News for 11 August 2017
All the news for Friday 11 August 2017
Argentina and Canada set up repeat final of Pan Am Cup
Argentina and Canada will go head-to-head in the final of the Men’s Pan American Cup on Saturday 12 August in a repeat of the 2013 final which Argentina won 4-0.
The world number one team and Olympic champions, Argentina, continued to be be in imperious form at the Pan American Cup as they swept to a 8-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago (World ranking: 33). Canada, however, were made to fight for their place as USA took the match to shoot-out after it finished 1-1 in regular time. The result means Canada continue their fine record of appearing in every final of the Pan American Cup since it started.
Argentina hit the ground running in their match against Trinidad and Tobago. Matias Paredes scored a hat trick of goals within the first five minutes and he was joined on the score-sheet by Ignacio Ortiz, Gonzalo Peillat and Santiago Tarazona. Aki Toussaint scored a compensation goal for Trinidad and Tobago just after half-time but Tarazona and Marc Ganly added to Los Leones score and the match finished 8-1.
In the match between north American rivals Canada and USA, things couldn’t have been closer, with Canada winning the shoot-out 4-3. And it all came down to the final round of shoot-out as Floris van Son’s strike booked Canada a spot in the Pan American Cup final for the fifth consecutive occasion. Canada’s Gordie Johnston and USA’s Paul Singh each scored on a penalty corners in regular time, while Canadian keeper Dave Carter made two saves in the shoot out victory. USA head coach Rutger Weise cannot fail to be pleased with the way his team performed against the higher-ranked side – Canada are ranked 11 in the world, while USA are ranked 26.
In Saturday’s final, to be played at 17:45pm, Argentina will be chasing their third title to add to those of 2004 and 2013. Canada will be looking for a repeat of their 2009 success. Trinidad and Tobago will face USA in the 15:30pm game to decide on third place. If they were to win bronze, Trinidad and Tobago will emulate their best ever finish in these championships – third in 2013 – and move a step closer to qualifying for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
All times are in Eastern Standard Time.
FIH site
Argentina coast to finals with eyes on third-straight Pan Am Cup
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Patrick Espejo
2017 Pan American Cup - 1/2 Final - Argentina vs. Trinidad & Tobago. Phot: Yan Huckendubler
Argentina ratified the favoritism with which it arrived at Lancaster and this afternoon became the first finalist of the Pan American Cup with a surpassing 8-1 against Trinidad and Tobago. The final step up to revalidate the title, already won in 2004 and 2013, will be Sunday at 17:45, when they face the winner of the second semifinal of the day, between Canada and the United States.
The Olympic champions demonstrated great effectiveness in the final round, especially in the first half. Upto now they accumulate 35 goals in four matches played .
Martín Paredes (x3), Santiago Tarazona (x2), Ignacio Ortiz, Gonzalo Peillat, and Marc Ganly scored in the Argentine victory. Akim Toussaint did Trinidad & Tobago’s goal.
Argentina just needed five minutes to make a difference. Between minutes 3 and 5, Paredes got his hat-trick with similar actions: well located in the circle and just a touch to place it away from the reach of Andrey Rocke. During the first half, Argentina gave an attack master class and definition. Ignacio Ortiz at 8 ', Gonzalo Peillat at 10' and 27 'Santiago Tarazona sentenced the game.
Despite being 6-0 down on the scoreboard and knowing the difference of ranking of their rival, the "Soca Warriors" had their time of celebration. Captain Akim Toussaint's scored at 38 'after several passes in the Argentine area.
In the second period Argentina slowed down, thinking of Sunday's big final. Marc Ganly scored a great goal (41 '), and Tarazona score at 47'.
Argentina is already classified to the FIH 2018 World Cup, obtained in London in the Semi Final of the World League and now they are looking forward to their third continental championship. Trinidad and Tobago will play on Sunday at 15:30, revalidating the bronze medal achivement four years ago in Toronto.
The Pan American Cup continues tomorrow with the ladies semifinals. Argentina vs. Canada (16:00) and United States Vs. Canada (18:15). Uruguay and Brazil are playing for the 7th and 8th position at 13:45.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Canadian shootout supremacy eliminates USA setting up fifth-straight Argentina-Canada final
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Ali Baggott
Peter Wright flips the coin for 2017 Pan American Cup - 1/2 Final - Canada vs. USA. Photo: Yan Huckendubler
Floris van Son’s final shoot out strike booked Canada a spot in the Pan American Cup final following a 4-3 shootout victory over USA. Canada’s Gordie Johnston and USA’s Paul Singh each scored on a penalty corners in regular time, while Canadian keeper Dave Carter made two saves in the shoot out victory.
The intensity from the opening whistle showed just how close the North American rivalry is. Canada and USA met in the 2013 Pan American Cup semifinals with Canada going through in a shootout victory after a scoreless match. Johnston was the first strike, perfectly executing a drag flick to the top left corner on a Canadian penalty corner in the 8th minute. USA, bolstered by their home crowd, didn’t seem rattled and were right back in the other end causing havoc in the Canadian circle. In the 14th minute, Will Holt earned the home side their first penalty corner. Mohan Gandhi’s sweep through the stroke mark found Paul Singh’s stick and the ball deflected high into the net to tie the game 1-1.
USA retreated to their half to force Canada out of their zone and the counter-attack strategy paid dividends as Pat Harris, Tyler Sundeen and Michael Barminski seemed to have a lot of attacking space to put the Canadians under pressure. In the 23rd minute, Barminski tore down the right side and released a back-hand booked for the corner but the out-stretched toe of Canadian net minder Carter was there. Canada seemed to lose their tempo and composure from pool-play games and had few circle entries. The game remained tied at one entering half time.
Canada had two penalty corner chances in the 38th minute after van Son was hauled down on a break towards the circle. American keeper Brandon Karess denied both attempts despite the volume of traffic in front of him. Deegan Huisman earned USA a penalty corner in the 40th minute but it was blocked and cleared by the Canadian defence. Alex Grassi had the best chance for the go-ahead goal but his sliding deflection was matched by the agility of Carter in the Canadian goal.
The fourth quarter was full of scrappy desperation and the resulting 1-1 score sent the game to a shootout, a repeat of 2013. USA shot first with Harris scoring and Canada’s Johnston responding. Carter denied both Huisman and Ajai Dhadwal, while the remaining Americans Sundeen and Aki Kaeppeler both scored. Canada’s Keegan Pereira and Balraj Panesar also scored, while Sukhi Panesar’s shot went wide of the net. The teams were tied at three and van Son was the last shooter. The 25-year-old calmly walked the ball into the top the circle and unleashed a back-hand shot that fired under the cross bar and rippled the meshing to send Canada to their fifth-straight Pan American Cup final against Argentina. USA will play Trinidad and Tobago for bronze.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Canada’s Men win in shootout over US, head to Pan Am Finals
Kori Sidaway
Forward Brenden Bissett carries the ball against a United States defensemen during their Pan American Cup semi-final matchup. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)
The Men’s National team booked their spot in the Pan American Cup Final versus Argentina with a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the United States.
As the first whistle was blown, Canada’s Men showed up strong on their passing and receiving game plan that saw them maintain the majority of possession. In the eighth minute, Gordon Johnston lead the scoring early, with a well-executed drag flick sailing past the United States goalkeeper to the top left shelf, allowing Canada to take the early lead.
The United States answered the goal by running their own counter attack and earning their first penalty corner of the game. The U.S. then evened up the score off a penalty corner switch pass and quick sweep, which deflected high into the net, and tied the game at 1.
As time counted down towards halftime, Canada seemed to lose some of its tempo, and the United States, strategically situating their forwards and midfielders high, stretched out the Canadian defence while looking for long balls. But both the solid Canadian defence and goalkeeper David Carter, came out strong with multiple unyielding saves throughout the game to keep the team alive, and tied at 1.
The fourth quarter saw play heat up and getting increasingly scrappy, with both teams trying to find their way out of the scoring gridlock. With that, came numerous close chances for both countries, down to the wire. But, despite those various chances, the score remained locked tied 1-1 as regulation time ran out.
As fate would have it, replicating their 2013 Pan Am Cup matchup, a shootout was to determine which team would head to the Pan Am Cup Finals in the gold medal match.
The United States were up first in the shootout, and locked their first opportunity in with a goal. Gordon Johnston responded smacking in a backhand in to even it up. David Carter came out big to stuff the next two U.S. attempts, with Sukhi Panesar missing his attempt just wide of the net. Keegan Pereira and Balraj Panesar added to the scoreboard, alongside two Americans as well.
The teams were tied in the shootout 3-3 as Floris van Son coolly walked up as the last shooter. Van Son calmly delivered a back hand shot that sailed under the cross bar and into the netting, to send Canada to its fifth-straight Pan American Cup final against Argentina.
The Men’s National play their gold medal match versus Argentina on Saturday August 12th at 2:45pm PT/5:45 pm ET.
Photos: Canada vs United States – August 10/17
Select photos from Canada’s shootout victory over the United States in the Semi Final round of the Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA, on August 9, 2017. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)
Field Hockey Canada media release
USMNT Heads to Bronze Match After Falling In Dramatic Shootout
Image courtesy of Mark Palczewski
LANCASTER, Pa. – August 10, 2017 – The second semifinal game of the men’s Pan American Cup (PAC) at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. featured a dead even competition through the final minutes between Canada and USA. After a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation, the two teams went to the first shootout of the tournament, where Canada prevailed 4-3 to head to their fifth consecutive PAC gold medal game.
“I thought we performed really well,” said striker Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.). “We had some chances to go. I feel that in these close games, these playoff games, you have to be clinical. When you’re not, it gets to a point you don’t want to be.”
Canada forced a turnover just outside the USA circle and had numbers advantage, but USA was swift to regroup and hold off any potential shots. Canada quickly responded once again with a shot on goal and penalty corner in the 8th minute which Gordon Johnston converted on for an opening 1-0 lead. Canada kept the pressure on USA’s defense forcing them into long clear attempts. Late in the quarter, USA made strides offensively and on a penalty corner in the 14th minute, Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) netted a tying goal to round out the opening quarter.
The teams exchanged possessions trying to find open space at the beginning of the second quarter. Canada gained the first big advantage and was heading into the net, but a defensive stop by Deegan Huisman (Almere, The Netherlands) shut down the chance. USA countered with a hard sweep attempt but it intercepted and cleared out. USA’s Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) worked the ball into the circle in the 22nd minute and fired a backhand shot on goal that forced Canada's goalkeeper David Carter to make the save. The teams exchanged more possessions as the score remained deadlock at 1-1 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Canada’s defense came out strong breaking up multiple USA opportunities. Back the other way, Canada threatened with their second penalty corner of the game which was stopped on the goal line by USA goalkeeper Brandon Karess (Allentown, Pa.). Karess then made a kick save on the follow up penalty corner attempt, but Canada remained relentless on possession. They worked the ball around for a handful of time before USA transitioned the other way and set up a penalty corner of their own. Although the attempt was unsuccessful, USA kept up the pressure with a pair of shots that rolled just wide of the goal to end the third.
Canada opened the fourth quarter on offense getting a shot on goal as well as a penalty corner chance, that Karess made the stop on. The teams then went back and forth looking to set up an offensive play, but neither squad could get inside the other’s circle. In the final minutes of regulation, Canada maintained possession using the clock to their advantage. USA regained possession in the 57th minute and charged downfield. Canada matched the attack every step of the way as the clock ticked to zero sending it into shootouts.
Harris was first to shoot and converted for USA, as the next two attempt would be blocked by Carter. Canada scored on their first two attempts and had their third sail wide of the net. Both squads scored on the fourth attempt making it 3-2 in favor of Canada heading into the final round. Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) added another for USA but Canada made a quick shot on net to the surprise of Karess giving Canada the shootout victory and sending them to the PAC Final.
“It’s not a spot we wanted to be in necessarily in the shootout,” added Harris. “But I thought we did well to perform in that phase. It was a great game from both teams. In the end I think shootouts can go either way. In these games it’s just about being clinical in the defensive and attacking circles. Both teams were struggling to do that, so it was 1-1 for a long period of time. If there’s anything we can takeaway going into the third-place game is to just be more clinical in the circle and finish the chances you get.”
Two career milestones were reached in today's match as Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.) and Singh both earned their 50th international cap for Team USA.
The USMNT will face Trinidad and Tobago in the bronze medal game of the men's Pan American Cup on Saturday, August 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Familiar opponents, these two teams faced one another in the 2013 PAC bronze match with Trinidad and Tobago prevailing 3-1. The two teams also met at FIH Hockey World League Round 2 earlier this year where USA topped Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in a shootout.
USFHA media release
Argentina whips T&T for hockey title shot
Nigel Simon
T&T’s Jabari Perez challenges Argentina’s Lucas Vila for the ball in their main draw semifinals at the 2017 Pan American Cup Men’s Championship at USA Field Hockey Sports, Spooky Nook, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, yesterday. Argentina won 8-1. Photo by:PanAmericanHockey.org
T&T “Calypso Stickmen” will have to play for the bronze medal tomorrow after going under to pre-tournament favourites and Olympic champions Argentina 8-1 in the first of two main draw semifinals at the 2017 Pan American Cup Men’s Championship at USA Field Hockey Sports, Pennsylvania, yesterday.
Winners of their previous three round-robin matches by a combined margin of 27 goals to two, the Argentines, two-time tournament winners put the game out of reach of the T&T squad as early as the fifth minute with three quick goals, all scored by by Matias Paredes in the third, fourth and fifth minutes.
Any hopes of a T&T come-back quickly faded as Ignacio Ortiz in the eighth minute and Gonzalo Peillat, two minutes later made it 5-0 at the end of the first 15-minutes quarter. The second quarter saw a much improved defensive effort from T&T as only Santiago Tarazona managed to add to the South Americans tally with a 27th minute field goal.
Australian-based T&T captain, Akim Toussaint pulled a goal back for his team in the 38th inute, his second of the tournament after his match winner against Mexico (3-2). But that only seemed to stir the South Americans back into life as Marc Ganly (41st) and Tarazona (47th) added two quick items for an 8-1 advantage.
The clash between T&T and the Argentines was a repeat of their meeting at the same stage of the competition when it was held in Brampton, Canada four years ago, which the South Americans won 8-0 en route to claiming a second title by beating the host in the final.
Back then, T&T had to settle for the bronze medal, and on Saturday , the Glen Francis-coached T&T will be again fighting for the bronze against the loser of last night’s second semifinal between Canada and USA from 7.15pm In their previous three matches so far in the competition, , T&T went under to Canada 6-0 in its opening Pool B round-robin match last Friday before edging past Mexico (3-2) and Brazil (2-1) for the runner-up spot in the pool with six points, three behind Canada.
The Argentines entered the match with a perfect 3-0 record after they crushed USA 6-0 in their opener on Friday and followed up with a 9-2 hammering of Chile and a12-0 mauling of Venezuela.
The Trinidad Guardian
Hockey men blasted by world #1 Argentina
SKIPPER Akim Toussaint scored Trinidad and Tobago's lone item as they were defeated soundly by top-ranked Argentina 8-1 in the first semi-final of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Pan Am Cup in Lancaster, Pennsylvania yesterday.
Toussaint, who campaigns in Australia, will now lead his charges into the third-place playoff, scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. against the loser of the second semi-final between Canada and hosts USA. At press time in that match, the two sides were locked at 1-1.
Earlier, coach Glen “Fido” Francis's men were shell-shocked after the first quarter when the Argentines exploded to a 5-0 lead.
Trinidad & Tobago Express
New Zealand and Pakistan to qualify for World Cup 2018
With Argentina and Canada contesting the PanAms final and both teams being prequalified for the World Cup, it means the 6th placed teams at the WHL Semi-finals will gain a place at the World Cup. With Hosts India coming 6th in London and being prequalified, it means 6th placed team in Johannesburg, New Zealand, will qualify for the World Cup.
The next two teams in line for a place are the 7th placed teams in London and Johannesburg in ranking order. They were Pakistan (#13) and France (#17 - ranking positions used for World Cup qualification). With both Australia and New Zealand no qualified for the World Cup it means unless Papua New Guinea can pull off a miracle and win the Oceania Cup in October, Pakistan will qualify for the World Cup regardless of the winner of next week's European Cup.
In the Rabobank European Championships next week only Poland and Austria are not prequalified so unless they win the tournament, Pakistan will officially qualify for the World Cup then leaving France to pick up the place from the Oceania Cup.
The 8th placed teams at the WHL Semis were China (#18) and Egypt (#19). The Asian Cup and Africa Cup results will determine if either of these teams go to the World Cup. Malaysia, India and Pakistan will be be Prequalified for the Asian Cup and China, Korea and Japan could upset the odds there. Int the Africa Cup the odds are stacked in South Africa and Egypt's favor with only Egypt in a position to qualify twice for the World Cup. If South Africa win that encounter then Egypt will fail to make it from WHL.
Fieldhockey.com
Rot-Weiss quintet named in German Euros squad
©: World Sport Pics
EHL champions Rot-Weiss Köln provide five players to the German panel for the European Championships, named today by Bundestrainer Stefan Kermas following the IV Nations tournament in Terrassa.
Mats Grambusch, Marco Miltkau, Mathias Müller, Moritz Trompertz and Christopher Rühr have been named in the panel. For the first time since the Olympic Games of Rio de Janeiro, Martin Häner, who will lead the team in Amsterdam as captain, and Tobias Hauke return.
"With these two players, of course, we get a lot of experience back in the squad," says Kermas of their selections. Hauke brings 280 caps of know-how while Häner is closing in on 200.
The Berliner has a small question mark over his final inclusion due to a muscle injury during training in Mannheim but Kermas is confident he will make it. Nils Grünwald, from TSV Mannheim, is on standby for him.
It will be a maiden tournament for UHC Hamburg’s Max Kapaun and Club an der Alster’s Anton Boeckel. Tom Grambusch and Timm Herzbruch are out injured while Timur Oruz lost his race to be fit.
"I said that in my first year as a Bundestrainer I would give some players the chance to show themselves," Kermas added.
“The aim of the training courses in Mannheim and Terrassa was to draw a performance comparison and only then to decide on a final squad. The face of the team changed a lot after the Olympics, forming a young team with a lot of potential, which also has to develop considerably with a view to the 2018 World Cup.
"The European Championship will be another important step for us. It is not a developmental tournament itself and we go to Amsterdam to play in the best possible way in the Dutch home stadium.
“We will of course also draw on the knowledge that we gain there, to develop a team that will be able to reach the finals in the next tournaments and win them."
Euro Hockey League media release
India suffer second defeat to Belgium on European hockey tour
India were leading Belgium at one point but squandered the lead and suffered their second consecutive loss on their European hockey tour.
India lost to Belgium 3-1 despite leading the game at one point. (Hockey India )
India men’s hockey team squandered a goal’s advantage to lose 1-3 to hosts Belgium in Boom and slump to its second consecutive defeat in the ongoing tour of Europe.
The Red Devils dished out a spirited performance late last night and came from a goal down to beat India and register their second win in the series in as many days.
India had earlier lost by a solitary goal to Belgium in their opening game of the tour on Wednesday.
The Indians, who have fielded an experimental team here with as many as six players making their debut in the senior national side, started on an aggressive note and surged ahead in the fourth minute when Armaan Qureshi scored a brilliant field goal.
But India’s joy was short-lived as Belgium drew parity five minutes later. The lead didn’t last long as Belgium scored the equaliser through Amaury Keusters (9th minute).
Belgium were the better side on display in the second quarter and took the lead in the 21st minute when Loick Luypaert scored with a superb drag-flick.
Just at the stroke of halftime, Belgium extended their lead through Victor Wegnez’s field strike.
It was a neck-and-neck fight between the two teams in the third and fourth quarters.
India pressed hard in search of goals but the Belgian defence stood like a rock to thwart any danger to their citadel.
The Indians will now head to Waalwijk, Netherlands to face the home team on August 13 and 14 before winding up their five-match Europe tour with a game against Austria in Amstelveen on August 16.
Hindustan Times
India lose 1-3 to Belgium in second game
NEW DELHI: Indian men's hockey team lost 1-3 against hosts Belgium, their second consecutive defeat in the Tour of Europe, in Boom on Thursday. Spirited Belgium came from a goal down to beat India and win the series 2-0.
India started aggressively and took an early lead when young Armaan Qureshi scored a brilliant field goal in the fourth minute. The lead didn't last long as Belgium scored the equaliser in the 10th minute.
The home team made all the right moves in the second quarter and took the lead in the 21st minute when Loick Luypaert scored through a superb drag-flick. And just before the half-time whistle, Wegnez scored a field goal and increased Belgium's lead to 3-1.
It was India vice-captain and mid-fielder Kangujam Chinglensana Singh's 150th international game.
On Wednesday, India lost their opening match of the tour 0-1 against the same opponents. After playing out three goalless quarters, India conceded a goal in the 59th minute to lose the evenly contested game. Tom Boon scored the winning goal for Belgium.
Indian team is on a five-match tour of Europe, and will play their third game against Netherlands at 18:30 IST on August 13.
The Times of India
European Masters hockey
The International Masters Hockey Association European Masters Championships take place in Tilburg, Netherlands from 11-19 August 2017.
England Men’s and Women’s teams are competing in the Over 40s, Over 45s, Over 50s and Over 55s competitions.
You can see the England squad line-ups, the match schedule and follow all the action at https://masters.altiusrt.com/
Further details can also be found on the event website https://www.ecmasters2017.eu/
We wish the England teams every success and hope they can improve on their record in the 2015 tournament which was held in England where our Women’s teams won three golds and a silver and the Men’s a Gold, Silver and Bronze. Our Women’s Over 55s, Men’s Over 50s and Men’s Over 55s go into this tournament as World Champions
England Hockey Board Media release
Black Sticks' jersey sits well with Canterbury's Sam Lane
Timaru's Sam Lane on the charge for the Black Sticks against Pakistan earlier this year. JOHN COWPLAND / PHOTOSPORT
It's been just shy of a year since Timaru's Sam Lane was selected for the Black Sticks, but the young striker has made a big enough impact to keep his spot in the starting line up.
Lane, 20, has shown maturity beyond his years, slotting crucial goals for the Black Sticks both at home and abroad this 2017 season.
Lane moved to Auckland at the beginning of the year to be within the Black Sticks environment, which he says has improved his hockey already.
Sam Lane has slotted some crucial goals for the Black Sticks since he was selected last November. JOHN COWPLAND/PHOTOSPORT
"I've adapted a lot better now. it's been quite full on with the hockey."
Auckland city life is a stark contrast from his days spent on the family dairy farm near Timaru, but it is something he is getting used to and comfortable with all for the sake of running out for the Black Sticks.
Black Stick Sam Lane, 20, has quickly adapted to the national team environment he says. Grant Down
Schooled at Winchester's Waihi School and Christchurch's St Andrews College he is now the second youngest in the Black Sticks squad, next to Central's Hayden Philips.
Being a Black Stick has always been his dream, but now he's there he "just wants to be the best."
"Originally the goal was to be a Black Stick, but that wears off a bit and you realise every game is just another game. Now the goal is to win more games rather than just playing a test."
After recently returning from the World League semifinal in Johannesburg and finishing a lowly third in their pool, Lane realises playing for his national side is not all roses.
"This was seen as a major for us and it was quite a demanding tournament. There were a lot of lessons learned from it and it was a good stepping stone for me."
"We were there for a reason and we started off well but we all got a bit exhausted. It probably wasn't the greatest tournament from me."
The tournament was the first time the entire squad was available for selection, which Lane found to be a good challenge while keeping his starting spot at striker.
However he is under no illusion this will remain the same and knows coach Darren Smith would be looking at each player under the microscope before he picks his test side for next year's Hockey World Cup.
"There is a lot of work to be done I know what I need to do before then. I need to work on getting a bit stronger and just the basic skills in general."
He does so through training with the Black Sticks three times a week and on his own at least twice. The committed striker is also focussed on his studies off the field, as he works towards his bachelor in business studies with Massey University.
The former Southern United player in the Canterbury Hockey League still chooses to play for Canterbury in the National Hockey League and hoped to see the Cavaliers come away with the title after a 12-year hiatus.
"We've had a good team every year and this year we have a young side so we are looking forward to it."
While Lane doesn't want to get ahead of himself, the ultimate goal for him is to play for the Black Sticks at an Olympic Games.
Stuff
Black Sticks hockey striker Olivia Merry top of her game
OLIVIA CALDWELL
Olivia Merry could be a great option for Black Sticks' captain if the opportunity arises. Martin Hunter / www.photosport.nz
There are not all that many careers where at 25-years-old you can say you've reached the pinnacle - but that's exactly where Black Sticks hockey striker Olivia Merry is.
She won't say it herself, but this season Merry looks to be in the form of her 172-cap international career and has time to reach a higher level yet.
The born and bred Cantabrian has been one of the top goal scorers for the Black Sticks in a reasonably successful season so far.
Olivia Merry of Black Sticks against the USA earlier this year in Rangiora. Martin Hunter / www.photosport.nz
The team have drawn a series against the United States, beaten the Indians 5-0, won the Hawke's Bay Cup against Japan, Australia and the US and have recently qualified for next year's Hockey World Cup after finishing third at the World League semifinal.
While the results have worked in their favour, Merry said there is still a lot to work on for a young Black Sticks side.
After the side's loss to the Netherlands at the World League, Merry used the time to take a break in the European sun, which she said was a useful refresher.
"It was awesome and a good time to reflect with the disappointment of the loss. To come back refreshed and ready to train."
Merry was first selected in 2012 after the London Olympic Games and is now considered part of the leadership group for the Black Sticks.
Although captain Stacey Michelsen is a stalwart and will be staying on for some time, Merry has all the makings to step into those shoes if the opportunity were to arise.
"Oh, I like where I am at now in the team, just leading by example. If Mark taps me on the shoulder at some stage I'm not going to say no."
Merry admits that with experience comes pressure and expectation to perform, something she has been working hard at.
"The more [caps] you have, the more you can't afford to under perform."
The former Redcliffs Primary School pupil and Avonside High School for Girls student said one of the biggest "work ons" for her career has been her fitness.
Although she feels great now, she admits it never came easy for her and she has put the hard yards in ever off season to keep up with the demanding sport.
"Fitness is a killer after a break and it was a shock when I was first thrust in to hockey, but it's something you get used to.
"It's definitely something that doesn't come naturally, but something I work hard on and pride myself on.
Merry will be playing for the Canterbury Cats side in the National Hockey League tournament in Wellington next month.
Stuff
Hockey Ireland Announces The Introduction Of IHL DIVISION 2
HOCKEY IRELAND ANNOUNCES THE INTRODUCTION OF DIVISION 2 IN THE IRISH HOCKEY LEAGUE STARTING IN 2018/19
On the back of the Open Forum conducted on The Hook in March, the IHL Working Group (WG) set up a Review Panel to consider a number of points of feedback. The Review Panel was represented by all the Branches, a number of clubs and the WG.
The Review Panel recommended commencement of a IHL Division 2 starting from the 2018/19 season and this recommendation was approved by the HI Board in early July.
The IHL Division 2 will run in parallel to the provincial league and clubs in IHL Division 2 will participate in both with IHL games interspersed throughout the season.
Commenting on the introduction of Division 2, Inez Cooper, Chair of the IHL WG noted, 'The Panel discussed a number of issues identified from the Open Forum, especially in relation to addressing potential growth in the gap between EYHL and provincial league club sides. The Panel was of the view that the introduction of a Division 2 would address the top concerns, namely, better preparation of provincial league clubs for playing in EYHL through exposure to sufficient level of competitive matches throughout the season; help ambitious clubs with player retention / migration as well as help in finding new sponsors who want to invest in their growth story and finally to help demoted clubs bridge back into the EYHL quickly'.
IHL Division 2 will be played in pools with clubs playing on a home and away basis with the top 2 teams in each pool qualifying for the IHL Division 2 Finals. Full details of how IHL Division 2 will operate and be introduced is contained in the IHL Regulations
Inez thanked the representatives from the Branches and clubs involved in the Panel for giving of their time and much valued input to the meeting to work through on a recommendation for the Board.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Mammoth boost for hockey in Selangor
By Jugjet Singh
FROM LEFT ... SHA VP J. Elangovan Chairman Competitions Committee, QI Group’s Deputy Group Managing Director Kuna Senathirajah, SHA President, Ganesh Shanmugam and SHA Deputy President Dr S. Shamala,
THE QNET-TNB Selangor Hockey League kicks off on Aug 19 with a whopping 71 teams gunning for titles in various divisions.
This will not only by the biggest number of teams taking part in the history of Selangor hockey but also, the biggest state league in Malaysia.
Asian Direct Selling Company, QNET announced its continued sponsorship for the third year running for the men's, women's, schoolboys' and girls' categories, to be played at three venues in the Klang Valley.
This year’s edition will also see Tenaga Nasional Berhad, as co-sponsors with matches being played at the Petaling Jaya City Council, Pandamaran and the KPM Pantai Stadiums.
The league will also introduce a new division called the District Level Development (DLD) as part of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and the Ministry of Education Sports Division development partnership program.
Each DLD district will be allowed to field one under-14 team in the league for free and the matches will be played in the KPM Stadium in Pantai.
S. Kuna, QI Group’s deputy group managing director expressed his delight on the continued partnership with Selangor HA.
“As a keen supporter of one of our top national sport, I am also quite happy to see the league moving into full gear for the third year running.
"This will give a good platform for hockey fans in the state to see top class action up close and in the process unearthing new talent which could be nurtured into national or world class players.”
“Additionally, our partnership with Selangor HA clearly demonstrates our strong support for the development of hockey, where Malaysia is ranked 12th in the world, and having qualified for the World Cup in India next year,” said Kuna.
In Division One, defending champions UiTM will looking to win their fourth consecutive title but are expected to face stiff competition.
PJCC Tigers will be one of the teams to watch as they won the Junior Hockey League Division One title in May.
Also looking to challenge UiTM will be the Hamzah Machang and X-Matrix.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Newly Named Junior USMNT Rosters Announced by Wiese and Staff
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Rutger Wiese and supporting staff have formally confirmed the rosters for the newly established U.S. U-15, U-18 and U-20 Men’s National Teams.
The selections were made after a three-day Training Camp and Talent Identification Camp held from July 14 - 6 in Chula Vista, Calif. Prior to that, the U-19 USMNT embarked on a 10-day European tour, from June 25 - July 2, competing against top clubs at the Junior level.
Three training camps lay ahead for the Junior USMNT athletes taking place, August 16 - 22, October 7 - 9 and November 19 - 24 before the squads compete in a friendly USA vs. Canada Test Series in Moorpark, Calif.
The selection of the U.S. U-15, U-18 and U-20 Men’s National Teams will display the byproduct of USA Field Hockey’s new regionalization model. The goal is not only to grow the game of field hockey in the United States, but to also show the potential, growth and success of hard work by people in regions across the country. The regions are imperative in the continued effort to build and maintain the men’s Olympic Developmental Pipeline to the USMNT, as implemented by Wiese.
USA Field Hockey would like to congratulate the following athletes on their selections to the respective Junior U.S. Men’s National Teams.
2017 U.S. U-15 Men’s National Team:
Leo Baumgardner (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Corey Dykema (Newport News, Va.), Brett Eisner (Lafayette, Calif.), Jack Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Gurcharan Johal (Phoenix, Ariz.), Wyatt Katz (Santa Rose Valley, Calif.),Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.), Namit Mangat (Glendale, Ariz.), Rafael Martell (Miami, Fla.), Noah Mendoza (Monument, Co.), Mehtab Mohan (Somis, Calif.), Noah Reynolds (Moorpark, Calif.), Amar Singh (Santa Clara, Calif.), Russell Smith (Camarillo, Calif.), Matthew Wong (Alamo, Calif.), Ike Wood (Manlius, N.Y.)
2017 U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team:
Owen Clobes (Ventura, Calif.), Gerald Cutone (Reading, Mass.), Phile Govaert (Rye, N.Y.), Rajen Gupta (Agoura Hills, Calif.), Liam Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Colin Hennessy (Marlborough, Mass.), Jatin Sharma (San Francisco, Calif.), Michael Mendoza (Monument, Colo.), Ahren Quddus (Camarillo, Calif.), Patrick Quinn (Doral, Fla.), Dean Schiller (Alexandra, Va.), Phil Schofield (Moorpark, Calif.), Jugraj Shoker (Sunnyvale, Calif.), Puneet Singh (San Jose, Calif.), Cameron Spach (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Galvin Stuart (Old Saybrook, Conn.), Damien Tarala (Hong Kong, China), Spencer Walshaw (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Sam Zuzick (Moorpark, Calif.)
2017 U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team:
Payton Breslow (Moorpark, Calif.), Alex Curtis (London, United Kingdom), Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Jack Galucci (Trumbull, Conn.), Zaid Hassan (Santa Clara, Calif.), Wander Hommes (Westlake Village, Calif.), Graeme Jackson (Moorpark, Calif.), Amar Khokhar (Valencia, Calif.), David Kristof (Darien, Conn.), George McGuigen (DelMar, Calif.), Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas), Ajit Parmar (Fremont, Calif.), Keeling Pilaro (Southamption, N.Y.), Garry Singh (Corona, Calif.), Ryan Torigian (Simi Valley, Calif.), Sahil Vig (Simi Valley, Calif.), Maxwell Walshaw (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
USFHA media release
'Stick for India' producing hockey wizards at Anantapur
Antony CJ
Andreu Enrich, former Spain national hockey player who has many jaw-dropping feats under his cap from winning the Champions Trophy in 2004 to Spanish Hockey leagues, visited Anantapur Sports Academy (ASA), a sport for development initiative by Rural Development Trust for a 10-day 'Stick for India' hockey coaching camp starting from 1-10 August with five other hockey players from Spain. 'Stick for India' is a philanthropy project started in 2006 by Andreu Enrich and hockey Olympian Santi Freixa.
Apart from being involved in the coaching camp for the ASA girls and boys, Andreu and his fellow players also visited different ASA grass-root and development centres in rural Anantapur to conduct hockey sessions for children and promote hockey. On the last day, Andreu conducted a workshop for coaches from grassroots and development centres, on using various fun-activities while doing the sessions for the children to make it enjoyable and enriching for both players and coaches.
Hockey has provided the kids with healthy lifestyles, secured jobs and moreover a way to escape from poverty. "I had two options; to represent the national team or to do something for the kids in rural Anantapur. I chose the latter. To see the players with whom we started the project ending up as engineers, army personnel, representing state and district hockey and recent selection of M Bhavani in National Hockey Academy has been the best experience as a human being", says Andreu Enrich who is optimistic to see international hockey players from Anantapur.
'Stick for India' also plans more of exposure games for the hockey players at ASA even to Spain, so that they can share and learn about different hockey cultures. They are also looking for potential partners in India so that they can convert the present hockey gravel ground to a turf to offer better training and to aid in improving the performance of the players.
The Times of India