Otago 18-year-old Hugo Inglis is the last minute surprise bolter of the Black Sticks Men’s Hockey team named today to contest the BDO World Cup Qualifier which starts in Invercargill on Saturday.
Inglis, who was the National Hockey League top goal scorer while playing for Midlands this year, has been selected for his natural talents in front of goal.
The team’s only new cap, Inglis, played for the Junior Black Sticks in last weekend’s matchups against the Black Sticks for the first two matches before being called across to be part of the senior side for the last match.
National Coach Shane McLeod said. “Every time Hugo is taken to a new level he rises to the occasion. I originally thought it might be a little early for him, but he has come along well at Midlands this year.”
Another striker, Priyesh Bhana (North Harbour), who has just 10 caps, has also worked his way into the team. Bhana (25), was introduced to international hockey earlier this year and has responded well.
McLeod has opted for an extra striker in his selection mix, naming five strikers. The strategy has come at the expense of experienced defender James Nation (105) caps who did not make the final cut.
Two other players, Wellington attackers Joel Baker and Blair Hilton were also unlucky not to make the final cut, with the side being selected on current form. The two will be brought back into the programme in the near future.
McLeod is very happy with the form of his players, from the promising Juniors through to experienced internationals Blair Hopping, Phil Burrows and Ryan Archibald, who are peaking well.
Only one player remains under a health cloud. Hayden Shaw, who suffered a bout of pneumonia recently, did not take part in the weekend’s matches and has been bracketed with fellow Cantabrian Nick Haig.
The participating teams for the World Cup Qualifier are in order of world ranking: New Zealand (8th ), China (13th), Malaysia (16th ), Austria (20th ), Scotland (24th ), and Wales (29th ).
The winner of the 2009 BDO World Cup Qualifying Tournament will take up one of the final three positions available for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, India next February.
Of the six competing teams only New Zealand and Malaysia have ever played in a World Cup. New Zealand has played in six World Cups since 1971. Their top finish is 7th place which they achieved four times, in 1982, 1975, 1973 and 1971. Malaysia has competed six times. Their best placing is fourth, back in 1975.
BLACK STICKS MEN’S SQUAD FOR BDO WORLD CUP QUALIFER
Shirt # Player Name NHL Team Age Caps Position
5 Andrew Hayward Midlands 24 48 Defender
6 Simon Child Auckland 21 106 Striker
7 Blair Hopping North Harbour 28 202 Defender
8 Dean Couzins Auckland 28 185 Defender
10 Ryan Archibald Auckland 29 221 Midfielder
11 Priyesh Bhana North Harbour 25 10 Striker
12 Brad Shaw Canterbury 25 90 Defender
15 Stephen Graham Midlands 23 7 Goalkeeper
17 Kyle Pontifex Wellington 29 85 Goalkeeper
18 Phil Burrows Wellington 29 222 Striker
19 Hayden Shaw Canterbury 28 153 Defender
24 Arun Panchia Auckland 20 12 Midfielder
25 Shea McAleese Central 25 84 Midfielder
28 Richard Petherick Midlands 23 49 Defender
29 Hugo Inglis Midlands 18 - Midfielder
30 Ben Collier North Harbour 25 90 Midfielder
31 Steve Edwards North Harbour 23 75 Midfielder
32 Nick Wilson North Harbour 19 37 Striker
Bracketed with Hayden Shaw if injury rules Hayden out of the tournament.
4 Nick Haig Canterbury 21 30 Defender
Team Management
Coach Shane McLeod
Assistant Coaches Sean Dancer and Darren Smith
Manager David Cattermole
Physiotherapist Gavin D’Souza
Video/Specialist Ian Hicks
AVERAGE AGE: 24
AVERAGE INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 101
MATCH SCHEDULE
Saturday 09 November, 2009 2.00pm Wales
Sunday 08 November, 2009 1.00pm Scotland
Tuesday 10 November, 2009 6.00pm Malaysia
Thursday 12 November, 2009 6.00pm China
Saturday 14 November, 2009 12.00pm Austria
PARTNERS
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