With the National Hockey League starting next week, it’s anyone’s guess who will take out the men’s and women’s titles this year.
The premier national competition for hockey will be throwing up a few surprises in 2010 with many of the Black Sticks players unavailable due to Commonwealth Games or offshore commitments.
Hockey Director, Ramesh Patel, says this year’s NHL still promises to be a feast of hockey with the combination of the best provincial hockey players, international guest talent and a range of past and present national squad players.
“I’m looking forward to some fast and furious games, as both the men’s and women’s teams fight it out for the most prestigious title in our national stable,” says Patel.
“The NHL is our premier domestic event, and this year we can expect to see some young talent shining through, along with the experience and wisdom of our senior players.”
This year there are more international guest players, 16 in total, compared with 11 in 2009. These players have come from Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.
There are 16 teams in total in the NHL, eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams. The teams are from Southern, Canterbury, Capital, Central, Midlands, Auckland, North Harbour and Northland.
The first two rounds of the NHL are being held on September 11 and 12, around the country (Whangarei, Albany, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Dunedin). Rounds three to seven, semis and finals are being held at North Harbour Hockey Stadium from September 18 – 26.
ENDS
