Eddie Ockenden, Rubey Hoey key names in round 1 Hockey Premier League

One Tasmanian hockey club might have an argument for the greatest “last-minute inclusion” in Premier League history with a five-time Olympian set to take to the field. Plus, all the other big names set to debut.

Eddie Ockenden is a confirmed starter for North-West Graduates in their men’s Premier League season opener. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Five-time Olympian and Tasmania’s first flag bearer Eddie Ockenden is a confirmed starter for North-West Graduates in their men’s Premier League season opener against OHA on Saturday.

Just four months after being crowned the Hockey One League’s MVP Ockenden will link up with his boyhood club, including national development squad member Oliver Stebbings.

Graduates’ assistant coach Paddy Ward said the excitement amongst the playing group was clearly visible when it was announced Ockenden would suit up.

“It’s somewhat of a last-minute inclusion, as we weren’t expecting to see him until later in the season, but the group is certainly very excited to have him involved,” Ward said.

“They’ll all walk a foot taller beside Eddie and he’ll also generate an enormous boost from his presence, role modelling and leadership.”

University will unveil star recruit Ruben Hoey for their clash with defending champions DiamondBacks at 2.45pm.

“Ruben has fit in really well on and off the field, and it’s been really pleasing to see him with a big smile on his face while he’s been training during pre-season,” coach Ben Read said.

“He’s super fit and I think he has the potential to make a big impact for us, particularly if he can link up well with Keenan and Tyson Johnson, and Oscar Sproule.”

Ruben Hoey will be unveiled by University. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

DiamondBacks goalkeeper Grant Woodcock played a leading hand in the Maroons ending a 46-year title drought last season and said there’s no sense of complacency in the squad.

“There certainly is that sort of pressure being the reigning premiers and we’ve spoken about how we go about handling it,” Woodcock said.

“The key is to just maintain our style of play and dictate the pressure we apply on the other teams.”

Derwent and Canterbury men will officially kick off the season when the pair clash at 11.45am.

In the women’s competition, Australia’s number four ranked goalkeeper Evie Dalton is set to feature for OHA in their 2.45pm clash with North-West Graduates.

Graduates coach Stephen McMullen will be unable to call upon Beth Dobbie and Rachel Hedgeman but has been impressed by recruit Belle Kruimink.

“Belle has fitted in like a glove, just like she never left, and her influence on the field setting things up around her brings another string to our bow of an already experienced defensive unit,” McMullen said.

“The first round of matches will be about us settling as a group and working our systems, but we must absolutely pay OHA respect and put attention into them.”

In other matches, DiamondBacks women face University in a grand final replay from 11.45am, while Canterbury meet Derwent at 1:.5pm.