Tigers lose key import to injury

THE Tassie Tigers have lost Canadian international Caashia Karrington after just one Hockey One match, ahead of their first away trip against the New South Wales Pride in Sydney.

Coach Luke Doerner will unearth debutant Lauren Canning in place of Karrington, who has returned to Canada to seek treatment of a foot injury.

“Yeah it’s unfortunate for Caashia that she’s had to return to Canada with an indefinite timeframe on her rehabilitation,” Doerner said.

“As such, we have called up Ashleigh Arthur into our 20player Hockey One squad and Lauren comes in for the trip to Sydney.

“Lauren is an impressive player with great skills and speed, so it was only a matter of time before she was at this level and she’s probably been the greatest improver in our squad since we came together three months ago.”

NSW Pride have named a much-changed squad from their opening two matches, with their Hockeyroos players sent to camp ahead of crucial Olympic qualifiers against Russia coming up.

While they will still boast players such as Kate Jenner and Casey Sablowski, they will miss Hockeyroos stars Mariah Williams, Emily Smith and Greta Hayes.

“It’s a bit of an unknown because sometimes having lots of changes can upset a side, while at other times they can find greater cohesion and purpose without their stars being available, but I’m sure NSW will still play a strong system,” Doerner said.

“I said after last week’s game that we were 90 per cent there and it’s just about sticking at our processes for longer this week and the girls believing that their skills are good enough.

“I felt after a really strong first half last week, the girls went into their shells a bit and I just want them to play with clear minds and back themselves.

“We’ll head to Sydney and train there twice before our match at 2.30pm on Saturday and we have done plenty of analysis from last week that will have us in good stead.”

The Tassie Tigers men also head to Sydney to face the undefeated NSW Pride from 1pm tomorrow.