‘Impressive’ Stinger named in first Blaze squad

TRINITY Stingers’ midfielder Jess Watson has been selected in the Brisbane Blaze squad consisting of Queensland’s top 29 female players.

The Blaze will compete in the new revamped national league called HockeyOne.

The Brisbane Blaze will play a six-game home and away league season from late September until early November, with finals taking place in midNovember.

The selection came as a shock to Watson who has been enjoying her hockey season.

“I am really enjoying my hockey with Stingers this year,” Watson said.

“We have a great group of girls who are developing well. To be honest I have been focusing on enjoying my club hockey so the representative selection came as a bit of a shock.”

Cairns Coaching Director David McNeil said Watson’s selection is a great reward for her effort and consistent performances over a number of seasons.

“Jess worked really hard this year to prepare for the Super League Tournament in May,” he said.

“Her fitness has always been one of her strengths however her maturity and consistency of performances have been impressive of late.”

Jess will begin her preparation with McNeil in the coming weeks, where they will train intensively to prepare for the new league. “I am looking forward to it,” Watson said.

The Blaze squad will be trimmed from 29 to 20 in the coming weeks.

Local hockey returns this weekend. Check out the CHA website for the latest news and fixtures.