Northlanders in thick of it against the US

Northland hockey stars Ella Gunson and Brooke Neal will today begin another series with the Black Sticks when they face the US over six matches.

For Gunson, it will be her first outing in the New Zealand uniform since the 2012 London Olympics while, for Neal, it continues her involvement with the team from last year.

Today's first game starts at 2pm and will be streamed live, along with commentary, on the Hockey New Zealand website - www.hockeynz.co.nz.

The pair played a major part in the Northland Women's team's second in the National Hockey League, the best finish in the history of Northland hockey.

Fellow Northlander Stacey Michelsen is being rested for this series.

The six tests against the United States will be played in Stratford, Palmerston North and Wairarapa from October 18-26.