Hockey: Athens OK for part two of sister act

By TERRY MADDAFORD

"Athens, oh my goodness. That is something so big to work for," was Connie Igasan's excited reaction on learning she has been called into the New Zealand women's team for next month's series in Japan.

Playing for the Black Sticks against Japan on September 7 and the Tri-Series with Korea starting two days later is beyond Igasan's wildest dream.

And she hopes it will lead to an appearance at the Olympic Games in Greece next year.

Her only regret is that the call-up came a couple of month's after her mother Kathy's sudden death.

"She would have been so proud," 23-year-old Igasan said.

It will be a special day for Igasan when she runs out in the black uniform alongside younger sister Lizzy, who turns 21 on the day the team return from Japan.

It is believed the Northland-born pair will be the first sisters to play in the same national team since Linda and Irene Sanson in 1956.

They follow present team member Piki Hamahona and her sister Skippy who played internationally until a season or two ago, but not at the same time.

"I went off my mind just watching Lizzy play for New Zealand," Connie said.

"Playing in the national hockey league kick-started me."

Following a sister is nothing new for Igasan. She well remembers watching sister Maryanne (18 months older) playing as a young girl.

"I was only four when I started."

On grass? "Yes, but often it was frost."

Hockey was a family affair for the Igasans. The three girls and brother James, 22, have all made their mark. James played in the national academy side and for Northland in the NHL.

Armed with a sponsorship from stick manufacturers Mazon - "I broke my stick and as a poor student was frantic about getting one to take to Japan until they came along" - Connie Igasan is ready to give it her best shot.

"I want to be a Phil Burrows or Bevan Hari [strike forwards in the national men's side]. I used to be a fullback, now I'm a striker."

While she always aspired to play at the highest level, it was not until she played under-14 representative hockey that she really got the bug.

"It was all about Tina Bell," Igasan said. "I wanted to play like her."

Now she has that chance.

"I have done a lot of training to get myself fit. I have also been lucky that [NZ coach] Ian Rutledge lives close by. He has popped up and watched a few club games. Talking to him has been quite a benefit."

Igasan replaces another North Harbour striker, Jaimee Provan, in the squad. The other debutantes are Auckland teenager Frances Kreft (midfield), Canterbury midfielder Stacey Carr and Manawatu defender Pania Mateparae.

Striker Hamahona returns after missing the Champions Challenge in Italy and midfielder Caryn Paewai is back following foot surgery.