"This year has seen many big steps for hockey in the region."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An affiliation with Hockey NSW and Hockey Australia, a rise in numbers and a change in pitch are a few of the changes that Mudgee Hockey has played host to in 2019.
Over 250 primary school students were gifted the opportunity to try out the sport at several gala days, with one occasion hosting Hockeyroo Kate Hanna, and Mudgee District Hockey Association president Ryan Hislop says it is likely these types of opportunities will make a return in 2020.
"There are plans in the works to run a 'come and try' competition in the preseason to allow new or interested players to have a modified six week competition to see if hockey is for them," he said.
"We hope to see lots of ex players return or new to the game completely come and try out the fun social competition.
"Hockey is a unique sport that retains players for life. We see male and female players from four years old to 70 years old in the Mudgee competition, which is reflective of hockey more generally around the world."
With 2019 featuring a 25 per cent growth in junior registrations, Hislop says the junior coaches have their eyes set on increasing their age pool.
"The junior coaches are very interested in getting a high school aged team together, so there will be several steps we will take to get players together and hopefully play against other teams in the region," he said.
"This year coaches Jo and Nico Ioane were also able to progress several players to a level that would see them eligible to join a regional development program."
As for the senior's, Hislop says the quality of games has improved in leaps and bounds, even suggesting it was "the best hockey I have seen in Mudgee".
The games were fast paced, skilled and exciting. This definitely benefited the fitter players as speed of play was much faster than hockey in Mudgee is used to.
- Mudgee District Hockey Association president, Ryan Hislop
"All the games progressed, all players' skill and fitness levels increased and this allowed for exciting and skillful games heading into the finals."
While the time spent on field was undoubtedly a high for Hislop, alternatively, it was the presentation day that was his highlight of the year.
"The highlight for me was the presentation day, seeing the volunteers commended and acknowledged for their work throughout the season, it was great to see," he said.
"Also, there were over a hundred people who came to cheer on their kids and congratulate them on a great season.
It was a great atmosphere, hugely positive and a time I felt very proud of what the association has achieved this year.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
