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PUBLISHED WED 30 SEP 2021
Two new competitions will deliver Western Australia’s hockey players and fans alike a feast of high-quality action at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University this October, with the Bevan George Cup and Kobie McGurk Cup to feature the state’s top Masters Hockey stars including former state and Australian representatives.
The Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cups will see hockey stars of generations past and present compete in a tournament over a 9-day period, from 22 to 31 October, in lieu of the cancelled National Masters Championships.
WA Masters Hockey allows players to transition from seniors and continue playing hockey at a high standard, with many of the players competing now in their 70s and 80s and continuing to play the sport they love.
Much like Hockey WA’s Ric Charlesworth Classic Tournament, the tournaments will consist of four men’s and four women’s sides, consisting of players aged 35 to 50, with some of WA’s most talented hockey legends lined-up to compete against the best in their age bracket.
The four franchises in both men’s and women’s competitions will consist of the Highlanders, Outbacks, Breakers and Suns, with 20-player teams selected through a draft format, creating an exciting mix of talent amongst sides.
The tournament itself will be managed by ex-Kookaburra and UWA Hockey Club legend Trid Woodhouse in a collaboration between the Hockey WA Masters committee and Hockey WA.
Australian and WA hockey legend Bevan George says he’s excited to be a part of a unique tournament format dedicated to WA’s Masters Hockey community.
“I was proud when I first heard of this initiative; Masters Hockey in WA is a big part of the sport in the state, so to have this tournament named after myself is something I wouldn’t ever have imagined,” George says.
“It’s going to be fantastic to see some of the former hockey stars in the state battle it out in a high-level hockey competition; I know that some of the players are keen to get out there and put on a show while enjoying the competitiveness alongside their Masters Hockey mates.”
Kobie McGurk shared her delight on having the honour of being recognised within the tournament, saying the masters community is excited for the prospect of competing at a high-level.
“I am extremely honoured and feel really privileged to have a tournament named after myself; it’s a fun concept and one I’m excited to be a part of in its inaugural year,” McGurk says.
“Given the service lots of these masters have given over the years, I see it as a fitting tribute to be presented with an opportunity to play with old mates and also against some rivals in a high-quality format.
“We’re really excited to be able to play some good hockey for the fans and community.”
Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said the new competitions would add significant punch to this year’s end-of-year hockey calendar.
“We can’t wait to run the Bevan George Cup and Kobie McGurk Cup – with a number of high-profile players scheduled to get involved, it’ll definitely be an entertaining competition,” Ross said.
“Following the Ric Charlesworth Classic and the Premier Leagues, including the All Flags Premier League, we think this is a great addition to our calendar for 2021.”
Registrations are now open for players for the Bevan George Cup and Kobie McGurk Cups – register here now to get involved:
BEVAN GEORGE CUP REGISTRATIONS
KOBIE MCGURK CUP REGISTRATIONS
WHAT: The Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cups – 9-day tournament period featuring 35-50 year old Masters hockey players
WHEN: 22-31 October 2021
WHERE: Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University
WHO: Former and current elite-level hockey stars, local players and more from WA’s rich Masters Hockey community
DRAFT FIXTURES: here.
- Details
- Written by Cam Robinson
- Category: News Feed
- Hits: 1046
PUBLISHED WED 29 SEP 2021
Perth and Western Australia will continue to be a destination for premier hockey events after Hockey Australia signed an agreement with the State Government, through Tourism WA for the next four years.
The agreement comprises four national championship events from 2022-2025 plus international FIH Pro League matches in 2024.
“Western Australia has been a proud hockey state for a long time and Perth is the base for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, so to have these events locked in is a sign of this passion and commitment to our sport in this part of the country,” said Hockey Australia Acting CEO Michael Johnston.
“We thank Tourism WA for its investment and showing a genuine appetite and interest in hosting these events.
“The fact they see benefits of this agreement for the local economy and people of Western Australia says a lot for the regard they hold our sport in.
“WA has a proven record of hosting successful high quality hockey events so we look forward to seeing some of the best male and female talent across a broad age group descend on Perth over the next four years.”
Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said the partnership announcement was great news for the state.
“We’re ecstatic to be the host state for major Hockey Australia events until 2025, from the Under 13 level through to FIH Pro League and the Mega Masters cohort,” said Ross.
“Hockey is a huge part of the fabric of Western Australia and these national events will further consolidate the major impact it has on our community – bringing elite-level hockey to the people right around the state.”
Masters is the highest participation and attendance event on the Hockey Australia national championships calendar.
The various underage championships feature the best hockey talent at the respective age levels, including the development of the next crop of Australian hockey stars.
The FIH Hockey Pro League is the annual global home and away league involving the world’s best men’s and women’s international teams.
“Hosting these hockey events is a great opportunity to welcome athletes and their supporters to WA, showcase our fantastic sporting facilities and the many attractions and unique experiences we have to offer visitors as a holiday destination,” said Western Australian Government Tourism Minister David Templeman.
Western Australian Government Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti added: “WA is the home of the Australian Hockey National Programs, so it is very exciting to be hosting such high-profile hockey events in Perth over the next few years and shows our State Government’s support of the sport.
“On the back of the men’s and women’s national hockey teams’ success at the recent Tokyo Olympics, there is now an even bigger interest in hockey among Australians.
“Hosting these events in Perth will only help to boost that interest and encourage young WA hockey athletes to strive for future success.”
Hockey Australia and Tourism WA Agreement - List of Events
- 2022 Australian Under 21 Championships
- 2023 Australian Masters (Men’s and Women’s) Championships
- 2024 FIH Pro League
- 2024 Australian Under 13 Championships
- 2025 Australian Under 18 Championships
Dates and venues for each of the events are to be confirmed.
- Details
- Written by Cam Robinson
- Category: News Feed
- Hits: 3929
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