Hockey: Selector says 23 in frame

By TERRY MADDAFORD

National men's hockey coach Kevin Towns is looking forward rather than back, intending to name his 18-man squad for July's crucial Champions Challenge tournament as early as next week.

"We had a good look at the players during the Canadian series," Towns said. "There are probably 23 in the frame."

Towns and fellow selectors Charlie Oscroft and John Christensen will consider the 19 players used in the 4-1 series win over Canada along with Simon Towns and Gareth Brooks, who bypassed that series but played in March's Sultan Azlan Shah tournament.

Also in consideration are back-up goalkeeper Michael Bevin and former international Dharmesh Puna.

"We learned a lot in the Canadian series," Towns said. "We certainly made progress in terms of selection.

"Sure, we were disappointed to lose the fifth test, but in some ways losing our unbeaten record against Canada got a monkey off our back. I would not like to face Canada at the Olympic qualifying tournament next year with that unbeaten record hanging over us."



For the only time in the five tests, Hayden Shaw failed to convert any penalty corners - the first time in 17 internationals he has not scored.

In other developments, New Zealand Hockey has confirmed a six-team (men and women) national league in September/October, with the semifinals/final over one weekend in Wellington. Each team will be allowed up to six draft players.

Next year the leagues will be increased to eight teams, with a top four/bottom four. The number of draft players will be reduced to three.

The national interclub final, last held in 1995, will be reintroduced, with the top four men's and women's teams to play the October 31-November 2 tournament.