 |
Battle
Continues for Coverted Centre Half Position |
1st
June
Veteran striker Bevan Hari is back in the Black Sticks Men’s team to tour Europe. He has been named in an 18 man squad, which includes 5 other strikers, giving Coach Shane McLeod the opportunity to test every possible combination in advance of final selections for Beijing. McLeod is likely to select 5 strikers for Beijing, meaning this tour will act as a final trial for all six strikers. Of most interest will be whether 17 year old school boy Nick Wilson has impressed enough to be selected for Beijing. His efforts in the recently completed Azlan Shah Tournament were enough to make him a genuine option.
The selection of six strikers has meant only three midfielders have been selected – captain Ryan Archibald (returning from injury), Ben Collier and Shea McAleese. Bryce Collins, who is battling back from an ACL injury has not reached a sufficient fitness level to make the tour and Lloyd Stephenson has been left out – both remain in the frame for Beijing, depending on results and form in Europe.
McLeod has dropped defender Andy Hayward for the tour, meaning slightly less defensive cover. James Nation remains as the main back-up defender to established stars Blair Hopping, Dean Couzins and Brad Shaw.
The battle between Steve Edwards(NH) and Casey Henwood(Midlands- ex Waikato University Club) for the coveted centre half spot continues with both selected to tour. Edwards also offers cover for wing half.
The team welcomes back influential captain Ryan Archibald who returns from a shoulder injury to make the tour. Archibald missed selection for the 2004 Athens Olympics through injury and caused some concern amongst the hockey community when he was ruled out of the Azlan Shah Tournament. He has made a good recovery and should play a full role in the tour.
Veteran striker Bevan Hari is back in the Black Sticks Men’s team to tour Europe. He has been named in an 18 man squad, which includes 5 other strikers, giving Coach Shane McLeod the opportunity to test every possible combination in advance of final selections for Beijing. McLeod is likely to select 5 strikers for Beijing, meaning this tour will act as a final trial for all six strikers. Of most interest will be whether 17 year old school boy Nick Wilson has impressed enough to be selected for Beijing. His efforts in the recently completed Azlan Shah Tournament were enough to make him a genuine option.
The selection of six strikers has meant only three midfielders have been selected – captain Ryan Archibald (returning from injury), Ben Collier and Shea McAleese. Bryce Collins, who is battling back from an ACL injury has not reached a sufficient fitness level to make the tour and Lloyd Stephenson has been left out – both remain in the frame for Beijing, depending on results and form in Europe.
McLeod has dropped defender Andy Hayward for the tour, meaning slightly less defensive cover. James Nation remains as the main back-up defender to established stars Blair Hopping, Dean Couzins and Brad Shaw.
The battle between Steve Edwards(NH) and Casey Henwood(Midlands- ex Waikato University Club) for the coveted centre half spot continues with both selected to tour. Edwards also offers cover for wing half.
The team welcomes back influential captain Ryan Archibald who returns from a shoulder injury to make the tour. Archibald missed selection for the 2004 Athens Olympics through injury and caused some concern amongst the hockey community when he was ruled out of the Azlan Shah Tournament. He has made a good recovery and should play a full role in the tour.