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The Vantage Black Stick Men will field a strong 19-man squad for their upcoming fixtures at the Warkworth Showgrounds against Canada.
The team will play on October 17 and 18, with both games starting at 7pm.
Coach Darren Smith says they won’t be experimenting much in the series, but instead preparing the squad for the Hockey World Cup.
“Canada is always very competitive and physical and I expect the same from it in this series,” Smith says.
“None of our players are making their test debut in these matches, so we’ve brought a strong side to play.”
Smith says players to look out for include Cory Bennett and Dylan Thomas. Both shone in the National Hockey League in New Zealand this season.
“Eight players will be unavailable for this series, so even though it’s an experienced team, there will also be a chance to see upcoming talent with the likes of the NZ U21 captain Sam Lane.
“Then, at the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got guys like Shea McAleese, who has 250 caps for the team.”
Smith is excited about bringing his team to Warkworth and is confident the facilities will be appropriate for international hockey.
“Hockey New Zealand has always made an effort to spread fixtures across the country and it’s going to be great for the local community to see two games at this level.
“I’ve already examined the showgrounds turf, and I was very satisfied with its quality ahead of the series.”
Smith has been in charge of the team since March last year. The team picked up silver at the Commonwealth Games in April.
Canada is ranked 11th in the world while New Zealand is ranked ninth.
The last time the sides met, New Zealand won 6-2 in the group stage of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Black Sticks squad:
Goalkeepers: George Enerson (Canterbury), Richard Joyce (North Harbour), Devon Manchester (Auckland).
Backs: Shea McAleese (central), Dane Lett (Capital), Cory Bennett (North Harbour), Brad Read (Capital), David Brydon (Canterbury).
Midfielders: Arun Panchia (captain, Auckland), Malachi Buschl (Southern), Aidan Sarikaya (Midlands), Harry Miskimmin (Capital), Hayden Phillips (Central), Mac Wilcox (Central), George Muir (North Harbour).
Forwards: Dom Newman (Canterbury), Sam Lane (Canterbury), Jared Panchia (Auckland), Dylan Thomas (Central).
Coach: Darren Smith.
Manager: Bryce Collins.
