Hockey: Empty spots at the top give younger Black Sticks their chance to shine

The Black Sticks arrive in Mendoza, Argentina today for the eight-nation Champions Trophy. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's best up-and-coming hockey internationals are about to get a top chance to show they belong in the Black Sticks.

The women's team arrive in Mendoza, Argentina today for the eight-nation Champions Trophy and coach Mark Hager wants to see his players showing their true potential.

With senior pair Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor taking time out from the game, Krystal Forgesson retired and striker Katie Glynn battling knee problems, it is important other players produce top performances.

"I've been pleasantly surprised in the last two tours (hosting the United States and Australia) how well they have stepped up," Hager said yesterday. "A lot of these kids have been waiting in the wings. They've had bits and pieces and now it's their turn.

"They need to show they can play a dominant role and be an impact player on the international stage. If this group can do that then we are looking good for the future."

New Zealand have just completed a series against world No 2 Australia, drawing twice and losing once, but scoring seven goals in the process and knowing they were 17 seconds away from levelling the series in the third game in Wellington this week.

That experience should help the learning process though, as the Black Sticks were unable to retain possession to see out the remaining seconds when holding a 3-2 lead.

After goalkeeper Sally Rutherford, 33, captain Anita Punt and fellow midfielder Petrea Webster at 26 are the oldest players in the group.

Time is on their side and Hager liked much of what he saw in the series, but acknowledged more work must be done in defensive situations and capitalising on penalty corner chances.

New Zealand, ranked fourth in the world, are grouped in pool A with world champions the Netherlands, China and Japan.

The Black Sticks will be up against it when they face the Dutch, who they have never beaten.

But China and Japan, who finished sixth and 10th at the World Cup in mid-year, are certainly beatable.

They have two warmup internationals against hosts Argentina next week, and a practice game against Germany.

These games will be invaluable in getting the players immersed into tournament thinking and strategies.

The only injury concern is Canterbury attacker Sophie Cocks, who took a blow on a foot against Australia and is likely to play little role in the practice matches.

Teams in pool B are Argentina, Germany, Australia and England.

The players
New Zealand squad for the Champions Trophy in Mendoza, Argentina:
Anita Punt (c), Aniwaka Roberts (Capital), Liz Thompson, Julia King (Auckland), Petrea Webster (North Harbour), Georgia Barnett, Michaela Curtis (Central), Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal (Northland), Sam Charlton, Sally Rutherford, Rose Keddell, Shiloh Gloyn (Midlands), Sophie Cocks, Jordan Grant, Pippa Hayward, Olivia Merry (Canterbury).

The timetable
New Zealand schedule (all NZT)
Nov 30: v Japan
Dec 1: v Netherlands
Dec 3: v China
Classification games from Dec 5