Inline hockey champs play
Horowhenua Events Centre was the setting for the inter-regional inline hockey championships for 2018.
More than 250 athletes from all over New Zealand came to Levin over Labour Weekend to compete in the national competition. Age grades ranged from under 10s to under 16, junior women and Masters representing Northern, Central and Lower North Island.
Competition began on Saturday morning with Under 10 Lower North All Stars winning over a strong Central team. Levin Thunder President and Lower North Island Chairman Arden Phillips said he is proud to have brought the highly regarded competition to the area.
“It’s been 20-plus years in the making. I competed in my first Inter-regional Competition in 1997 and never thought we would have an opportunity to host a tournament of this scale.
“The tournament was well received nationwide with amazing feedback from players, coach and Management but just as important as the parents and spectators. Being that we are a small sport it really felt like one big family at the venue.”
On Sunday the Vision Hockey Skills Competition was a first at Inter-regionals and allowed kids to express themselves and test their skills against the best in the country. Fastest skater, top sniper (shooter) and top goalie positions were competed for across three age grades. Levin Thunder Members Amber Metcalfe and Ameilia Hunt were named fastest skater and top goalie in the Junior Women grade.
Lower North Island Masters finished the tournament unbeaten to acquire the regions’ only gold medal. It wasn’t enough to win the overall interregional cup. Northern region won, finishing first after 34 games.
Levin Thunder had a great time showing off the region and Horowhenua Events Centre and the facility on offer.
“We have had such great feedback about the facility and look to put bids in for future tournaments. It’s taken years to get this tournament and we hope it has opened future opportunities to bring more major competitions here. Levin Thunder has gone from strength to strength. We can put this down to our hard working committee but also local support from businesses, council and our members,” said Phillips.