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.

EHCCC 2013

It has been confirmed today that the Euro Hockey League You Tube Channel 
(www.youtube.com/eurohockeyleague) will be bringing full, uninterrupted coverage of the game, with Dutch duo Laren and Den Bosch going head-to-head in the hope of being crowned Champions of Europe. The match take places at 12.45 (CET) on Sunday 19th May 2013, which is the second day of action at EHL Final Four Bloemendaal. 

Hugo InglisThe Black Sticks have opened their six-test series against Korea with a tight 1-1 draw at Rangitoto College today. Both sides scored one goal each in the first half but were unable to deliver the killer blow in a goalless yet entertaining second half. Hugo Inglis scored New Zealand’s only goal in the 16^th minute before Nam Yong Lee drew Korea level just before the halftime whistle. Neither side was able to add to the ledger in an increasingly defensive second half.