Territory Stingers to face Brisbane Blaze in 2024 Festival of Hockey
The Territory Stingers have confirmed the Hockey One champions as their foes for this year’s Festival of Hockey, as their bid to return to the national competition continues.
Northern Territory
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The Territory Stingers will face off against Hockey One champions the Brisbane Blaze in Festival of Hockey rematch in Darwin this September.
The highly anticipated event will give a star studded Stingers side filled with veterans and up-and-comers an opportunity to test themselves against the best in the country.
Hockey NT chief executive Jason Butcher said this gave the Territory an important chance to measure their progress from 2023.
“Facing the Brisbane Blaze again is the next crucial step in our planned journey back to Hockey One,” he said.
“It allows us to accurately gauge our progress over the last 12 months and put pressure on ourselves to show that progress.”
Territory products Noah Fahy, Tyler Spry and Hayden Pease, who are currently part of the Blaze squads, will also get to play in front of their home crowd as part of the match.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for these boys to play in front of their family and friends here in Darwin,” Butcher said.
“Their presence in the Blaze squads is a testament to the talent that continues to emerge from the Territory.”
The return underscores the growing partnership between Hockey Queensland and Hockey NT, with the organisations having worked closely for the past two years.
Hockey Qld high performance manager Lee Bodimeade said they were looking forward to playing the Stingers again and furthering the relationship across borders.
“The inaugural trip last year prior to Hockey One was great for our preparation as we then proceeded to win both the Men and Women’s titles,” he said.
“Hopefully that’s a good omen for us again this year. We are looking forward to continuing this relationship with Hockey NT in the future.”
Kookaburra legend Kieran Govers is coaching the Stingers men’s team this year and has his exciting young group poised to steal a win this year.
‘”It’s always a great opportunity to play games but to be able to play the reigning champions is a huge bonus for the stingers,” he said.
“It’s going to allow us to size up against the top players in the country and produce a good challenge for us.”
The women’s team continue to nurture its talented youngsters by surrounding them with experienced senior players to foster their development.
Ex Hockeyroo Jayde Taylor’s inclusion adds a wealth of experience, while the leadership of Brooke Peris and New Zealand defender Izzy Gill will be instrumental on the back of the Paris Olympics.
Women’s team head coach Michelle Caden called the Queensland women a world class outfit who would provide great exposure for the Territory side.
The Festival of Hockey will take place at the MWT Hockey Centre on September 20-21.
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Originally published as Territory Stingers to face Brisbane Blaze in 2024 Festival of Hockey
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