Hockey NT and Malaysian Hockey Confederation sign four-year partnership

After their bid to re-join the premier national competition was sensationally punted by the powers that be, the Stingers have continued to take matters into their own hands.

Jeremy Mayne, Izzy Gill, Adrian Lockley, Amy Stripling and Zach Rakkas as the Territory Stingers are ready for the 2024 Festival of Hockey against the Brisbane Blaze. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A groundbreaking partnership has been announced between Hockey NT and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.

The two parties have put pen to paper, sealing the Territory Stingers involvement in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) from 2025 to 2028.

The four-year partnership will see the Territory side compete in the MHL with the Stingers committing to basing their operations out of Kuala Lumpur for the 2025 season, with discussions of home fixtures for 2025 and ensuing seasons already underway.

“Having the possibility of home games (Darwin and Alice Springs) is extremely exciting, this is a great opportunity for the Territory,” HNT chief executive Jason Butcher said.

“This partnership represents a bold step forward for hockey in the Territory and the Stingers. “It’s not just about competition, but about creating lasting relationships through sport, culture, and community engagement.

Hockey NT has signed a landmark four-year partnership with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation. Pictured, HNT chief executive Jason Butcher and a MHC representative. Picture: Hockey NT.

“The opportunity to celebrate and share our heritage with Malaysia while growing the game across Southeast Asia and Oceania is an exciting chapter for us.

“We are proud to be building something that extends beyond the field and touches the hearts of our communities.”

The Stingers will also engage with local communities through school visits and charitable activities, fostering a deeper connection between the team and Malaysian youth.

The partnership also seeks to ‘open doors’ for ‘broader transnational hockey development’.

Following this, both parties will pursue a joint submission to secure a Hockey One League license for the Territory Stingers, a goal that will ‘enhance the regions growth and visibility on the national and international stage’.

Originally published as Hockey NT and Malaysian Hockey Confederation sign four-year partnership