VANTAGE BLACK STICKS ANNOUNCE SQUADS AHEAD OF CRUCIAL QUALIFIER

Off the back of a positive end to the 2022/23 season, including a competitive European tour and first win over Australia since 2016, the Vantage Black Sticks Men (VBSM) are announcing a largely unchanged squad for the year ahead; while the Vantage Black Sticks Women (VBSW) bring in a couple of familiar faces as they continue building momentum.

Both squads feature 18 internationally contracted players for a 12 month period alongside a handful of ‘event’ contracted players available for shorter periods of time for events such as the Olympic Qualifiers in January. Players outside of the current contracted squads are also available to be brought in on an event contract at any time.

The women’s contracted squad sees the return of forwards Holly Pearson and Petrea Webster. Pearson’s selection comes after a significant knee injury sustained in May 2022 against Australia, with her form at domestic level earning her an international contract. Webster has earned an event contract with the 152 cap veteran potentially winning her first international cap since 2016.

The VBSW also are pleased to confirm a test series against the USA at their brand new facility in North Carolina at the end of the year, providing valuable preparation ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers in January.

Phil Burrows, VBSW Head Coach, says it’s a fantastic opportunity to be heading to America in December. “The USA have been a team on the rise in the past couple of years and will provide a good quality with which to test ourselves ahead of qualifying in January.

“Our team is still growing and international tests like this provide an invaluable opportunity for us to peak at the right time as we look to secure our spot in Paris.”

Hockey New Zealand is also firming up plans ahead of January to make sure the VBSM are adequately prepared for the crucial Olympic Qualifiers but Head Coach Greg Nicol says the men are focused and determined ahead of their qualifying campaign. “We showed this year that we still have the ability to compete with the world’s best, and we are working hard every day to make sure we get those little percentages that will turn some of our close losses into wins.”

Hockey New Zealand is also pleased to announce the intention to participate in the FIH Nations Cup taking place in Poland (men) and Spain (women) in May/June.

MEN

International Contracts: Leon Hayward, Dom Dixon, Kane Russell, Nic Woods, Blair Tarrant, Charlie Morrison, David Brydon, Simon Yorston, Dane Lett, Sean Findlay, Aidan Sarikaya, Hayden Phillips, George Baker, Hugo Inglis, Sam Lane, Sam Hiha, Jake Smith, Scott Boyde. Event Contracts: George Enersen, Connor Greentree, Benji Culhane, Malachi Buschl, Isaac Houlbrooke.        

WOMEN

International Contracts: Grace O’Hanlon, Brooke Roberts, Megan Hull, Steph Dickins, Casey Crowley, Frances Davies, Liz Thompson, Sam Child, Tarryn Davey, Julia King, Katie Doar, Olivia Shannon, Alia Jaques, Hannah Cotter, Olivia Merry, Hope Ralph, Rose Tynan, Holly Pearson. Event Contracts: Kirsty Nation, Tayla White, Kaitlin Cotter, Anna Crowley, Izzy Gill, Petrea Webster, Anna Willocks.