Holland and Belgium follow similar scheduling patterns - matches are played September to November, the mid-season break during which Indoor hockey takes over. Leagues resume in March and run until end-May or early-June.

• England follows a similar pattern, matches from September to November, followed by a break and indoor hockey. The English league resumes in February and ends in April.

• Germany - Pattern in not too different, but slight change as matches are played from March to June-July, a month's break between July and August, the league games are played August until October. Field hockey takes a break from November,when Indoor hockey takes over (and continues until Feb-March).

Mumbai Mirror



Arminen the favourites for Austria title and EHL spot


© Sander Uijlenbroek

SV Arminen will go into the weekend as the clear favourites to land the Austrian Bundesliga title this weekend as the competition reaches its final weekend.

For coach Dariusz Rachwalski, he says their recent run to the final of EuroHockey Club Trophy in Elektrostal has put them in good shape after a number of injuries during the season.

Looking ahead to the Austria playoffs – where they face NAVAX AHTC in the semi-finals on Saturday – the coach said his side is back to full strength.

“We want to put the Euro Trophy behind us now and the expectation is we will be at full fitness in Mödling," Rachwalski said.

“All of our players are able to bring good performances and our many national players can make the difference.”

They play an AHTC side who got into the final four missing Markus Fuchs and will need to do something special to beat Arminen who finished 22 places above them in the regular season.

Indeed, Arminen did not drop a point in the campaign and will hope, if they can get through the weekend, that they can return to the EuroHockey League.

On the other side of the draw, Post SV are hoping Peter Kaltenböck can return following a broken finger. They will meet a full strength WAC side with a place on Sunday's final on the agenda.

Euro Hockey League media release



It’s PSPB vs CRPF

Favourite Petroleum Sports Promotion Board continued its march towards the title with a 5-2 victory over Central Secretariat in the semifinals of the senior National hockey championship B-Division here.

The results: Semifinals: B-Division: PSPB 5 bt CSE 2; CRPF 1 bt CISF 0. A Division: Pool-A: Namdhari XI 6 bt Jharkhand 0; UP 2 bt SSCB 1. Pool B: Gangpur-Odisha 5 w/o FCI 0 (forfeit is considered 5-0); CAG 3 bt Bhopal 0. Pool C: Mumbai 2 drew with MPHA 2; Patiala 1 drew with PSB 1. Pool D: Chandigarh 2 bt Haryana 1; Karnataka 0 drew with Air India 0.

The Hindu



Champions Orange and Police in action

Hockey League Fierce battle expected this weekend

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Hockey men premier Police vs green Sharks. Kenya Police player Calvin Kanu(l) steals the ball from Green Sharks player Victor Osiche when they played Men Premier League at City Park. Police scored 1-0. ON 09/04/2017 PHOTO; JENIPHER WACHIE

No stopping for Kenya Hockey Union league leaders as action kicks off today.

Front-runners Kenya Police and Telkom Orange will be in action this weekend in their respective Kenya Hockey Union league matches.

Today, Orange take on Multimedia University ladies in the women’s title hunt while Police tackle United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) tomorrow in a men’s Premier League tie.

Orange takes on Multimedia University ladies in the women’s league.

Police slug it out with USIU-A tomorrow in a men’s premier league tie.

Orange, who are eyeing their 20th title, are favourites against the varsity students who are back to the league this season after a three-year break.

The multiple champions are unbeaten and stand on top of the log with 24 points from eight outings.

On the other hand, the students are second from bottom with three points.

Former champions Police will be eager to regain their groove, having dropped two crucial points in the 3-3 draw against Wazalendo.

They are currently top of the premier league log with 31 points from 11 matches while USIU-A lie tenth with nine points – two wins, three draws and three losses.

The Standard Online



Mannheim sign Garst to contest for goalkeeping duties


© Koen Suyk

Mannheimer HC have signed Niklas Garst for the upcoming season, making the short hop from city rivals TSV Mannheim with the move coming into effect on August 1.

The 22-year-old made his breakthrough into the first team at TSV in 2015 after five years with the club having learned his trade initially with TSC Ludwigshafen.

There he became a youth national player and has played 30 international matches. In December 2016, he was part of the German side finished third at the Under-21 World Cup in India.

"I would now like to take the next step and, at MHC, I have ideal training possibilities for my development," Garst said of the move.

"My goal is to play in the German Final Four with the guys and go as far as possible in the EHL. In addition, I am happy to train with Lukas Stumpf. He is a very strong goalkeeper and made the difference at the Final Four in Mannheim [when MHC won the German title]."

MHC Sports Director Pete Lemmen said: "I have known Niklas since Under-14s and have followed his development. You could already see the talent he brings. It has been a wish of mine to see him play for the MHC one day. He is a great guy and fits perfectly to the character of our team."

Euro Hockey League media release



Martin moves to H&W from Rotterdam



Harry Martin will move from Rotterdam to Hampstead and Westminster for next season following one season in the Dutch Hoofdklasse where he helped the club earn EHL hockey.

Martin, a two-time Olympian, joins the London club having previously played with Beeston with whom he won two English titles.

On joining Hampstead and Westminster, Martin said: "After a fantastic year in Rotterdam, I'm delighted to be joining Hampstead & Westminster. The club is in an exciting place following last season and shares my ambitions of domestic and European success.

“Being coached by Kwan [Browne] is a great opportunity to develop my game and I want to pick up as much as I can from him. There is also a strong emphasis on having fun both on and off the pitch, which is important to me and there seems to be a really social environment around the club as whole."

Hampstead and Westminster reached the English playoffs for the first time in their history last year.

He follows fellow English player in departing from Rotterdam following Adam Dixon’s recent move back to Beeston.

Euro Hockey League media release



Hockey’s new master plan

Vuyokazi Nkanjeni


Gelvandale Primary pupils Jaden Wentzel, Zoe Graaff, teacher Niska Barth, Matthew Klein and Cobie Baatjies with Gary Dolley of the Gelvandale Sports Club, who is spear-heading a hockey revival. Picture: Brian Witbooi

Hockey South Africa has come up with a master plan to promote and grow the sport from grassroots level, focusing on primary schools across the country and combining the teaching of basic sport skills with the requirements of the national school curriculum.

The project is spearheaded by former educator and hockey player Gary Dolly, who is the national project manager for South African hockey.

He is based in Port Elizabeth but is implementing the programme throughout the country. Still in its pilot stage, the venture has attracted 24 junior schools around the metro.

“This pilot project started last year,” Dolly said. “We refer to this project as the neighbourhood leagues, encouraging the local schools to participate.”

“The aim is to get kids actively involved in sport, promoting sporting skills and consolidating fundamental movement skills.” Since the start of the project last year in September, Dolly says, there has been massive support among teachers because the initiative addresses fundamental movement skills, which are also linked to the life skills programme in the foundation and intermediate school phases.

“In PE, we have 24 schools that are part of the programme, but nationally our target is 100 schools per year,” he said.

“This is our growth strategy. Unfortunately, over many years we never penetrated any new areas because of lack of facilities in certain communities.

“But this approach enables us now to go into any school where there is a smooth surface, such as a class room or a school hall, to introduce hockey as a fun activity.

“This approach is very cost effective because the teachers are required to do physical education.

“What we are trying to do is to piggyback on that, but also to assist the teachers to promote manipulation, which is how to hit and strike the ball on any smooth surface.

“So, all that you require is a stick and a ball because each school would have a smooth surface where these ball skills can be taught.”

The schools that Dolly is working with are mostly from disadvantaged areas and hockey sticks and balls can be quite expensive.

However, the former St Thomas deputy head said all participating primary schools would receive start-up sporting equipment.

Dolly says he believes the programme has the ability to involve more kids in physical activity as well as ball skills and sport skills.

Once one has a solid base in terms of the fundamental movements skills, it is easier to do talent identification and increase the number of players playing the game at entry level, Dolly explains.

“PE, and in general the northern areas, have a very proud history of producing top hockey players over a number of years.

“We believe by exposing kids to the fundamental moving skills at an early age it will increase our base in such a way that we can streamline these kids into programmes were they can receive top coaching and that will enable us to compete nationally.

“The emphasis is on having fun in a very safe environment. In addition, there is an emphasis on values and life skills such as respect for yourself, the community and the environment.

“Those things are linked to the formal life skills curriculum, so this programme is linked to education and that is the drive.

“The focus is purely education through sport.”

Having been a hockey player himself and having played for the South African hockey team before the unification of sport, Dolly said this programme brought new excitement to his life, more especially as the initiative merged education and sport.

“I think this approach – if adopted now and endorsed by the Department of Education, as well as the Department of Sport – has the ability to really make a massive impact and expose more kids to physical education.

“I believe that we will be able to increase our base of players for playing sport and it will also have a massive impact in terms of the social cohesion and countering the social ills that are bedevilling our community at the moment,” he said.

Herald Live



Danny Kerry & Philip Kimberley on Queen’s birthday honours list

Umpire Nathan Stagno also honoured with an MBE


Danny Kerry & Philip Kimberley

We are delighted to confirm that England and Great Britain Head Coach Danny Kerry has been named an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list, while former Chairman Philip Kimberley has been awarded an OBE, both for services to hockey.
 
Danny is the most successful coach in the history of modern British hockey, having guided the Great Britain women's team to an historic gold medal in Rio, and also a bronze at the London 2012 games. In addition, under his stewardship the England team won gold at the EuroHockey Championships in 2015, and silver at both the Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy, among many other medals.
 
Philip acted as Chairman of England Hockey from 2002 to 2015, leading a complete rebuild of the organisation, from a position of bankruptcy to being recognised as one of the best run governing bodies in British sport. Under his stewardship, the organisation set on the road to its highest ever participation figures, was awarded the right to host major events including the 2018 Women’s World Cup, and also won medals in all of the sport’s major international tournaments, including a first Olympic medal in 20 years.
 
Chief Executive Sally Munday said, “I am absolutely delighted that both Philip and Danny have been recognised in this manner. Everyone at Great Britain and England Hockey is already fully aware of their contribution to the sport, and it is only right that their achievements are recognised publically.
 
“Philip deserves huge credit for the role he played in completely revitalising the organisation and picking it up from what can best be described as rock bottom. The Governing Body was on its knees and he set the pathway for a complete recovery, both operationally, financially and from an international performance perspective. He does not seek personal accolades and is humble in the receipt of compliments, but he is hugely deserving of his OBE.
 
“Danny is also hugely deserving of an MBE for his incredible contribution to the sport. Both he and his athletes captured a nation with their success on the pitch in Rio, but also with the culture he created, of inspiring the future and leaving a true legacy for the sport.

“Without these two gentlemen, hockey in this country would be completely different, and for that reason I am delighted with this news.”

In addition, we would like to congratulate Gibraltan umpire Nathan Stagno, who represented Great Britain in the Rio Olympics and has also been awarded an MBE for services to hockey.

England Hockey Board Media release

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