19 games

Wins: 1 (Semi final)

Draws: 4

Losses: Do the math

8th place Championship (technically that’s 1st place at the other end).

 

What can we say, but what a season these ladies have had. We’re not sure at times what sport they were playing but they attempted hockey. No but seriously, coaching this team for the 2023 season - we could not have asked for more experienced and passionate hockey players that have made our season a genuinely fun time.

 

Reflecting over the 2023 season, from the start of the season right through to the end, each week these ladies have stepped up, committed, and given their absolute all to both trainings and games. In which, we could not have been more proud. The game knowledge and skills the team now possess is an extensive step up from the beginning of the season. This all comes down to their eagerness and dedication to learn and develop throughout the season.

 

Defence: The defensive layer really had their work cut out for them this season. The way these ladies channelled players out of our danger zones was impressive and their drive to never give up and keep going is a skill that can’t be taught. Each and every member of this layer worked together to shut the other team down and support the rest of the team. As the season went on, less goals were scored against us.

 

Midfield: The midfield layer did a lot of shuttles this season. Their patience with the ball allowed the rest of the team to get into position and move the ball up the field effectively. They started looking up!!! The connection and collaboration with the strikers was a sight to see as the ladies developed their skills and started working with one another as the season progressed.

 

Strikers: The strikers grew significantly throughout the season and learnt the importance of height and width when it came to running up the front. They continued to understand the importance of leading and playing mind games with the oppositions defenders with constantly running and causing chaos in our attacking circle. These girls went from hugging the ball in our defensive circle, to staying high and wide - giving our midfielders options to pass up the line and field when on attack.

 

A huge shout out to the ladies from the Div 3 Yellow team who filled in each week, Loren, Mika, Corline and Belinda as well as Cat who filled in as goalie. Your support and presence meant that our team had greater chances of making it through the game without injury or death.

 

 

Lastly, a huge thank you to Heidi and Carey, who assisted us throughout the season and gave great support and guidance to our ladies, which meant us coaches could sit back with a gin in hand in the dugout. Also to Karen, whose behind the scenes guidance meant the season could run smoothly because let’s be honest, we had no idea what we were doing, look at this write up.

 

Last but not least, a huge thank you to our division 3 black team. You have made our season as first time coaches, a phenomenal experience and an incredible journey. We are so proud of each of you and cannot wait to see you further grow in a sport we all love.

Peace and love,

Erin and Suz

PS: don’t forget your press ups x

 

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2022 Season Round Up

16 games 4 wins 2 draws

6th place Championship

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After thinking that two years in a row of creating a new team was enough, I looked at the trial lists and realised that for the third year in a row we would need another team in Division 3. With a large number of players new to club hockey the season was always going to be a developing one for the team and the players. 

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A win in the first round meant we were off to a great start but unfortunately despite playing some great passing hockey our only other result in the first round was a draw with Takapuna. The team was starting to believe in themselves and the great hockey they were playing though and Round 2 began with another draw followed by two wins to start our move up the table.  The game of the season though had to be the ABC derby v ABC Yellow who were second on the table.  The girls backed themselves for four quarters, played some amazing hockey and came away with a 1-0 win.

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Unfortunately, that win was the last of the season with the next two games against 1st and 3rd on the table close losses resulted. Our last game was the semi-final against ABC Maroon which was a hard-fought affair with Maroon scoring the 1 goal needed to put them through to the Plate Final.

 

Special mention has to go to Emily Thomson our superstar goalkeeper who had an awesome season pulling off some amazing saves!

 

Overall, despite the results often not going our way I was super proud of the way we always played right to the final whistle often playing the better passing team hockey on the day.  I’m looking forward to seeing how all the new players continue to develop, judging by how they improved as the season went on and with seven different nominations for Most Improved within the team the future is looking bright…

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2021 Season Round Up

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There were three exciting developments for ABC Hockey Black this year. Firstly, with fewer lockdown interruptions were not only able to play, but also consistently strive for a lack of social distancing in all marking and tackling. Secondly, the buzz of being in the black and yellow spread and an additional Div 3 women's team was added to the Hive. And finally, we were fortunate to have Marion Robinson joining us as our coach.

 

Ultimately, ABC Hockey Black finished the round robin in 8th place of 10, having battled hard for our 23 points (or roughly one point per mobility-limiting injury received). Ranging from pre-existing niggles playing up to continent-sized leg bruises to taking each other out during practice, injuries meant we were always playing hockey in hard mode.  

From a development perspective, Marion started the season with a strong focus on fitness. As we became the Wile E. Coyote to many a high school age Road Runner, this was the correct coaching strategy! We also experienced some eureka moments when cementing our knowledge on positioning, we smoothed out our quick turn 'n' pass movements and never passed up an opportunity to challenge our Yellow counterparts to a quick game. 

 

Following our 18 game round robin, we automatically progressed to the Bowl final. While that match wasn't to be, we did manage another podium finish this season - that of course being during the coveted ABC Hockey Quiz Night!

Thank you to Marion for her consistently positive and constructive coaching, Karen Croft for her support across many logistics, Catherine Horgan for captaining, the various ABC Hockey crew who subbed in and our umpires (who we will always strive to never question!). With many of us signed up for Summer Hockey, we can't wait to bring on the next season and beyond.