Kieran Govers leaves NT Stingers for potential HockeyOne gig

An Olympic medallist has parted ways with the NT’s premier hockey side to coach in HockeyOne without having coached a single match. Find out why.

Olympian and former Kookaburra Kieran Govers has departed the NT Stingers. Picture: Darcy Jennings.

Former Kookaburra Kieran Govers has flown the coop without overseeing a single match.

Brought into the fold by Hockey NT earlier this year to be the face of a new look and revitalised NT Stingers franchise, Govers has been released by HNT due to a conflict of interest.

After the Stingers’ controversial exclusion to re-enter the nation’s premier league HockeyOne, Govers is actively pursuing a coaching role with another side presently in the league.

The London 2012 bronze medallist didn’t leave the NT on bad terms and says he will be one of the side’s biggest voices, albeit from afar.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Stingers’ journey,” he said.

“I’m confident that under David’s leadership, the Stingers will continue to build on their proud legacy.

“I’m looking forward to watching their progress and will be supporting them as a fan with interest.”

NT Pearls coach David Skippings calls the shots as the team trains at Marrara.

In Govers’ absence, Territory hockey stalwart and former Stinger, David Skippings, has been announced as the man to fill the vacant role, less that a month out from the Festival of Hockey.

The former coach of the NT Pearls Skippings has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I am honoured and excited to be appointed as head coach,” he said.

“The NT and the Stingers holds a special place in my heart.

“Taking on the role is my way of giving back and I am excited to work with a highly talented group and show the people of the NT what we can achieve in the future.”

Committed to the growth of the Stingers and continual development of NT’s own talent, HNT chief executive officer Jason Butcher is pleased to have a “revered” member of the community take the helm.

“With David Skippings and Travis Carroll leading the team, and senior players like Adrian

Lockley and Robert Duguid passing on the baton, we’re not just thinking about the future, we’re actively building our next generation through the voice of our proud heritage,” he said.

“Every moment and every opportunity is important for us, but this is another pivotal moment for us to reinforce our commitment to our community and our unique story.

“We’re leaning into our strengths and using this as an opportunity to demonstrate that the

Stingers’ legacy is stronger than ever, we aren’t going away quietly.”