Hockey: World Cup squad named

National men's hockey coach Kevin Towns has named an experienced side to play in September's World Cup in Germany.

Sixteen of the squad named were part of the team who won the World Cup qualifying tournament in China in April.

Ten of them played in the Athens Olympics.

The average age is 25 and the average number of caps is 75.

Paul Woolford (Auckland) and his understudy, Kyle Pontifex (Wellington), provide solid goalkeeping.

Aucklander Dean Couzins and Cantabrian Hayden Shaw provide experience on defence with Midlands' Richard Petherick, 20, the third selection for the position.

NZ Black Sticks:

Ryan Archibald (captain), Gareth Brooks, Simon Child, Dean Couzins, Paul Woolford (all Auckland), Shea McAleese, Bradley Shaw, Hayden Shaw (Canterbury); Bevan Hari (Cardiff, Wales), Mitesh Patel (Hampstead and Westminster), Richard Petherick (Midlands), Ben Collier, Bryce Collins, Blair Hopping, Lloyd Stephenson (North Harbour), Phil Burrows, James Nation, Kyle Pontifex (Wellington).

- NZPA