WIN MARKS EDDIE’S 350
THE Kookaburras have celebrated Eddie Ockenden’s 350th international appearance, securing a finals spot in the inaugural Pro League competition with a 2-1 defeat of hosts Germany.
Ockenden, 32, became just the second Australian hockey player to reach the milestone and trails record holder Jamie Dwyer (365 appearances).
In an end-to-end affair, Ockenden had Australia’s best chance to score of the first half but narrowly skewed his shot across the face under pressure from the German goalkeeper.
The Kookaburras broke the game open with Tom Craig and Blake Govers both scoring reverse stick strikes in the 42nd and 52nd minutes respectively.
The Germans pegged a goal back through Marco Miltkau at the death.
Ockenden’s attention was firmly on his side’s progression in the tournament post-match.
“It’s always good to earn a spot in the finals which is always the aim in any competition,” Ockenden said.
“We came to Europe to play against the best teams in big occasions, so it’s good to learn and improve as we progress through the Pro League.”
“I was pretty happy for the game to start to be honest, but it’s been awesome to hear from past teammates and it evokes a lot of memories and good times.”
With a few days recovery as they head to Antwerp to face world number one ranked Belgium on Wednesday, Ockenden allowed himself a few moments to reflect on his career highlights.
“It is hard because there have been so many, but I would say winning the World Cups, in 2010 for the first time since 1986 and backing it up in 2014, were amazing. “
“We won the Champions Trophy seven times and I loved those because we always had different teams and players winning for their first time or together for a number of times, as well as four different coaches.”
The fact that he has amassed so many caps so quickly isn’t purely down to Ockenden’s skill level and good genes.
“Durability is obviously something that’s been a big factor in me reaching 350 games.”
“I’ve always stayed fit and focused on areas of need rather than overall strength, while Flexibility is something incredibly important in hockey and I’ve been able to experience nearly every position.”
“I also believe being able to play across any position makes you more selectable and the recent change to more of a defensive position has given me a different focus.”