Black Sticks Women’s Coach Mark Hager looking for glory in series against USA – Hockey News
A 19-member Black Sticks Women’s hockey squad has been announced, which is scheduled to play a five-match test series against United States in the first week of September 2011 in San Diego. New Zealand Women’s Hockey Coach Mark Hager is quite optimistic
for the series and is looking for glory.
The Black Sticks trainer was of the opinion that the US line-up holding 13th place in the world ranking played as disciplined and striking game similar to Australian women. He further stated that it would not only help to evaluate the stamina
of players but also prepare them for the Oceania Olympic Qualifiers.
He informed that they hadn’t contested any international fixture since the Champions Trophy so it would be a great chance to warm up their games. He stated, “We haven’t played any internationals since Champions Trophy, so this is a chance to get the team
back together, develop depth, and play against a fast and physical side in preparation for our games against Australia.”
Julia King and Rhiannon Dennison, the two new players have been inducted into the Women Black Sticks. It was quite exciting and shocking for both King, the 20-year-old and Dennison, the 18-year-old, as they do not have expectations for getting their names
in the national squad.
The trainer speaking in this regard said that both the youngsters were not the only fresh players in the squad, as two others Amelia Gibson and Samantha Charlton were also given chances to prove their worth in the international fixtures.
One of the two newly inducted youngsters King while talking to the reporters said that it was great achievement and she is looking more glories in the future. She is currently donning the colours of Auckland team.
She further said, “I m looking forward to training with the team and competing at that level, you learn so much from the Black Sticks about their work ethic and from their individual play, it is all very exciting.”
Second youngster is Dennison who is in final year and completing education via distance education system in order to concentrate on their hockey career. She applauded the role of former Black Sticks namely Dave Kasoof and Bryce Collins as well the North
Harbour Coaches who helped her tremendously in game development.
She was of the opinion that she was looking for advancement to further hone their skills with the national coaches. It was a great opportunity that will assist her to upgrade her game status.
The US team had edged out Australia a month ago while drew a test match against the German Women. Their major upcoming task is Pan American Games to get a berth in the 2012 London Olympics thus the series will help them to improve their game strategies.
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