PLAYERS AT THE READY
Hockey to resume with nine-week competition
HOCKEY: It’s not what they’re used to, but the Toowoomba Hockey Association is just happy to be back.
July 10 has been scheduled for the return to competition at Clyde Park after the suspension of play in March.
A new format is on the cards, with the A1 men and women to take part in a nine-week competition each Friday night.
It is unclear at this stage whether finals will take place, or how game structures will play out, but participants are excited to be playing once again.
“We’re not sure of the format it will take yet, but we’re happy to be back,” Past High A1 women’s coach Bernie Fox said.
“It’s probably the best scenario they could’ve come up with. I like the concept and I’m pleased they’ve got it going.”
Senior social hockey is also on the cards for A2-A4 men and women, to be played on Sundays over the course of nine weeks.
While junior grades won’t return to competitive play in 2020, training clinics will take place to ensure they aren’t left on the sidelines.
Minkeys and Mods (ages four to nine) and the U11-13s will have skills training and mini games on alternating Saturdays in July and August.
Those in the U15-18 age group will also have time on the field on Saturdays, with ex-Queensland and Australian players to assist in coaching, as well as specialised coaching.
Fox said it was important to keep the younger grades engaged over the period.
“They’ll get something out of it. It would’ve been sad if we couldn’t get the juniors going,” he said.