Simon Child's playing credentials aren't in doubt; now he gets the chance to show his captaincy skills as the Black Sticks prepare to face Japan next week.

It's a big week ahead for New Zealand's national hockey teams with both in action at home against quality sides.

The USA beat New Zealand 2-0 in their fourth game of the six-test women's hockey series last night at Palmerston North. The win gives the visitors a 2-1 series lead, with two games still to play this weekend in the Wairarapa.

Leilani Fuikefu prefers to let her hockey do the talking. And that hockey could tell a thing or two about a tremendous season for the softly spoken 14-year-old, Year 10 student at Mt Roskill Grammar.

He was known as "the coach who didn't coach", but Ivan Armstrong's unconventional leadership helped mould five Olympic champions.

Player adaptability is becoming a key factor in modern hockey, according to New Zealand women's coach Mark Hager.

Westlake Girls' High School is resigned to its premier team not being able to play a higher standard of hockey in the Super City competition for the full year in 2015 like it did in 2013.

Auckland have a chance to snatch double glory in the National Hockey League finals this afternoon.

Auckland face a rematch of last year's men's final if they are to make the grand showdown at the national hockey league on Sunday.

Either someone has a supreme gift for planning, or it is just plain good luck.

Among the distinctive memories of the New Zealand women's team at the London Olympics was the shock of blonde ponytails in the squad.

Midlands have maintained their Challenge Shield lead, after a 3-0 win over Capital last night.

A strong spine has helped Midlands make a rousing start to the men's Challenge Shield in the national hockey league.