Hockey: Kosoof back for crucial matches

David Kosoof

David Kosoof makes a timely return to action this weekend as the top national league teams square off in a series of key clashes.

The leading goalscorer in last season's NHL, Kosoof played a major role in North Harbour's triumph. He has hardly been sighted this time as he struggled with a groin injury.

"It will be good to have him back," said Harbour coach Darren Smith. "We are back to full strength but just how and when we play Dave remains to be seen."

Like the other top-ranked teams, North Harbour have played the lesser teams in their first four games taking their expected four wins but, as last week's scrappy win over Northland showed, they have yet to really hit their straps.

Smith and fellow coaches agree there is little between the top teams.

All eight men's teams will play two games this weekend with the key clashes involving North Harbour - who play Wellington today and Canterbury tomorrow in a replay of last year's final - and Auckland who play the same two teams at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

Auckland will be without striker Gareth Brooks who is getting married in Christchurch today which also means Hamish Howard will be missing from the Canterbury lineup today as he is best man.

"Otherwise we will be at full strength," said Auckland coach Keith Rowley. "It will be interesting to see how we go against the top sides. In the games against the lesser teams we have found it difficult as they tend to drop 11 players behind the ball for long periods.

"Canterbury beat us 3-1 in the Metro league down there earlier in the season and we know with Hayden Shaw in their lineup they will always be hard."

On a positive note, Ryan Archibald is getting close to his best form.

Wellington coach Peter Miskimmin is confident his team can make it through to the top four despite dropping their second round game against Northland.

He is not happy that the player restriction and the loss of players overseas has cost him in key areas.

"We have lost some of our firepower. We need to have our best players back here playing the NHL. We have been lucky though that the two Australians have fitted in very well. They are the consummate professionals and have trained very hard."