The majority of the Black Sticks competing in last week's Oceania Cup will rejoin their respective National Hockey League sides this week to prepare for the double header opening rounds in Hamilton this weekend.
The NHL has been shifted back a week to allow for the return of the National Men's and Women's team members from the Oceania Cup in Australia, which was completed yesterday. The Black Sticks Women won the Oceania Cup to gain direct access to Beijing, while the men finished 2nd behind Australia, however the men will now host an Olympic Qualifying tournament in Albany in February for another chance to get to Beijing.
The Black Sticks players return today, allowing them to assimilate into their regional sides. During pre-season preparation teams have been training without their national squad members and will welcome them into the fold. The North Harbour men have the most to gain from the return of the Black Sticks with six players ÔÇô David Kosoof, Blair Hopping, Bryce Collins, Ben Collier, Steve Edwards and Jan Peterson all now available for selection.
The participation of New Zealand's best, plus an exciting group of international players, will ensure a top level competition.
The internationals in the Men's League include: Australian captain Brent Livermore, Australia A and Australia Under 21 player Mark Paterson (Bordeaux Bakery Wellington); German Philipp Stahr and Australian U21 goalkeeper Ben Creese (Bayleys Midlands); Australian Development squad member Greg Reece (Central Mavericks); Tasmanian Tiger Hamish McGregor (Canterbury Cavaliers); and NSW Waratahs Nathan Gilbert and Simon Beaton (Southern Men).
On the Women's side the imports include experienced Hockeyroos Teneal Attard (Wellington) and Rebecca Sanders (Southern Storm); Canadian Katie Rushton (Southern Storm); Australian Country Vice Captain Shannon Worth (Mark Cromie Holden Northland); and up coming Dutch players Kiki Collot d'Escury and Fleur van Dooren (Bayleys Midlands).
The Men's competition will have a historic edge this year - the 100 Year anniversary of the Men's Challenge Shield.
The 100 Year anniversary of the Women's K Cup will be celebrated next year (2008).
NHL Finals Weekend will this year be held at North Harbour and will coincide with the NZ Hockey Awards which will be held at the neighbouring North Harbour Stadium on Thursday, October 11.
Both finals will be televised. The Men's final will be shown live on TV One from 2.30pm on Saturday October 13 and the Women's final will screen from 1pm on Sunday October 14.
Source: Hockey New Zealand
