Hockey New Zealand names Women’s team for FIH Junior World Cup

The Hockey New Zealand has announced their women’s Under-21 team for the FIH Junior World Cup 2016 scheduled at Santiago, Chile during November 24- December 5, 2016.

The Black Sticks women’s team will be led by 20-year-old Auckland defender Maddison Dowe at the prestigious tournament and will also include her New Zealand Development Squad mates Stephanie Dickins, Tessa Jopp and Phoebe Steele.

The Skipper has played four tests for Black Sticks, and under her leadership New Zealand are looking forward to go far into the tournament after initial battles with Belgium, China and Spain in pool stage.

Speaking about the team, the Head coach Sean Dancer, satisfied with the confidence to put in a strong performance, said, “It’s a brilliant opportunity for these girls to stand up on the world stage. They have had development opportunities around the Black Sticks environment so are well prepared.”

Further speaking about the team objectives at the tournament, he added, “We are targeting a top eight finish which will certainly be a challenge against the best in the world but one we are definitely up for.”

Concluding with the faith on the young shoulders, he stated“There is plenty of spark in this side with the likes of Maddison who has played for the Black Sticks, so we hope to see that experience lift the performance of the entire team.”

While the Women’s version of the FIH Junior World Cup is scheduled at Santiago, Chile, the Men’s Junior World Cup will be played in Lucknow, India during December 8-18, 2016.