New Zealand Olympic Committee: A balance of promising young talent backed by an experienced core of seven players from the 2004 Olympic Games team has been named in the women’s hockey team to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next month.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) in conjunction with Hockey New Zealand have confirmed a team of 16 players for the Melbourne Games beginning on March 15.
For two players, Canterbury defender Di Weavers and Wellington midfielder Suzie Muirhead, Melbourne will be a third Commonwealth Games.
Both players also competed at the 2002 Manchester Games and the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games.
Three players - Muirhead, Weavers and Michelle Hollands (nee Turner) were members of the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games teams.
Black Sticks Coach Ian Rutledge described the team as one of the most exciting he had named in the last three years, since he had taken over as National Coach.
“The players selected can deliver our game plan. We have quality in defence, playmakers in the midfield and potential goal scorers up front,” he said.
“With our core group of experienced players behind them I believe this team can take the game to the next level.”
New Zealand Olympic Committee Board Member and member of the selection panel, Mike Stanley, says there is a nice mix with this team.
“The women’s hockey team have produced some of the more dramatic moments from recent Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams. We are looking forward to this team producing another performance we can be proud of.”
“The New Zealand Olympic Committee has been working hard to ensure the players have an environment in the athletes village that will allow them to perform to the best of their ability,” Stanley said.
New Zealand Women
Stacey Carr, Honor Dillon, Clarissa Eshuis, Krystal Forgesson, Charlotte Harrison, Michelle Hollands, Lizzy Igasan, Beth Jurgeleit, Frances Kreft, Emily Naylor, Kate Mahon, Jane Maley, Suzie Muirhead, Kayla Sharland, Anita Wawatai, Diana Weavers, Coach: Ian Rutledge, Assistant Coach: Sue McLeish, Manager: Kay Noakes
