Hockey: Indoor game in the spotlight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HOCKEY'S SHORT indoor season gets under way this weekend with various Divisional Tournaments, followed by after Christmas, the DTZ Midland's invitation tournament and for the women the second year of their National Indoor League.
The popularity of the indoor game, with the availability of so many excellent outdoor artificial facilities, has diminished over recent years and there is a fear that it may shortly be eliminated from the calendar. The good news is that Chris Spice, hockey's director of performance, is a strong supporter of the indoor game. The sad news is that because of the pressures on elite players, particularly over the coming years, most of them are likely to be pulled out.
"I welcome indoor hockey," Spice said yesterday. "It relates well to the outdoor game, is a good spectator sport and is very good promotionally. The problem is one of timing."
With this news it is good to hear of a club returning to the indoor arena with new vigour. Leek, who will be led by the Olympic gold medallist Imran Sherwani, will be competing in the DTZ Midland event for the first time for many years with the aim of reaching the EHA finals night at Crystal Palace on Friday 5 February.
Sherwani would be no stranger to hockey's night of the year, having appeared for Slough and Stourport in the finals on a number of occasions.
Dunton Engineering, a solely indoor club, made a big impact last year in the Premier East League and appear again today at Aldenham School with the nucleus of their squad coming from Southgate.
In the same league much is expected from Chelmsford who will feature several South Africans in their squad including Craig Carolan who was de-registered by Southgate last week.
Hockey's new chief executive, who had been expected to be named this week, will now be announced in the New Year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments