Tasmanian Tigers recruit Ehren Hazell keen to make early mark in Hockey One

After being recruited to add more scoring power to the Tasmanian Tigers Hockey One line-up, Ehren Hazell is confident he can do just that. See why.

Tasmanian Tigers new recruit Ehren Hazell joins the squad this year in a bid to up their scoring power. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

When Tassie Tigers coach Stephen McMullen slinked down into his aeroplane seat bound back home dejected after their 2022 Hockey One League ended abruptly at the hands of HC Melbourne, his thoughts fixated on arresting their goal creation woes.

The Tigers had entered the final round game knowing victory could secure them a top three finish, but a lacklustre start in Melbourne saw them bundled out with a 6-2 loss, cruelly they missed the top four on goal difference.

Tasmanian Tigers coach Stephen McMullen identified the need to find other avenues to goal after a tough end to last season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

But on deeper reflection, McMullen knew they ended the six-game season having scored just one field goal all campaign with a barren run of twenty-three quarters without earning a conversion opportunity.

Creating and converting goals was the standout theme from a forensic debrief, and the answer may very well lie in an astute piece of recruitment, with former NSW Pride and National Development squad member Ehren Hazell joining the Tigers team.

Ironically, Hazell is the name given to the main antagonist in the 1975 Roald Dahl book ‘Danny the Champion of the World’ and McMullen will be hoping his influence extends to shaking up the status quo of the Tigers forward mix.

Ehren Hazell of the Pride celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the men's round 1 Hockey One field hockey competition between NSW Pride and Adelaide Fire at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre in Sydney, Sunday, September 29, 2019. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne)

“My first impressions of Mullins (McMullen) and the squad is that it seems like a very tight group of mates and I’m keen as to be a part of that, especially after how good of mates I’ve become with the Tassie boys playing for Fremantle Hockey Club,” Hazell said.

“I already have many connections that will only get better, with the Tim Deavin, Gobind Gill, Jack Welch and Ehren Hazell connection already showing some class goals in Perth this year.”

“I’ve also played with Sam McCulloch and Hayden Beltz for a few years with the Burras and Australia A.”

Hazell, 23 years, rose to stardom in national underage ranks when he initially claimed the Leading Goal Scorer award at the under-18 national championships in 2017, before incredibly stepping up to claim the same award at under-21 level just twelve months later.

A two-time Hockey One League champion with NSW Pride already, Hazell scored four goals in two consecutive games as the NSW Pride claimed back-to-back 4-3 wins in last year’s campaign.

“Playing against the Tigers, especially last year, they just seemed to be playing for each other the whole game.”

“They were definitely very unlucky to make not make finals after handing it to the top three side and I’m just keen to get out there with the boys and light it up in Hobart come the first game versus HC Melbourne.”

After eighteen goals in just thirteen matches in the nation’s top club competition, Hazell arrives in Hobart in top form.

The Tassie Tigers men will be facing redemption against HC Melbourne from 8pm this Friday night at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre, following the respective women’s clash at 6:30pm.