Hockey's Hot Shots

13-Dec

Congratulations to Matt Swann and Jacob Whetton who have been selected in the 2011 Australian Men's Indoor Squad.

The squad to compete at the 2011 Indoor World Cup in Poznan, Poland from February 8 - 13 will be selected from this list in January 2011.

Garry Backhus ACT
Chris Bausor WA
Simon Beaton NSW
Jason Black WA
Jye Bunt NSW
Andrew Charter ACT
Chris Ciriello VIC
Tim Deavin TAS
Nathan Gilbert NSW
Kieran Govers NSW
Leon Hayward TAS/NT
Michael Hogan NSW
Matthew Hotchkis ACT
Paul Mackinnon ACT/VIC
Paul Nicholls WA
Kurt Ogilvie NSW
Seyi Onitiri ACT
David Orr WA
Josh Poulton NSW
Darren Parkes WA
Blake Sanford NSW
Matthew Swann QLD
Glenn Turner ACT
George Watts WA
Tristan White NSW
Jacob Whetton QLD

14-Nov
"Fourth time's the charm for Jamie Dwyer".  Dwyer's star continues to shine after he was named the world's best hockey player of the year for the fourth time.

"I'm very honoured and I'm very happy to win the award."

"My teammates and what the Kookaburras have done this year helped me a lot. It has been great winning tournaments and having fun this year, so its been a good couple of years.

"I've won everything I wanted to win. The world cup was missing from my 'to do' list, so I'm very happy I've added that to my list, that's for sure."

Despite Dwyer's love of the game, he wants improvement in a number of areas that will assist the progression of the sport in years to come.

Full Article Herald Sun Article by Tony Sheahan

15-Oct
Congratulations to the Hockeyroos and Kookaburra's on their amazing Gold Medal Games in Dehli.  Well done to all the team, on and off the field, in particular to our Queenslanders.  For all the Commonwealth Games results and information on  Hockey Australia or the Commonwealth Games websites.

28-Sep
Keep up to date with all the Commonwealth Games results and information on  Hockey Australia or the Commonwealth Games websites.

The Queensland hockey community wishes all our Queenslander's in their roles on and off the field a successful tournament in Delhi.

1-Sep
Kookaburras aim to keep winning streak alive in Delhi      (HA Media Release)
A formidable 16-player Australian men’s hockey team announced today will look to continue their winning streak and keep their perfect Commonwealth Games record in tact when they journey to Delhi this October.

The Kookaburras will enter the 2010 Commonwealth Games as favourites and one of Australia’s most successful teams having only ever lost one match and claiming every gold medal since hockey was introduced in 1998.

The Kookaburras have won every major international tournament since the appointment of coach Ric Charlesworth in January 2009. Having already won the 2010 World Cup earlier this year and the 2010 Champions Trophy in early August, the Kookaburras have been unstoppable in 2010, and will be looking to finish the year off strongly with another Commonwealth Games gold medal.

However Charlesworth was quick to point out that the Australians will not underestimate any team at the Commonwealth Games.

“We have had some great results over the past 20 months or so, however I still believe we are not solid yet and still have much to do. I have full confidence in the team we have selected as it has a good amount of experience and youth, however we will not get ahead of ourselves,” said Charlesworth.

Eleven members of the squad will make their Commonwealth Games debut. Queenslanders Jamie Dwyer and Liam de Young have been selected to compete in their third Games, whilst Luke Doerner (VIC), Robert Hammond (QLD) and Mark Knowles (QLD) also represented Australia at the Melbourne Games in 2006.

Veterans De Young, Knowles and Hammond return to the Kookaburras line up having missed selection for the 2010 Champions Trophy.

Despite having the youngest team at the Champions Trophy, the Kookaburras went through the tournament undefeated and won their third Champions Trophy title in a row, giving the team a great amount of confidence leading into the Commonwealth Games.

Youngsters Jason Wilson, Chris Ciriello and Joel Carroll have held their spot and will be looking to further establish themselves at the Commonwealth Games.

“We have great squad depth which is obviously what we are building towards, however it means that players need to make the most of their opportunities and the Commonwealth Games will give these players a chance to do that on a very big international stage,” said Charlesworth.

However Charlesworth said that there are some very capable teams who would be looking to knock off the all conquering Australian team.

“We are the number 1 ranked team in the world, but I think that can give teams a bit more incentive when they face us. England are very capable of beating us as we saw at the World Cup. India and Pakistan will be at home in the Heat of Delhi and with the reduced squad sizes makes things less predictable,” said Charlesworth.

ACGA Chief Executive Officer Perry Crosswhite said, “We have high expectations for our 2010 Commonwealth Games men’s hockey team just as we have had at all three previous Games where the sport was played. 

“It will not be easy but we know that if they do their best, as they did in 1998, 2002 and 2006, the 2010 Games tournament will be their hat trick for the year.”

The Delhi 2010 hockey competition will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from  October 4 – 14, 2010.

Please note: The Australian women’s hockey team will be announced in mid-September following their World Cup campaign in Argentina.

Congratulations to all players, in particular our Queenslander contingent:
Commonwealth Games Team & Test matches v Argentina in Perth
QLD: Nathan Burgers  (GK), Liam De Young, Jamie Dwyer, Robert Hammond, Mark Knowles, Matthew Swann, Jason Wilson
ACT: Glenn Turner
NSW: Simon Orchard
NT: Desmond Abbott, Joel Carroll
TAS: Edward Ockenden
VIC: Christopher Ciriello, Luke Doerner
WA: Fergus Kavanagh, Trent Mitton

Official reserves :-
Matt Gohdes (QLD)
Mark Paterson (NSW)
George Bazeley (GK) (VIC)
Kiel Brown (WA)
Brent Dancer (WA)

Australia ‘A’ squad to play Argentina in Perth
QLD: Kris Glass, Tim Bates, Jacob Whetton
ACT: Andrew Charter (GK)
NSW: Tristan White, Kieran Govers, Josh Miller
NT: Leon Hayward (GK)
TAS: Tim Deavin
VIC: Malcolm Kemp, Glenn Simpson, Russell Ford
WA: Chris Bausor, Ian Burcher, Jonathon Charlesworth, Craig Boyne

26-Aug
Australian team wins gold at the Youth Olympic Games
Australia 2 Pakistan 1 (0-1 half time)

2010 continues to be a successful year for Australian hockey, with the boys Australian hockey team winning the inaugural gold medal at the Youth Olympics overnight.

Recording a 2-1 win over Pakistan to remain undefeated throughout the tournament, the win indicates that the future stocks of Australian talent is extremely high and adds to the 2010 Trophy cabinet which includes the 2010 World Cup and 2010 Champions Trophy wins by the Kookaburras.

In what was a thrilling match, Australia was forced to come from behind to snatch the win after Pakistan opened the scoring at the 10 minute mark.

The first half played out with the toughest hockey seen in the tournament. Neither team was able to add any goals to the scoreline. Aussie captain Daniel Beale had a penalty stroke conversion sensationally saved by the Pakistani keeper, giving them further confidence as they entered the half time break.

Although Australia entered the second half determined to work their way back into the match, things did not begin according to plan when Jeremy Hayward was dealt a yellow card which meant Australia was now a player down.

Buoyed by the support of the entire Australian Team watching in the crowd, a great attacking run through the Pakistan defence from outside the circle, led to a cross before a lightning backhand strike from 16-year-old Dylan Wotherspoon levelled the score in the 49th minute  Full Story and Photos

16-Aug
Youth Olympic Games begin
Follow Queensland's six players representing Australia and stay up to date with the latest scores and articles from the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

13-Aug
Congratulations to all members of the recently named National Junior Squad in particular Queenslanders Emily Burrows, Jacqui Day, Jordyn Holzberger, Alyssa Kerr and Katelin Marks.  Aside from their abilities on the field, the athletes have been selected based on their eligibility for the 2010 Junior World Cup Qualifier. 

2010 National Junior Squad
ACT  - Alana McQueen, Naomi Evans
NSW - Jocelyn Bartarn, Eliza Brazel, Kirsten Pearce, Emily Smith, Kellie White
QLD - Burrows, Jacqui Day, Jordyn Holzberger, Alyssa Kerr and Katelin Marks
SA - Jane Claxton, Karri McMahon, Amy Watters
TAS - Amelia Spence
VIC - Hayley Padget, Meg Pearce, Samantha Snow
WA - Katy Symons

10-Aug
Be Coached by Kookaburra Champions
OAMPS Queensland Blades and world class players Mark Knowles and Jamie Dwyer arrive in Brisbane next week in the lead up to the Australian Hockey League Men's finals at the State Hockey Centre.  '1 & 9 Coaching' is the name of the coaching clinics which the successful due run.  Dwyer and Knowles will be holding to clinics while in Brisbane, click here to register, but hurry, spaces are limited.

8-Aug
ABN AMRO Champions Trophy - Men, Germany
Kookaburra's defeated England 4-0 overnight, to win their third consecutive Champions Trophy.  See all the Kookaburra's playing in Brisbane for the respective States/Territories at the Australian Hockey League finals week starting 22 August. Detailed Results

45 goals were scored in the first six matches which represents an average of 7.5 goals per game. The actual record was set 2003 in Amstelveen with 6.95 goals per game. Australia are on top of the table after scoring four goals in six minute to defeat Netherlands 6-3.
Detailed Results

27-Jul
Hope Munro puts family first and takes a break from the Hockeyroos
The Hockeyroos task of winning gold at the 2010 World Cup and Commonwealth Games later in the year has become even more of a challenge, with veteran Hope Munro today announcing she is taking a break from international hockey for the foreseeable future.

Munro, who debuted for Australia in 2004 and played 109 games and scored 33 goals for the Hockeyroos, made her decision in order to spend more time with her young daughters, Ella (7 years of age) and Olivia (4 years of age).

While admitting it was difficult to give up the opportunity to play for the Hockeyroos at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games later in the year, Munro said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family.

“It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but I know in my heart this is the right path for me at this point in time.  I have been very fortunate in my hockey career to have the love and support of my family and close friends.  In particular, my then husband Chris Munro, for without his unwavering support none of my international career would have been possible.  I look back on my career with many fond memories of fun times, hard times, and sad times, but most of all I am lucky to be able to leave the program with some of the closest and dearest friendships. Full Story

YOUNG CHAMPIONS TROPHY SQUAD

With a team which is significantly different to that which won the 2009 Champions Trophy and the 2010 World Cup earlier this year, Charlesworth has gone with a much younger line up to build further depth in the Kookaburras squad ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

Five key players from the 2010 World Cup squad with over 800 games experience and four Olympic gold medals between them will not participate in the 2010 Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach, Germany from July 31 – August 8.

Kiel Brown, Liam De Young, Rob Hammond, Mark Knowles and Grant Schubert all helped the Kookaburras win their first World Cup in over 24 years earlier this year, however they have not been selected in the 2010 Champions Trophy squad.

Queensland Squad members are Nathan Burgers, Jamie Dwyer, Matthew Swann and Jason Wilson. 

Full News Article and Team List

HOCKEY AUSTRALIA AWARDS

Congratulations to Queensland's Julie Ashton-Lucy for being awarded Hockey Australia’s Official of the Year for 2009.

During 2009 Julie Ashton-Lucy was a member of the AHL Women’s Umpiring Pane. Julie umpired at both the Champions Challenge and Champions Trophy where she was an outstanding ambassador for Hockey Australia. She is also actively involved in umpiring at the local level, acts as a mentor for umpires within her Region and well as State level.

For further information on Hockey Australia’s Appointments & Achievements, please click here Hockey Australia - Officials Appointments & Achievements

Congratulations Julie and all the best for 2010.

AUSTRALIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE - Women's

For all the Scorchers information and results Competitions/AHL

Hockeyroos make World Cup

The Hockeyroos have qualified for the 2010 Hockey World Cup after defeating Ireland 4-1 in the final match of the World Cup Qualifier tournament in Santiago, Chile.

This result sees the Hockeyroos finish the qualifying tournament undefeated on top of the points table with four straight victories, finishing one game ahead of second placed Scotland.

Youth Olympic Games Team Announced

Congratulations to the following Queenslanders who have been selected in the first Youth Olympic Games team to compete in Singapore later this year.

Daniel Beale
Robert Bell
Andrew Butturini
Jake Farrell
Daniel Mathieson
Dylan Wotherspoon

More details on the rest of the team coming soon.

Hockeyroos Gain Confidence Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

The Hockeyroos have been given a boost of confidence leading into their World Cup Qualifier event, defeating Chile 4-0 in Santiago, Chile.

The match against Chile forms part of the Hockeyroos preparation for the World Cup Qualifier event which begins in Chile on Saturday 24 April.

Having lost the Oceania Cup last year to New Zealand, the Hockeyroos were denied direct access to the 2010 World Cup and must now win this tournament to qualify for the event which will be played in Argentina from 30 August – 12 September.

Despite the four goal end result, the Hockeyroos did not have it all their own way early. Buoyed by their home crowd Chile took it up to Australia, keeping them goalless in the first half.

However eventually the class of the Hockeyroos proved too great, with Australia dominating the second half to score four unanswered goals.

Click here for the full article

Image: Treeby Images

Hockeyroos Choose Experience

The Hockeyroos have chosen experience over youth in their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, with the WCQ squad announced.

After competing for the Hockeyroos during their recent 4 test series against Argentina, Young strikers Georgia Nanscawen (17 years) and Emily Hurtz (20 years) have not been selected in the squad.

Instead Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray has chosen the more experienced pair of Amy Korner and Claire Messent to compliment Shelly Liddelow as strikers as the team prepares to qualify for the 2010 World Cup which will be held in Argentina from August 28 – September 11.  Click here for the rest of the article

Hockeyroos World Cup Qualifier Schedule - Hockey Australia website

Blyth brings hope to Hockeyroos' revival
When the whistle blew to start Madonna Blyth’s first hockey game when she was five-years-old, she was not to know this also sounded the start of her development into a player who would later captain a campaign to revive the renowned success of the Australian women’s hockey team.

It is now a decade since the Hockeyroos have enjoyed the height of success which saw them recognised as Olympic and World Cup champions, but next month Blyth will have the opportunity to lead the Hockeyroos in proving they still have what it takes to stick it to the best in the world.

The Hockeyroos will be provided their final chance to qualify for the 2010 Women’s World Cup when they compete in a World Cup Qualifier tournament against Chile, Ireland, Malaysia, Scotland as well as Trinidad and Tobago in Santiago, Chile from April 24 to May 2.

Australia will need to win the tournament to qualify for the World Cup after being denied automatic inclusion following their surprising loss to New Zealand in the final of the Oceania Cup in August last year.

Failure to qualify for the World Cup will hinder the progress of the Hockeyroos’ slow but steady climb back up the world rankings in recent years, which peaked most recently when Australia was narrowly defeated in the 2009 Champions Trophy final under Blyth’s leadership. The Hockeyroos were defeated 4-3 in penalty strokes to world number two Argentina.

The Hockeyroos will enter the World Cup Qualifier tournament fresh from the confidence gained from their competitive four match test series played against Argentina in Townsville from March 24 to 28. After tight 2-1 defeats in the first two matches, the Hockeyroos responded strongly to record a draw and then a 2-1 win of their own to conclude the series.

In 1998 the Hockeyroos won their second consecutive World Cup and then went on to claim their second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Following this the team placed fourth at the 2002 World Cup before placing fifth at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The Hockeyroos reestablished themselves by securing second place at the 2006 World Cup only to again finish a disappointing fifth place at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

May the upcoming World Cup Qualifier tournament be the leg-up the Hockeyroos need going forward to the 2010 World Cup and 2012 London Olympic Games!

The 2010 World Cup will be held in Rosario, Argentina from August 29.

Hockeyroos take on Argentina in the Tropics
Teneal Attard, originally from Townsville who made her international return late last year after suffering an ACL injury, said that the Hockeyroos would need to be at their best when facing Argentina during this series.

“Argentina is one of the best teams in the world and they deserve the utmost respect. They are a determined team who are skillful, fast and have good set plays. We will need to ensure our defence is solid and looks to avoid giving away any soft penalty corners. Through the midfield there will need to be a high work rate, giving options out of defence and building the play, and upfront it will be imperative that we put away opportunities when they come,” said Attard.  Read the full article and results on the Hockey Australia website

Argentina Series Squad
Toni Cronk (NSW), Georgia Nanscawen (VIC), Sarah O'Connor (VIC), Casey Eastham (NSW), Alison Bruce (NSW), Kim Walker (WA), Ashleigh Nelson (WA), Kate Hollywood (NSW), Madonna Blyth (QLD), Shelly Liddelow (WA), Nicole Arrold (ACT), Kobie McGurk (WA), Fiona Johnson (NSW), Emily Hurtz (NSW), Stacia Joseph (VIC), Fiona Boyce (WA), Rachael Lynch (VIC), Hope Munro (WA), Teneal Attard (QLD)

Hockeyroos v Argentina series
Game 1 – March 24 – 6.00pm
Game 2 – March 25 – 6.00pm
Game 3 – March 27 – 4.00pm
Game 4 – March 28 – 4.00pm

All matches are at the Townsville Hockey Complex. To purchase tickets please phone   07 4778 4810  07 4778 4810   07 4778 4810 .

Kookaburras Win World Cup
The Kookaburras have won their first World Cup in 24 years, defeating Germany 2-1 in the 2010 World Cup final in New Delhi, India.

The match was the third consecutive World Cup final to be competed by Australia and Germany, with Germany winning the two previous encounters.

The victory is Australia’s second ever World Cup title, and puts the Kookaburras back as the world’s number 1 ranked team.

It also goes some way in enhancing coach Ric Charlesworth’s status as one of Australia’s greatest coaches. Since taking over the Kookaburras at the beginning of 2009 the team has won the two biggest international events on the hockey calendar, first the 2009 Champions Trophy and now the 2010 World Cup.   Click on to the Hockey Australia website for the full article and photos from the Cup.

Kookaburras' World Cup Squad Selected
Ric Charlesworth has again proven that he still has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to coaching, today selecting a player with only three games experience in his 18 man Hero Honda FIH 2010 World Cup squad.  Click on to the Hockey Australia webiste for the full article. 

Congratulations to Queenslander's Jamie Dwyer, Rob Hammond, Mark Knowles, Liam De Young and Matthew Swann on their selection in the Squad.

6 QUEENSLANDERS IN KOOKABURRAS SQUAD FOR KOREAN SERIES
The Kookaburras have today selected a 25 player squad to compete in a 3 Test Series against Korea.  The series will be played in Hobart, Tasmania from 28 - 31 January.

Following on from the Kookaburras recent Champions Trophy victory in Melbourne, this series will serve as a warm up for the 2010 Hockey World Cup which will begin in New Delhi, India from February 28.

An early congratulations to Mark Knowles who will play his 150th game during this series.

Squad
Des Abbott (NT), George Bazeley (VIC), Graeme Begbie (WA), Kiel Brown (WA), Nathan Burgers (ACT), Matthew Butturini (NSW), Joel Carroll (NT), Chris Ciriello (VIC), Brent Dancer (WA), LIAM DE YOUNG (QLD), JAMIE DWYER (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), Kieran Govers (NSW), ROB HAMMOND (QLD), Fergus Kavanagh (WA), MARK KNOWLES (QLD), Brent Livermore (NSW), Ross Meadows (WA), Eddie Ockenden (TAS), Simon Orchard (NSW), Glenn Simpson (VIC), Grant Schubert (SA), MATTHEW SWANN (QLD), Glenn Turner (ACT), JASON WILSON (QLD) 

 For more information on the series, including game results, click onto Hockey Australia's website

Jamie Dwyer Reconfirms Legendary Status

Dwyer's status as one of Australia’s greatest sportsmen has been reconfirmed today after being named the best men’s hockey player in the world for the third time.

Dwyer, who played in the winning final of the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy against Germany, was announced as the FIH 2009 Men’s Player of the Year.

Dwyer has become the second person along with Netherlands striker Teun de Nooijer to win the award on more than one occasion having also won in 2004 and 2007, while he was also named the FIH Young Player of the Year in 2002.

A number of retirements to key players were also acknowledged today including the likes of Nikki Hudson and Melanie Wells.

For more details on Jamie's award, and the final results of the Champions Trophy click on to the Hockey Australia website.

Swann & Dancer given opportunity of life time at home
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth has given two young players an opportunity of a life time by selecting Matthew Swann (QLD) and Brent Dancer (WA) in the Australian squad to compete at the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy tournament in Melbourne next month.

Hockey Queensland congratulates Matthew Swann, Jamie Dwyer, Liam De Young, Rob Hammond and Mark Knowles on their squad selection.

HQ also congratulates Matt Gohdes, Tim Bates, Michael Bates and Jason Wilson on their selection in the Australia A Squad.

Congratulations to all the 'lads' selected in the squad for the Champions Trophy as well as the Australia A team to play against Korea Practice Matches (19, 21 & 23 November).

The full squad will be on the Hockey Australia website shortly.

2010 National Senior and Development Squads Announced

The following Queensland Athletes have been included:

2010 National Senior Squad (1 Dec 09 - 31 May 10)
Teneal Attard - Jane Bennett - Madonna Blyth - Amy Korner

2010 National Development Squad (1 Dec 09 - 31 May 10)
Carla Hunter, Kirstin Johnson, Sally O'Toole, Jodie Schulz

2010 AIS Scholarship Holders (11 Jan - 31 May 10)
Teneal Attard - Madonna Blyth

For complete lists Click onto the Hockey Australia Website

Join the Kookaburra's and "grow a mo" for Movember!  The national men’s hockey team, the Kookaburras will be leading the way in supporting Movember this year, as official Charity partner for the upcoming ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy – Men 2009. The month long Movember celebration of growing Mo’s takes place every year in November, to help create awareness of men’s health issues- prostate cancer and depression.  To find out more and take part in Movember, click on to the Hockey Australia website.

Queenslanders awarded QAS and/or AIS Scholarships for 2009, Commonwealth Games Squads for 2010 and more.  Click Here

Kookaburras Malaysia series squad 16-26 October, 2009

"14 players have now made their debut for the Kookaburras under Ric Charlesworth this year, with the team continuing to develop their squad ahead of the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy which will be held in Melbourne from November 28 – December 6.

As the most prestigious event on the 2009 International Hockey calendar, all players will be desperate to impress Charlesworth during this Malaysian series in a bid to earn their spot in the Champions Trophy squad.

With players such as Jamie Dwyer, Eddie Ockenden and Des Abbott playing club hockey in the Netherlands, this tour will give the younger squad members a chance to step up and play a key role."  Full Story

Nathan Burgers - ACT
Ross Meadows - WA
Graeme Begbie - WA
Joel Carroll - NT
Kiel Brown - WA
Ian Burcher - WA
Chris Ciriello - VIC
David Guest - TAS
Matthew Butturini - NSW
Glenn Simpson - VIC
Liam De Young - QLD
Rob Hammond - QLD
Fergus Kavanagh - WA
Mark Paterson - NSW
Simon Orchard - NSW
Grant Schubert - SA
Brent Dancer - WA
Matt Gohdes - QLD
Matthew Swann - QLD
Jonathon Charlesworth - WA
Glenn Turner - ACT
Jason Wilson - QLD

Hockeyroos begin tour with a win over Spain

Stacia Joseph, Madonna Blyth and Ashleigh Nelson were amongst the best players, with coach Frank Murray pleased to come away with the win.  Full Story

Korner returns to the Hockeyroos
Amy Korner will return to the Hockeyroos line up for the first time since 2007 after being named in a squad to compete against Spain and Argentina in early October.

Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray said Korner, who competed at both the 2005 and 2007 Champions Trophy tournaments, will bring extra experience around the goals.

“Korner will add further experience as a striker, she is a proven goal scorer,” said Murray.

Teneal Attard is another notable inclusion in the squad, with the defender playing her first game since injuring her ACL 12 months ago.

“She will only get limited game-time, which is a major reason why we will take 19 players on this series,” said Murray.

It is great to see Korner and Attard return to the squad alongside fellow Queenslander and Champions Trophy Captain, Madonna Blyth.

Kookaburras defeat Samoa 26-0
Five goals to two time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer was a highlight of the match, during the Oceania Cup in New Zealand.

Junior World Cup - Women
Currently being held in Boston, USA, Queenslanders Jill Dwyer, Marnie Hudson and Tegan Holcroft are doing themselves proud.  Full Team and World Cup Results.

World Cup Qualifier Squad - Men

Following recent tests against Malaysia and Canada, the Kookaburra's World Cup Qualifier Squad has been announced.  Four Queenslanders will travel to Invercargill, New Zealand to compete against the host and Samoa from 24-29 August 2009. 

Congratulations to:
Liam De Young
Mark Knowles
Rob Hammond
Jamie Dwyer

The winner of the tournament gains direct access to the Hero Honda FIH World Cup in New Delhi, India from 28 February - 13 March 2010.  Full Squad.

Blyth named Player of Champions Trophy

Australian Captain and Queenslander Madonna Blyth was named Player of the Tournament. Madonna knew her team had done all they could in the tournament they never expected to win.

“I think there is initial disappointment, to be right up there and then lose in penalty strokes. But we will recognise that we have done really well and we achieved our goal coming into the tournament of playing good hockey and improving.”

For the young players in the team, Blyth agreed this was a huge experience for them.

“The experience of a tournament like this is invaluable. To have good competition everyday, you have to perform consistently… and if you want to be recognised as the best team in the world you have to do that.”

Looking forward to 2012 and the Olympics Blyth agreed there were positive signs all round for the young Australian side.

“Even though its three years away there is always the next Olympics in the back of your head so it’s definitely positive signs. The young players were really impressive, particularly today. It’s the first major tournament for most of them and they did what they had to do.”

Blyth, though named Player of the Tournament acknowledged team mate Nicole Arrold as Australia’s best performer.

“Nic Arrold holds it together at the back for us and I think was our most consistent player.”

ARGENTINA 0 AUSTRALIA 0 (half time 0-0, full time 0-0, extra time 0-0) Argentina win match in penalty strokes 4-3.

OAMPS Blades & Australian Goal Keeper Retires

Kookaburra & OAMPS Blades goal keeper Stephen Lambert has today announced his retirement from international hockey.

Lambert originally loomed likely to continue on following the 2008 Beijing Olympics after he was selected in coach Ric Charlesworth’s 2009 national squad following the 2009 Australian Hockey League.
After not playing in the Kookaburras test matches against the Netherlands or Belgium earlier in the year, Lambert returned to play for Queensland at the AHL.
Although originally planning to return to the Kookaburras following their recent European tour in which he did not compete, Lambert has decided to retire.
“My commitment to the training and the program had waivered. I think the program which has been set out is a very good one and if I wasn’t committed to the program and the direction it was heading it wasn’t fair on the group,” said Lambert.
“If the program set out by Ric is followed I have no doubt the Kookaburras will be successful at both the 2009 Champions Trophy and 2010 World Cup. I would like to thank all the coaches and people involved with Hockey Australia throughout my career and wish everyone success in the coming years,” said Lambert.  
Coach Ric Charlesworth said that although he was disappointed to have lost Lambert, he understood his decision.  “Obviously I am disappointed. He represents a level of experience and I was hoping the excitement of next year’s World Cup would encourage him to continue. However I think the prospect of relocating to Perth and the level of training required influenced his decision,” said Charlesworth.
Lambert, who is married to former Hockeyroos and OAMPS Scorchers defender Angie Lambert who retired following the Beijing Olympics, are expecting their first child next month. 

Australian Men's Development Squad
The following Queensland players have been selected in the 2009 National Men’s Development Squad:

Matthew Swann **

Kris Glass **

Matt Gohdes **

Jason Wilson **

Tim Bates **

Michael Bates

 

** Have also been offered AIS Scholarships commencing in July 2009

In addition to being part of the development squad these players, along with several existing senior national squad members, will form part of the Australia A team to compete against the Kookaburras, Malaysia and Canada in Canberra from July 29 – August 7

Names Queenslanders who made the Women's Junior World Cup Squad will be listed shortly.

Troy Elder makes miraculous return to Queensland hockey
Fourteen months after being told he may never play hockey again Australian Kookaburras veteran Troy Elder has been selected in the 2009/2010 OAMPS Queensland Blades open men’s hockey squad.  In a freak accident during a Brisbane Hockey League match in April 2008, Elder’s skull was struck and fractured by a hockey ball in full flight which placed both his health and playing future in doubt. A Kookaburras midfielder from 1998 to 2007, Athens 2004 Olympic gold medalist and Sydney 2000 Olympic bronze medalist, Elder has made a steady recovery and is set to make a gutsy return to Queensland representative hockey. Elder was listed in the 2009/2010 state squad alongside past Australian team mates Jamie Dwyer, Liam De Young, Stephen Lambert, Robert Hammond and Mark Knowles and will train under another past Australian team mate Matthew Wells who is the newly appointed Queensland men’s coach. The 31 player squad was announced following the Hockey Queensland Men’s Premier League and State Open Championships held in Townsville last weekend. 

The squad also boasts strong upcoming talent including 21-year-old Jason Wilson who has recently debuted for the Kookaburras and was the highest goal scorer of this year’s Australian Hockey League tournament, and 21-year-old Michael Bates who was named the best player of this year’s Australian Under 21 Men’s Championship.    

Queensland have secured top three finishes for over a decade in the Australian Hockey League tournament and will be eager to claim their first national crown since 2007 next year after being narrowly defeated 2-1 by Western Australia in this year’s grand final in Hobart in April.  Queensland appears set to continue their renowned competitiveness in the Australian Hockey League tournament with Queensland men’s hockey enjoying notable depth of talent.  The Queensland 21 Under Men’s team have won the Australian Under 21 Men’s Championship for two consecutive years and the Queensland Under 18 Men’s team have won the Australian Under 18 Men’s Championship for three consecutive years.

Matt Wells Appointed OAMPS Blades/QAS Hockey Head Coach

After only recently retiring from international competition following the Kookaburras' bronze medal success in Beijing, Mathew Wells OAM has been appointed as the new QAS Men's Hockey coach from May 18, 2009.

Wells will replace Greg Browning who has coached the OAMPS Queensland Blades open men's team to four Australian Hockey League (AHL) premierships in over a decade of service to men's hockey in Queensland. Hockey Queensland would like to extend sincere gratitude to Greg for his commitment to the development of men's hockey, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Highlights of Wells' career as an athlete include having represented Australia at three consecutive Olympic Games in 2000, 2004 and 2008, winning gold and two bronze medals, as well as winning two silver medals at World Cups and three gold medals at Commonwealth Games.

Wells said he was most looking forward to the challenge of the transition from a player to coach, and also the opportunity to develop Queensland's promising talent.

"I think a player's control over the outcome of a game is a lot different to a coach's, but that is a challenge I am looking forward to," Wells said.

"I am fortunate to already have a good relationship with many of the players I will coach, having trained and played with them as a player.

"I aim to maintain and build on the Blades AHL success and also to develop many of Queensland's promising younger players so that they can progress into the Aussie team."

General Manager of Hockey Queensland Garry West-Bail said he was excited about Wells' appointment and his potential to build on the success Queensland Men have enjoyed under the leadership of Greg Browning.

"Wells was a first-class player who displayed strong leadership qualities as captain for the Tassie Tigers," West-Bail said.

"Hockey Queensland are excited to welcome Wells aboard and look forward to Queensland men's continued success and progress under new leadership."

Queensland Academy of Sport High Performance Director Barry Dancer said he had confidence in Wells' ability to lead the Men's Hockey Program effectively.

"I am confident that with his knowledge and passion he will provide a strong leadership role in our Men's Hockey Program and ensure that the program maintains a pre-eminent position," Dancer said.

Victory launches Blyths’ Australian captaincy

Aspley’s Madonna Blyth has launched her co-captaincy of the Hockeyroos open women’s hockey team by leading Australia to their best possible start in the next four year Olympic cycle with victory at the Spar Cup in Durban, South Africa this month.

23-year-old Blyth has played for both the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers open women’s team and Australian Hockeyroos since 2004.

Blyth was appointed the Scorchers’ captain and the Hockeyroos’ co-captain this year following the retirements of former Hockeyroos’ co-captains Melanie Wells, and Nikki Hudson who also captained the Scorchers.

The Spar Cup was an invitational tournament played in Durban, South Africa between Australia, Argentina, South Africa and India.

Participation provided the Hockeyroos with invaluable competition as they prepare for the 2009 Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy tournament, to be played in Sydney from July 11 to 19.

The Champions Trophy is a prestigious annual international hockey event, comprising the top six ranked teams in the world.

Blyth said she is looking forward to her first opportunity to captain Australia at a major international event, the Champions Trophy tournament.

"It's a really big honour and my biggest individual achievement. Having been a member of the team for over four years now I guess I am one of the most experienced. I captained the Queensland Scorchers in the 2009 AHL after the retirement of Nikki Hudson which gave me good exposure to the role of captain so I'm looking forward to this experience," said Blyth.

The Scorchers have secured top three finishes for over a decade in the Australian Hockey League tournament, and next year Blyth will seek to lead Queensland’s quest to avenge their 5-3 defeat to NSW in this year’s grand final in Melbourne in April

Nikki Hudson Hangs Up Her Boots
Australia's most capped female hockey player, Nikki Hudson, announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday at the State Hockey Centre.  

Following recurring hamstring injuries which have plagued her over the past couple of years, Hudson on Thursday said she had fulfilled every goal she aspired to on the hockey field and believed now was the right time to announce her retirement from the sport.

"I feel the timing is right, as I have achieved all I ever wanted on the hockey field. I have been very fortunate to have played at three Olympics, which is the pinnacle for any hockey player," said Hudson.

"Injuries I have been carrying for the past couple of years are causing me grief, and now I think I'm ready for life after hockey," she said. 

The announcement was first made public to her team mates in the dressing room following the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers game against Western Australia in Perth on Saturday night.

Although the thought of a fourth Olympic Games sat in the back of her mind, Hudson's body was telling her it time to move on from the sport she has played at the elite open level for 16 years.  

"I have made some wonderful friendships through the sport of hockey and played under some great coaches. I will miss the sport that has been such a big piece of my life for the past twenty six years," Hudson said.   

Hudson has decided not to play on with the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers for the remainder of this year's Australian Hockey League, but hopes to play club hockey on the Gold Coast later this year.

Making her debut for the Hockeyroos as a 17-year-old, Hudson has played 303 international matches and scored 99 goals as an Australian striker.

The highlight of Hudson's career was competing for the gold medal winning Hockeyroos at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, where she was awarded top scorer at the tournament with six goals.

Hudson who played for the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers from 1993-2008 also represented Australia at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy Tournaments in 1995, 1997, 1999 - 2002, 2004 - 2006 and 2008.

Hockey Australia and Hockey Queensland congratulates Nikki on her stellar hockey career and extends sincere gratitude to Nikki for her contribution to the sport of hockey.

Below is a fitting tribute to Nikki Hudson from OAMPS Queensland Scorchers' coach Des King:

"Nikki Hudson has been an invaluable player for Queensland and Australia since the early 90's. Nikki's performance at the 2000 Olympics where she was the leading goalscorer in the gold medal winning Hockeyroos team was Nikki at her electrifying best. From backyard games with her brothers in Toowoomba, to being identified by Ric Charlesworth from Schoolgirls Hockey into the National Program, to triple Olympian, Nikki has endeared herself to everyone who has crossed her path. Throughout her career Nikki was humble, and developed from a talented cheeky larrikin into a talented leader of teams and people. Her career has already inspired and influenced many present day players who looked up to her with 'hero' status. It is great to hear the excitement in Nikki's voice when she talks about what she hopes to achieve in the next stage of her life. Nikki finishes on 99 international goals and whilst she was keen to get her century, it is fitting that she shares the 99 number with one of the greats of Australia sport. A great player and a truly great person. Congratulations on a brilliant career and good luck for the future." 

Junior World Cup Mens - Singapore
7 - 21 June 2009
Contact Marketing for more information Queenslanders playing

Women: 11-19 July, Sydney

Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Samsung Women's Champions Trophy Teams
Argentina, Australia, China, England, Germany, Netherlands

Men: 28 Nov-6 Dec, Melbourne

State Netball & Hockey Centre, Parkville Vic

ABN AMRO Men's Champions Trophy Teams
Australia, England, Germany, Korea, Netherlands, Spain

Hockey Australia Website for ticketing information

AHL 2009

Des King returns in 2009 as Coach of the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers.  With many high profile players retiring in 2008, 2009 looks to be an excellent opportunities for the next generation of talented players to make themselves known.  Carla Hunter, Jill Dwyer, Marnie Hudson to name a few.  It has been four years since Des was at the helm of Queensland Women's team and no doubt he, and the girls have a score to settle as they take on the other states starting February 2009.  The girls will play at Tweed Border and the State Hockey Centre.

Greg Browning returns for his final year with the OAMPS Queensland Blades.  The boys also have had their share of retirees in 2008, however the team is still a force to be reckoned with. 

Be sure to be at the State Hockey Centre or Toowoomba Hockey Fields for the AHL games and support the Queensland teams and give "G" a well deserved thank you.

 AHL GAMES - 2009 Australian Hockey League

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Hockey Queensland congratulates Nathan Eglington, Dean Butler, Suzie Faulkner, Angie Lambert, Emma Stewart and Melanie Wells  and Wendy Beattie on their amazing hockey careers.  As the curtain closes on their outstanding performances we wish them well in their new adventures and we hope to see them all around the hockey fields in the future.

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Ric Charlesworth has been appointed the National Men's Head Coach for the next four years, while Frank Murray has been re-appointed as the Women's.  For more information on these appointments click onto the Hockey Australia website.

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Hockey Queensland would like to congratulate the Queensland players and officials along with the entire Kookaburras and Hockeyroos squads on their effort and success in Beijing.

Some of the Queensland Hockey highlights from the games are:

Men's Bronze Medallists:  Liam De Young
                                     Jamie Dwyer
                                     Robert Hammond
                                     Mark Knowles
                                     Stephen Lambert

Nikki Hudson: A special congratulations to Nikki Hudson who become the first Hockeyroo, and only the second Australian hockey player ever to have played 300 International games. Nikki’s 300^th game finished in a deserved 3-0 victory over South Africa.

Julie Ashton-Lucy: Congratulations to Julie Ashton Lucy on umpiring her 100^th International match. As a result of her dedication and hard work during the games Julie was awarded one of the officiating positions for the Women’s Bronze medal match. In what was a remarkable 2nd Olmypic Games for Julie she also recieved her Golden Whistle from FIH President Els Van Breda Vriesman. Julie who is part of Hockey Queensland's Umpire Committee and High Performance Umpire panel has also officiated at two World Cups and one Champions Trophy.

Jan Hadfield: Jan Hadfield was presented with the Lathouwers Trophy during the games in Beijing. The trophy is given every two years to the individual considered to have given outstanding service to the development and promotion of umpiring.

Congratulations again to all Queensland players and officials on your hard work and dedication.