BRIGHT FUTURE WITH NEW BROADCAST DEAL, 6 DEBUTANTES IN UPCOMING SERIES
The future of elite-level hockey in Aotearoa New Zealand shines brightly with the unveiling of a new multi-year partnership between TVNZ+ and Hockey New Zealand, coinciding with the announcement of six debutantes in the Vantage Black Sticks Women's team for the upcoming Test series against Japan.
Off the back of the successful broadcast of the Oceania Cup in August 2023, HNZ is excited to be making TVNZ+ the home of hockey with Kiwis all over the country getting the opportunity to see, experience and love hockey.
TVNZ+ will feature Vantage Black Sticks matches, starting with the Japan Test Series being played in Auckland on April 13 & 14.
Head Coach Phil Burrows says that this series will be a great opportunity to witness new and exciting talent.
“The squad mixes new faces with experienced campaigners and I’m excited to give players who have come through our pathway the opportunity to test themselves at international level.
“I know that the senior figures in the side will provide them with great support to ensure that they are in the best position to succeed when they take the turf against Japan.”
In addition to Vantage Black Sticks matches, New Zealand sport’s newest elite-level domestic league will also be available to watch on TVNZ+ when the Premier Hockey League kicks off in November, bringing sports fans closer to more high-octane hockey action than ever before.
HNZ CEO Anthony Crummy is thrilled by the new partnership and said, “this is a fantastic opportunity to expose more people to hockey and we know that once people see our athletes in action they’ll be hooked.
“This partnership with TVNZ+ only furthers our intention to make hockey a sport for Kiwis of any age, gender, or walk of life.”
TVNZ’s General Manager, Sport and Events, Melodie Robinson echoed Crummy’s sentiments.
“I’m a huge fan of hockey and the opportunity it presents our elite sportspeople of Aotearoa, alongside the entertainment and skill the players put out on the pitch. Being able to provide our rangatahi the ability to watch their heroes play on TVNZ+ is an exciting prospect for hockey fans, and one that we hope will inspire future Black Sticks players in New Zealand.”
The Vantage Black Sticks Women vs Japan will be available live on TVNZ+ April 13 & 14 at 4pm, with replays available shortly after. Tickets are also available to purchase at blacksticksnz.co.nz/tickets
Squad vs Japan: Brooke Roberts, Kirsty Nation, Brodie Cochrane*, Izzy Gill*, Casey Crowley, Frances Davies, Steph Dickins, Kaitlin Cotter, Arabella Sheild*, Sam Child, Rebecca Baker*, Katie Doar, Emma Findlay, Hannah Gravenall, Emma Rainey*, Olivia Shannon, Jessie Anderson, Breana Catley*, Holly Pearson, Olivia Merry, Rose Tynan, Anna Willocks.