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All the news for Thursday 21 May 2009

Standard Chartered Bank to Sponsor Junior Hockey Tournament

Next month’s FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, the top field hockey competition for young players, is to be sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank, the international financial services provider.

The London-based bank will serve as the title sponsor of the event, which takes place in Singapore and Malaysia from June 7 to 21.

Other sponsors include sports drink 100Plus and caterer Jack’s Place.

The tournament will involve 20 teams from around the world and is being organised by ESPN Star Sports Event Management, the events division of the pan-Asian broadcaster, which will be providing television coverage.

Sportcal.com

Poland before Juniors World Cup

Poznan: We know names of 18 polish players who will go to the Singapore, to compete in Junior World Cup. Coach Christopher Witczak chose players from 8 polish clubs.

Poland will play in group D with host team - Singapore, India, New Zealand and The Netherlands. They will play their first match against New Zealand.

Polish team will come to Singapore on 2 June and before the tournament probably they will,play friendly match against Spain.

Matches will be played at Seng Kang Sports and Recreation Centre, Singapore and Taman Daya Stadium, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

1. Łukasz Domachowski (GK) - Pomorzanin Toruń
2.Paweł Bratkowski - Grunwald Poznań
3. Karol Gozdowski - Pocztowiec Poznań
4. Michał Nowakowski - Pomorzanin Toruń
5. Krysian Dębny - AZS AWF Poznań
6. Michał Raciniewski (C) - Pomorzanin Toruń
7. Michał Poltaszewski - Start Gniezno
8. Piotr Baniewicz - Start Gniezno
9. Szymon Oszyjczyk - AZS AWF Poznań
10. Krystian Makowski - Pomorzanin Toruń
11. Mirosław Wieczorek - AZS AWF Poznań
12. Łukasz Miś (GK) - Stella Gniezno
13. Bartosz Kubiak - Polonia Środa Wielkopolska
14. Dawid Zimnicki - AZS AWF Poznań
15. Piotr Kozłowski - AZS AWF Poznań
16. Tomasz Wachowiak - Warta Poznań
17. Maciej Janiszewski - Pomorzanin Toruń
18. Bartosz Siejkowski - Pocztowiec Poznań

- Krzysztof Witczak - coach
- Dariusz Kurc - manager
- Rafał Grotowski - 2 nd. coach
- Tomasz Cichy - video
- Łukasz Czubaszewski - physio
- Patryk Nikratowicz - doctor

www.prohokej.pl

The Blues are Playing the Best

It had been 18 years since Australia has come into France to face the French Senior Men’s team.  The France vs Australia matches are 26 and 27 May, both at 19h00, and respectively at CA Montrouge and Racing Club de France.  

The first official match of 2009 rings the start of their campaign for the objective of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in India.  Along the journey ahead for France is the European Championships (Amsterdam, 22-30 August 2009, 4 qualifying places) and potentially the tournament World Cup qualifier in Lille (31 October-8 November 2009, 1 qualification place).

But before these major tournaments, the preparation starts immediately with the two France-Australia games.
 
If will take significant courage to stand up to their opponents from the Southern Hemisphere, being a difficult task to deal with the Olympic Gold medallists from 2004 and bronze medallists from 2008.

France Head Coach Scott Goodheart (himself an Australian) points out that the result of the matches is not essential and that the key is to focus on the process of these confrontations.

He said, “These matches against Australia are very important. Firstly, we have selected a strong team to them, so it's a crucial opportunity for these chosen players to play as a group and support their selection.  Secondly, these matches are essentially the launch of our preparation for the European Championships, which take place in late August. Between now and then, we will play 19 games, and these two games will be a tough but important start our "campaign" of preparation”.

Since the arrival of Goodheart to the role of Head Coach of The Blues in November 2008, he has embarked on major reconstruction of the physical, technical and mental approach to the game on and off the pitch. 

“We have made a lot of changes within the group, and we are also in the process of rebuilding the team after nine senior players retired in March 2008,” he said.

“The result is secondary.  I'm sure the supporters of the France team understand this and are aware that this will take some time before we are at our full potential,” said Goodheart.

One thing however is certain, whatever the final score, the matches promise a tough and exciting encounter. The Australian team is renowned for its technical mastery, physical presence and motivation, and with the Blues rising to the challenge, all ingredients of which that should delight the spectators.

This is a rare opportunity for the French hockey public to discover or rediscover hockey at its highest level.

Some previous statistics:
• 12 meetings between Australian and France from 1967 and 1995
• 9 losses (75%) for France
• 3 wins (25%) for France (the last in 1971)
• 1991: the last time Australia played in France (in Amiens)

The results, photos and reviews of games will be posted on the website of the F.F.H. www.ffhockey.org
 
Program:
Tuesday, May 26 at 19h00: France vs Australia at CA Montrouge
Wednesday 27 May at 19h00: France vs Australia at the Racing Club de France

Cost of Entry:
Cost of entry is FREE

Venues:
C.A. Montrouge
Terrain Paul Montay
60, Avenue Marx Dormoy
92120 Montrouge

Racing Club de France
Golf de la Boulie  
Route du Pont Colbert 
78000 Versailles

Sélection A Hommes

Coaching Staff: 
Head Coach: Scott GOODHEART
Assistant Coach: Stéphane JAQUET
Assistant Coach: Steve COLLEDGE
Video Coach: Antoine FRANCOIS
Video Coach: Axel GUIGNARD
Physiotherapist: Sébastien LEBRIS
Manager: Sandra HARIK

18 Players (Club-International matches):
BECUWE Arnaud (RS Tennis (Esp)-57), BOYER Julien (Paris Jean Bouin-74), DIERCKENS Matthias (Lille M.H.C.-0), DIERCKENS Bastien (Lille M.H.C.-0), DURCHON Matthieu (C.A. Montrouge-127), GENESTET Tom (St Germain H.C.-8), GENESTET Martin (St Germain H.C.-25), GOURDIN Thomas (C.A. Montrouge-28), JANSEN Noud (C.A. Montrouge-56), JANSEN Joost (C.A. Montrouge-10), JEAN JEAN Sébastien (F.C. Lyon H.C. H.C.-61), LANOS Maxime (Racing Club de France-11), MONNIER Nicolas (Racing Club de France-61), SCHAMBERT Yannick (Lille M.H.C.-21), SCHEEFER François (C.A. Montrouge-23), SOYEZ Frédéric (Lille M.H.C.-162), VERRIER Frédéric (St Germain H.C.-71), WILSON Maxime (C.A. Montrouge-27).

FFH media release

Scotland start push towards Europe

Scotland’s senior women start their push towards the European Championships as players have been selected for uncapped training matches against England in Manchester this weekend.

Coach Keith Joss said: “This camp is the start of our extensive training, including a series of matches, building up to the Rabo EuroHockey Nations Championship in Amsterdam in August.,

“We are looking to develop specific tactics and strategies ensuring players are comfortable by the Championships. We also want to determine our best possible line-up and combinations within units, and re-integrate national players who compete in Dutch and English Leagues, for instance Emma Rochlin (Olton & WW), Catriona Forrest (Klein Zwitserland) and Abi Walker (Canterbury).

“England is preparing for the Champions Trophy in Sydney this July and will also compete at the European Championships.,No doubt, they will provide us the usual stern test of skills, tactics and fitness levels.”

Several players return from gaining promotion to Championship level back in 2007 in Lithuania; familiar faces include Olympian Laura Bartlett (Milne Craig Western) and rock steady players Ailsa Robertson (Bonagrass Grove), Vikki Bunce (Dundee Wanderers) and Louise Munn (Bonagrass Grove).

Also returning are youngsters Nikki Kidd (Bonagrass Grove) and Emily Maguire (Porcelanosa Kelburne).,Athletes who have moved up since the last Trophy include Leigh Fawcett (Bonagrass Grove), Claire Scott (Milne Craig Western), Julie Bryce (Porcelanosa Kelburne), Becky Merchant (Bonagrass Grove) and youth Olympian Becky Ward (Dundee Wanderers).

Hockey fans will be quick to notice the absence of Captain Linda Clement, who is unavailable due to work commitments.

With a number of their usual players missing due to student exams, injury and previous commitments, England coach Danny Kerry commented on how he plans to use the training matches: “These uncapped matches come at a timely point in our preparations for the summer and beyond.,We will be working on a few areas of our game, especially considering the new rule changes.”

Scotland may be ahead of the game against England regarding the new self pass rule, designed to speed the game up by allowing players to pass to themselves before taking a free hit, as Scottish Hockey ensured this change was implemented starting the second half of this year’s domestic season whereas England has yet to make the changes standard.

The new rule is already being used in almost all international level competitions as it was officially launched 1st May 2009 and the International Hockey Federation plans to enforce it across the board next season.

Play between Scotland and England takes place Saturday at 15:00 and Sunday at 13:30 both at Bellevue Hockey Centre.

Squad details

Name, Club, Caps:, Scotland, Great Britain, Total
Carmin Dow, Dundee Wanderers, 24, 0, 24
Abi Walker, Canterbury, 26, 7, 33
Emily Maguire, Porcelanosa Kelburne, 17, 0, 17
Emma Rochlin, Olton & WW, 143, 22, 165
Becky Ward, Dundee Wanderers, 5, 0, 5
Becky Merchant, Bonagrass Grove, 6, 0, 6
Leigh Fawcett, Bonagrass Grove, 3, 0, 3
Louise Munn, Bonagrass Grove, 63, 5, 68
Laura Wrightson, Porcelanosa Kelburne, 25, 0, 25
Vikki Bunce, Dundee Wanderers, 81, 11, 92
Catriona Forrest, Klein Zwitserland, 50, 0, 50
Clare Scott, Milne Craig Western, 10, 0, 10
Holly Cram, Milne Craig Western, 56, 0, 56
Ailsa Robertson, Bonagrass Grove, 33, 1, 34
Alison Bell, Bonagrass Grove, 24, 0, 24
Laura Bartlett, Milne Craig Western, 20, 22, 42
Nikki Kidd, Bonagrass Grove, 37, 0, 37
Julie Bryce, Porcelanosa Kelburne, 10, 0, 10

Staff

Head Coach Keith Joss
Manager Lynne Dick
Coach Iain Strachan
Video Analyst Graeme Stevenson
Physiotherapist: Kirstin Carroll

Match Schedule (Belle Vue Hockey Centre, Manchester)

Saturday 23rd May 2009, 15.00 start
Sunday 24th May 2009, 13.30 start

Forthcoming dates:

27 May – 1 June Lisieux, France 4 Nations (France, Belgium, Germany U21)
19 – 21 June Amsterdam 2 matches v Holland; 1 v Holland U21
26 – 28 June Edinburgh Celtic Cup (France, Ireland, Wales)
10 – 12 July Stirling three matches v Belgium
24 – 26 July Terrassa two matches v Spain
31 July – 2 August Hannover two matches v Germany
22 – 30 August Amsterdam EuroHockey Nations Championships

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Wanainchi, Kenya side storm hockey final

By David Namunyala

KENYA College of Accountancy University (KCAU) walloped Simba Union 8-0 to reach the final of the East Africa club hockey championships at Lugogo yesterday. They take on Wanainchi, the first Ugandan side to reach the milestone since 2000, in the men’s final today.

Team captain Collin Jonga scored three goals as the Kenyans went top of the table, relegating Wanainchi down to second following their 2-0 loss to United States International University USIU in an earlier game.

Despite the win, USIU could not progress because they needed at least a 7-0 win to push Wanainchi to third place.

John Kabuu and Adonijah Ahenda netted for the university side.

Uganda’s Weatherhead takes on USIU’s women side in the ladies final.

EA Club Championships
Wanainchi 0 USIU 2
KCAU 8 Simba Union 0

Today finals
Men
Wanainchi v KCAU
Women
USIU v Weatherhead

New Vision

Wazalendo hold Axiom to top league

By Erick Ochieng’

Wazalendo continued their good run in the men’s hockey Premier League after containing a determined Karate Axiom to a barren draw at the weekend.

Karate Axiom, who have lost two matches since the Kenya Hockey Union league started this season, earned their first point. The team,however, has not improved in ranking and remains at the bottom position despite the draw.

Green Sharks moved to position three following a 2-1 victory by Simba Union over Mvita X1 in Mombasa at the weekend. Simba Union, who are second behind Wazalendo, are now in a tight race against the leaders as both teams have played three games, won two, drawn one and have both recorded seven points.

Park Road got their first league victory last weekend but have not been consistent in ranking after collecting four points from four matches, making them the team that have played the most matches.

United States International University of Africa, currently in contention for the East African Clubs championship title in Kampala, and Kisumu Simba, are yet to kick off their title campaign this season. New entrants National Youth Service (NYS) bounced back to the summit of the men’s National League following their 2-0 victory over fellow debutants Kimathi University College.

NYS need a streak of wins to maintain the position to fight off Mombasa Institute and Barbarians, who are second and third. Barbarians topped the league a fortnight ago and were dethroned by Mombasa Institute after the coastal side hammered neighbours Mombasa Sports Club 3-1 in their season kick off match.

Western Jaguars, Mombasa Sports Club and Kimathi University College, who have played a match each, are bottom with no point. Hosts Jaguars had a tough weekend, losing 2-1 to the University of Nairobi in Kakamega. Sliders top women’s Premier League after beating Vikings 3-1 at City Park. They have seven points from three matches, while Telekom Orange are second with four points. Vikings and Blue Eaglets have a point each, while Usiu-A and Mombasa Institute are still to get a point.

The Standard Online

Champions Simba out of weekend hockey ties

By ERIC ODANGA

Kisumu Simba, the Kenya Hockey Union men’s 2008 Premier League champions, will not be in action this weekend. Their first appearance has been delayed by death to the father of their goalkeeper, David Abuom.

Martin Milla, the KHU fixtures secretary said Kisumu Simba’s fixtures against Park Road on Saturday and Karate Axiom, the next day at Nairobi's City Park Stadium have been postponed. These are the only changes to the fixtures for this weekend.

Wazalendo and Nairobi Simba Union currently occupy the top spot with seven points after playing three matches each.

They are unbeaten and have recorded two draws. Unites States International University – Africa who have been in Kampala for the East Africa Club championships are yet to enter the fray.

The 2008 runner’s up, Green Sharks lie third in the 11-team league which has three teams – Kenya Police, Park Road and KCA University – on four points each. Mvita XI who lost 1-2 to Nairobi Simba Union recently have a tall order against Green Sharks in Mombasa.

Daily Nation

PHF to push for additional World Cup spot for Asia

By Khalid Hussain

KARACHI: Pakistan will soon launch a campaign for an extra Men’s Hockey World Cup slot for Asia, a top Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official said on Wednesday.

Asif Bajwa, the PHF secretary, told ‘The News’ that he will send a proposal to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), asking the international body to raise Asia’s World Cup quota ahead of the 2010 edition of the quadrennial spectacle.

A positive response from the FIH would confirm a World Cup ticket for Pakistan, who finished as the second-best team in this month’s Asia Cup.

Pakistan are record four-time World Cup champions but are in danger of getting thrown out of the next year’s tournament in India after failing to win the only direct spot available to Asian hockey teams.

The Greenshirts managed to impress in this month’s Asia Cup — that served as a qualifying event for the World Cup — but went down 0-1 to Korea in the final of the seven-nation tournament held in Kuantan (Malaysia) from May 9-16. Korea qualified for the World Cup by winning the title.

Pakistan will now have to win one of the three World Cup qualifying tournaments to be held later this year.

Bajwa, who was Pakistan team’s manager in the Asia Cup, said it is a big injustice to Asia which has a rich hockey history that the continent has been given just one direct spot in the World Cup.

“Asia was once the powerhouse of world hockey and still has some of the finest talent and yet we have just one direct World Cup slot,” said the former Olympian. “We will request the world hockey bosses to reconsider Asia’s World Cup quota and raise it to two,” he added.

Bajwa said that he would send the proposal in black and white to the FIH and AHF chiefs but only after PHF president Qasim Zia talks to the two officials later this week.

“I’m waiting for our president to talk to the FIH and AHF chiefs about the idea of raising Asia’s quota for the World Cup,” said Bajwa. “I expect that he (Qasim Zia) will talk to them in the next couple of days.”

With the 2010 World Cup which is penciled in for New Delhi from March 3-20 next year just about nine months away, it seems quite unlikely that the FIH would accept Pakistan’s demand.

However, Bajwa is hopeful of a much more positive outcome.

“We would float the idea of increasing the number of competing teams from 12 to 16,” he said. “If the Junior World Cup can have 20 teams, then why can’t the FIH add four more teams to the World Cup which is the most important event on the international hockey circuit,” stressed the PHF secretary.

The FIH last year decided to raise the number of teams for the Junior World Cup — to be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore next month — from 16 to 20. The move was hailed by the world hockey community and Bajwa expects a similar reaction to an increase in teams for the 2010 Men’s World Cup.

“They can add four more teams to the World Cup and award one direct spot to four of the confederations,” he opined.

Bajwa’s optimism springs from the fact that a new FIH management has replaced the regime of former president — Els van Breda Vriesman — under whom the world body decided to reduce the size of the World Cup. Now, the FIH is led by Spain’s Leandro Negre.

“The new FIH president is committed to spreading hockey around the world and I’m hopeful that he would give due consideration to our World Cup proposal,” said Bajwa.

But there may be considerations like a possible increase in the cost of a bigger World Cup that may stop the FIH from accepting PHF’s proposal.

However, Bajwa said that FIH and India (as the host nation) stand to gain more from a bigger World Cup in 2010.

“The 2002 World Cup (in Kuala Lumpur) had 16 teams and it was a successful tournament,” he said. “All competing teams (in the World Cup) pay for their own travel and expenses so the cost factor shouldnít come in. In fact, with more matches, they can make more money through television rights.”

If the FIH agrees to raise Asia’s quota for the World Cup, then Pakistan will earn a direct entry for the 2010 event.

Otherwise, they will have to compete in one of the three qualifying events. The first such tournament will be held in Lille, France from October 31 to November 8, 2009. Second tournament will be held in Invercargill, New Zealand from November 7 to November 15, 2009 while the third tournament, which was originally awarded to Dubai, is subject to the bid details from Malaysia.

According to the FIH qualification criteria for the World Cup, each of the continental champion from five confederations and the hosts receive an automatic berth.

By virtue of being the hosts, India have already qualified for the World Cup. Korea have done that by winning the Asia Cup while Canada, as Pan-American champions, have also made the cut for the World Cup. The continental tournaments in Europe (EuroHockey Nations Championship), Africa (African Cup of Nations) and Oceania (Oceania Cup) are yet to take place but are scheduled to be over by this August.

The News International

Malaysia ranked at all-time low

By Ajitpal Singh

DESPITE finishing fourth in the Asia Cup, the Malaysian hockey team have dropped to an all time low of 16th in the latest world ranking, putting them in a more difficult position of qualifying for next year's World Cup in New Delhi.

The drop of one place from 15th has also affected Malaysia's ranking in Asia where they are now sixth from the previous fifth behind top-ranked South Korea, Pakistan, India, China and Japan.

The scenario is unfavourable for Malaysia and if there's no improvement soon, they will likely be given a difficult draw in the World Cup Qualifiers in November.

There will be three World Cup qualifying tournaments involving six teams each in Lille, Auckland and Dubai.

Malaysia's only hope of improving their ranking before the World Cup Qualifiers is by making an impression, more like becoming champions, in the Champions Challenge II in Dublin in July 6-12.

Malaysia and Japan are the favourites to win the Champions Challenge II, which is a new International Hockey Federation (FIH) world-level event featuring teams who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy or Champions Challenge I.

The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has to work on fast mode to ensure the team's preparation is in accordance to the Champions Challenge II and World Cup Qualifiers.

Among the things MHF needs to discuss are moving the local Malaysian Hockey Premier League, scheduled for October, to a later date and also to hire a full time coach for the team.

Currently, Tai Beng Hai is handling the national team on an interim basis.

Meanwhile, Asia Cup champions South Korea maintained fifth in the world ranking while Pakistan climbed two places to sixth.

China, who beat Malaysia in the Asia Cup bronze medal match, moved up three rungs to 13th. Former Olympic champions India dropped from 10th to 12th while Japan slipped three rungs to 14th. Germany are still the World No 1, followed by Australia, Spain and Netherlands.

New Straits Times

Wong defies the odds after career-threatening injury

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: National junior trainee Wong Khee Hon’s hockey career almost ended after he injured his spine in training in August, 2007.

The Kuala Lumpur defender, however, made it back in training with the National Juniors last September. And he is now vying for a place in the team for the Junior World Cup Finals, which will be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore from June 7-21.

“The injury was quite bad and I thought it (hockey career) was all over for me. I had to go for rehab for almost a year. But I recovered and was surprised to get a recall to join the training squad after 13 months,’’ said Khee Hon.

He thanked coach K. Rajan for giving him another chance to prove his worth and to win a place in the team for the Junior World Cup Finals.

“Since rejoining the team last year, I have played in almost all the friendly matches and tournaments. I believe I have a good chance to feature in the Junior World Cup,’’ said Khee Hon, who is the only Chinese player in the 21-member training squad.

“I want to follow in the footsteps of (forward) Chua Boon Huat, who featured in the Junior World Cup Finals in Hobart in 2001. He is now the most experienced player in the national senior squad with close to 300 international caps.”

Besides Khee Hon, the other defenders in the training squad are Kazamirul Nasaruddin, Mohd Nor Hafiq Abdul Gaffar, S. Kavin Kartik, Khairul Anuar and Mohd Sybrie.

Rajan said that Khee Hon had been playing consistently well in tournaments.

“He is a hard working player and have a bright chance to be in the team for the Junior World Cup,’’ he said.

The National Juniors will have two friendly matches against Singapore today and tomorrow at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.

Rajan added the team need to play as many matches as possible before they begin their campaign in Group C, which has England, Spain, South Korea and the United States.

Group A has defending champions Argentina, Pakistan, Russia, Belgium and Egypt while Germany, Australia, Chile, Japan and South Africa are in Group B. Group D has Holland, India, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore.

The top two teams from each group advance to the second round.

The Star of Malaysia

Black Market Sticks

This was bound to happen, especially with the worldwide economic downturn. We have all heard of luxury brand-name watches and ladies' handbags offered at huge discounts by street vendors. Naturally, these status goods are fakes, not defective or overstock items sold by the factory. They are unauthorized, black market frauds and we see them all over. In some cases only an expert eye can see that they are imitations. The watches keep time and the bags hold whatever what you put into them, so even if the person using the fake is not trying to fool other people into believing they have a real expensive status symbol, the object performs its basic function.

There is also money to be made by people who can trick you into believing they can get you a deal on a field hockey stick directly from the manufacturer. An expensive field hockey stick can be a status symbol, but it is also a performance enhancer. It is a proper tool with which one competes, not a fashion accessory. Top end sticks are designed to perform in significantly advanced ways. Bends, head shapes, tapering, balance points, composition of materials, and construction methods are more important than the graphics.

One can replicate the graphics and apply them to a standard stick. This is becoming too common. Fake sticks have been around for a few years. In photographs they look like the real thing. I believe that Grays was the first brand to be attacked by imitators. Not long ago the first black market "Dita" sticks started showing up. Now virtually all major brands have their own knock-offs. The fakes look as good to the untrained eye as the pretend Prada handbag looks. Price-wise, these fakes look like bargains. Just don’t expect them to perform like the real thing in a game. The warning is simple: BUYER BEWARE. If you think you are getting a bargain, you probably are being caught in a trap.

Fake field hockey sticks are showing up all over the internet. They are even guaranteed to be authentic, or your money will be refunded. That should put you at ease, shouldn’t it? Of course the stick is directly from the manufacturer, they are just cutting out the “middleman”. That should put you at ease, too. When the seller says he gets the brand name stick directly from the manufacturer, he implies the authentic source, not the counterfeiter who actually supplies him.

You will find these phoney TK, Princess, Malik, Gryphon, Dita, and Grays abound on Ebay, Craigslist, and even Amazon. Those websites try to avoid illegal trade as best they can, but do not have the resources to keep out all fakes. There are plenty of other websites offering questionable products, especially the aptly named Alibaba; remember Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? Those thieves now run their own black market website!

The most recent scam I encountered works like this: a credible-looking item is offered on Ebay by a seller with an impeccable feedback record. Hey, that’s already put me at ease. The amount of feedback is not very substantial, not in the hundreds. The seller happens to often “have” several top-end models from different brands. In fact, the seller has images of sticks that he is fronting for someone else. The seller is holding no stick at all, but is selling on commission for the counterfeiter. The seller is a variation of the street-corner vendor who spreads his goods upon a sheet that can be gathered up and slung over his shoulder at the first sign of the authorities. The vendor does not know the name of the person he buys his fakes from. If you do catch the vendor, he will return to the street with a new gmail address, abandoning the previous free address. Is it any wonder that he offers to refund your money if you find the item is a fake? Try emailing him. See if he answers your message. This seller has made his sale and moved on. Repeat customers are not part of his business plan.

Moving up a notch we find those who sell unauthorized goods, in quantity to retailers who do or should know better than to get involved in a scam. Yes, there are some retailers who unwittingly fall for fake goods and others who are as unscrupulous as the black marketeers. Naturally, these retailers claim to be authorized to sell the brand names, but a simple check of the brand name company’s website will state who is an authorized retailer.

How can a player confidently find an authentic top end, brand name, field hockey stick? Buy from an authorized source.

Happy Hockey

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