Territory Stingers primed to take on Malaysian Hockey League
The Territory Stingers have a tough jam-packed schedule ahead of them in coming days, competing the Malaysian Hockey League, aiming to prove to the rest of Australia they deserve to be in the premier comp.
Northern Territory
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After seven long years of waiting the Territory Stingers will finally get to show what they’re made of in an elite competition when they travel to take on the Malyasian Hockey League.
The Stingers were turned down as an expansion side to Australia’s premier HockeyOne competition despite strong backing and being part of the Australian Hockey League that was dissolved in 2018.
It was a crossroads moment for NT Hockey, which no longer had an avenue to show its rising talent on the national stage, but within two months they had signed a four year deal with the MHL.
Squads brimming with young Territory talent, and a few marquee signings, have since been announced to make the trip and put NT hockey back on the map.
The squad start competition on February 5 in what will be a jam-packed schedule but a chance for the NT to show why it has played an important part in the national game for so long.
Hockey NT chief executive Jason Butcher said the Stingers represented more than a group heading to Malaysia, but the spirit and heritage of the Territory, at the team’s launch on Friday night.
“The Stingers embody the spirit of the Territory, brave, resilient and determined, these values are deeply rooted in our community,” he said.
“This team is here not only ready to compete, but to remind us that anything is possible when we stay true to who we are, support each other and invest in opportunity and aspiration.
“It’s a moment that shows the world and reminds the rest of Australia that even from the remote parts of our country, greatness can emerge and that we are still here.
“The Stingers not only represent us in competition, but shine a light on the rich, cultural fabric of the NT, its indigenous heritage, diversity, connection to Southeast Asia and unwavering determination.
“We send them with the full weight of the Territory behind them.
“As they take to the international stage, they carry with them our pride, our passion, and a promise to never stop fighting for our people, no matter the obstacles that are put in front of us.”
The squad has Territory talent to burn from international stars such as Leon Hayward to league veterans like Elle Richardson and Adam Luck.
There’s plenty of young up and comers too such as Zach Rakkas and Macenzee Dixon, who have made waves nationally as well as in the Darwin competition.
David Skippings and Michelle Caden are the coaches given the tough job of balancing the determined squads around the busy schedule.
But they do have the slight advantage of seeing how every side plays before getting out to Malaysia, hoping the Territory style takes their foes by surprise.
“It’s unique and that’s the big difference from normal tournaments, but we’ve prepared for it as much as we physically can,” Skippings said.
“The first couple of games we’re going to go and make an impact and show them what we can do, we’re going over there and we’re going to give it a red hot crack.”
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Originally published as Territory Stingers primed to take on Malaysian Hockey League
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