News for 15 September 2017
All the news for Friday 15 September 2017
Europe Tour W: Indian Women's Hockey Team lose 1-3 to Ladies Den Bosch
s2h team
The Indian Women's Hockey team lost 1-3 to Ladies Den Bosch team in their third match of the Europe Tour. Goals from Ireen van den Assem (12’, 45’) and Imke Hoek (57’) were enough for the hosts to register the win against the visitors as Indian defender Navdeep Kaur (47') was the lone player on target for her team.
The match saw both the teams locking horns mostly in the midfield as the focus was on defence. In the first quarter, India started strongly as they retained possession for the first ten minutes but a counter attack from Ladies Den Bosch saw them earn a penalty stroke in the 12th minute which was well converted by Ireen van den Assem to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw some more action as both sides created opportunities inside the opposition’s half. Indian forward Lalremsiami came close to scoring in the 22nd minute, only to be denied by Den Bosch’s goalkeeper. In the same minute, Indian goalkeeper Savita made a terrific save to keep the score down to 0-1.
However, Ladies Den Bosch showed why nine players from their team play for the national team as they added to their goal tally when Ireen van den Assem beat Savita again in the 45th minute to take a 2-0 lead at the end of second quarter.
India brought on goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu in the third quarter to replace Savita and the former was forced into action straight away as she made a diving save in the 33rd minute. The visitors stepped up their efforts to make a comeback into the match as Captain Rani’s shot was saved by the Dutch goalkeeper in the 36th minute while another good team effort went wide of the goal two minutes later.
India started the fourth quarter swiftly as a brilliant team move saw defender Navdeep Kaur score in the 47th minute to make it 2-1. The visitors earned a penalty corner in the 50th minute but it was met with a diving save from the Den Bosch custodian.
India continued to put more pressure on the home side in the fourth quarter as chances went wide. In the 57th minute, the Dutch side pounced on the opportunity to score as they converted a penalty corner through Imke Hoek to make it 3-1 and secure the victory.
India will play the Belgium Junior Men’s team in their fourth and final match of the Europe Tour on September 18, 2017 at 2230 hrs IST.
Stick2Hockey.com
Indian hockey women's team lose 1-3 to Ladies Den Bosch
DEN BOSCH (Netherlands): Defender Navdeep Kaur scored the solitary goal as the Indian women's hockey team suffered a 1-3 loss to Ladies Den Bosch team in their third match of the Europe Tour here.
Goals from Ireen van den Assem (12th, 45th) and Imke Hoek (57th) were enough for the hosts to register the win against the visitors as Navdeep (47th) was the lone player to be on target for India.
The match saw both the teams locking horns mostly in the midfield as the focus was on defence.
In the first quarter, India started strongly as they retained possession for the first ten minutes but a counter attack from Ladies Den Bosch saw them earn a penalty stroke in the 12th minute which was well converted by Ireen van den Assem to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw some more action as both sides created opportunities inside the opposition's half. Indian forward Lalremsiami came close to scoring in the 22nd minute, only to be denied by Den Bosch's goalkeeper.
In the same minute, Indian goalkeeper Savita made a terrific save to keep the score down to 0-1. However, Ladies Den Bosch showed why nine players from their team play for the national team as they added to their goal tally when Ireen van den Assem beat Savita again in the 45th minute to take a 2-0 lead at the end of second quarter.
India brought on goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu in the third quarter to replace Savita and the former was forced into action straight away as she made a diving save in the 33rd minute.
The visitors stepped up their efforts to make a comeback into the match as Captain Rani's shot was saved by the Dutch goalkeeper in the 36th minute while another good team effort went wide of the goal two minutes later.
India started the fourth quarter swiftly as a brilliant team move saw defender Navdeep Kaur score in the 47th minute to make it 2-1. The visitors earned a penalty corner in the 50th minute but it was met with a diving save from the Den Bosch custodian.
India continued to put more pressure on the home side in the fourth quarter as chances went wide. In the 57th minute, the Dutch side pounced on the opportunity to score as they converted a penalty corner through Imke Hoek to make it 3-1 and secure the victory.
India will play the Belgium Junior Men's team in their fourth and final match of the Europe Tour on September 18.
The Times of India
India team will improve under Marijne, says Sreejesh
Bengaluru: Putting his weight behind newly appointed India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh has asserted that the Dutchman will enjoy a successful stint with the national hockey team.
“With a new coach in place now, this team will take a new direction. While moving up the ranks and maintaining consistency remains constant, I am sure that, along with me, all the players in the camp are looking forward to continuing the hard work and aim for better results with chief coach Marijne,” Sreejesh was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
Sreejesh, who has been out of action for more than four months with a knee injury that saw him miss the World League Semi-Final in London, is on the comeback trail and has joined his teammates at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre here to continue his rehabilitation process.
The 29-year-old has been an important figure for the Indian team in recent years, leading them to the silver medal at last year’s Champions Trophy in London.
But earlier this year in April 2017, when the team started their season at the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, the goalkeeper from Kerala suffered a ligament injury during the first quarter of the match against defending Champions Australia while diving to reach a diagonal ball by an opponent striker inside the Indian circle.
That saw Sreejesh hobble off the pitch and he has been recovering from that injury since then.
However, the goalkeeper campaigner seemed to be in good spirits as he made his return to the ongoing national camp on Wednesday.
“It feels good to be back at the national camp and starting some light training with my teammates. When you are with your team, you get the right motivation to work hard every day and get back to the field quickly as you want to contribute to the team,” Sreejesh said.
Sreejesh has been helping the younger players in the side by sharing his expertise with them in training, something that will benefit the likes of young goalkeeping duo Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera in the upcoming Asia Cup.
“I think it’s important for me to share my experience with the younger players and give them feedback on their performance,” Sreejesh said.
“That also helps me in improving my game as I can also learn from them too and when I come back on the field, I will know where I need to make improvements.
“When you are in the team, you need to take the responsibility and not worry about how you are going to perform as an individual. When you are playing in the team, you need to give your 100 per cent and focus on team-play so that the team can perform well as a unit,” he added.
Can-India.com
After Roelant Oltmans, Indian hockey analytical expert Hans Streeder quits job
Hans Streeder, Indian hockey team’s analytical coach, has resigned. It is learnt that he wasn’t happy with the sacking of chief coach Roelant Oltmans by Hockey India.
Navneet Singh
Roelant Oltmans brought in Hans Streeder as analytical coach of Indian men’s hockey team.(Getty Images)
Hans Streeder, associated with senior men’s hockey team as analytical coach, has quit his job. The Dutchman had joined the national camp in March this year.
Hockey India (HI) has posted an advertisement on its website to fill the post. The role of the analytical coach is mainly to evaluate the performance of individual players and collective effort of the team on the field and give feedback to the chief coach.
HI spokesperson Elena Norman didn’t respond to queries as to why Streeder had resigned. Streeder, it is learnt, wasn’t happy with the sacking of chief coach Roelant Oltmans.
Both Streeder and Oltmans had a good understanding and had worked together for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League.
Streeder’s main focus this year was to prepare the team for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh starting October 11 and World Hockey League final in Bhubaneswar from December 1 to 10.
Streeder, 58, a former Dutch team assistant coach, was in fact brought in by Oltmans.
He was also in the race for chief coach in 2015 after Australian expert Terry Walsh had quit his job, but the federation appointed another Dutch expert Paul van Ass.
Hindustan Times
Mülders set for new challenge in China
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics
German women’s coach Jamilon Mülders – and a trainer with the EHL-winning Rot-Weiss Köln side – will switch to China in October to take up a new role with their women’s team.
Speaking about the decision, Mülders said it was not an easy decision, adding that he owes a lot to the DHB following 10 years as a national trainer, five of them with Die Danas.
“I have to think about my family, and the offer from China is so lucrative and sustainable that I have now decided to make a change," he said.
DHB Sport Director Heino Knuf understood the 41-year-old’s reasoning: "If he gets the chance to make a name for himself in the international market, we cannot and will not stand him in the way.
“He has achieved so much for the association; the bronze medal in Rio with a very young team, the World Cup qualification for London 2018, and has also brought so many good ideas into our system. We say goodbye with a tear in our eye but also with the best wishes for his future career."
Mülders took over the Danas at the end of 2012 after the Olympic Games in London, taking over from Michael Behrmann. They went on to win the European Championship in 2013 in Belgium before a low key World Cup 2014 in The Hague.
They went on to play in six successive semi-finals in international tournaments, winning bronze in Rio as a highlight.
"The five years were dominated by ups and downs but I step down from the team with gratitude and pride in the team’s achievements and development on and off the pitch.”
For Rot-Weiss Köln, Mülders worked with André Henning at the FINAL4 in Brasschaat to offer an extra set of eyes to help them to their first ever EHL title.
Euro Hockey League media release
Selectors Appointed For Australian Women’s Teams
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia today announces Sharon Buchanan and Murray Richards have been appointed as new Women’s National Senior and Junior Selectors respectively.
Buchanan joins the selection panel for the Hockeyroos. Richards will be part of the selection panel for the Australian women’s under-age teams.
Australia Women’s National Team Coach Paul Gaudoin said: “We’re pleased to have Sharon Buchanan and Murray Richards on board in their respective roles.
“Sharon is an outstanding former Australian hockey captain who brings a wealth of experience as a player, having won an Olympic gold medal and being selected for four Olympic Games. She has a wealth of experience as a coach as well and will bring a lot to our selection panel.
“Murray has vast experience in identifying athletes. His previous role as Belgium’s High Performance Manager will add another dimension to identify and select athletes we think will go on to be important players in the system and the national team in the future.”
Buchanan is a decorated former Hockeyroos forward, who was selected in the 1980 Olympic team and competed in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic games. She scored two goals in the semi-final win against the Netherlands at the triumphant 1988 Seoul games.
The Busselton-born 54-year-old, who captained Australia from 1989 to 1993, was inducted into the Sport Hall of Fame and awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Since her retirement, Buchanan has been a board member for the Australia Sports Drug Agency, a National Hockey League Committee Member and has worked as coach and selector for numerous regional and interstate teams.
She has also worked in the media, covering the 2000 Sydney Olympics for Channel Seven and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur for Channel Nine.
Buchanan said: “I am excited to be involved again at the international level. Working in hockey administration and coaching consistently over the past 20 years has allowed me to stay in touch with the modern game.
“I look forward to working with the Australian Coaches to select the very best players for future success of our National Teams.”
Richards, who hails from Brisbane, was recently Belgium’s High Performance Manager for six years and held positions as Belgium’s Women’s National Team Coach and the nation’s Men’s National Team Assistant Coach.
The 40-year-old is a 28-time Kookaburras defender from 1997 to 2001 and was part of the Australia side that won the Junior World Cup in 1997.
Richards said: “I’ve been working extensively in High Performance sport overseas so returning to be involved with Hockey Australia is a great opportunity.
“My experience in Belgium puts me in a good position to understand international hockey and as a selector help our international coaches find the right players for the national team’s future.”
Hockey Australia media release
AHL - NT History
The last 3 years of NT's AHL
Holly MacNeil
In the Australian Hockey League tournament in 2016, the Stingers finished in ninth place and Matthew Argent scored 5 goals during the tournament being the most for the NT side.
In 2015, they finished eighth and Scott Boyde, Des Abbott and Jarrod Lockley all scored 2 goals each throughout the tournament.
In 2014, they placed sixth with Jeremy Hayward scoring the most goals for the Stingers in the tournament with 6 goals.
In the 2016 Australian Hockey League tournament, the Pearls finished tenth with Natasha Fitzsimmons being the highest scorer in the side finishing with 3 goals.
In 2015, they finished seventh with a number of their players scoring 1 goal each during the tournament.
Again in 2014, they finished seventh and they only scored 2 goals throughout the whole tournament by Danica Massini and Georgia Hillas.
Hockey Australia media release
Canterbury Cats lose Black Stick Olivia Merry with injury ahead of title defence
Olivia Merry will skip Canterbury's title defence to give her injured finger a chance to heal ahead of her duties with the Black Sticks. GETTY IMAGES
The Canterbury Cats women's team are unlikely to get too many sympathetic glances in the wake of Olivia Merry's enforced withdrawal from the National Hockey League tournament.
Because that's the breaks when you head to Wellington to prepare to defend your title.
Injury has forced Black Sticks representative Merry to join Catherine Tinning, also a strike forward, on the sidelines. Tinning, who has been replaced by Georgie Mackay-Stewart, withdrew a couple of weeks ago. Merry's vacant spot has been filled by Margo Willis.
"She (Merry) has injured a finger and been struggling with it for a few weeks now, and with the New Zealand stuff coming up they couldn't risk it with her," Cats co-coach Andy Innes said. "She is not playing yet."
Losing players of the calibre of Merry and Tinning isn't ideal. That isn't lost on Innes. Tinning is a Black Sticks development squad member.
"They are two key people with strike power up front, so we are reduced in that sense. But we are really pleased because we have got a couple of members of the Canterbury under-21 team that went away and got second at the national tournament.
"They have got some good players coming through, so we have been lucky in that sense."
The Cats are also without Gemma McCaw, who is expected to represent Midlands. Jordy Grant, Pippa Hayward, Rachel McCann and Jenny Story are among the Black Sticks members in the Cats squad.
Returning to the side after a break are Sian Fremaux, who has been in Belgium, and Sarah Rutherford.
"The difference between this year and last is that a lot of the New Zealand players weren't available to play in the national league, so with everyone being available this year it will be pretty tough," Innes said.
"Every side will be pretty competitive."
Midlands, North Harbour, Auckland and Northland loom as the most potent threats to Canterbury's chances of retaining their title, noted Innes.
"They have the majority of the Black Sticks squad members or younger squad members because they actually train up that way and get spread around across those teams.
"So it will be tough. But in saying that we have got that mix of young and experience. It is just a matter of getting that together on the week. It is just about gelling it."
Canterbury Cats: Jenny Storey (c), Jess Anderson, Libby Bird, Leah Butt, Millie Calder, Sophie Cocks, Sian Fremaux, Jordy Grant, Bridget Kiddle, Pippa Hayward, Georgia Mackay-Stewart, Rachel McCann, Kirsty Nation, Sarah Rutherford, Charlotte Symes, Emily Wium, Iona Young, Margo Willis.
Stuff
Two Englishmen, a Dutchman, an Australian and a Black Sticks star: Capital men seek magic formula
Capital's Blair Hilton was a key man in their 2015 national title and after missing last year for the Rio Olympics, returns for their latest title bid on home turf. HEATH JOHNSON/PHOTOSPORT
After a decade of National Hockey League campaigns and 167 caps for the Black Sticks, Blair Hilton is well accustomed to winging it this time of year.
Capital's key man as they chase a repeat of their 2015 national title, starting in Wellington on Saturday, Hilton was yet to meet their 18th and final squad member, Australian age-group rep Oscar Wookey, two days out.
With five Auckland-based players including Hilton, Wookey jetting in from Melbourne on the recommendation of former Black Stick Phil Burrows, Englishmen Luke Ramli and Peter Millar and Dutchman Daan Jongejan it's a task for coach Hemant Lala to whip up some magic in a hurry like he did two years ago.
Black Sticks striker Kelsey Smith will be an important figure for Capital's women in the NHL in Wellington in the next nine days. JOHN COWPLAND/PHOTOSPORT
Especially after just one leadup camp in Taupo last weekend, and 10 different faces from last year's fifth-placed team.
"It's been a process of getting to know everyone and how we want to play, but a lot of us have played numerous campaigns for Capital so it's nothing new. We're just trying to fast track everything a bit more than the other teams who've been preparing for the last two months," Hilton said.
A year ago the NHL was ravaged by Rio Olympics absentees including Hilton. Capital started slowly in their title defence and never recovered, as Midlands lifted the Challenge Shield with a 3-1 win over Canterbury in the final.
Most Black Sticks will be there this time, chasing Oceania Cup spots, although Capital are missing two of theirs: Stephen Jenness and Jake Smith who are plying their trade in Belgium. Veteran goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex is also unavailable in a significant blow.
For all that, Hilton - back to full fitness in Auckland's club competition after suffering a hamstring injury in Belgium - knows they can trouble most sides on home turf over the nine days.
"I've watched a few practice games of the teams up north and I definitely think we can compete with anyone. It's quarterfinals this year so you've got to win three games and then you're champions. We have the team to do it. I wouldn't say we're the favourites but everyone's pretty confident we have the ability to win."
The format change means fewer matches, which 27-year-old Hilton quips is good for the "old fellas". Three pool matches, starting with a tough one against North Harbour at 2.30pm Saturday, determine seedings for Thursday's quarterfinals then it's straight knockout.
That's good for Capital and won't punish slow starters. Two years ago in Whangarei, Capital lost their last pool match 5-1 to Midlands to cling on to the fourth semifinal spot, then toppled Auckland and pipped Southern in a shootout in the decider to lift the Challenge Shield.
Captain Dane Lett concurred with Hilton. "We've definitely got the group who are capable of winning it."
Capital's women, coached by Hugh Rosemergy, also finished fifth last year as Canterbury beat North Harbour 3-2 in the decider.
They have 11 of that squad back, with Black Sticks striker Kelsey Smith and goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon bolstering their lineup. An interesting addition is international guest player Amy Lawton, at just 15 a star of the Australian schoolgirls' team.
Capital women hit the first ball of the tournament, in the 10.45am opener against Auckland, and play the same quarterfinal format as the men.
AT A GLANCE
National Hockey League at National Hockey Stadium, Wellington
Pool play: Saturday till Wednesday. Quarterfinals: Thursday. Finals day: Sunday
Men, pool A: Midlands (defending champions), North Harbour, Capital, Southern. Pool B: Canterbury, Central, Auckland, Northland.
Capital men: Seb Buddle, Nick Finlayson, Conor Gilchrist, Blair Hilton, Jared Jones, Daan Jongejan, Mick Lammers, Trent Lett, Dane Lett, Peter Millar, Harry Miskimmin, Sam Miskimmin, Luke Ramli, Brad Read, Max Ruffell, Alex Shaw, Ben van Woerkom, Oscar Wookey. Coach: Hemant Lala.
Women, pool A: Canterbury (defending champions), Auckland, Capital, Southern. Pool B: North Harbour, Midlands, Northland, Central.
Capital women: Amy Lawton, Amy Smit, Aniwaka Roberts, Bronie Edwards, Caitlin Procter, Charlotte Eastman, Estelle Macadre, Esther Chan, Felicity Reidy, Grace O'Hanlon, Imogen Neil, Jess Chisholm, Kelsey Smith, Kiriana Wairau-Hunter, Lydia Velzian, Michael O'Connor, Rachel Lilley, Ruby Logan. Coach: Hugh Rosemergy.
Stuff
National League has some juicy fixtures and Scottish Cup gets underway
Grange meet Grove Menzieshill this weekend – Photo Duncan Gray
Grange`s title aspirations come under early scrutiny when Grove Menzieshill, who finished third in last season`s men’s National League campaign, come calling at Fettes for the game of the card this weekend.
The Taysiders will hope to be in the mix at the final denouement of this season`s league championship, and they are almost certain to influence its outcome. Grove Menzieshill, now under the aegis of Gavin Byers, won their opening game 3-1 against city rivals Dundee Wanderers. Byers said: “We were delighted to get off to a winning start against Wanderers, it`s always a tough game against them. We had a few injuries so we were missing two regulars and had two boys making their debuts. We played better as the game progressed, which was pleasing and finished strongly.”
Byers knows that Grange away could be a much harder nut to crack. Last season Grove Menzieshill went to Fettes and lost the game 4-1. “Grange are always a difficult team to break down, a very strong unit who play good hockey,” said Byers. “They will be looking to bag corners with Dan Coultas now flicking, but they have threats from all over. We will have to be right on it if we are to take a positive result away from this game.”
Although Grange got the better of Grove Menzieshill in most of the head-to-heads last season, Grange coach David Knipe is aware of the Tayside challenge. “Grove Menzieshill have some great players but also play well as a team,” Knipe said. “It should be a good game between two pretty even sides.”
Bromac Kelburne`s initial progress towards their 14th consecutive league title started with a 5-1 win over Inverleith, and they’ll hope to continue with a similar style of victory at Clydesdale. Inverleith had no answer to the wiles of Michael and Johnny Christie, it will be a challenge for the Titwood outfit to fare any better. It’s a challenging start for Clydesdale`s new coach Callum McLeod, meeting first Grange and now Kelburne on the trot.
The final top four side of last year, Western Wildcats, also started the campaign off with a win over Hillhead, albeit courtesy of a late strike by Matt McGinley. This weekend`s encounter with Uddingston could be another cliff hanger.
The Lanarkshire side had a very up and down record last season but they just missed out on fourth spot by whisker in the end. Their piece de resistance was a 2-1 victory over champions Kelburne towards the end of the campaign, two penalty corner strikes by Steven Percy did the damage.
Edinburgh University start their season with a local derby against Inverleith. However, Inverleith coach Stuart Neave may be working on penalty corners over the last week, his side carved out five second half set pieces against Kelburne but failed to find the target with any of them.
Graham Moodie, Edinburgh University`s coach, has a challenging task in front of him. “With such a big turnover of players and losing three Scotland Senior Internationals, realistically it’ll be a re-building year for us.”
Departed are Jamie Wong and goakeeper Dave Forrester to Holland and France respectively, while Dan Coultas has moved across Edinburgh to Grange.
“We have been able to attract a number of high potential young players, which is extremely exciting, but it’ll take some time for everyone to gel and we will need to be patient but learn quickly,” Moodie said.
The coach has quoted eight newcomers to the students` ranks, including Simon Blaschke from Berlin.
The final fixture on the card sees Dundee Wanderers entertain Hillhead on Tayside, this could be a close contest.
Sunday sees the first round of the Scottish Cup with a couple of juicy ties to savour. Second division sides with home advantage against top flight opposition may feel they have nothing to lose – that is the scenario facing AAM Gordonians and Granite City Wanderers who square up against Dundee Wanderers and Clydesdale respectively.
Hillhead play Dundee Wanderers this weekend – Photo by Duncan Gray
Women’s National League 1
In women`s National League 1 the Dundee pair Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers, who drew 3-3 in a thriller last weekend, will not want to drop any more points at this early stage in the season.
Wanderers may fancy their chances at home against Hillhead while Grove Menzieshill travel to Edinburgh to face newly promoted Grange, who were on the wrong end of a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Western last weekend. Both of these ties have the potential to be high-scoring and action-packed.
Early pace-setters Milne Craig Clydesdale Western will look to hold on to top spot with another convincing victory against Kelburne at Titwood, especially after striking seven times last weekend.
Wildcats required a single strike by Alex Stuart to see off Hillhead at Auchenhowie last weekend, Kaz Cuthbert`s charges will be out to maintain their winning record against GHK at Old Anniesland. The home side will be looking to recover from their 5-1 defeat last weekend and get their first points on the board.
However, champions Edinburgh University could have a tricky assignment away to Watsonians. While the students started the defence of their title in that convincing 5-1 win against GHK, Watsonians have also been showing a bit of form.
Watsonians finished strongly in the league at the end of last season, and beat the champions 1-0 at their own tournament a couple of weeks ago, Heather Tait was on target that day.
Also the Edinburgh side started their campaign with a 2-0 win away at Kelburne, but the question is – have Watsonians the firepower to take on Sam Judge`s students and win on league business?
However, there is no doubting the Scottish Cup tie of the round – the clash between Wildcats and Western at Auchenhowie on Sunday.
Wildcats have made significant strides under Cuthbert`s watch over the past several seasons – they finished fourth last year, but they have still to break the monopoly of Edinburgh University, Grove Menzieshill and Western – perhaps Sunday will be the day.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Indoor Hockey finals on this weekend
By Ashford Jackman
LEADING SCORER: Teague Marcano, left, in action for Trinidad and Tobago against hosts the United States during the recent Pan Am Hockey Cup in Philadelphia. Marcano leads in goals for the Malvern Under-19 Boys team at the National Indoor Hockey Championships which conclude this weekend at the Woodbrook Youth Facility.
MALVERN and Queen's Park (QPCC) will do battle for the Open Men's title when the curtain falls on the 2017 National Indoor Hockey Championships on Sunday evening at the Woodbrook Youth Facility.
Magnolia and Paragon will dispute the Open Women's title just before the men's final; the two Open division championship games will bring to a close the final weekend of competition.
Play starts at 9 a.m. Saturday with a packed schedule of 16 games, including competition in the Trinity Men's division and the Under-19 Boys semi-finals. On Sunday, a nine-game schedule also starts at 9 a.m. and the tournament climaxes with the Under-19 Boys and Girls finals, the Trinity Men's final and the Open Women's and Men's championship games.
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Weekend College Games
Each week, USA Field Hockey highlights some of the top college games in Division I, II and III.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
DII: No. 1 East Stroudsburg vs No. 8 LIU Post | 4 p.m. ET
LIU Post started off its season strong by posting back-to-back wins. Last Saturday, they opened the 2017 campaign with a 7-0 victory over the University of New Haven. The following Tuesday, the Pioneers defeated Southern Connecticut State University, 4-1. LIU Post will look to continue its winning streak when they take on East Stroudsburg this Thursday. East Stroudsburg is ranked No. 1 in this week’s NFHCA Division II Coaches Poll after improving to 4-0 overall this season. The Warriors defeated previously top-ranked Shippensburg 2-0 last week and has outscored their first four opponents, 15-1.
DIII: Stevenson vs Goucher | 7 p.m. ET
Stevenson University is now 2-1 overall after suffering a hard fought 3-1 loss to Washington (Md.) last Saturday. The Mustangs' skilled underclassmen helped keep them throughout game but they were unable to capture the win. Stevenson looks to have a quick start versus Goucher this Thursday, as Goucher will look to close the gap between wins and losses. The Gophers are coming off a tough 10-2 loss to Gwynedd Mercy Griffins. Goucher will aim to focus on their defensive intent in their upcoming games.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
DI: No. 24 Rutgers vs Cornell | 5 p.m. ET
After back-to-back losses last week, Rutgers want to get back on track with a pair of wins this weekend. A four game winning streak was cut short this past weekend losing to Princeton University on Friday and St. Joseph’s University of Sunday. The Scarlet Knights are now 4-2 overall this season. Although they lost their last two games, they had an impressive win over Old Dominion early this season. Cornell will put its winning streak on the line when take on No. 24 Rutgers Friday. With a 4-0 overall record, Cornell is off to its best start since the 2009 season and also posted three consecutive shutouts to start the 2017 campaign. Watch this game to find out if Cornell will remain undefeated or if Rutgers will end the Big Red’s winning streak.
DI: No. 8 Michigan vs Michigan State | 7 p.m. ET
No. 8 Michigan will open Big Ten Conference play against in-state rival Michigan State this Friday. The match-up between these two teams will finish a five-game home stand for Michigan. Michigan is 4-2 overall this season including wins over two top ranked ACC teams, North Carolina and Wake Forest. The Wolverines will look to use their depth in scoring and strong goalkeeping to help them beat Michigan State. Michigan State is coming off a tough weekend in which they lost back-to-back games against top ranked opponents. The Spartans suffered a 3-2 loss to ODU on Friday and a 6-1 loss to Virginia on Sunday. Michigan State will look to bounce back by getting its first win over a top ranked opponent this season.
DIII: Rhodes vs Johns Hopkins | 5 p.m. ET
Johns Hopkins' three game winning streak came to an end last Sunday when they fell 4-1 to St. John Fisher. The first loss of the season dropped John Hopkins to 3-1 overall but they will continue a four-game home stand on Friday, September 15 against Rhodes. Hopkins will look to strike early and capitalize on its opportunities if they hope to come away with a victory. Last weekend, Rhodes suffered a 3-1 loss to Wittenberg University before rebounding with a 5-0 shutout victory over DePauw University. After last week’s win, Rhodes improved to 2-1 overall this season and will try to continue its dominant scoring performance from last game when they take on Johns Hopkins.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
DI: No. 7 North Carolina vs No. 10 Boston College | 12 p.m. ET
North Carolina dropped three spots in the NFHCA DI Coaches Poll after losing to No. 16 Wake Forest 3-1 last Friday. The Tar Heels quickly bounced back to defeat Appalachian State 6-1 on Sunday, with four different players scoring and a total of 21 players seeing playing time. UNC will look to use its diversity and depth when it takes on No. 10 Boston College on Saturday. With the win over Appalachian State, the Tar Heels improved to 4-2 overall as Boston College shared a similar fate to UNC this past weekend. The Eagles lost 6-0 to Syracuse on Friday and then defeated Providence 4-0 on Sunday. Boston College improved to 5-1 overall, including three wins over top ranked Albany, Northwestern and Maryland.
DI: No. 3 Syracuse vs No.16 Wake Forest | 1 p.m. ET
Syracuse remains one of the few undefeated teams left in Division I field hockey. The Orange are 7-0 overall this season set a new program record this past weekend for consecutive shutouts in its 2-0 win over No. 21 Albany on Sunday. They also have yet to give up a goal on the season. In the match against Albany, the Orange didn’t allow a single shot on goal for the fourth time this season. Wake Forest is coming off a big weekend after notching two 3-1 victories including an underdog win over top ranked North Carolina. Will Syracuse remain undefeated or will Wake Forest take down another top tanked opponent?
DII: Millersville vs Seton Hill | 11 a.m. ET
Millersville opened their 2017 campaign strong with two wins but their strong start was cut short when they were defeated 6-1 by top ranked Shippensburg. The six-goal performance for Shippensburg marked the most goals scored against Millersville in a game since October 16, 2008. Millersville will look to get back on track this weekend when they take on Seton Hill this Saturday. After last Tuesday's win over Mercyhurst University, Seton Hill improved to 2-3 overall this season. The Griffins showed their grittiness in their 3-2 win over Mercyhurst by scoring the game winner in the last 47 seconds of play.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
DI: No. 2 Penn State vs No. 6 Delaware | 1 p.m. ET
The match-up between these two top ranked teams will be the game to watch in Division I field hockey this weekend. No. 2 Penn State will look to remain one of four undefeated teams left in Division I when they take on defending National Champions No. 6 Delaware this Sunday at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. Penn State is 5-0 overall this season with four of those wins being over top ranked opponents. The Nitty Lions are coming off three consecutive shutout victories. Delaware is 5-1 overall this season with their only loss being against top ranked Louisville. The loss ended Delaware’s 20-game winning streak and since the loss, the Hens have bounced back by winning their last four games.
DI: No. 22 American vs Drexel | 1 p.m. ET
Drexel will look to get back in the winning margin this weekend when they take on No. 22 American this Sunday. After last weekend’s 4-1 loss to Lafayette, Drexel dropped to 3-3 on the season overall. The Dragons will aim to have a quick start and score early to put American under pressure. American is 4-2 overall after topping Towson 5-0 last Sunday. They will make their home debut this weekend and will look to defend their home turf. A pair of wins will help the Eagles continue to try and move up in the NFHCA rankings.
DII: No. 9 Merrimack vs Pace | 2 p.m. ET
Pace field hockey is off to a great start with a three-game winning streak. The Setters will look to remain undefeated in play when they square off against Merrimack this Sunday. Pace's first two games were dominant displays of scoring as they defeated Saint Thomas Aquinas College 6-0 in their season opener and Southern Connecticut State University 5-1. After a disappointing season opening 2-1 loss to No. 2 East Stroudsburg, Merrimack has managed to bounce back with three straight wins. They recently defeated American International 3-1 last week. The Navy and Gold tallied three unanswered goals over the first 17 minutes of the second half, erasing a 1-0 halftime deficit.
* DI Rankings are based off NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll (Posted September 12, 2017)
** DII Rankings are based off NFHCA Division II Coaches Poll (Posted August 29,2017)
*** DIII Rankings are based off NFHCA Division III Coaches Poll (Posted September 12, 2017)
USFHA media release
The 10 best NCAA field hockey games to watch this weekend
By Pat Ralph 
@UConnFHockey
The third weekend of the NCAA field hockey season saw another shift in the rankings, as the UConn Huskies emerged as the No. 1 team in this week’s poll. But after a slew of high-powered non-conference games to kick off the season, conference play in powerhouses such as the Big Ten and ACC is starting to heat up. But don’t worry; there’s still some huge non-conference showdowns coming up. Here are the 10 best games to watch this weekend in field hockey.
Friday, September 15th
No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 19 Iowa: Riding a six-game winning streak to start the season, the Nittany Lions moved up to No. 2 in the rankings after a 2-0 road win over No. 15 Princeton and a 5-1 victory at Bucknell this past week. Now, Penn State (6-0) opens its Big Ten Conference schedule against the Hawkeyes (3-4), who fell from No. 17 in the rankings. Last weekend, Iowa split a pair of contests against unranked New Hampshire. The Hawkeyes lost their first match 3-2, while roaring back to win their second game 7-1 against New Hampshire. Both teams will be looking to get conference play off to a great start before each goes back to non-conference play on Sunday. While Iowa will travel east to Philadelphia to take on the Penn Quakers, Penn State is in for a huge showdown against No. 6 Delaware.
N0. 4 Duke vs. No. 11 Louisville: After starting the season 3-0 and having not let up a goal this year, the Blue Devils (4-1) lost their No. 1 ranking after losing 4-1 at No. 5 Virginia to open up ACC play last week. But Duke bounced back with a 3-1 road win over No. 13 James Madison. Now, the Blue Devils return home for a three-game stretch which begins with No. 11 Louisville. For the Cardinals (4-2), Friday’s match against Duke will be its first in conference play this season. After defeating No. 23 American 2-1, Louisville lost a 1-0 nail-biter at No. 9 Maryland. While this is the lone game of the weekend for Louisville, the Cardinals will be looking to get off to a great start in ACC play. After Louisville, the Dukies will host No. 15 Princeton on Sunday.
No. 5 Virginia vs. No. 18 William & Mary: After knocking off No. 1 Duke at home and unranked Michigan State last week, the Cavaliers (5-1) moved up to No. 5 in the rankings and are riding high on a four-game winning streak. Now, Virginia begins a four-game homestand on Friday against a pair of in-state rivals. First, Virginia will welcome in No. 18 William & Mary. Previously unranked, William & Mary (5-1) has won five straight games heading into its matchup against Virginia. Most notably, William & Mary upset No. 8 Michigan 1-0 last week in Ann Arbor. After hosting William & Mary, Virginia will play the Richmond Spiders on Sunday. But this weekend will tell fans a lot about how good this William & Mary team is. After facing the Cavaliers, it will host No. 10 Boston College on Sunday.
Saturday, September 16th
No. 7 North Carolina vs. No. 10 Boston College: The second of three high-powered ACC clashes this weekend takes center stage in Chapel Hill on Saturday when the Tar Heels host the Eagles. North Carolina (4-2) opened up ACC play on the wrong side of the scoreboard, losing 3-1 at No. 16 Wake Forest last week. However, UNC followed it up with a 6-1 win over Appalachian State. But, it wasn’t enough to keep the Tar Heels from falling in the rankings. Similar to UNC, Boston College began conference play on a really bad footing as the Eagles (5-1) were blown out at home by No. 3 Syracuse 6-0 last week. Again, like UNC, the Eagles got back to its winning ways with a 4-0 home win over Providence. As a result, BC fell from No. 8 in the polls. This weekend is huge for both teams for several reasons. Not only does neither team want to begin ACC play at 0-2, but both face ranked opponents on Sunday as well. The Tar Heels will play host to No. 13 James Madison, while Boston College will travel to No. 18 William & Mary.
No. 3 Syracuse vs. No. 16 Wake Forest: The third and final big ACC showdown this weekend takes place in Syracuse, where the Orange will play host to the Demon Deacons on Saturday. This will be both teams second ACC games this season, and both got off to winning ways in conference play last weekend. By going on the road and lighting up Boston College 6-0, the Orange moved up from No. 5 in the polls. Syracuse (7-0) followed that up with a 2-0 road win at No. 21 Albany last Sunday. As for Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons took down both North Carolina and Ohio State by scores of 3-1 at home last week. With its win over the Buckeyes, Wake Forest (3-3) snapped its three-game losing streak against Big Ten schools and moved up from No. 19 in the rankings. While this is Wake Forest’s lone game of the weekend, Syracuse will host No. 24 Rutgers on Sunday.
Sunday, September 17th
No. 4 Duke vs. No. 15 Princeton: After hosting Louisville on Friday, the Blue Devils will host the Tigers (1-3) on Sunday. Princeton is off to a slow start this year, having dropped three of four to open the season and fall from No. 12 in the rankings. Princeton’s lone win came last week at home against Rutgers by a score of 4-1, but the Tigers followed it up with a 2-0 home loss against Penn State. This is Princeton’s lone game of the weekend and will be looking to snag a big road win to turn around its early-season struggles.
No. 3 Syracuse vs. No. 24 Rutgers: After hosting Wake Forest, the Orange will play the Scarlet Knights (4-2) on Sunday. After beginning the season 4-0 and entering the top 25 for the first time last week, Rutgers came back down to Earth with a pair of road losses. Along with losing at Princeton, the Scarlet Knights fell 3-1 at St. Joseph’s, who entered the rankings for the first time this season at No. 23 this week. This weekend will be Rutgers swing through the Empire State, as it will first play at Cornell on Friday before traveling to Syracuse on Sunday.
No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 6 Delaware: Arguably the biggest game of the weekend, the Nittany Lions will take on the Blue Hens (5-1) on a neutral site on Sunday in a top 10 non-conference battle. While this will be Delaware’s lone game of the weekend, it will give fans a good look at whether or not the defending national champions are serious contenders again this season. Delaware enters Sunday’s clash with Penn State coming off a pair of road wins last week against Penn (2-1) and Liberty (3-2). This game is one not to miss.
No. 7 North Carolina vs. No. 13 James Madison: After hosting Boston College on Saturday, the Tar Heels welcome in the Dukes on Sunday. Standing at 5-1 on the season, James Madison moved up from No. 15 in the polls and opened up the season with five straight wins, including a home win last week against the Hawks of St. Joseph’s. But James Madison ended up on the losing side against the other Tobacco Road team, falling 3-1 at home last week against Duke. In its lone game this weekend, James Madison will be looking to get back to its winning ways on the road against North Carolina.
No. 1 UConn vs. No. 20 Boston University: With all the movement in the polls this week, there’s a new No. 1 team in the country: the UConn Huskies. Sitting at 5-0, the Huskies jumped from No. 2 after 6-2 and 3-1 wins last week over No. 25 Pacific at home and No. 17 Harvard on the road. On Sunday, UConn will play host to the No. 20 Terriers. After starting the season undefeated, BU (4-2) fell from No. 16 after a pair of road losses against Albany and UMass last weekend. This will be the Terriers’ lone game this weekend, while UConn will host unranked Old Dominion on Friday.
Excelle Sports
Carrie Hanks’ international experience has helped her lead Maryland field hockey’s defense
By Scott Gelman
Defender Carrie Hanks passes the ball to a teammate in Maryland's 2-1 win over UVA on Oct. 25, 2016. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
As the Maryland field hockey team participates in practice drills that don't involve the backline, defender Carrie Hanks gets antsy. She'll speak to freshman Hannah Bond, but she'll still use a stick to gently hit a ball back and forth in front of her.
Coach Missy Meharg laughs it off, admiring how the Niskayuna, New York, native always wants to be involved. When the No. 9 Terps practice penalty corners, Meharg studies Hanks' form. The coach's conclusion is often the same: Hanks is one of the team's best at sweeping, hitting and dragging the ball.
Still, Hanks, who Meharg said is routinely the last person to exit the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex, receives a reminder before she departs for the day.
"I'm always laughing with her about how, 'I think you have enough touches on the ball today,'" Meharg said.
Meharg has long held Hanks' work ethic in high regard, which has earned Hanks a starting spot in 73 of Maryland's 74 games entering Friday's match against Indiana. Hanks hasn't paid much attention to her streak, but the stretch has proved her versatility.
Hanks made 69 consecutive starts spanning three seasons, a streak that ended earlier this month when she served as a substitute against then-No. 2 Duke. Each time Hanks takes the field, Meharg is thankful the defender chose Maryland over Princeton three years ago.
Hanks initially played midfield for the Terps, helping Meharg's team win the program's first Big Ten championship. But Hanks predominantly played on the backline with the U.S. National Team last spring, so Meharg switched Hanks' position.
Most recently, Hanks was one of three captains on the U.S. Under-21 team during its tour in England last spring. She contributed on penalty corners and embraced a leadership role, which has helped Hanks lead Bond, freshman defender Sophie Giezeman and the other younger members of Maryland's backline.
Hanks' role is notable given she's usually quiet, but her leadership helped Maryland execute its most complete game this season in a 1-0 win over then-No. 9 Louisville last weekend.
"People think you're the leader and you know everything and you always have to be at the top of your game," Hanks said. "I'm taking in learning experiences as they come, growing as a player, but also as a leader in every minute of every game."
While Hanks has anchored Maryland's backline since making the position change, the influence she's had on Bond is notable. Bond, an Oxted, England, native, has started every game and appeared aggressive across the field. Hanks' desire to always be near the ball has become contagious.
Plus, Hanks and Bond were designated for Maryland's "Top Terp" program, which pairs a senior and freshman together to bond preseason.
"A designated top Terp assignment more or less has turned into a really special mentoring and sisterhood," Meharg said. "She's mentoring her in such a calm, demanding way."
Hanks, who figures to be in Meharg's starting lineups against the Hoosiers and Bucknell this weekend, helped the Terps keep Cardinals leading scorer Nicole Woods off the board. Her flexibility and attention to detail continue to impress Meharg, but Hanks hasn't taken the starting time for granted.
"There are many strong players throughout my four years," Hanks said. "It was never a guaranteed thing … It's not necessarily about who's starting but about the minutes you can contribute."
The Diamondback
Finals tickets on sale now for World League
Photo: Planet Hockey
Finals tickets have been released and are now on sale for the Hockey World League Final at the Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland from 17-26 November.
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Hockey New Zealand Media release