Fun, action for all ages is the goal in summer
Fewer players per side, smaller field just some of the changes
There has been a hive of activity every Tuesday evening at the Hockey Turf located at the Centralines Sports Park in Waipukurau. Upto 75 players in eight hockey teams from in and around CHB have been battling the heat and each other to see who comes out on top.
Summer hockey is an opportunity for those whohave never played the sport or haven’t touched a hockey stick since high school. With ages ranging from 13 to 50-plus it’s away to play alongside Central Hockey Club winter season players working on some skills and most of all, to have a bit of fun.
“I haven’t played hockey since probably primary school some20 odd years ago,” says Rosie Liley, summer hockey newcomer.
“Iwas excited at the chance to give it a go and wasn’t disappointed. Everyone involved was great, made learning the rules super easy. Iwould definitely be back for another season.”
Summer hockey has 40-minute games, 20-minute halves, played on half a field with six players a side. Teams are mixed with high school students, womenand men.
The rules change slightly for summer hockey, there is no lifting of the ball, which makes it a little safer and kinder on the players. But this doesn’t mean that it’s not a fast game.
“Following the opening of the Centralines Sports Park in late 2018, the Central Hockey Club committee decided to run a six-week fun competition in February/March the following year— to both attract new players to the club and give existing club members an additional option for their fitness leading into the winter season,” says David Tilyard, Central Hockey Club president.
“We also ran a six-week fun competition in October/November, later that year, and continued with a similar format for 2020. I think the committee are pleased to have achieved our two main goals, and will look to continue the summer hockey programme in 2021.
“Weare looking forward to kicking off again in the new year (late January/early February) for another fun and exciting round of summer hockey. This will prepare the club players for the up-and-coming winter season that begins the last weekend of March and goes through until the end of August. The winter hockey season kicks off with a muster in late February. All are welcome to joinus at the Centralines Sports Park, for both winter and/or summer hockey.”
Final results from this round: Spaztastic 16 points, Norsewood 13, Chicks with Sticks 12, Legs Miserables 12, NZ Trellis 6, JBL’s 6, Walking Sticks 6, Phau 0.
Keepan eye out on the Central Hockey Club’s Facebook page for more information about summer hockey or the-up-andcoming winter season or please phone or text Annabelle Campbellon0276646353