Two-hundred and twenty six hockey teams from across the country celebrated Thanksgiving in traditional field hockey style as USA Field Hockey opened its National Hockey Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
The world's largest fhockey event, the Festival has been the Thanksgiving destination for hockey players since 1922 when it originated as the National Sectional Championship. The event is making its 12th appearance in California after previous trips to the Empire Polo Club in 2006, 2003, 2002, 1997 and 1995. Irvine ('87, '88, '90, '93) and Long Beach ('83, '84) also played host to the event.
The 3,800 athletes and teams from 26 states and Canada completed first-day action in their quests for championships in Women's Age Group (Under 16 and Under 19), Women's Open and Mixed (co-ed) divisions.
After two games each in the 196-team age U19 and U16 divisions, early leaders in the 28 pools include teams from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and British Columbia.
In the highly competitive Women's Open Division, defending champion Red Rose (Pa.) opened the tournament with a 2-0 mark while in the Mixed Division, Jack and Jill - a team featuring former USA national team players ÔÇô along with East West Sports Camps also opened undefeated at 2-0.
The tournament continues with games through Saturday in the age group divisions with championship games in the Open and mixed divisions scheduled for Sunday.
Additional information on the Festival, as well as teams, results and rosters is available on the USA Field Hockey Festival website at www.usfieldhockey.com/festival/.
Source: USA Field Hockey
