Territory Stingers reveal squads for 2024 Festival of Hockey

A mixture of youth and experience, including a couple of Olympians, complete the new Territory Stingers squad out to make a point in the Festival of Hockey. Check out the full squads here.

Zach Rakkas in the first Festival of Hockey match between the Territory Stingers and Brisbane Blaze. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Territory’s best will get their chance at elite competition when the Stingers take on the Brisbane Blaze in the second edition of the Festival of Hockey.

The event is a crucial opportunity for the Stingers program to gain exposure at the highest level of competition in Australia.

A mixture of youth and experience, including a couple of Olympians, make up the updated squad for the 2024 event, and will face off the Hockey One champions.

The match allows the local community to witness first-hand the intensity and skill required to compete at this elite level, all while supporting their home teams.

For Hockey NT the match is about more than just a game, but also about inspiring the next generation, fostering local pride and solidifying their presence on the national stage.

Months of preparation have gone into the lead-up with Australian great Kieran Govers coaching the men’s side.

And with an intent on proving some doubters wrong after Hockey One denied the Stingers’ licence bid the Territory side will be hoping to cause some damage.

Hockey NT chief executive Jason Butcher said the partnership built with Hockey Queensland had been invaluable for Territory athletes.

“The relationship we’ve built with Hockey Queensland over the last two years has been invaluable,” he said.

“Their support with our performance programs and junior state teams has significantly contributed to our growth and success.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and collaboration.”

Amy Stripling is in the women’s side. Picture: Hockey NT.

Head Coach of the Stingers Women’s team Michelle Caden said she was optimistic heading into the two matches after the experience earned in 2023.

“Last years’ experience against the Blaze was a tough step back in to this level of competition, but it has brought us a step closer to where we need to be,” she said.

“This experience and the lessons learnt will serve us well, and we believe we’re ready to close the gap and deliver a strong performance.

“There’s also nothing quite like seeing the energy this stadium and the community generate for these games.”

The matches will be held on September 20-21.

SRA Territory Stingers Men’s Squad:

Aiden Able, Luke Broadway, Joel Carroll, Jyhe Clarke (GK), Lucas Camara, Cameron Cooke, Robert Duguid, Billy Fahy, Calvin Farmilo, Isaac Farmilo, Dane Gavranich, Tarrant Haami-Jones, Jeremy Hayward, Karl Hochman, Nathan Hochman, Jamie Hullick, Adrian Lockley, Mitchell Lockley, Adam Luck (GK), Jeremy Mayne, Jayden McGregor, Zach Rakkas, Joshua Taylor, Huw Wiltshire, Lachlan Walters (GK), Jonathon Peris

SRA Territory Stingers Women’s Squad:

Krista Bilato, Ellie Buckley, Jemma Buckley, Emily Chaffey, Niesha Casimiro, Isobel Cowell, Tiana Crompton, Ash D’Souza (GK), Macenzee Dixon, Elizabeth Duguid (GK), Kirstin Dwyer

Izzy Gill, Natalie Lynch, Jessica Martin Brown, Lauren Mutton, Kirra Lee Pavey, Brooke Peris, Destiny Peris, Elle Richardson, Josie Short, Amy Stripling, Jayde Taylor, Zita Varatharajan, Koda Carne

Originally published as Territory Stingers reveal squads for 2024 Festival of Hockey