JUNIORS BLACK STICKS SQUAD Announced for Australia Tour

Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) is proud to announce the first Junior Black Sticks (JBS) squad in three years.

Comprising 18 U21 players in both men and womens squads, the teams will travel to Canberra to face Australia in December over a three match series. The teams will be led by Aaron Ford (men) and Mitch Hayde (women).

The last time the JBS men played was against Australia in October 2019 at the Sultan of Johor Cup, while the women last played in December 2019 in a tri-series against Australia and India.

The JBS represent a critical part of HNZs connected high-performance system, with a focus on developing and nurturing young talent both on and off the turf.

128 U21 players, as well as 22 coaches, were involved in a camp which not only informed selection for the squads but also provided an opportunity to identify specific needs for individual players.

Ford said it was exciting to be taking away two talented sides with quality at every position.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the development of these teams, both as athletes and people.

“The competition for selection has been fierce – some very good players missed out.”

Hayde also shared similar sentiments.

“This is a brilliant chance for these players to take the next step in their game.

“We’re excited about re-establishing this programme to give our players more opportunity to succeed at a high level.”

The matches will take place at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra on December 8, 9, and 10.

2023 will also bring international and domestic opportunites for the JBS culminating in the Junior World Cups taking place in Malaysia (men) and Chile (Women).

JUNIOR BLACK STICKS MEN

Luke Aldred, George Baker, Scott Cosslett, Benjamin Culhane, Luke Elmes, Aiden Fraser, Hayden Ganley, Luke Holmes, Isaac Houlbrooke, Nick Lidstone, Sam Lints, Patrick Madder, Thomas Marchant, Charlie Morrison, James Nicholson, Ryan Parr, Daniel Torr, Patrick Ward.

Non-traveling reserves

Ezekiel Buschl, Jonty Elmes, Gus Nelson Matthew Wilson, Joshua White

 JUNIOR BLACK STICKS WOMEN

Emily Baker, Paige Blake, Breana Catley, Brodie Cochrane, Hannah Cotter, Jaimee Eades, Emma Findlay, Isabella Gill, Sophie Hildesley, Leah Hodges, Jessica Kelly, Emilie Logan, Alice McIlroy-Foster, Rhianna Pho, Tessa Reid, Annabelle Schneideman, Issy Story, Brittany Wang.

Non-traveling reserves

Maddie Harris, Emma Irwin

Aaron Ford

 Aaron is a passionate, analytical, hardworking and successful coach hailing from the Canterbury region. He has notched up U21 and NHL titles while also naturing athletes for higher honours. Having been connected with Hockey NZ’s age group development programmes for many years Aaron made the leap into full time coaching in 2020 as a Performance Coach for the South Island. Over the past three years Aaron has further honed his coaching capability and is well positioned to lead the JBS Men through to the next Junior World Cup late 2023.

 Mitch Hayde

 Mitch’s appointment comes with a wealth of experience having successfully coached Canterbury and North Harbour U21 teams to glory. He has lead NZ U18 development programmes, worked as a JBS Assistant Coach and is currently the lead coach of the Auckland Men’s Performance Network. Mitch is ready and eager to take up the challenge to lead the  JBS women’s into the next Junior World Cup. A deep thinker of the game, well planned, caring and with excellent communication skills.

NHA would like to send Jessica Kelly our congratulations on her selection and we send both Teams our best wishes for the Tour!