HOCKEY
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THE teams are named, the skippers are raring to go and anticipation is high.
The inaugural John Davis Motors Hockey Superleague kicks off tomorrow, following Wednesday’s launch and Thursday night’s team ballot, and at this stage, the competition favourites are anyone’s guess.
With one eye on eventually creating an Indian Premier League-style player auction, Orange Men’s Hockey Association decided each side via a player draw - players were split by positions and experience, and drawn from a hat to form the four sides - with each team boasting serious quality.
In terms of leadership, men’s Premier League Hockey stars Alex Said, Adam Hurford and Daryl Kennewell will skipper the Suzuki Strikers, Mazda Maulers and Renault Royals respectively, while Australian masters representative Darryn Marjoram will captain the Volvo Vikings.
Former Wales under 21 star Todd Freedman will coach the Maulers, while Annie Burrell, Beth Shea and Pete Shea will coach the Strikers, Vikings and Royals respectively.
“Everyone is really looking forward to getting out and playing, and seeing how the competition pans out,” Orange City Hockey Club delegate, and Superleague architect, Scott Baker said.
“[Thursday] night went off without a hitch, there was a lot of people there and we’ve ended up with four pretty even teams I think.
“Although, based on the way the cookie crumbled, Adam Hurford is convinced his side is the one to beat, and it probably is. There is a lot of good youngsters in that side.
“It’s interesting compared to the Volvo Vikings, we’re all a bit older. It fits in well with the adage about old Volvo drivers.”
The captains have been afforded a trade period as well, to make changes as they see fit, with Said and Hurford already agreeing on a deal. Hurford’s Maulers picked up Chris Dickson in return for Michael Nunn.
The Royals take on the Strikers in tomorrow’s inaugural game, kicking off at 10am, with each team playing each other once throughout the course of the day. The second round will be held on Sunday, August 2 with the third and final round being played on Sunday, August 16. First past the post will claim the inaugural Superleague title.
Players are asked to be at Orange Hockey Complex by 9.30am.