2017 U21 Tournament Program

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF
HOCKEY NEW ZEALAND
Welcome to the National Under 21 tournament for 2017.
Although the hype and excitement of the Rio Olympic is now well past we need
to ensure that our Black Sticks ability to success at International level is built on
the talent pool that we are able to create at our National Junior tournaments.
The U21 tournament is the feeding ground used to create a deeper pool of talent
that we can draw on for future Black Sticks.
Players attending the 2017 U21 tournament are ideally placed to make a bid for
places in the teams that will be representing New Zealand in the various
tournaments throughout the coming years. So I wish you all the very best as you
strive to meet your own personal goals.
Not all of you will make the Black Sticks pinnacle but this tournament provides the
opportunity to perform to the best of your abilities amongst your age group peers.
For many this will be the end of your age group hockey so enjoy the tremendous
camaraderie that age group tournaments are famous for.
Of course, a tournament like this requires a lot of hard work and effort from the
organisers, and on behalf of Hockey New Zealand, I want to thank the
tournament organising staff and volunteers for the work that they have done to
prepare for the tournament and the work that they will do during the tournament.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Good luck to all of the participants in the tournament including players, coaches,
managers, umpires, officials, supporters and administrators. I trust that the
tournament will live up to your expectations and be a highlight of your hockey
season.
Penny Simmonds
President Hockey New Zealand