Jeremy Hayward to return for Territory Stingers in Festival of Hockey

An Olympic medallist and top rated defender will to play for the Territory Stingers in what promises to be a blockbuster contest against the Brisbane Blaze.

Aspiring Territory hockey players will get their chance to watch one of the world’s best in action when local Olympic medallist Jeremy Hayward returns for the Territory Stingers.

Hayward has been one of the leading lights for the Kookaburras in recent years playing in their silver medal winning Tokyo Olympics campaign.

He also captained the Australian team fairly recently and was named the best defender in the recent Hockey World Cup where Australia were losing semi-finalists to eventual champions Germany.

And now he will be returning to Darwin to play for the first time in years to play for the Territory Stingers in against the Brisbane Blaze in the Stingers Festival of Hockey on September 22 and 24.

Jeremy Hayward celebrates after scoring goal for Australia. Picture: WorldSportPics/Frank Uijlenbroek

He’s a marquee signing for the team and one who will surely inspire junior players in the Top End who want to one day pull on the national jumpers themselves.

SRA Territory Stingers Coach Jason Butcher said Hayward’s presence would be massive for his group in the event which is all about getting a Territory team back to the top level.

“We are looking forward to seeing the influence he has on our performance, and our growth - we know it will be significant,” Butcher said.

“Jeremy’s presence will not only deliver a world class player into our group, his experience and the respect he has in our group will add a level of confidence and assuredness to everything we do.”

“Having Jeremy at home playing for the Territory, will continue to feed the aspiration and belief in our youth that there is path for Territory kids who want to pursue their hockey dreams.

“A home grown, born and raised Territory lad who has conquered the hockey world, selected to play for Australia from his performances playing for the SRA Territory Stingers.”

Butcher also said returning the pathway Hayward had available to him was a crucial part of the tournament to give more Territory kids the chance to push to the top.

“Re-establishing the SRA Territory Stingers on the National stage is a key part of this story as is the pathway that Jeremy had available to him,” he said.