Change of format

The national hockey league format has changed this year, switching from a full round robin of seven games, to two pools of four teams each for both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The idea is to mimic International Hockey Federation tournaments and hopefully produce higher quality hockey, while reducing the volume of matches in the week- long tournament. Pools are based on last year’s final placings.

Wellington are hosting the Challenge Shield ( men) and K Cup ( women) with games starting today and the finals on next Saturday. Midlands ( men) and Canterbury ( women) are defending champions.