PUBLISHED THU 07 OCT 2021

Masters WA recently held an event in conjunction with WA Country Masters. Over the weekend teams from 55’s through to 75’s played two games between the two groups.

Games were played in good spirit with a sense of excitement at the venue.

After the first round of fixtures, players joined together for an evening meal reliving the highlights and lowlights of the play from the day. As the evening rolled on the stories became much more interesting. UWA Hockey did an amazing job catering for 170 people at the event dinner.

We are most appreciative of the sponsorship supplied from Emergency Triage Services that provided the Physio, Ambulance and emergency services. Thankfully other than the physio being used for minor ailments, there were no major injuries throughout the event.

We would like to also acknowledge the work of Shane Knapp in coordinating and enlisting the umpires that supported the competition. We are appreciative of his professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude, covering an often thankless task.

Events of this nature highlighted the value of providing opportunity for the hockey community to come together.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to hold an event that allowed our selected state teams to have a run together given the cancelation of the scheduled Australian Masters Championships event in NSW.

The general consensus was that events of this nature could potentially provide opportunity and sound preparation for future Masters Tournaments.

Thanks to our coaches and managers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure events of this nature run smoothly. As always it is the dedication of the volunteers that make the hockey community so successful.

GALLERY

PUBLISHED WED 13 OCT 2021

The legend-laden Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cup teams have been finalised for the historic first-ever tournament, with the eight coaches across the men’s and women’s sides picking their squads after an exciting draft night at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

The women's coaches kicked off their selections first, with Highlanders coach Alison Reick calling in the big guns early, selecting former Hockeyroo Jayde Taylor with the first selection of the draft, with the 2012 London Olympian providing a strong defensive presence for the side.

Seven-time Jackie Pereira Top Goal Scorer Award winner Chantelle Ciallella was Nicole Serefini's first pick for the Suns, opting for a damaging attacking presence for her side to build around.

Outbacks Coach Temeka Curley opted for the legend who holds the honour of the tournament's name, Kobie McGurk, while Tammy Cowan for the Breakers selected UWA Hockey Club legend and former Hockeyroo Shayni Nelson to lead her side.

In the Bevan George Cup for men's Masters, it was Trid Woodhouse who selected first for the Highlanders, selecting Fremantle Cockburn's 400-game legend Darryl McCormick to lead his line-up to victory in the tournament.

Former Kookaburra Chris Ciriello selected another former Kookaburra in Tim Deavin for his first selection; a two-time Olympian, Champions Trophy and multiple World League winner, Deavin will make his claim for pick of the bunch, providing a running option across the field.

Westside Wolves Hockey Club legend Edward Welch was selected with the Outbacks first pick by Allan Colthart.

Breakers Coach Phil Marshall selected former Kookaburras squad member Ian Burcher with his side's first pick, teaming him up with another former Kookaburra and Olympic gold medallist Grant Schubert who will be sure to provide a potent attacking option up front.

The Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cup kicks off next Friday, 22 October at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University, with entry to the legendary tournament free for all. For full fixtures, click here.

FULL TEAMS BELOW:

DETAILS

WHAT: The Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cups – 9-day tournament period featuring 35-50 year old (30-35 for women) Masters hockey players

WHEN: 22-31 October 2021

WHERE: Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

WHO: Former and current elite-level hockey stars, local players and more from WA’s rich Masters Hockey community

FIXTURES

PUBLISHED WED 29 SEP 2021

Perth and Western Australia will continue to be a destination for premier hockey events after Hockey Australia signed an agreement with the State Government, through Tourism WA for the next four years. 

The agreement comprises four national championship events from 2022-2025 plus international FIH Pro League matches in 2024. 

“Western Australia has been a proud hockey state for a long time and Perth is the base for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, so to have these events locked in is a sign of this passion and commitment to our sport in this part of the country,” said Hockey Australia Acting CEO Michael Johnston. 

“We thank Tourism WA for its investment and showing a genuine appetite and interest in hosting these events. 

“The fact they see benefits of this agreement for the local economy and people of Western Australia says a lot for the regard they hold our sport in. 

“WA has a proven record of hosting successful high quality hockey events so we look forward to seeing some of the best male and female talent across a broad age group descend on Perth over the next four years.” 

Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said the partnership announcement was great news for the state. 

“We’re ecstatic to be the host state for major Hockey Australia events until 2025, from the Under 13 level through to FIH Pro League and the Mega Masters cohort,” said Ross. 

“Hockey is a huge part of the fabric of Western Australia and these national events will further consolidate the major impact it has on our community – bringing elite-level hockey to the people right around the state.” 

Masters is the highest participation and attendance event on the Hockey Australia national championships calendar. 

The various underage championships feature the best hockey talent at the respective age levels, including the development of the next crop of Australian hockey stars. 

The FIH Hockey Pro League is the annual global home and away league involving the world’s best men’s and women’s international teams. 

“Hosting these hockey events is a great opportunity to welcome athletes and their supporters to WA, showcase our fantastic sporting facilities and the many attractions and unique experiences we have to offer visitors as a holiday destination,” said Western Australian Government Tourism Minister David Templeman. 

Western Australian Government Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti added: “WA is the home of the Australian Hockey National Programs, so it is very exciting to be hosting such high-profile hockey events in Perth over the next few years and shows our State Government’s support of the sport. 

“On the back of the men’s and women’s national hockey teams’ success at the recent Tokyo Olympics, there is now an even bigger interest in hockey among Australians. 

“Hosting these events in Perth will only help to boost that interest and encourage young WA hockey athletes to strive for future success.” 

Hockey Australia and Tourism WA Agreement - List of Events

- 2022 Australian Under 21 Championships

- 2023 Australian Masters (Men’s and Women’s) Championships

- 2024 FIH Pro League

- 2024 Australian Under 13 Championships

- 2025 Australian Under 18 Championships

Dates and venues for each of the events are to be confirmed.