The Black Sticks Men and Women are full throttle into 2010 preparing for a test series against Australia, in Perth, next month. On higher alert to the women, are the Black Sticks Men, who are in camp mode, smack-bang in the middle of their World Cup campaign, which begins 28th February.
First off however, both teams have been playing weekly Wednesday night training matches to build up to the Australia series. Both the men’s and women’s game is between the team travelling to Perth and a composite team made up of guest players, resting Black Sticks players and development squad athletes. The Black Sticks Women begin their test series against Australia from February 13th to 17th and the Men from the 16th to 21st.
Black Sticks Men’s Coach Shane McLeod believes he has a ‘strong forward line providing exciting goal scoring opportunities. This coupled with a creative midfield means that each game is free flowing. Players are vying for 1 of 18 positions [once the team is announced] and will be working hard to make each combination as automatic and as slick as possible’.
Black Sticks Women’s Coach Mark Hager made comment to these training games allowing the new inclusions into the 2010 Black Sticks squad - Natasha Fitzsimons, Cat Finlayson & Laura Douglas - to understand and develop their individual roles within the team structures. He also made mention that the team have been working hard on their strength and conditioning, which will be put to the test under the hot conditions in Perth.
Hockey fans, players, officials, coaches, locals, general public; anyone at all, are encouraged to head down to the North Harbour turf at 60 Paul Matthews Drive, to support the teams and enjoy these warm summer evenings watching New Zealand’s best Hockey players.
The 2010 calendar is looking to be a big year for the Black Sticks with the World Cups from February to March (men) and September (women), the Champions Trophy in July (women) and August (men), as well as it being a Commonwealth year with the Games in Delhi, India, in October.
The next two Wednesday night games (predominantly for the Black Sticks Men) are scheduled at the following dates and times:
3 February @ 8.00pm
Venue: Crown Relocations North Harbour Stadium, 60 Paul Matthews Drive
10 February @ 8.00pm
Venue: Crown Relocations North Harbour Stadium, 60 Paul Matthews Drive
ENDS