Tasmanian teams are setting themselves high targets as they seek to extend the state’s proud record at the national hockey championships later this month.
Both Tassie sides achieved top four finishes at the Australian Under 21 Championships in Bendigo last year and will be looking to build on that at this year’s titles in Canberra.
The Tasmanian Institute of Sport’s recently appointed Head Hockey Coach Eddie Ockenden said the squads are in a confident mood as they head for the national capital to compete from April 23-30.
“We’ve had a lot of success in these tournaments, particularly last year,” he said.
“We were in the final stages which was really impressive and there’s a pretty strong history of hockey success at national championships from Tassie and both of these teams will be looking to add to that. You want to be in finals at the end of the tournament, so I think that should be the goal for both teams.
“I think our depth for decades has shown how strong we have been at under 21 and senior level. A lot of these players are looking to push their careers further and this is a great opportunity for them.
“Some of these guys have played together since under 12s and this is the last chance they get to do it as a junior team.”
The Tassie men also collected a bronze at last year’s Under 18 Championships in Perth and include several players who represented the Burras at last year’s Junior World Cup.
Senior player Oscar Sproule said the team has formed a strong bond under coach Ben Read over recent years.
“It’s a very tight group on and off the field and we’re confident in each other,” he said.
“Jack Pritchard and Oli Stebbings both played defence at the Junior World Cup, while Will Sproule is very solid and one of the best tackling players I’ve ever played against. Having him as a rock in defence will be huge for our title aspirations.
“Tyson Johnson will probably play midfield for us. He’s probably the quickest player that’s ever played with the TIS and holds the 40-metre record. He’s lightning on the field, takes the game on and is a big strong guy so can rip open games when he gets going. I’m really looking forward to watching him play and having a big tournament.
“If you follow Tasmanian or even Australian hockey, you know who Angus McMullen is, but I think in this tournament he will announce himself to a much larger group of people and will definitely be one to watch.”
The under 21 women’s team is also aiming for another top four finish and captain Belle Kruimink said the squad is in good shape under the guidance of coach Tim Stevens.
“For a few of us this is our last year of playing so it’s important we have fun together and it’s really special to represent our state,” she said.
“Lucy McMullen has been amazing in the build-up to this tournament. I’ve played with her my whole life really and she has been really confident making sure we have the right structure in the defensive group.
“Jess Stevens in goal has gained a lot of confidence in herself and has been working really hard so I think she’ll have an amazing tournament.
“In midfield, my sister Sophie Kruimink has been amazing. She was in the Under 18 Australian Team last year and is super fit so I think she will be a really strong base for our midfield.
“Rosie Salmon is a young upcoming forward who always tries hardest at training and is becoming an amazing player who I think will perform really well.”
Having gone on to become a five-time Olympian, Australia’s most-capped hockey player and the nation’s flag-bearer at his final Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Ockenden said such junior tournaments play a pivotal role in laying the foundations for sporting careers.
“If I remember back to my under 21s, I just loved going away and playing hockey for Tassie,” he said. “When I was at that level, I didn’t really think too far ahead about what might become of my career, I was just there playing with my friends for two weeks which we all loved doing. But they are very fond memories and I still catch up with some of those teammates.”
TASMANIAN UNDER 21 WOMEN'S TEAM
Amber Sargent (OHA), Anika Jolley (NWG), Chloe White (Launceston City), Ellie McDonald (Diamondbacks), Emily Rawson (OHA), Holly Teale (University), Isabelle Kruimink (NWG), Jessica Stevens (Diamondbacks), Lucy McMullen (NWG), Millie Smith (NWG/Queechy), Rosie Salmon (Diamondbacks), Sophie Kruimink (Diamondbacks), Stella Pritchard (Diamondbacks)
Train on players: Chloe Bedford (OHA), Michaela Swindells (Tamar Churinga), Lilly Johnson (Derwent), Alice Maddock (Canterbury)
Head coach: Tim Stevens
TASMANIAN UNDER 21 MEN'S TEAM
Alastair Stebbings (NWG), Angus McMullen (NWG), Cody Innes (Canterbury), Cruze Gray (NWG), Harley Wilkie (NWG), Henry Jones (Sutherland), Jack Pritchard (Diamondbacks), Jake Wesseldine (OHA), Max Johnstone (Diamondbacks), Noah Thomas (Diamondbacks), Oliver Stebbings (NWG), Oscar Pritchard (Diamondbacks), Oscar Sproule (University), Ruben Hoey (University), Sam Meikle (NWG), Tyson Johnson (University), Will Dixon (Diamondbacks), William Sproule (University)
Train on players: Gabe Harkness (University), William Roehrer (University), Angus Anderson-Gillham (Canterbury), Joshua Walker (Diamondbacks)
Head coach: Ben Read