The fixtures for the forthcoming Investec Women’s Hockey League season have been announced (please see attached PDF).  Once again, thanks to the support of Investec, prize money will be on offer for the best teams and athletes. The winners and runners-up of each of the four divisions, as well as third place in the Premier Division and each division’s Player of the Season and top goal scorer will collect the rewards at the end of the season.

Teun De Nooijer is to be inaugurated in to the EHL Hall of fameSince its foundation in 1969, the EHF has always valued its players with Best Player, Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper awards at all of our Tournaments. However in recent years, as the players, coaches and umpires have perfomed better, given more, developed themselves through their actions on and off the field of play,  we feel that it is now time to honour those very special people that are involved on the field in hockey. The idea of a Hall of Fame, a place (albeit a virtual one) where people can admire, enjoy and revel in the achievements of the greatest in our sport. 

Jacob Smith of NZ (photosport.co.nz)The Black Sticks Men battled hard but were defeated 2-1 by Korea in the sixth and final test of the series in a wet weather clash at Papatoetoe Sports Centre tonight. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Kiwis drew level through a stunning Stephen Jenness goal but surrendered the lead again soon after and could not equalise.

Black Stick Hugo Inglis playing his 100th test match (photosport.co.nzThe Black Sticks Men have lost 1-0 against Korea at Papatoetoe Sports Centre tonight in a game full of speed and skill that was arguably their best game of hockey so far in the six-test series.

“It was a good performance from us tonight and although it was frustrating to concede a goal early on, we were disciplined and played a good game of hockey. It is really pleasing that we are improving with every match, we just need to work on finishing off the opportunities that we create so we can get the goals on the scoreboard,” says head coach Colin Batch.

De Nooijer with daughter (hockey.nl)EHL Final Four hosts HC Bloemendaal have been crowned Euro Hockey League champions for a second time after winning a pulsating final against KHC Dragons of Belgium. The team lead by retiring legend Teun de Nooijer – who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in his final playing season – defeated the Dragons 2-0, with Rogier Hofman scoring both of the goals. The result gave Bloemendaal their second EHL title, adding to the one that they claimed in 2009.

KHC Dragons and HC Bloemendaal are Euro Hockey League 2013 finalists
EHL’s Final Four started off with two thrilling shoot-out matches that determined the final two.

FIH World LeagueAhead of the upcoming men’s Hockey World League Round 2 event in Elektrostal, Moscow, newly elected Russian Hockey Federation President Pavel Cherepanov has held a press conference with news agency ITAR TASS.

“To host a competition of such a high level is considered to be a great honour for Russia,” said Mr Cherepanov. “The target of Russian National Team is to get into the next round and, thanks to Hockey World League, we can promote hockey in Russia, which is just as important.” 

NZ vs Korea- www.photosport.co.nzAn entertaining 70 minutes of hockey between the Black Sticks Men and Korea has ended with a 1-1 draw in the second test at Rangitoto College today. After being rested in the first test, drag flick expert Andy Hayward made an immediate impact for the Black Sticks after sending a 13^th minute penalty corner low and inside the left post to give New Zealand the early advantage.