Tassie guns in Tokyo mix

THREE Tasmanian hockey stars are in the running to revive the Kookaburras Olympic fortunes in Tokyo 2020.

National co-captain Eddie Ockenden headlined the Kookaburras 27-player squad announced yesterday that will defend their FIH Pro League title before heading for Olympic redemption.

He is joined in the national squad by fellow Tasmanians Josh Beltz and Jack Welch, leaving the door ajar for Tasmania to earn its largest ever Olympic hockey contingent if the trio can all book a spot on the plane to Japan.

The trio featured prominently for the Tassie Tigers in their recent Hockey One league campaign, finishing with a bronze and Ockenden earning his record fifth Player of the Tournament award.

“It’s great to have three Tasmanians in the Olympic squad again. The team is very keen to get started now the squad is selected and we will have a camp in Perth soon,” Ockenden said. “It’s obviously a big year with everything building to Tokyo. It’s going to be a very competitive training group and always difficult to pick just 16 players for the Olympics from 27.”

“But I would give all of us Tasmanians a huge chance if we can perform and prepare well because the players who train and perform consistently will be the ones strongly considered.”

Ockenden is set to break Jamie Dwyer (365 caps) record for the most appearances by an Australian hockey player, currently on 358 caps.

It appears only injury can prevent Ockenden from breaking the record playing against Argentina in Perth on March 7 next year, before he embarks on his fourth Olympic Games appearance.

For Beltz, who demonstrated his versatility during the Hockey One by playing as a central midfielder, selection alongside his fellow Tasmanians was an honour.

“We’re a proud hockey state and to be able to have three Tasmanians in the squad is very special and to represent everyone on an international level is very humbling,” Beltz said.

“Jack has gone through a long and demanding rehab, but he’s maintained his fitness and I know he’ll be firing from the first session, while Eddie is obviously one of the world’s best players and a great leader for our group.

“I know he’ll be doing everything he can to be part of a successful team.”

The Kookaburras squad also features two debutants with Victorian Nathan Ephraums and New South Welshman Kurt Lovett being promoted.