Johansen keen to make mark
Dale Johansen is eager to showcase this weekend what he has learned at the Mount Roskill Grammar School in Auckland, New Zealand over the past few months.
The Taveuni native will be part of the Marist Hockey men’s team that will participate in the 24th Geotech Drilling Marist Hockey Eastgate tournament at the National Hockey Centre, Suva tomorrow.
After receiving the scholarship last year, Johansen said he was excited and nervous to study and play abroad.
Johansen added he has learned a lot
“I was really excited to play in New Zealand and the scholarship was an eye-opener for me,” he added.
“The weather, experience, training, atmosphere were all different and the competition level was intense but I have learnt a lot of things to better my hockey.
“It has really helped me a lot to improve my skills in hockey and also education wise.
“I am looking forward to a good competition from Ventures and I know it will not be the same this year.”
“For the upcoming players, my best advice for them is to keep training and don’t worry about making mistakes because they are bound to happen,” he added.
VENTURES BACK
The Ventures Hockey Club men’s team plan to make a comeback in the 24th Geotech Drilling Marist Hockey Eastgate tournament tomorrow.
Coach Hector Smith said after losing their title last year they knew that had to come back more prepared. Smith said with the inclusion of his son Adrian, a New Zealand-based Fijian rep, he is sure that the side would be able to bring good contest during the competition.
“We have had quite a good record in winning this particular tournament but we lost it last year in the final giving it away losing by three goals,” Smith said.
“Since then we have been training hard and Adrian is back to boost the team.
“We have good players who have been together for some time and we have been training regularly so our fitness level is good.
“I think we will be ready to put up a better show this year and hopefully get the objective and that is to win the title.”