It seems only a short time since we began our winter season and suddenly we are now all focused on Finals Weekend next week. I must admit that, while we still have our representative programme to finish and then Masters and Summer Hockey starting, having the demands of the regular season over does take the stress levels down a tad. We are pleased with how the season has played out but we also want to continue to improve our game. So we will be “debrief” with our clubs, schools & committees on what needs to be addressed for next year and beyond.

Our Finals Weekend is a big event for us and well done to Britt and our Competitions Committee for structuring the games so we can build this event. We will have the Hazlett Rural marquee at Marist Park and a special licence so we can operate a public bar. We are using the hospitality as an opportunity for some of our representative teams to fundraise so please come to Friday night, Saturday afternoon and/or Sunday afternoon to see some great hockey and enjoy the hospitality.  

Rod Templeton, Chief Executive

Things are Happening in Performance

Things are happening at Canterbury Hockey in our Performance Space. We are working with Hockey NZ as part of their strategy to create a network of regional hubs (Regional Performance Centres) that will build a base of coaches, players & officials around the country. Is a huge change from their previous focus on an Auckland-based environment. We also see this as being essential to strengthen our local competitions by having our athletes being part of a national pathway while being based in Canterbury.

Chris (Leslie – our Hockey Academy South HPM) is working with Hockey NZ to implement the new structure. We want to use the existing resources Chris has developed with HAS & add to them the direct support from Hockey NZ & the Black Sticks programmes. We are aiming to launch the new environment when our winter season finishes.

Of course we have our existing 2017 representative programme to complete with the NHL, Senior, Under 15 & Under 13 tournaments still to happen. Chris will be available to support all these programmes with a direct involvement in the NHL & Senior Teams. His involvement in the junior teams will be done in conjunction with our Development Manager, Ben Owers.

More Progress at Nga Puna Wai

As we move into spring (an optimistic thought) things are happening at the Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub, site of our new two turfs. The civil works contractor has been confirmed as has the turf provider – Polytan. We will be alongside both as construction occurs to have input should it be required.

On Wednesday 9th August the official Site Blessing occurred, with Canterbury Hockey represented by our Chair, Mark Beatson, & our HPM, Chris Leslie. 

On another front, we are part of a group formed by the Council to look at how the sports will operate within Nga Puna Wai as well as how Nga Puna Wai will interact with the general public of Christchurch.

For more on Nga Puna Wai click here.

Under 18 talent identification groups selected

Following the recent Vantage National Under 18 Tournament, several groups have been selected to attend specialist development camps.

Men’s and Women’s groups will head to a New Zealand Under 18 development camp in New Plymouth from 13-17 December.

Goalkeepers have a specialist camp in Hawke’s Bay from the 12-15 October, with four to be selected to go on to the December development camp. Drag Flickers will also take part in the specialist camp.

Click here for women
Click here for men

Connetics SSP semi-finals

After an exciting term two and an exhilarating start to term three, the semi-finals of the Connetics Secondary School Premier (SSP) are finally upon us. They’re taking place tonight and will no doubt see spectators on the edge of their seats...more

Junior Hockey

As we wind down the Kwik Sticks season, teams are playing for one trophy that isn’t contested on the scoreboard – the Fairplay winners. A Boys and Girls Fairplay winner is selected from teams playing in the Division 1 and 2 Kwik Sticks 11-aside competitions. The award is determined by umpires’ selections after each match as to the team that best demonstrates good sportsmanship and fairplay.

Coach forum

Chris Leslie ran an engaging forum around his participation with the Women’s Black Sticks at Hockey World League. A receptive audience of mostly Canterbury Representative coaches discussed a range of topics around the tournament games. Included were an overview of the Black Sticks Women’s preparations and tactical analysis of their opponents. Thanks to Chris for presenting and Bealey’s Ale House for hosting the event.