Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 17 November 2017

All the news for Friday 17 November 2017


Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final 2017 - Day 1

Pool A USA v KOR 1 - 1
Pool A NED v NZL 4 - 0

Rank Team GP W D L GF GA GD P
1 Korea 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
1 United States 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
3 Netherlands 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
3 New Zealand 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

FIH Match Centre



Late Korea Equalizer Holds USWNT to Tie in Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final Opener


Image Courtesy of Ned Dawson/Planet Hockey Magazine

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – November 17, 2017 – Under the lights of the North Harbour Hockey Stadium, the U.S. Women’s National Team took on FIH Hero World Ranked No. 9 Korea in their first pool match of the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final. A first quarter goal for USA was equalized late in the fourth by Korea as the opening match finished in a 1-1 tie.

    “We struggled a bit in the third quarter,” said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. “Not necessarily on the ball but more with the press and with them throwing aerials and hitting long balls. The struggle for us was that we didn’t play a country like this for a while. Even our most experienced have only played them once.”

USA came out holding possession at the start of the match. A few close chances were present as they used quick, one and two touch passes to work it through Korea's defense. About midway through the quarter, Korea generated attack but a solid defensive step by Ali Froede (Burke, Va.) cut the play down. Maintaining possession, Korea earned a penalty corner and although it was miss trapped, they recovered possession and threatened USA’s circle again. The quarter finished with Korea persistent on goal as the score remained locked at zeros.

Tides shifted at the start of the second as USA quickly worked the ball in and out of pockets and up field. The hard work paid off in the 19th minute when USA earned their first penalty corner of the match. The straight sweep from Froede was saved but Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.) got a touch and inserter Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) slipped it past Korea’s goalkeeper to give USA a 1-0 lead. Korea had a near chance of their own off a deep USA turnover when a long ball was sent into the circle and a diving Korea strikers deflect went just wide. The halftime score stood with USA 1, Korea 0.

The battle of strong defenses showed in the third quarter as limited chances were present for either team. However, when the opportunities were present the hopes were high. In the 53rd minute, Korea’s defense had a miscommunication on a 16-yard restart that Casey Di Nardo (Virginia Beach, Va.) cheekily intercepted and earned USA penalty corner. The final minutes of the quarter saw possibilities for Korea, one near chance that deflected wide had the crowd roar. USA stayed on top to finish the quarter.

Eager to find the equalizer, Korea stepped up the pressure on USA’s defense to start the fourth. Back-to-back penalty corner chances for Korea were smartly saved by USA’s goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.). The intensity continued to rise in favor of Korea as they pulled their goalkeeper with two minutes to go and opted for a kicking back. The strategy paid off as Korea earned a penalty corner where a rebound off the pads was batted in by Yesol Cha to tie the game.

“We lost composure [in the fourth] mainly because of the cards we got against a very disciplined team that will play around you,” mentioned Schopman. “The improvement we made was on the ball where we did maintain possession at times and did create opportunities but were just too rushed. In the end, they just kept coming and when you are an athlete down it doesn’t really help.”

Turning their sights to The Netherlands, Schopman added a few words.

“We are here to learn and grow,” continued Schopman. “Our performance against them in Australia was poor and we are looking at if we can improve our performance. I am happy that we are back, back fighting and we are a team that doesn’t give up. We might not be good enough, and that’s fine, but we are contesting.”

The U.S. Women’s National Team will face No. 1 The Netherlands tomorrow, Saturday, November 18 at 2:00 a.m. ET in their second pool play match. For more information on the event including schedule, results and live stream, visit the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final event page by clicking here.

USFHA media release



England women seek maiden Hockey World League Final gold

By Nick Hope


Britain beat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to win Olympic gold in Rio

England's women will look to make further hockey history when they begin their last World League Final campaign against Germany on Friday.

The eight-team event will be replaced by the 'Hockey Pro League' from 2019.

Eight of the 18-strong squad in New Zealand won Olympic gold last year.

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch told BBC Sport: "After you've tasted gold, you want nothing else. Off the back of Rio, there's an excitement going forward and this new team has something special."

She added: "Yes, there are new players who need to establish themselves, but we all have the same dream which is gold and to be champions forever [of the World League Final] would be great."

England's best World League result came in the tournament's maiden event in 2013, with the squad claiming bronze in Argentina.

Record scorer Alex Danson will captain the team in Auckland with Laura Unsworth and Hollie Pearne-Webb appointed vice-captains through to the London World Cup in July 2018.

"With a big year ahead the experience of taking on the best teams in the world is only going to help us grow and become stronger," Unsworth told BBC Sport.

Head coach Danny Kerry returns to lead the side for the first time since having a heart attack at the World League semi-finals in South Africa in July.

The team finished third in that event before securing bronze at the EuroHockey Championships in August, which Kerry missed whilst he continued his rehabilitation and recovery.

"It all feels a bit surreal looking at what happened in July because I've moved on from that and I feel mentally and physically back in the swing of things now," Kerry told BBC Sport.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back out with the team and this is a really exciting group to be working with."

England begin their campaign at 23:00 on Friday and will also face Argentina (07:00, 19 November) and China (07:00, 21 November) in the group phase.

BBC Sport



Future of English hockey excites Ansley and Hinch


England celebrate reaching 2017 HWL Final

Giselle Ansley and Maddie Hinch believe English hockey has a very exciting future following a youthful squad selection for this month’s Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final.

Head coach Danny Kerry has made four changes from this summer’s EuroHockey Championships team, handing University of Birmingham duo Erica Sanders and Livy Paige and Wimbledon’s Suzy Petty their first chance to compete in an international competition in New Zealand.

Furthermore it will only be the second major event for Grace Balsdon – who has also been called up - and Ellie Rayer while Emily Defroand, Hannah Martin, Amy Tennant and Anna Toman have all appeared less than 20 times for England.

But Surbiton defender Ansley believes each player has more than merited their place in the squad thanks to strong performances for their clubs and in training and cannot wait to see what they can offer.

“It is amazing. It shows the strength of our squad that we have people constantly pushing at the door and new players coming in and getting their chance and opportunity,” she said.

“We have had a really, really strong couple of weeks of training and they have really made a case for their selection and I am really, really pleased for them.”

Having won bronze medals at both the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Finals and the Euros in The Netherlands, the team is looking to go even further this time out in New Zealand to end an already successful year in the best possible fashion.

It will be a challenge for both the experienced and newer members of the team though as they face tough competition in their group from China, Germany and world number three outfit Argentina.

However, the opportunity to play the world's top teams is something Hinch is thoroughly relishing and she believes that, whatever happens, it will help shape the team as they continue their cycle towards Tokyo 2020.

“We are very excited for this one. For one we are going to travel to New Zealand - what a fantastic place to play - and we are going to be up against the best sides in the world,” the European and Olympic champion enthused.

“There will be no easy game, we are going to have to bring our best to the tournament and we will see how we stack up against the best sides in the world.

“We have got some really exciting talent in this new looking squad and it will be good for those guys to go out, get some experience, show what they are all about and establish themselves in this group.

“I think as a whole we are in a really good place and I am excited to see how we get on over there.”

The tournament will also be the perfect proving ground for the players ahead of the 2018 Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup which, despite still being several months away, Ansley says is already a key focus point for her and her team-mates.

The 25-year-old explained: “Of course you want to go out to a tournament and win it but it is about building and we are ahead to next summer and the really big task of the World Cup.

“Everything at the moment is all around building performances and building confidence and getting to know each other really well.

“Obviously we are only a year into our programme building from Rio so it is a really exciting time for us. It will be a fantastic tournament.”

Squad: Alex Danson (C), Giselle Ansley, Grace Balsdon, Sophie Bray, Emily Defroand, Sarah Haycroft, Maddie Hinch, Hannah Martin, Shona McCallin, Lily Owsley, Olivia Paige, Hollie Pearne-Webb, Suzy Petty, Ellie Rayer, Erica Sanders, Amy Tennant, Anna Toman, Laura Unsworth

Fixtures (all games on BT Sport):
Friday 17 November - Germany 11pm (GMT)
Sunday 19 November - Argentina 7am (GMT)
Tuesday 21 November - China 7am (GMT)
Wednesday 22 November/Thursday 23 November - Quarter-Final
Friday 24 November/Saturday 25 November - Semi-Final
Sunday 26 November - Final

England Hockey Board Media release



Great Britain defeated in final Test match


Great Britain celebrate

Great Britain lost the final match of their three-match Test Series with Germany in Mannheim.

Captain Phil Roper and Chris Grassick were both on target for GB but this wasn’t enough to fight back against a powerful start from the hosts.

Germany raced into a 3-0 lead through Martin Haner, Ole Thies Prinz and Niklas Bruns before Mats Grambush and Constantin Staib also found the net.

There were landmark appearances for Ollie Willars who made his 100th international appearance and Henry Weir who picked up his 50th GB cap.

Speaking after the match head coach Bobby Crutchley said: “It was a poor start to the game conceding three goals in eight minutes. The players must learn that international hockey demands the highest intensity from the first whistle.

“Our good spells later in the game were in vain but we have learnt much over the three games here in Mannheim.”

Germany flew out the blocks and raced into a three-goal lead inside the first ten minutes through goals from Haner, Prinz and Bruns.

Captain Roper gave GB a lifeline on thirteen minutes from a penalty corner but his German counterpart Grambusch cancelled this out before the half-time break.

The second half was a much tighter contest and it took until 52 minutes for the game’s next goal when Staib found the target. GB struck back a minute later through Grassick to finish the scoring.

Harry Gibson (GK), Ollie Willars, Brendan Creed, Henry Weir, Harry Martin, Phil Roper (C), Adam Dixon, Barry Middleton, , Ed Horler, James Gall, David Goodfield

Subs (Used): George Pinner, James Albery, David Condon, Liam Ansell, Chris Grassick, Alan Forsyth, Luke Taylor

England Hockey Board Media release



Hockeyroos Hang On To Clinch Test Series Win

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have hung on to claim an unassailable lead in their three-match Test series with a 2-1 victory over Japan at Adelaide’s State Hockey Centre on Thursday night.

Madi Ratcliffe and Kathryn Slattery scored first-half goals, before Japan pressed hard in the second half with Shiho Tsujii pulling one back as they put Australia under intense pressure.

Australia did well to hang on for victory ahead of Saturday’s final Test against Japan from 2pm (local time) in Adelaide, having won the opener on Wednesday 5-1.

Slattery, who missed last week’s International Festival of Hockey, said there were plenty of positives.

“Really happy to get the win,” Slattery said. “That ties off the series for us, so that’s a really positive thing.

“Coming off the game in Melbourne, that was obviously a disappointing loss, so to clock up these two wins has been really important for the group moving forward.

“There’s definitely positives to take out of the game. To get that early scoreboard pressure, I think that’s really important.”

Ratcliffe opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a powerful tomahawk high into the net.

Japan responded with a series of penalty corners where Hockeyroos goalkeeper Ash Wells did well to keep them at bay with Misa Fujii and Hazuki Nagai both coming close.

Second-game goalkeeper Aleisha Power made some good saves in the second quarter, before Slattery doubled Australia’s advantange with an angled shot through Megumi Kageyama’s legs.

Japan replied in the 37th minute when Minami Shimizu stole the ball and set up Tsujii to shoot beyond Wells.

The visitors dominated the final quarter, with Power making a good double save from Shoko Kanefuji as Australia hung on to claim the series win.

Australia 2 (Ratcliffe 5’, Slattery 25’) def Japan 1 (Tsujii 37’)

Hockey Australia media release



Kookaburras’ World League Final Team Announced

Ben Somerford



Hockey Australia today announces the Kookaburras 18-member team for next month’s Men’s FIH World League Final in Bhubaneswar, India.

World number two Australia are grouped against India (world number six), Germany (five) and England (seven) in Pool B of the eight-nation tournament which runs from 1-10 December.

Captain Mark Knowles is one of a number of experienced players who return after being given the opportunity to freshen up as Australia won the International Festival of Hockey (IFOH) in Melbourne last week.

Knowles returns alongside Ben Craig, Tom Craig, Tyler Lovell, Matthew Swann, Tristan White and Dylan Wotherspoon.

Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch said: “Selection is always difficult, we have a very competitive squad, we view the World League Final as an opportunity to learn how our players handle the pressure that an eight-team tournament brings.

“We’re pleased to welcome back a number of players who we gave the opportunity to freshen up during the International Festival of Hockey with a view to being in prime condition for the World League Final.

“We’re optimistic we’ll see positive results from giving them that opportunity to refresh before we take on some of the best teams in the world.”

Kiran Arunasalam, Josh Beltz, Andrew Charter, Jake Harvie, Tim Howard, Josh Pollard and Corey Weyer are the players to make way from the IFOH team.

Defender Beltz is unavailable after sustaining a knee injury in Sunday’s 2-1 IFOH Final win over New Zealand.

Forward Trent Mitton, who missed the IFOH, is also unavailable after undergoing surgery on a fractured thumb a fortnight ago.

The World League Final will be Australia’s final tournament of 2017 ahead of a big year where the Kookaburras will compete at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2018 World Cup.

Argentina (one), Belgium (three), the Netherlands (four) and Spain (nine) are in Pool A at the World League Final.

Batch said: “This is a good opportunity to play against European teams and to test where we’re at after a lot of changes this year in the squad.

“We’ve not played against Argentina and the Netherlands for a while and we’ve not played Germany this year either, so that’s why this is a valuable tournament for us.”

Speaking about Australia’s ambition at the World League Final, Batch added: “It’s no different to any other tournament where we go to perform to our best.

“We’re also assessing players in their capacity to play against the other top nations in the world.

“We always go out there to win every game we play, so nothing changes.”

The Kookaburras will fly out for India on Saturday 25 November.

Fox Sports will televise all Men's World League Final matches, with all Kookaburras matches to be televised live.

Kookaburras team for World League Final:

Athlete (City, State)

Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Tristan Clemons (Bunbury, WA)
Ben Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Jeremy Edwards (Hobart, TAS)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC)
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Edward Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW)
Tom Wickham (Morgan, SA) *Plays for WA
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)

Hockey Australia media release



Indian team announced for HWL Final 2017 Bhubaneshwar

New Delhi: The Indian team will be led by 25-year-old midfielder Manpreet Singh, while Chinglensana Singh is the vice captain. The team will see Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera guard the Indian goalpost Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra make a comeback while Sardar Singh has been dropped.

The midfield will see SK Uthappa, Kothajit Singh and Sumit join Manpreet and Chinglensana. The backline will see the return of the experienced dragflick specialist Rupinder Pal Singh and Odisha-lad Birendra Lakra.

“It is good to have Rupinder, who brings great experience, as well as Birendra back in the team. Both are 100 per cent fit and eager to wear the India colours again,” stated the 43-year-old Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.

Junior World Cup stars Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Dipsan Tirkey who have had promising outings in Europe and Asia Cup too find themselves in the squad for the season finale. In perhaps one of the best comeback stories of the year, Odisha-lad Amit Rohidas, who had a fantastic outing in 2017 Coal India Hockey India League that stemmed his return to the Senior Camp, has been rewarded with a place in the biggest tournament of the year.

“Amit was called-in as a replacement for Kothajit who had a hamstring injury just before we left for the Asia Cup. He flew in directly from Australia where he had played the Australian Hockey League for India ‘A’ team and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” stated the Dutchman.

He further added that the team will have dragflick-options in Rupinder, Harmanpreet, Varun, Amit and Dipsan. “We have five players in defence who can drag and have been putting in extra hours for PC training which is great for the team,” Sjoerd said.

The forwardline will see the experienced SV Sunil along with Akashdeep Singh, Gurjant Singh who had a promising Asia Cup, Lalit Upadhyay and 22-year-old Mandeep Singh returning to the team after being rested for Asia Cup.

The Dutchman emphasized that this team is a great mix of experienced seniors and energetic youngsters who will add to the team’s enthusiasm. “I think this is a great mix and would especially like to see how the youngsters soak up the pressure of playing against higher ranked teams in the world. We will have to play every match like it is the Final and will have absolutely no room to make errors if we want to see ourselves on the podium,” concluded Chief Coach Marijne.

SQUAD:

Goalkeepers

1. Akash Anil Chikte
2. Suraj Karkera

Defenders

3. Harmanpreet Singh
4. Amit Rohidas
5. Dipsan Tirkey
6. Varun Kumar
7. Rupinderpal Singh
8. Birendra Lakra

Midfielders

9. Manpreet Singh (C)
10. Chinglensana Singh (VC)
11. SK Uthappa
12. Sumit
13. Kothajit Singh

Forwards

14. SV Sunil
15. Akashdeep Singh
16. Mandeep Singh
17. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
18. Gurjant Singh

Stick2Hockey.com



Sardar Singh dropped; Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra return

Sardar's exclusion might just mark the end of the former skipper's illustrious career.


Sardar Singh (PTI - File Photo)

Veteran mid-fielder Sardar Singh was on Friday dropped from India's 18-member squad for next month's Hockey World League Final, while the fit-again Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra made comebacks for the season-ending tournament to be held in Bhubaneswar.

The biggest omission from the squad was this year's Khel Ratna Award winner Sardar, who was part of the team that won the Asia Cup last month in Dhaka. The exclusion might just mark the end of the former skipper's illustrious career.

In the Asia Cup, Sardar shunned his playmaker role in the midfield for young skipper Manpreet Singh and played as the 'free defender'. But the ouster from the HWL Final might mean that Sardar doesn't quite fit into the scheme of things of new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, who took the reins of the team before the Asia Cup following Roelant Oltmans's ouster.

Rupinder and Lakra's return will be big boost to the India's fragile backline. Rupinder will return to the team after a five month lay- off due to a hamstring injury while Lakra has been in and out of the side after missing the Rio Olympics due to a knee injury.

While Rupinder last played for India in the Europe tour before the HWL Semi-Final, Lakra was part of last year's Asian Champions Trophy and December's four-nation Australia tour squad before being kept out to regain full fitness.

Hockey India selectors have retained Manpreet Singh as the captain of the 18-member squad, while naming Chinglensana Singh as his deputy. With PR Sreejesh yet to regain match fitness, the Indian goalpost will be defended by custodians Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera.

The midfield will see SK Uthappa, Kothajit Singh and Sumit join Manpreet and Chinglensana. Junior World Cup stars Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Dipsan Tirkey, who have had promising outings in Europe and Asia Cup too, find themselves in the squad for the season finale.

In one of the best comeback stories of the year, Odisha- lad Amit Rohidas, who had a fantastic outing in 2017 Hockey India League, made his return to the team. The team boasts of a strong forwardline in experienced SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, who had a promising Asia Cup, Lalit Upadhyay and 22-year-old Mandeep Singh, who also returned after being rested from the Asia Cup.

India are grouped with Australia, England and Germany in Pool B and will begin their campaign on the opening day against defending champions Australia. India coach Sjoerd Marijne was happy with the balance of the team.

"I think this is a great mix and would especially like to see how the youngsters soak up the pressure of playing against higher ranked teams in the world. We will have to play every match like it is the final and will have absolutely no room to make errors if we want to see ourselves on the podium," Marijne said.

The coach was particularly delighted to see the return of some senior players, who according to him, will add value to the team. "It is good to have Rupinder, who brings great experience, as well as Birendra back in the team. Both are 100 per cent fit and eager to wear the India colours again," stated the 43-year-old Marijne.

"Amit was called-in as a replacement for Kothajit who had a hamstring injury just before we left for the Asia Cup. He flew in directly from Australia where he had played the Australian Hockey League for India 'A' team and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands," stated the Dutchman.

Rupinder's return will add sheen to India's already potent drag-flick division, which also has the likes of Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Amit and Dipsan Tirkey. "We have five players in defence who can drag and have been putting in extra hours for penalty corner training which is great for the team," Marijne said.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Akash Anil Chikte, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (Capt), Chinglensana Singh (Vice-Capt), SK Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh

Forwards: SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh

DNA



2017 Test Matches: RSA v ZIM (W) - Day 2

16 Nov 2017 RSA v ZIM 8 - 1 (4 - 0)
17 Nov 2017 RSA v ZIM 7 - 1 (2 - 0)

FIH Match Centre



Malaysian hockey teams confirmed for Commonwealth Games

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Both the national men and women’s hockey teams have been confirmed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The teams were selected based on their FIH world ranking. The cut-off date used for the selection of the 10 teams was Oct 31.

The other nations who will have teams in both categories are Australia (host), England, India, New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

Pakistan will only have a team in the men’s category while Ghana will compete in the women’s category.

The Australian men’s team have won all five editions of the hockey event since it was introduced in KL 1998 and they will again be the team to beat.

Next year’s Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast from April 4-15.

In the women’s category, Australia have won it four times – 1998, 2006, 2010 and 2014. India won in 2002 by defeating host England in the final.

The Malaysian men’s team best showing was in 1998 when they won silver.

They failed to qualify in 2002, finished third in 2006, eighth in 2010 and seventh in 2014.

The national women’s team have played in all editions but have never made the semi-finals.

The men’s team have made the Commonwealth Games a priority this time, unlike in 2010 and 2014.

The last two editions of the Commonwealth Games were held less than a month before the Asian Games, which took prominence.

Next year’s Asian Games will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, only in August. It is still the national team’s main targets as they seek to win the gold medal and qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Japan.

Prior to the Commonwealth Games, the national men’s team will play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in March.

Other major assignments next year for the men’s team include the Asian Champions Trophy in October and the World Cup in December.

The national men’s team will resume training next week before taking a break to allow the players to join their clubs for the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), which starts on Jan 6.

THE QUALIFIERS

The hockey teams for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Qualification based on FIH world ranking as of Oct 31)

Men: Australia (host), India, England, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Scotland, Wales.

Women: Australia (host), England, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Scotland, Canada, Malaysia, Wales, Ghana.

The Star of Malaysia



Holcombe test for Hampstead & Westminster


Hampstead and Westminster's Chris Cargo, left, in action against Beeston. Credit David Kissman

Hampstead & Westminster host Holcombe in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday, with both sides aiming to take victory and maintain their place in the top four.

Third-placed Holcombe and their fourth-placed opponents have won their last two games and will want to maintain that form into the Winter break.

“We’ve been playing really well in every game so far, even though we haven’t always got the result,” said Hampstead & Westminster coach Kwan Browne.

“Last season we had a lot of new players in the team, but everyone is playing well together now and we’re playing some great hockey.

“Our first aim is always to win, but we would love to have a clean sheet against Holcombe,” added Browne, referring to his side’s defence which has conceded just 13 goals in eight games so far. “But it will be difficult with the way Middleton and Bandurak have been playing recently!”

Elsewhere, East Grinstead travel to Reading on Saturday evening and could climb into third if they win. Reigning champions and leaders Surbiton are also on the road, with Brooklands MU playing host to a side who have lost just one league match so far.

Beeston go to bottom of the table Canterbury as they aim to keep the pressure on the top of the table, while in the weekend’s other top flight match Wimbledon are at home against Sevenoaks.

In the Men’s Conference North new leaders Bowdon play on Saturday at Cannock as they bid to extend their advantage. Previous leaders the University of Nottingham are at home against Leeds while the side that beat them last weekend - the University of Durham - travel to Deeside Ramblers.

Having won 3-0 last weekend, Old Georgians will need to be on top form in the Men’s Conference East this weekend as they host unbeaten leaders Cambridge City. Elsewhere Oxted are at home against Richmond and could go top with a win.

The University of Exeter are hosting Havant as they aim to extend their four-point lead in the Men’s Conference West, while second-placed Cardiff & Met go to fourth-placed Olton & West Warwicks with both sides looking to improve on draws last weekend.

FIXTURES
Saturday, November 18 2017

Men’s Premier Division
Reading v East Grinstead 18:00

Men’s Conference North
Cannock v Bowdon 12:30

Sunday, November 19 2017

Men’s Premier Division
Canterbury v Beeston 13:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Holcombe 13:30
Brooklands MU v Surbiton 14:00
Wimbledon v Sevenoaks 14:00

Men’s Conference North
Univ of Nottingham v Leeds 12:30
Deeside Ramblers v Univ of Durham 13:30
Loughborough Students v Sheffield Hallam 14:0
Preston v Doncaster 14:00

Men’s Conference East
Chichester v West Herts 12:30
Oxted v Richmond 13:00
Teddington v Southgate 13:30
Old Georgians v Cambridge City 14:00
Old Loughtonians v Brighton & Hove 14:30

Men’s Conference West
Univ of Birmingham v Fareham 12:30
Univ of Exeter v Havant 12:30
Clifton Robinsons v Isca 13:00
Team Bath Buccaneers v Cheltenham 13:00
Olton & West Warwicks v Cardiff & Met 13:30

England Hockey Board Media release



Kuala Lumpur rely on balanced side for women’s Razak Cup


Old hand: National player Norazlin Sumantri (in blue) will lead Kuala Lumpur’s charge in the women’s Razak Cup tournament.

PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur may not have had the best of preparations for the women’s Razak Cup hockey tournament but the combination of youth and experience could serve them well.

The tournament will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium from Nov 18-26.

Team manager Noor Saliza Soobni said that the squad would be led by some members of the national team, including forward Norazlin Sumantri, and the cream of the crop from the 2018 Malaysia Games (Sukma) squad.

“I believe we have a balanced side. The seniors will guide the juniors, who are mostly from the Kuala Lumpur Sports School.

“We only need to worry about our game plan.

“There’s no point worrying about our opponents. I want the players to go out and enjoy themselves.

“We are aware of the strength of teams like Pahang, who have secured the services of seven national players and one former international.

“The important thing for us is to play to our own ability and not be overawed by others,” said Noor Saliza.

KL, who will play in Group A, will open their campaign against Perak, followed by matches against Indonesia (Nov 19), Pahang (Nov 21) and Terengganu (Nov 23).

The semi-finals will be on Nov 24 and final on Nov 26.

The teams in group B are Armed Forces, Selangor, Melaka and Johor.

Noor Saliza explained that several KL players were unable to join the team’s training sessions due to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.

“They do join us whenever they have no papers to sit for. We had a good turnout today (yesterday). It should get better in the next few days. I hope we make a winning start against Perak,” she said.

The City girls finished fourth last year after going down 4-2 to Selangor in the playoff match.

Noor Saliza also warned her team not to take debutants Indonesia for granted although they lost 11-0 to the national team in the KL SEA Games in August.

“They have players capable of turning things around against some of the fancied teams in the Razak Cup. There will be surprises aplenty,” she said.

The Star of Malaysia



Get Ready as NCAA Final Four Action Starts Today in Louisville, Ky.



LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Get ready for an exciting weekend full of field hockey! The NCAA Final Four games for all divisions take place in Louisville, Ky. with Semifinal Games on Friday, November 17 and the Championship Games on Sunday, November 19. In addition to the NCAA National Championship, the Victory Sport Tours/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Senior Games take place on Friday and Saturday. In addition, USA Field Hockey has worked with the Louisville Sports Commission and the Kentucky Field Hockey Coaches Association to plan several additional fun events for new and experienced players and fans as well as coaches and umpires of all levels.

Below is a full schedule of what the NCAA Final Four weekend looks

Friday, November 17, 2017

    Friday features six semifinal games:
    Friday evening features the Victory Sports Tours/NFHCA Division I Senior Game at 7:00 p.m. ET or immediately following the Division I Semifinal game.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

  • Get together at The Sports & Social Club in Louisville's Downtown area from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET. This is an opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow field hockey fans and win some great door prizes!
  • Victory Sports Tours/NFHCA Division III Senior Game at 5:00 p.m. ET
  • Victory Sports Tours/NFHCA Division II Senior Game at 7:00 p.m. ET


Sunday, November 19, 2017

There's something for everyone on Sunday morning before the NCAA Championship games begin.

  • New and Experienced Players - New and experienced players are invited to a Celebration of Field Hockey and Learn to Play Day at Mercy Academy from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. This event is free for kids 5+ and parents. No experience is necessary and equipment is provided to those that do not have it. This is also your chance to meet and play with three-time Olympian and former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Lauren Crandall. She will be assisting with the event and signing autographs. This event will be held rain or shine. A special thank you to Mercy Academy for hosting! Volunteer coaches are welcome too! Coaches,
  • Coaches - Coaches of all levels are invited to join us at University of Louisville from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ET for a panel discussion and Q&A with experienced NCAA College Coaches. Mark Blankenbaker, Bellarmine’s Head Coach, will be our moderator. Panelists include Justine Sowry, University of Louisville Head Coach, and….Discussion will focus on attack and defense strategies and what to watch for in the championship games. This event is free and all interested are welcome to attend.
  • Umpires - Umpires of all levels are invited to come to the University of Louisville from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning for a panel discussion featuring NCAA and international umpires. Chip Roger’s, NCAA Umpire and Miami University Assistant Coach, will be our moderator. Panelists include>>>>>>> Topics will include game management and what to watch for in the championship games. This event is free and all interested are welcome to attend.


Please visit the US Field Hockey Association site to register for the above events

Finally, the main event! The NCAA National Championship Games!

The NCAA Championship Game schedule is as follows. All matches are taking place at the University of Louisville’s Trager Field.

    11:00 a.m. ET – Division II
    2:00 p.m. ET – Division I
    5:00 p.m. ET – Division III

USA Field Hockey looks forward to a weekend full of field hockey in Louisville, Ky.!

Click here for a printable full schedule of events including addresses to the locations for all games.

USFHA media release



Weekend College Games: NCAA Final Four



College field hockey has now entered NCAA Tournament Semifinal and Final play. USA Field Hockey highlights each Division Tournament this weekend.

DIVISION I
Trager Stadium | Louisville, Ky.
Friday, November 17 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. ET & 4:45 p.m. ET
Sunday, November 19 | Final | 2:00 p.m. ET

 

Connecticut vs North Carolina  | 2:00 p.m. ET | NCAA Live
This match-up is a repeat of last year’s NCAA semifinal game in which North Carolina knocked out Connecticut to move onto the Championship game. These two teams have meet in the semifinals twice in the past four years, with both squads having won once each heading into this weekend’s game.

 

The Tar Heels recorded a pair of wins in the First and Second Rounds to advance to the program's 22nd NCAA Division I Field Hockey Semifinal. This is also the ninth year in a row that North Carolina has also made it to the NCAA Final Four. UNC beat Saint Joseph’s 4-0 in the First Round and went on to defeat Princeton in a thrilling 3-2 game in the Second Round. 

 

No.1 Connecticut have gone a perfect 21-0 this season and maintained that undefeated record with victories in the First and Second Rounds. The Huskies defeated Boston University, 3-1, in the First Round before knocking off Penn State, 4-3, in the Second Round. The team is headed back to the Final Four for the fifth-consecutive year and is the program’s 15th total trip.

 

 

 

Maryland vs Michigan | 4:45 p.m. ET | NCAA Live
To advance to the program's fourth NCAA Semifinal appearance, Michigan defeated Syracuse, 1-0, in overtime in the First Round as well as Northwestern, 3-0, in the Second Round. Michigan will take on Maryland in the second semifinal match at Louisville. The last time these two teams played was during the regular season, where the Wolverines defeated the Terrapins, 3-2, in double overtime.

 

Maryland topped Wake Forest, 2-0, in the First Round before edging No. 2 Duke, 3-2, in a comeback victory in the Second Round. The Terrapins scored twice in the final seven minutes to advance to the program's first Semifinal appearance since 2013. This is Maryland’s 23rd straight NCAA Tournament appearance, the longest active streak in the country. They are 59-21 all time in the NCAA Tournament, which is the highest tournament winning percentage in the nation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIVISION II
Owsley B. Frazier Stadium | Louisville, Ky.
Friday, November 17 | Semifinals | 4:00 p.m. ET & 7:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, November 19 | Final | 5:00 p.m. EST

 

Shippensburg vs East Stroudsburg | 10:00 a.m. ET | NCAA Live
Shippensburg rolled past Stonehill, 6-1, in the First Round of the NCAA Division II Field Hockey Tournament to advance to the semifinals. The Raiders will take on East Stroudsburg in the first semifinal match scheduled for Friday to be played at Bellarmine University's Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Louisville, Ky. Shippensburg will be making its ninth appearance in the NCAA Division II Semifinals.

 

After receiving the No. 2 seed, East Stroudsburg earned a bye in the First Round as they have made their third straight appearance in the NCAA tournament, fifth in the last nine years and ninth in school history. ESU will be looking for their second national title in three years. These two teams faced each other twice during the regular season with East Stroudsburg winning the first match-up and Shippensburg winning the second game.

 

 

 

LIU Post vs Millersville | 1:00 p.m. ET | NCAA Live
After receiving the No. 1 seed, LIU Post earned a bye in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. They earned their fourth bid to tournament in the last five years and their last three appearances culminated in a trip to the National Championship Game.

 

Millersville downed Saint Anselm, 1-0, in shootouts in the First Round to advance to the semifinals. The First-Round victory sends Millersville to the NCAA Semifinals for the fourth time in five years. Last year, they were eliminated in the semifinal round. This match-up will be the first time these two teams play each other in 2017. 

 

 

 

 

 

DIVISION III
Owsley B. Frazier Stadium | Louisville, Ky.
Friday, November 17 | Semifinals | 10:00 a.m. ET & 7:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, November 19 | Final | 11:00 a.m. EST

 

Messiah vs TCNJ | 4:00 p.m. ET | NCAA Live
Messiah will be appearing in the program’s 16th NCAA Division III Final Four this coming weekend. For the first time since the 2009-10 seasons, Messiah has reached the Final Four in back-to-back years. To advance to the semifinals, they defeated Trinity College, 5-0, in the quarterfinals and to improve to 21-0, pushing their winning streak to 42 games. Messiah are the defending champions and will take on TCNJ in the first Semifinal match at Bellarmine University.

 

TCNJ will compete in their 23rd semifinal game in program history. They punched their ticket to the NCAA Final Four with a 2-0 win over Centre College in the quarterfinals. TCNJ has won a record 11 NCAA Division III Championships. During the regular season, Messiah defeated TCNJ 2-1.

 

 

 

Middlebury vs Franklin & Marshall | 7:00 p.m. ET | NCAA Live
Middlebury is making its ninth trip to the NCAA Final Four when they travel to Louisville, Ky. to take on Franklin and Marshall this Friday. Middlebury defeated Rochester (N.Y.) 5-0 in the quarterfinals and enters the weekend with an overall record of 35-16 in NCAA Tournament play. Middlebury won their two NCAA titles in 1998 and 2015.

 

Franklin & Marshall advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1983. The Diplomats defeated Kean, 2-0, in the quarterfinals to earn their spot in the semifinal match. This will be the first game between these two teams this season.    

 

 

USFHA media release



Maryland field hockey’s freshmen have played a key role in its final four run

By Scott Gelman


Maryland field hockey midfielder Kyler Greenwalt brings the ball up the field during the Terps' 2-1 win over Saint Joseph's on Aug. 27, 2017, at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. (Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics)

The Maryland field hockey team's history and distinguished roster intimidated midfielder Kyler Greenwalt when she arrived in College Park for pickup games over the summer.

Like many of her future Terps teammates, she had a decorated high school career, emerging as the first freshman to earn a spot on the varsity field hockey team's roster at Archbishop Spalding High School.

Still, Greenwalt felt anxious.

Midfielder Brooke Adler helped eliminate Greenwalt's doubts, explaining that a willingness to improve would be rewarded with playing time. Despite what she called a rough start, Greenwalt has made an immediate impact — she scored her first two career goals against Bucknell on Sept. 17 and has found the net six times on the season.

As the Terps (15-6) prepare to face No. 3-seed Michigan (21-2) in the final four in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, Greenwalt's nerves have subsided. She is one of five freshmen to receive consistent playing time, but her maturity has allowed her to play like a veteran.

"They have no idea that they're freshmen," said coach Missy Meharg, who has led the Terps to their 17th final four appearance during her 30-year stint at Maryland. "I look at their eyes and I kind of just look away, because I don't want them to know how amazed I am."

In the weeks leading up to the NCAA tournament, Meharg spoke to Greenwalt about being consistent throughout the regular season. She urged the Gambrills native to discover how to overcome struggles.

During a meeting with Greenwalt in September, Meharg and assistant coach Katie Bam evaluated Greenwalt's early-season performance. The talk focused on how to better position on Maryland's defensive press.

Over the past two weeks — which have featured a loss to Penn State in the conference tournament and wins against Wake Forest and Duke in the NCAA tournament — Greenwalt believes she's peaked in that area.

"She's so gritty and energetic and always wants to be in the play," Adler said. "She's always in the right places on the circle. She has come in and made a huge impact as a freshman."

Greenwalt's peers have followed suit. Defender Bodil Keus, who is tied with midfielder Lein Holsboer for the team lead in scores, earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Midfielder Brooke DeBerdine's speed proves valuable for the Terps' defense. She has also emerged as an offensive threat, scoring for the first time in Maryland's Big Ten tournament quarterfinals win against Michigan State. Defenders Hannah Bond and Sophie Giezeman, from England and the Netherlands, respectively, have helped fortify the backline.

None of Maryland's freshmen scored in their first matchup against Michigan — a 3-2 double-overtime loss in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The decisive shot from the Wolverines came in the final second. The players haven't forgotten how they felt departing Phyllis Ocker Field.

This weekend's trip to Louisville will bring a series of firsts for the program's youth. On Thursday, an NCAA banquet and formal dinner celebrated the top four teams' accomplishments. Friday will be their first semifinals matchup. On Sunday, they want to be playing for Maryland's ninth national title.

From the moment Greenwalt arrived on the campus, her confidence in Maryland's championship aspirations never wavered.

"[The team's] heart, their belief, their energy, their presence is super spot-on," Meharg said. "It's pretty phenomenal what kind of output, outcome, points and minutes [the freshmen are] giving us. That's a little bit different than any final four team I've ever coached."

The Diamondback



Behind Terps field hockey star Linnea Gonzales (Patterson Mill), a reliable voice

By Jonas Shaffer

At every Maryland field hockey game, Linnea Gonzales knows where to look. There, standing at the top of the bleachers, is family: her mother, her father, her older sister. Sitting next to them is Landon. He’s her older brother by 2 years. He’s autistic. And he is nothing if not reliable.

On Sunday, the Terps trailed second-seeded Duke 2-1 late in the second half of their NCAA tournament quarterfinal when the host Blue Devils conceded a penalty corner. This was Landon’s cue. “If you listen closely on all the corners,” Gonzales said, “you can hear him yell, 'Get one!’ ” There was a call, and there was a response: Defender Bodil Keus ripped a shot into the top right corner of the goal. Tie game.

Less than two minutes later, Gonzales got one, too, the game’s final one. The junior forward’s deflection of midfielder Lein Holsboer’s point-blank pass looped like a rainbow toward Duke’s net, and by the time the ball settled in the back of the cage, Gonzales had pumped her fist and spun around in full-body exhilaration.

Her goal was the difference in a 3-2 upset win, and it meant another weekend on the road for the program and the brother she has never strayed far from. Maryland (15-6), her childhood dream school, will play No. 3 seed Michigan (21-2) in the Final Four on Friday, the Terps’ first such appearance since 2013. Trager Stadium in Louisville, Ky., is only a 10-hour drive from Bel Air for the Gonzaleses, so Landon will be there, too.


Landon Gonzales, left, and his sister, Maryland field hockey forward Linnea Gonzales (Patterson Mill). (Courtesy of the Gonzales family)

“Going to watch her play a lot has always been good for him to be around other people, and he really seems like he thrives when the games are exciting and the people are yelling and screaming,” said their mother, Robin Gonzales. “In the excitement, he gets excited and he's smiling, and it just brings out a happy part of him.”

They have always been there for each other, brother and sister. Linnea started playing field hockey in third grade, and Robin and her husband, Angel, made family trips out of her games, Landon always tagging along. Some on the autism spectrum have an acute sensitivity to loud noise, but he seemed to revel in the excitement of the voices around him.

They developed differently through adolescence, Linnea into a United States youth national team player, Landon into a high-functioning teenager. In the ninth grade, he enrolled at Patterson Mill, which offered a program for autistic students. Two years later, Linnea followed.

She could’ve decided not to. C. Milton Wright was her assigned high school. Her childhood friends were going there. She applied for a boundary exception from Harford County Public Schools anyway.
 

From left, Angel Gonzales, Landon Gonzales, Robin Gonzales, Abby Gonzales and Maryland field hockey forward Linnea Gonzales. (Courtesy of the Gonzales family)

“I wanted to be close to him,” Linnea said, “and not separated.”

She found an unexpected ally in the Huskies’ field hockey program. Her coach, Shannon Swinscoe, was also Landon’s gym teacher. Linnea said it was as if they were all connected, all working together.

“I think having [Landon] there kind of helped. He was kind of known,” Robin said. “Instead of making things harder, it seemed like it made things easier for her.”

“I think the thing about Linnea that is so special is, she just leads herself,” Maryland coach Missy Meharg said.

Linnea would remain close for college, too, but that always seemed inevitable. In middle school, she was a ball girl at Terps games. She was a regular at team camps. She had five sticks signed by her field hockey idol, Katie O’Donnell Bam, a four-time All-American at Maryland.

Linnea considered Old Dominion and Duke, but her first official visit, in the summer before her sophomore year, was to College Park. When it ended, she said she knew she belonged. “A no-brainer,” her mother said of the decision to commit.

Linnea has gone on to All-Big Ten Conference honors in two of her first three years at Maryland, but Landon’s out of school now. He has more time for activities. A day program takes him to the bowling alley or the movie theater or the library. Eating is a favorite hobby. (Fortunately, so is running.) He likes collecting old VHS movies, the Disney classics especially.

And when he hasn’t seen his younger sister in a while, Linnea said, he’ll ask, “Where’s ’Nea?” The answer usually comes with the Gonzaleses’ next trip out of Bel Air. Landon looks forward to them now, Linnea said. On the road, he listens to the jams of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. Around the program’s fans, he’s “treated like a king,” Linda said, offered all the food he can stomach.

Maybe the highlight of game weekends, though, comes after the game, when he lines up by the side of the field and the Terps come over for high-fives, hugs and “Hi, Landon”s. Linnea might stay to take a photograph with Landon and crack a joke, fellow junior forward Julie Duncan said, “just like they’re best friends.”

“She has someone that looks up to her so much and just thinks that she's — well, she is a superstar,” Duncan said. “But in his eyes, she's, like, the greatest thing, and it's really cute how she is just always there for him, too.”

The Baltimore Sun



U18 National Team Departs for California Training Tour


Rowan Childs pursues the ball at the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow, India. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)

Field Hockey Canada is excited to announce the extended U18 boys roster that will travel to Moorpark, California this week for a training tour. The team, currently made up of 22 players, consists of athletes that are aiming to be selected for the Canadian roster that will attend the 2018 U18 Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico in March. If the team successfully qualifies, these athletes will then be in line to represent the Red and White at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games roster next fall.

    Planned Schedule of Test Matches – Opponent: USA Juniors
    Sunday November 19th: 3PM
    Monday November 20th: Noon
    Wednesday November 22nd: noon
    Thursday November 23rd: 10am

According to Head Coach, Geoff Matthews, the upcoming U.S. tour is a great opportunity to provide valuable international experience to the young athletes in preparation for the 2018 U18 Pan American Championships.

“For a lot of the kids, this will be their first international competition experience,” Matthews said. “It’s just a first step in what could be many promising careers.”

With that in mind, Matthews said his role as a coach is only partially tasked with creating a good team for these tournaments. He is also focused on the players’ futures.

“Largely, it’s about personal growth for these athletes. These tours give them a taste of international experience,” he said. “We’re giving them the tools and opportunities to learn and grow to excel at the senior international level. Not to mention, it opens a lot of doors and allows them to travel and see the world.”

The U18 boys team is traditionally filled up by solely BC and Ontario players. Matthews said he is really proud to see other provinces represented on this year’s iteration.

“We have four provinces represented. It’s great to see the growth in Quebec and Alberta. Boys numbers have been steadily growing across the country and this is a trend we would like to maintain,” he said.

U18 players, Joshua Kuempel and Adam Kapasi both represented Canada recently at the 2017 Men’s Indoor Pan American Cup earning a bronze medal and Rowan Childs was a member of the U21 MNT that participated in the FIH Junior World Cup in India last year. Matthews said that this experience is invaluable and he is hoping those three athletes can share that experience and help be leaders on the team.

Stay updated by keeping tabs on Field Hockey Canada’s social media channels and check back next week for a brief recap of the U18 team’s USA tour.

Canadian U18 Tour Roster (November, 2017)

PLAYER, PROVINCE
Adam Kapasi, ON
Amraaz Dhillon, BC
Arjun Hothi, BC
Brendan Guraliuk, BC
Casey Brennan, QC
Ethan McTavish, BC
Ganga Singh Jr, ON
Isaac Farion, QC
Jasmeet Bring, BC
Jason Dhaliwal, BC
Joshua Kuempel, ON
Kevin Watson, AB
Manveer Jhamat, BC
Naman Sharma, BC
Nityanand Rewankar, ON
Pascal Brisson, ON
Rajan Singh, ON
Robinpreet Virk, AB
Roopkanwar Dhillon, BC
Rowan Childs, BC
Sam Seaberry, BC
Shazad Shazab, AB

Field Hockey Canada media release

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