News for 12 August 2017
All the news for Saturday 12 August 2017
Chile prove too hot for USA in Pan Am Cup semi-final
It was a moment of history at the Pan American Cup as the host nation and world number four side USA were knocked out of the Pan American Cup by Chile, their lower-ranked South American rivals. The result means that for the first time in its history, the Pan American Cup will not be contested by Argentina and USA. It also keeps Chile's dream's of a place at the Women's World Cup next year very much alive.
The team ranked 20 in the world will now face Argentina in the final – a team that has won every edition of this competition. But for Chile, the prize is great. If they beat their illustrious opponents in the final, they will qualify for the Women’s World Cup in London. Both USA and Argentina have already qualified for the Women's World Cup through their performances at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals.
(Match reports: Ali Baggot/PAHF)
Argentina vs Canada 4-1
In the first semi-final of the day, Argentina faced Canada. It did not take long for Las Leonas to hit their stride as Maria Ortiz scored in the sixth minute, beating the Canadian defenders to a loose ball. Noel Barrionuevo added to the score with her third penalty corner attempt to give the world number three side a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Argentina dominance continued as Julia Gomes gave Argentina a 3-0 lead in the 35th minute, but the world No. 19-ranked Canadians were not giving up as Karli Johansen brought the score to 3-1 with a low strike into the corner of the goal. In the 58th minute Argentina sealed the game as Barrionuevo’s penalty corner flick hit a Canadian body on the line. The expert defender made no mistake from the stroke mark for her second of the game and a final score of 4-1.
USA vs Chile 3-4
The second semi-final was a 60-minute thriller, with back-to-back goals in the last two minutes of play. Denise Krimerman scored with less than 20 seconds on the clock to power Chile to a 4-3 win over USA, marking the first time ever that the Pan American Cup final will not involve Argentina and USA and the first time Chile has ever won against USA in official competition.
It was end-to-end action right off the bat as USA earned their first penalty corner just seconds in to the game. Ashley Hoffman’s flick bounced into the bottom corner sending the packed stands at Spooky Nook into a roar. Chile fought back as Manuela Urroz crafted her way through the circle. Her shot was blocked but the loose ball was smashed in by Josefa Salas to bring the the game to 1-1. Chile extended their lead in the 20th minute when Urroz deflected a pass sent into the circle. USA brought the game back to 2-2 after sustained pressure. Kat Sharkey’s penalty corner strike was saved by the pads of ‘keeper Claudia Schuler but the ball popped loose for Erin Matson to sweep in leaving the game 2-2 at half time.
Denise Krimerman was next to score. Her shot, though not rifling, found a way past Jackie Briggs to give Chile the 3-2 edge. USA had three penalty corners in the final five minutes of the match, and with 1:28 left on the clock, Amanda Magadan deflected in Michelle Vittese’s penalty corner sweep shot at the far post to equalize 3-3. Not to be deterred, Chile raced to the other end and Krimerman was able to score despite all the traffic in the USA circle. The 4-3 win makes Pan American and Chilean history as Chile will now play Argentina in the final, while USA will play the bronze-medal game against Canada. Both games will be played on Sunday.
The final matches will take place on Sunday 13 August:
13:45pm 5/6 Mexico vs Uruguay
16:00pm 3/4 Canada vs USA
18:15pm Final Argentina vs Chile
All times are Eastern Standard Time
FIH site
Unstoppable Krimerman gives Chile historic win over USA, marks first-ever Argentina-Chile Pan Am Cup final
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Ali Baggott
2017 Pan American Cup - Semi-Final - USA vs. Chile. Photo: Yan Huckendubler
A 60-minute thriller culminated in the last two minutes of play with back-to-back goals. Denise Krimerman scored with less than 20 seconds on the clock to power Chile 4-3 over USA, marking the first time ever that the Pan American Cup final will not involve Argentina and USA and the first time Chile has ever won against USA in official competition.
It was end-to-end action right off the bat as USA earned their first penalty corner just seconds in to the game. Ashley Hoffman’s flick bounced into the bottom corner sending the packed stands at Spooky Nook into a roar. With USA leading 1-0, Chile was poised to equalize. Manuela Urroz gained the circle and ran the baseline but her pass intended for Krimerman was well intercepted by USA defender Amanda Magadan. USA had a flurry of chances as Jill Witmer blazed past two defenders to blast a hard shot but it was saved well by Chilean keeper Claudia Schuler in the 4th minute. Witmer hit the post in the 12th minute as if it was a sign of what was to come.
Chile pressured high up the pitch and were able to intercept a pass to USA captain Melissa Gonzalez. Urroz crafted her way through the circle but her shot was blocked. The loose ball was then smashed in by Josefa Salas to equalize the game 1-1. Chile extended their lead in the 20th minute when Urroz deflected a pass sent into the circle. USA keeper Jackie Briggs misread the bounce and the off-pace ball snuck through her pads for Chile to take the lead 2-1.
USA had three-consecutive penalty corners in the 23rd minute but they couldn’t capitalize. Moments later USA stripped Sofia Walbaum at the 23-m line and Sharkey charged the circle and unleashed a back-hand shot that ricocheted off the back boards. Following the goal the umpires conferred that the initial tackle was not clean, keeping the game 2-1 in favour of Chile. USA did manage to draw level before half time. Sharkey’s penalty corner strike was saved by the pads of Schuler but the ball popped loose for Erin Matson to sweep in leaving the game 2-2 at half time.
A small but boisterous section of the stands seemed to fuel the Chileans as they created a lot of trouble for the USA. An errant pass in the backfield allowed Chile’s Krimerman some space and her acceleration left her nothing but Briggs in goal. Krimerman’s shot, though not rifling, found a way past Briggs to give Chile the 3-2 edge, a fitting reward for the West Vancouver World League Round 2 Top Junior Player who was the nucleus of all of Chile’s momentum.
USA had three penalty corners in the final five minutes of the match, and with 1:28 left on the clock, Magadan deflected in Michelle Vittese’s penalty corner sweep shot at the far post to equalize 3-3. Not to be deterred, Chile raced to the other end and with unbelievable effort Krimerman was able to score a midst all the traffic in the USA circle. The 4-3 win makes Pan American and Chilean history as Chile will now play Argentina in the final, while USA resorts to the bronze-medal game against Canada. Both games will be played on Sunday.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Leonas set to contend for fifth Pan American Cup after semi-final win over Canada
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Ali Baggott,
2017 Pan American Cup - Semi-Final - Argentina vs. Canada. Photo: Yan Huckendubler
The opening quarter was fast paced and although Argentina spent the opening five minutes in their 23-m area, the World No. 3 team took control of the game in just the 6th minute. A quick attack down the left side allowed Julieta Jankunas to blast a shot at goal from a sharp angle and Maria Ortiz beat a trio of Canadian defenders to the ball, deflecting it in for a 1-0 Argentina lead. Noel Barrionuevo had two penalty corner flick attempts in the 8th minute of play, the first was a re-award and the second was denied by Canadian post player Danielle Hennig. Argentina nearly doubled their lead in the 12th minute when Martina Cavallero picked up a ball deep in the right corner and weaved her way through the circle. Cavallero’s quick release slipped under the pads of Canadian keeper Kaitlyn Williams and as she started to celebrate a desperation save on the line from defender Alison Lee kept the game at 1-0.
It was third-time lucky for Barrionuevo, who scored on Argentina’s third penalty corner in the 19th minute. The hard flick beat Williams low stick side for a 2-0 Argentina lead. Majo Granatto had Argentina’s only other chance of the quarter despite a lot of possession in Canada’s end. Granatto’s back-hand shot from the top of the circle blasted just wide right of the net. Canada had a glimmer of attack towards the end of the half on a nice transition by midfielder Hannah Haughn but forward Nikki Woodcroft was unable to convert the play to a circle entry.
Canada defended two back-to-back corners in the third quarter, the first denied at the post again by Hennig, while the second, a flick from Julia Gomes, was saved well by the right kick of Williams. Gomes found success on her next penalty corner flick that beat Williams in the 35th minute for a 3-0 Argentina lead.
On one of Canada’s few attacking runs Brienne Stairs was challenged hard outside the circle and the resulting penalty corner paid off. Defender Karli Johansen’s flick provided a renewed sense of energy for the World No. 19-ranked Canadians as her shot beat Argentina keeper Maria Mutio stick side low to break the shutout, 3-1. Cavallero and Eugenia Trinchinetti each had chances towards the end of the third quarter but Williams was able to stymie both chances.
In the 54th minute Canada had a near chance as Haughn’s cross went through traffic and beat Mutio but Jordyn Faiczak wasn’t ready at the far post. In the 58th minute Argentina sealed the game as Barrionuevo’s penalty corner flick hit a Canadian body on the line. The expert defender made no mistake from the stroke mark for her second of the game and ultimately a final score of 4-1. Argentina advances to their fifth-straight Pan American Cup final. The previous four editions they have played USA in all of those but their 2017 opponent will depend on the Chile vs. USA match.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Last Minute Goal by Chile Puts USWNT into PAC Bronze Medal Match
Image courtesy of Mark Palczewski
LANCASTER, Pa. – A dark and cloudy night was the backdrop as the U.S. Women’s National Team took to the turf for the second semifinal match of the 2017 women’s Pan American Cup (PAC) in Lancaster, Pa. against No. 20 Chile. Familiar opponents, as the teams met only a month ago at the FIH Hockey World League Semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa, the match-up was a true 60-minute battle from the get-go. To start off the scoring, USA got on the board in the first minute as Chile found the equalizer at the end of the first quarter. Back and forth goals followed with the match tied but Chile prevailed and found the go-ahead goal in the final minute of play to capture the 4-3 win.
“Congratulations to Chile, they came out fighting,” said Katelyn Ginolfi (Lewes, Del.). “They are fighting for a qualification in the World Cup and that showed tonight. It’s disappointing for us, and although it wasn’t a lack of effort on our part, sport doesn’t always go your way.”
Quick off the starting whistle, USA took possession into their circle and earned a penalty corner. The early opportunity was converted as Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) dragged a ball into the corner of the goal to give USA the early 1-0 advantage. Immediately following, Chile shifted momentum to the other end of the field, forcing USA to stay composed as Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) made a critical stop and clear away from the goal mouth. Chile persisted forward and off a USA defensive turnover, they dumped a ball into the circle and although USA’s defense stopped the initial shot, Josefa Salas knocked the rebound in to equalize the score just before the quarter ended.
Chile continued the hard-working mentality at the start of the second quarter. In the 20th minute of play a long ball swept into the circle was deflected by Manuela Urroz and misjudged by USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) as it made its way into the goal for a 2-1 lead to Chile. USA earned three penalty corner chances and scored a stunning backhand but the goal was disallowed as a foul was made prior to the shot. Eager to find redemption, USA pushed aggressively forward and earned another three penalty corner chances. On the third one after the initial shot was saved, inserter Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) sat on the near post to gather the rebound and tie the score going into halftime.
Momentum sparked in the hands of Chile as the third quarter got underway. Utilizing a high press, USA challenged in pairs trying to force Chile to turnover the ball. In the 34th minute on a run down the middle of the field, Denise Krimerman took it with speed, entered the circle and ripped a hard shot into the goal to give Chile the 3-2 lead. A determined USA team did whatever they could in search of an outcome but none would be found before the close of the quarter.
Tension was high as play started in the final frame. Chile continued to push possession up the field with speed but USA equally countered in search of the equalizer. A 5-minute yellow card was issued to Carissa Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) in the 50th minute giving Chile the field player advantage. This didn’t last long as Chile’s Francisca Tala earned a green card leaving 9 players on the field for both teams. USA continued to fight in the final minutes of the quarter and after two failed penalty corner chances, the third was successful as Magadan deflected a sweep in off the post to make it 3-3. As the one minute mark hit, Chile went full speed toward the goal and made their way into the circle. Krimerman took control on the baseline, ran it in and managed to tuck it into the net for the go-ahead goal. The final score stood at USA 3, Chile 4.
“We didn’t do anything we haven’t done before in the past,” added Ginolfi, when talking about the USWNT’s performance. “It was just about playing hard, playing with passion. We had that at moments but some lack of concentration here and there.”
The U.S. Women’s National Team will compete for the bronze medal against Canada on Sunday, August 13 at 4 p.m. ET. Both teams squared off early at the women’s Pan American Cup during pool play and the result ended in a tied match. For more information about the 2017 Pan American Cups, including event schedule, results, ticket information and live stream, visit the PAC Event Page on usafieldhockey.com. All Team USA games are broadcast on PCN. #PAC2017 #CaptureTheCup
USFHA media release
Argentina hands Canada’s Women their first loss at Pan American Cup in Semi Finals
Kori Sidaway
Canadian defender Karli Johansen on the offence versus Argentina in the 2017 Pan American Semi Finals. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)
Argentina, ranked 3rd in the world, handed Canada’s Women their first loss at the 2017 Pan American Cup today, sending Canada to play in the bronze medal match.
The starting whistle saw Canada’s Women come out strong. The team held possession of the ball for the first few minutes and saw some early chances. Rachel Donohoe engineered Canada’s first opportunity, sending a strong backhand dangerously across the Argentinian goal, but her teammates were just out of reach and unable to get a touch.
It was Argentina who lit up the scoreboard first with a goal in the 6th minute, beating Canadian goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams on a redirect from a backhand to put Argentina up 1-0 over Canada.
Canadian goalkeeper Williams and her defence came up big in the following minutes to stop any additional Argentinian chances, including Alison Lee who stepped up to interrupt what looked to be a sure goal that slipped between the legs of Williams just before the goal line in the 11th minute.
In the second quarter, Argentina come out dominating most of the play, pressing on their fore-check, and not allowing any opportunity for Canada to look for a connecting pass up the field. The pressure kept Canada playing defensively in their own end.
Canadian goalkeeper Williams and the team’s defence showed great work to deny Argentina’s chances, but the team managed to convert a penalty corner drag flick left and low to increase their lead over Canada 2-0 going into halftime.
The second half was characterized by continued Argentina pressure up front, and Canada just not getting numbers in the circle. Canadian defender Danielle Hennig made a couple notable saves off the post on penalty corners, but Argentina was able to hit the left corner of the goal again, to raise their lead over Canada 3-0.
As Canada fought back on their counter attack in the 37th minute, they were awarded their first penalty corner of the game as the umpires sought to calm the increasingly physical play. Karli Johansen took the drag flick and found the lower left corner of the net to ensure it was a two goal game again.
Veteran defender Hennig says this never-say-die mentality is unique to the Canadian team. “I think we go into every game believing that we can win…we have a bit of quiet confidence.”
Referencing previous games at the 2017 Pan Am Cup, Hennig went on to add, “I think we showed some of how we can play, in the U.S. game. Even today, there were periods when we put pressure on Argentina.” Hennig concluded, “we’re getting there and we know that we’re really close. We were hoping it was going to be today, and it’s just unfortunate it wasn’t.”
Challenging higher ranking teams isn’t something that has been, or is, out of reach for the Canadian Women. In fact, they’ve done it time and time again, especially as of late. Most recently, they drew against world ranked number four, team USA, in pool play of the Pan Am Cup, breaking a 26 game, 12-year USA winning streak.
In addition, Canada’s Women have seen recent wins over India and Korea breaking near 20 year winning streaks for each team, and forced a draw with England, currently ranked 2nd in the world, in 2014.
This is a team that’s going places, and they know it.
“We’re going to keep that confidence going and know that whatever opponent we play, if we bring our best game we can compete with anyone, and we can win any game,” asserts Hennig, “and that’s what we’re going to do in the bronze medal game.”
You can catch Canada’s Women confidently take a rematch with the United States in the bronze medal game in what’s guaranteed to be a thriller – August 13th at 1:00pm PT/4:00pm ET.
Photos: Canada vs Argentina – August 11/17
Select photos from Canada’s 4-1 Semi-Final loss to Argentina on August 11, 2017 at the Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)
Field Hockey Canada media release
T&T, USA clash in Pan Am bronze
Nigel Simon
T&T’s senior men’s hockey team line-up for the national anthem ahead of their main draw semifinals at the 2017 Pan American Cup Men’s Championship at USA Field Hockey Sports, Spooky Nook, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, on Thursday. Argentina won 8-1. Photo: Courtesy PanAmericanHockey.org Photo by:Yan Huckendubler
T&T “Calypso Stickmen” will be seeking to secure a second straight bronze medal when they come up against USA in the bronze medal match at the 2017 Pan American Cup Men’s Championship at USA Field Hockey Sports, Spooky Nook, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, from 3.30pm today.
The clash against the Americans for the Akim Toussaint-led T&T squad will be a repeat of their 2004 meeting in Brampton, Canada when T&T won 3-1 on a double by Wayne Legerton and one from Mickel Pierre to earn a first ever bronze, after a fourth placed finish in 2004 in Canada and fifth in Santiago Chile in 2009.
Both T&T and USA will enter the final on the back of semifinal losses on Thursday.
This after T&T went under to Olympic champions and two-time tournament winners Argentina, 8-1 while USA was ousted by Canada, 4-3 on penalty-stroke shoot-out after a 1-1 score at the end of regulation.
In their other matches to date, the Glen Francis-coached 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 Pool B 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.
Prior to the T&T and USA contest, Mexico and Venezuela will do battle for seventh spot from 10am followed by Chile and Brazil for fifth from 12.15pm. The Argentina and Canada final, a repeat of the 2014 as well, which the South Americans, won, 4-0 will flick off from 5.45pm.
Yesterday in the fifth to eight semifinals, Chile blasted Mexico 8-1 and Brazil whipped Venezuela 4-1.
The Trinidad Guardian
Scotland beat Russia to reach Euro final and gain promotion
Scotland secured promotion to the top tier of European hockey after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Russia in the semi-finals of Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow. Scotland were 4-0 in the final quarter and managed to hold off a late Russian surge to claim the win, and set up a final against Wales.
A very even opening quarter saw Scotland enjoy possession and test the Russian full backs. Ben Cosgrove was full of running and made several attempts to slide into positions behind the full back. Russia was solid however and gave Scotland very little to play with in and around the D.
It was in the second quarter that Scotland began to turn the screw. Kenny Bain came close half way through the second quarter when he surged through the Russian defence, but it was well dealt with by the Russia rear guard.
Lee Morton was pulling the strings in midfield, spraying passes around the pitch with purpose.
Scotland would be rewarded with a goal before half time after Alan Forsyth won a penalty corner. Bain was on hand to send a delightful flick into the top right corner to make it 1-0.
Scotland made it 2-0 in the third quarter and it was a goal made in Dundee. Gavin Byers went on a run into the D and found Ben Cosgrove who finished from close range.
It was 3-0 a short while later when Cammy Fraser got his name on the score sheet. Alan Forsyth smashed the ball goal-ward from a penalty corner, it scooped up into the air off the goalkeeper and Fraser slammed it into the net to make it 3-0.
The final quarter was about as dramatic as sport gets. Alan Forsyth put Scotland 4-0 after some superb skill by Chris Grassick to fashion the opportunity.
Russia retaliated instantly with a penalty corner tucked nicely into the bottom right corner to make it 4-1.
Then it went to 4-2 when Pavel Plevetskii buried the ball into the top right corner with an exceptional finish.
In the final minute Nikolay Komorov scored from a penalty corner to make it 4-3 to set up a torturous ending to the match. Scotland held on and secured promotion to the top tier of European hockey.
Photos by Duncan Gray and Mark Pugh
Scottish Hockey Union media release
New Zealand qualify for Odisha Men's Hockey World Cup 2018
New Zealand men’s hockey team have become the latest team to qualify for the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup, Bhubaneswar, 2018.
The Black Sticks, ranked eighth in the world, finished in sixth position in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg, meaning they faced an anxious wait to see if that was good enough to earn them qualification to the blue riband event that takes place in India next year from 28 November to 16 December.
The results at the Pan American Cup, currently taking place at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, have gone in favour of the Black Sticks as both teams in the Pan Am Cup final – Argentina and Canada – have already qualified for the World Cup via the Hockey World League route.
Under FIH regulations, the team that wins its continental qualifier automatically qualifies for the World Cup. If that team has already qualified by finishing in the top five of the Hockey World League Semi-Finals – as both Argentina and Canada did by finishing second and fifth at the London Hockey World League Semi-Finals respectively – then the place is offered to the next highest finisher in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, in this case, New Zealand.
There are still four more continental qualifiers to be played so four more places at the World Cup are up for grabs.
The continental qualifiers are: Men’s Rabobank EuroHockey Championships 19-27 August 2017; Oceania Cup 9-15 October (final dates to be confirmed); Hero Men’s Asia Cup 17-22 October 2017, Men’s Africa Cup of Nations 19 / 29 October (final dates to be confirmed).
FIH site
New Zealand Men confirmed for World Cup
Photo: FIH/Getty Images
The Vantage Black Sticks Men are now officially qualified for the Men’s Hockey World Cup in India next year.
The Kiwis finished sixth at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg, meaning they faced an anxious wait to see if that was good enough to earn them qualification to the World Cup which runs from 28 November to 16 December 2018 in Bhubaneswar.
Recent results at the Pan American Cup, currently taking place in Pennsylvania, have gone in favour of the Black Sticks as both teams in the Pan Am Cup final (Argentina and Canada) have already qualified for the World Cup via the Hockey World League route.
Under FIH regulations, the team that wins its continental qualifier automatically qualifies for the World Cup.
If that team has already qualified by finishing in the top five of the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, as both Argentina and Canada did by coming second and fifth respectively at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in London, then the place is offered to the next highest finisher in the competition - in this case New Zealand.
The Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 will be New Zealand's 10th appearance at the World Cup. The team's highest finishing position is seventh – a position they have reached on four occasions, including the most recent edition in 2014.
There are still four more continental qualifiers to be played and four more World Cup places remain up for grabs.
The continental qualifiers include Euro Hockey Championships, Oceania Cup, Asia Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
WAIS boost for national men’s indoor hockey team
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian men’s indoor hockey team have been boosted by their commanding performance in the five-match series against the Western Australia Institute of Sport (WAIS) development team.
The Malaysians won the first three matches 5-3, 7-3 and 5-0 before drawing the next two 4-4 and 5-5.
National indoor coach Mohamed Amin Rahim was happy with his 12-man team’s performance against such tough opponents.
“The WAIS team were better than the other sides we played against in practice matches. The tempo of the game and also the aggressiveness were much better.
“To be able to win three matches was good and the players’ confidence has been boosted by the results.
“We have the talent but lack experience. I think we are better off now compared to two months ago. We are also free from any major injuries and that’s good,” he said.
Malaysia are aiming to win both the men and women’s indoor gold medals although Thailand and Indonesia may prove to be major hurdles.
Malaysia are looking to win the men and women’s field hockey golds as well.
The Malaysian indoor hockey team also finally got the chance to practice at the Games venue at the MiTEC Hall.
Amin also allayed concerns over the playing surface at the venue.
“I don’t think we will have any major problems with the surface. The venue has been closed for a few days and we will get to play on it next week,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Hockey squad
Pravin Narain
FIJI Hockey Federation will select a youth squad to compete in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games qualifiers which have been scheduled to be held in Papua New Guinea next year.
Fiji hockey coach Hector Smith said players would be selected based on their performance in the 2017 Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Championship in Levuka.
"The national selectors will be in Levuka to look at the secondary school players performance and select the players for the trials which will be held in Suva later this month," Smith said.
The three-day competition starts on August 14-16.
The Fiji Times
Alberto 'Coco' Budeisky was elected as President of the PAHF for 2017-2021 period
2017 PAHF Congress. Photo: Yan Huckendubler
Alberto 'Coco' Budeisky, of Argentina, was re-elected as president of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) for the period 2017-2021 at the General Assembly held at Spooky Nook, Lancaster, United States, the same place the Pan American Cups are being held.
Budeisky, who took over the post in 2013 replacing Tony von Ondarza, pledged to continue working for the growth of hockey in the region. The PAHF Congress was attended by delegates from 24 countries.
It was also approved the incorporation of Mary Cicinelli (CAN) as the new PAHF treasurer replacing the efforts of fellow Canadian Derek Sandison. The Congress approved the incorporation of Bree Gillespie (USA), Ann Doggett (CAN), Walter Kramer (CHI), Héctor Motta-Ríos (PUR) and Bernardo Picardo Trejos (CRC) as new ordinary members.
The meeting was attended by the Executive Director of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Jason McCracken, who explained the Hockey Revolution program that is already being applied in many countries and that will present some changes in the next edition of the World League and Hockey Pro League.
Finally, the PAHF Athletes Committee was approved, which will now be represented by Felipe Montegu (CHI), and Katie Bam (O'Donnell) (USA), Rossana Passelle (URU) and Mark Pearson (CAN).
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Madibaz coach realises a hockey dream
Madibaz premier league hockey coach Cheslyn Gie received a taste of international hockey when he was included in the South African men’s management team for the recent World League semi-finals in Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied
A confirmed fanatic from an early age, Madibaz Sport hockey manager Cheslyn Gie realised one of his dreams when he was included in the South African men’s management team for the World League semi-finals in Johannesburg last month.
Gie, who was born and bred in Port Elizabeth, has been in charge of hockey at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth since 2001 and doubles up as the men’s premier league coach.
He has now taken his career to the next level after his association with the national team, which came about after a lengthy period of success with Madibaz, as well as his mentoring of the Addo Elephants in last year’s inaugural Premier Hockey League (PHL) in South Africa.
“Fabian Gregory, the national men’s coach, has been impressed with how we have developed the game at Mandela University in the past five years,” said Gie.
He added that his work with the Addo Elephants, who lost in the final of the PHL, saw him receive an opportunity as a trainer with the SA team for the Summer Series against the Netherlands, Germany, England and Belgium earlier this year.
“After these tests he asked me if I would be available for the World League semi-finals in Johannesburg and I was obviously more than willing to be involved.”
Gie said he had learnt a great deal under Gregory at the world tournament and was looking forward to implementing some of the ideas with the Madibaz teams.
“I have always wanted to be involved at a national senior level and this was fantastic for my development as a coach.”
Attending Fontein Primary and Gelvandale High, Gie was introduced to hockey at the age of six and subsequently turned out for Blue Bells Hockey Club, where his father was the secretary.
He played for his school’s first team from Grade 8 and since then his career has been littered with provincial representation after making the Eastern Province U16 team.
Gie, who lives in Gelvandale, went on to represent EP Schools and was chosen for the SA Schools team in 1992.
He joined the Cavaliers in the premier league where he was coached by Gary Dolley, the first person to identify him as a potential coach.
“I played for EP U21 and the EP Settlers provincial teams before Gary gave me my first coaching job as a development coach for juniors at the Dyke fields in Schauderville.
“I then attended coaching clinics and achieved my level one, two and three accreditation.”
Gie’s coaching career moved up a notch when he took on the job for the PE Technikon A side in 2003 and, when the technikon and the university merged in 2005, he was put in charge of the men’s second team.
“After Jody Paul took up a position in England in 2006, I graduated to the premier men’s A team.”
Gie said he had a simple philosophy on coaching.
“The best form of defence is attack,” he said.
However, he added that there were key elements to coaching to ensure players reached their potential.
“We need to concentrate more in developing players’ technical skills at a junior level. I also feel, as coaches, we can contribute to their holistic development.”
Watching a player and a team achieve their potential is the most satisfying part of being a coach, said Gie. Conversely, he added that it was frustrating when talented players did not reach their full potential.
He lists his role at the World League semi-finals as one of his career highlights.
Others include contesting four finals at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament from 2012 to 2017, winning the EP premier league four times in the last five years and claiming the Junior Africa Cup with the SA U21 men’s team in Cairo in 2008.
Having been involved at a national U21 level as a video analyst and trainer, he said this taste of international hockey had given him motivation to improve even more as a coach.
“One of my big aims is to do an International Hockey Federation (FIH) coaching course. There are very few coaches in SA with this qualification,” said Gie.
“I also dream of winning the USSA title and a men’s interprovincial, while attending events such as the World Cup, Olympics and the Commonwealth Games as a coach or trainer are all on my bucket list.”
Full Stop Communications media release
Mossley Performance Academy’s new development approach
The Mossley Performance Academy prior to a game against the Irish Under-16s.
Mossley’s Performance Academy will play a high-quality series against Waterloo Ducks and Royal Orée in Brussels from August 25-28 with a view to setting up a development link in Belgium on an ongoing basis.
It is part of ambitious plans with the Newtownabbey club as they look to establish a Centre of Excellence at Mossley. The aim is for young players, within a targeted age group, to develop into high performance hockey players and be better placed to reach provincial and national levels of representation.
Gerry Hamill, the Performance Academy Head Coach, says of the initiative: “This strategic goal is aimed at attracting new players and player retention. These goals have been met in the first year of the academy with five new players joining the academy/club and retaining 100% of the academy players.
“Retention of players at the targeted age group can be an issue, especially for boys, and by offering a structured training and development program that assesses players on key development criteria and individual targets.
“This information is fed back to players at the start of the season, mid-season and post season, providing players with personal strategies for improvement and development and keeps them engaged with their sport.
“The Belgian series will provide a platform to attract players to the Mossley Hockey Club as it is offering players exposure to elite sport participation.”
In their first year, the academy has been approached by other clubs to benchmark their structures and approaches to player development. The academy has also played high-level games against the Irish Under-16 squad, the Ulster Under-16 and 17 squads, EYHL clubs and local schools preparing for cup competitions.
“These matches plus the links with Belgium and an invitation to play the USA Under-21 squad next year at the Scottish National Stadium later this year demonstrates an increase in the profile of Mossley Hockey Club and its Performance Academy,” Hamill adds.
“The Academy is increasing the profile of hockey and sport through its approach to player development, the high intensity matches played and the developing links with national and international teams/clubs as the Belgian series will provide this.
“In the weeks leading up to the Belgium Series, we shall also be playing Munster U-18s, the UK Lions and Leinster.
“This exposure to high level games, an international coach and the links developed on both a professional and personal level will provide Mossley with players and coaches who will return to the club with new ideas, new skills/techniques and an experience that will help them grow and develop within their sport and as individuals.”
The Hook