Palmerston North: There will be over 850 master’s hockey players in Palmerston North and Levin next week to compete in the annual National Masters Tournament.

Regional pride will be on the line for the 59 teams competing across the various age divisions, and for those players keen to experience international competition, selectors will be on the sideline scouting talent for national teams.

Hockey New Zealand’s masters coordinator Graham Jackson says New Zealand is aiming to enter teams in this year’s FIH Masters World Cup (men and women 40+, 45+ 50+) and at the FIH Grand Masters World Cup (men 60+) which are both being held in England.

“New Zealand has a strong reputation in master’s hockey and it is helped by having a competitive annual National Masters Tournament, which players train throughout the year for,” says Jackson.

Canterbury Women's 40's team member, Janelle Mckellow, has been playing hockey for 30 years. As a mother of three including seven month old twin girls, she says she makes the time to get out and play the game that she loves.

"I am in a very talented team with a lot of friends I have played hockey with before. I enjoy the tournament because it is a chance to catch up with people I have played with over the years in various teams. It is always an awesome atmosphere and good hockey," says Mckellow.

This year, the penalty shoot out has been introduced to align with international rules. This will replace the penalty strokes as a decider when matches are drawn.

Hockey Manawatu is hosting the tournament and would like to thank Rehab Physiotherapy, Party Up, Pub Charity, Ford, Palmerston North City Council and Lotto for their support.

The tournament runs from 4-10 March and entry is free.

Courtesy: FIH