Hockey: Wilson playing through the pain

Nick Wilson: Photo / David Row

Pain is something most sportspeople have to learn to deal with but it's normally later in their careers.

New Zealand hockey player Nick Wilson is still only 24 but has accepted the fact he will never play pain-free again. He's thankful, however, that he's even playing.

Wilson first suffered knee problems, which started as bone bruising but eventually included cartilage issues, while playing in Europe in mid-2013 and, despite extensive rehabilitation, surgery became the only option. He went under the knife in February last year.

"Six months after surgery, I was looking at my knee thinking, 'how the hell am I going to play hockey again?', because it was like a little kid's leg with no muscle and I couldn't do anything," he said. "It was so painful."

Perseverance eventually paid off for Wilson, and the striker returned to the international game last month when he played against Canada.

Yesterday (weds) he departed for India where he will link with the Ranchi Rays who have replaced the Rhinos in the Hockey India League. He played in the inaugural competition in 2013, winning the title with the now-defunct Ranchi Rhinos.

Next year's Rio Olympics remains a major goal and the thought of playing at another Games helped him through the tough days last year when his knee wasn't improving, despite the constant gym work. He also started his career as a commercial real estate agent.

"If my body is OK, I'm definitely keen to push through to Rio and I'll just reassess depending on what happens in Rio," he said.

"[The knee is] always going to be a bit sore because you're putting bone to cartilage, so you just hope it doesn't deteriorate and you can handle the pain level."

Wilson will put his Olympic dreams on hold over the next month as the Rays travel across India playing in the cash-rich -- by hockey's standards -- six-team league that runs from January 22-February 22.

Five other Kiwis -- Andy Hayward, Shea McAleese, Simon Child, Ryan Archibald and Steve Edwards -- will also play in the HIL for various franchises.

"The games are really fun to play because there's not as much focus around defensive play," said Wilson, who has played 128 times for the Black Sticks. "The main focus is to entertain and attack and, generally, there are lots of turnovers and the game's quite open. You see a lot of goals."

The Rays are owned by Indian cricketer MS Dhoni but, given his upcoming commitments with the national side in Australia and at next month's World Cup, it's unclear if he will watch much of the HIL.

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Kiwis in the Hockey India League:

- Simon Child (Delhi Waveriders)

- Steve Edwards (Delhi Waveriders)

- Andy Hayward (Delhi Waveriders)

- Nick Wilson (Ranchi Rays)

- Shea McAleese (Uttar Pradesh Wizards)

- Ryan Archibald (Kalinga Lancers)