Hockey star Ward hoping for another medal at the Games
LEICESTER ACE WEARS PROTECTIVE MASK AFTER HORRIFIC INJURY DURING MATCH
LEICESTER hockey ace Sam Ward has been named in the England men’s squad for this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Many of the world’s great hockey teams will do battle at the University of Birmingham during the Games, which take place from July 28 to August 8.
Ward was the tournament’s top scorer when England won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
The 31-year-old forward is now best known for wearing a Zorrostyle protective face mask after a horrific accident during an Olympic qualifying match against Malaysia in November 2019.
Ward was left with impaired vision in his left eye after being struck by the ball, the blow causing a crushed retina, fractured eye socket and cracked cheek.
Just three months later, Ward returned to the hockey field with four metal plates and 31 screws in his face following surgery.
But he now takes to the field wearing a face mask to protect his right eye, which he described as “the most precious thing in the world”.
Ward, who has played club hockey for Leicester and Loughborough Students, is among seven members of the England squad retained from the previous Commonwealth Games.
The other players are Liam Ansell, David Condon, Brendan
Creed, David Goodfield, Chris Griffiths and Phil Roper.
Chester-born midfielder Roper will be playing in his third Commonwealth Games, having won bronze at both the Gold Coast and in Glasgow in 2014.
Five players get the opportunity to play their first major tournament for England in front of a vociferous home crowd – James Albery, Nick Bandurak, James Mazarelo, Nick Park and Stuart Rushmere. Head coach Paul Revington said: “This England team is privileged to represent their country at another home Commonwealth Games and goes out there with the aim of finishing on the podium again.
“The team has a nice blend of youth and experience and will be determined to put in a series of quality performances that makes the country and themselves proud.” Performance director Ed Barney said: “A home Commonwealth Games is a truly special moment for this squad. “Following on from our recent Pro League endeavours, they are well placed to make a mark in the history books and I’m sure we’re in for some exciting hockey.” England’s men play on the first evening of the hockey tournmanmet, taking on Ghana in what will be their opponents’ first ever Commonwealth Games match on Friday, July 29. Two days later sees a hugely exciting fixture against Wales, then just over 24 hours later England face India, fresh from their bronze medal at the last Olympics. England conclude their group stage matches three days later with a 4pm start against Canada.