Hockey: Northland's hopes rest on English import

Bevan Gibbs is hoping the addition of English midfielder Nicky O'Donnell will compensate for the absence of their Olympians when the Northland women begin their National Hockey League on Saturday.

The new women's coach has pulled off something of a coup to recruit O'Donnell as a guest player for the NHL - particularly as she has since been employed by Midlands Hockey as their Community Development Manager.

"Alas she'll be donning the orange (of Midlands) after the tournament but we're pretty pleased it all came together for us to get her on our side for the tournament," he said.

Northland are in dire need of O'Donnell for the season opener against Auckland on Saturday in Whangarei and the match against hosts North Harbour the following day as they are in the midst of an injury crisis.

Elley Miller broke her thumb in a warm-up tournament in Rotorua, with Aleyse Emerali also injured at the same tournament.

Added to that is the fact that the side's only Olympian Alana Millington, won't be back in time for the weekend's fixtures after taking a short break in Europe after the Olympics.

"The only positive from that is that all of the Black Sticks are out this weekend and Auckland and North Harbour have more of them than us," Gibbs reasoned.

This year's team has been weakened by the loss of Olympians Charlotte Harrison, Ella Gunson, and Stacy Michelsen, who are all unavailable this year - but their absence will give others opportunity.

Gibbs is still confident his side will do well in the tournament and is expecting a lot from O'Donnell and fellow imports Shereena Nana and Jenny Griffin from Auckland. The women's game against Auckland on Saturday at the Northland ITM Hockey Stadium is at 12pm, followed by the men at 2pm. Both sides travel to North Harbour on Sunday for their second match.

Northland Women: Alana Millington, Aleyse Emerali, Alyse Morgan, Alicia Jurisich, Alyx Pivac, Brooke Roberts, Carolyn Lancaster (RO), Elley Miller, Jade Mcleod, Jane Thompson, Jess McAlister, Jodie Nichol, Nat Newson, Nicky O'Donnell (IGP), Samaria Tugaga, Shereena Nana (GP), Jenny Griffen (GP).