KEY POINTS:
While the coaches of men's NHL teams have gone offshore in their search for replacements, there has not been the same scramble by the women, despite seven recent Olympians missing.
Central, the one team to emerge largely unscathed from the retirements and overseas contracts, stand out as the team to beat.
They have Emily Naylor, Tara Drysdale, Caryn Paewai and Kayla Sharland ready to back up from Beijing and will be joined by Australian squad goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and former Black Stick Piki Hamahona in a team determined to make it back to the top after missing a place in the top four for the first time last season.
Wellington, defending the title they won a year ago, will need to take a huge step up from their pre-season efforts to have any chance. They will be bolstered by the return of NZ goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit and striker Niniwa Roberts but will need more than that to win through.
Wellington meet Tine Bell-Kake-coached Auckland in what promises to be the women's match of the opening day although there will be more than passing interest in the late game between North Harbour and Canterbury with the southerners missing internationals Jo Galletly and Kate Saunders and having only Stacey Carr back from Beijing.
Harbour, without Lizzy Igasan and Jaimee Proven, start without any current internationals in a squad which has seven new faces.
Bell-Kake has former Canterbury/New Zealand player Honor Dillon in her squad which promises to add spice to that battle.
Midlands, who have improved every year, appear capable of again emerging as a top-three contender.
