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Auckland, May 22, 2017
Vantage Black Sticks Women’s head coach Mark Hager has named his strongest team to compete at the FIH World League Semi Final in Belgium next month.
New Zealand will battle it out against some of the world’s best sides from June 21 to July 2, 2017 at the Stade Fallon in Brussels.
The Black Sticks are joined in Pool B by hosts Belgium, Oceania champions Australia, Spain and Malaysia while Pool A includes reigning world champions Netherlands, Asian champions Korea, China, Scotland and Italy.
Split across two events, 10 teams will take part in Brussels with another 10 competing at the World League Semi Final in Johannesburg from July 8 to July 23, 2017.
World Cup Qualifiers
With qualification at stake for the FIH World League Final in Auckland this November (New Zealand have automatic qualification as hosts), both Semi Final events also serve as World Cup qualifiers.
Whilst vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, the top teams from each Semi Final will qualify for the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London.
It is an experienced side with 10 players having played more than 100 tests while versatile player Stacey Michelsen spearheads the group with 224 caps.
Noteworthy matches
Many players have earned their spot after impressing during February’s Argentina tour, the Hawke’s Bay Cup and the recent Indian series in Pukekohe and Hamilton which the Black Sticks swept 5-0.
Hager said that the depth within the group presented some tough selection decisions.
“This is the strongest team we have at present after tests against Argentina, the Hawke’s Bay Cup and also the Indian series this year. There were some very challenging decisions in selecting the final group which shows we have healthy depth at the moment which is great following an Olympic year. We know the World League Semi Final will be very tough and it offers the top level competition we need to play amongst to continue developing. We’ll be pushing for a top performance with the ultimate goal to come away having qualified for the World Cup,” he said.
The Opening Game
New Zealand’s opening game at the World League Semi Final is against Spain on Thursday June 22 at 6am (NZT). All Vantage Black Sticks games will be broadcast live on SKY Sport.
Vantage Black Sticks Women
FIH World League Semi Final, Belgium
| SHIRT # | PLAYER NAME | REGION | POSITION | AGE | CAPS |
| 13 | Sam Charlton | Midlands | Defender | 25 | 188 |
| 20 | Natasha Fitzsimons | Midlands | Defender | 28 | 75 |
| 3 | Erin Goad | North Harbour | Defender | 23 | 28 |
| 27 | Jordan Grant | Canterbury | Midfielder | 26 | 70 |
| 12 | Ella Gunson | Northland | Defender | 27 | 157 |
| 2 | Sam Harrison | Auckland | Striker | 25 | 113 |
| 26 | Pippa Hayward | Canterbury | Defender | 26 | 132 |
| 24 | Rose Keddell | Midlands | Defender | 23 | 151 |
| 11 | Rachel McCann | Canterbury | Midfielder | 24 | 51 |
| 4 | Olivia Merry | Canterbury | Striker | 25 | 161 |
| 31 | Stacey Michelsen | Northland | Defender | 26 | 224 |
| 9 | Brooke Neal | Northland | Defender | 24 | 111 |
| 15 | Grace O’Hanlon | TBC | Goalkeeper | 24 | 10 |
| 18 | Kirsten Pearce | North Harbour | Striker | 26 | 82 |
| 6 | Amy Robinson | Midlands | Striker | 21 | 21 |
| 8 | Sally Rutherford | Midlands | Goalkeeper | 35 | 139 |
| 25 | Kelsey Smith | Capital | Striker | 22 | 46 |
| 16 | Liz Thompson | Auckland | Defender | 22 | 141 |
| 19th Player Travelling with Team | |||||
| 5 | Frances Davies | Midlands | Defender | 20 | 14 |
