THE state's rising stars, Central West's top talents and experienced officials together in Bathurst for one huge weekend of hockey - it's little wonder Kate Pulbrook is excited.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Since Pulbrook first got involved in planning the pre-season Premier League Hockey gala day, the Hockey NSW's participation manager has looked for ways to evolve the event. And evolve it has.
This year not only will men's and women's Premier League Hockey teams battle it out at Bathurst's Cooke Hockey Complex in a one-day round-robin, but the event has expanded to cover two days and involve more players.
Pulbrook has revived the Premier League Hockey All Stars concept, with the region's top talents to play a visiting Sydney club on Saturday, March 13.
The NSW Under 15s boys and girls squads will also be included in the weekend. They'll train in Bathurst on the Saturday then join in the PLH gala day on Sunday, March 14 as part of their preparation for nationals.
That Australian Under 15 Nationals will be hosted by Bathurst on April 9-15.
"Oh it will be big," Pulbrook said.
"We felt it was a good opportunity for them to train where they are going to be playing their national tournament.
"I've liaised with the coaches and the managers and they'll actually put teams into the round-robin games on the Sunday.
"So the under 15s boys and girls state and blues teams will be playing against some of the region's teams, which will be really good for them."
Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here
The NSW boys squad includes Bathurst talent Deklin Unsworth, while Macey Fulton, Tayla Grabham, Maggie Thompson and Lily Kable are in the NSW 15s girls squad.
There's another element to the weekend too.
"We've also got Zeke Newman coming out who is our umpiring officiating manager and he'll be conducting umpire accreditations and workshops," Pulbrook said.
"We'll also be doing a technical officer course through Cheryl Dodds. Having those two is absolutely awesome, this event will be the only event where you can get assed for your level one umpiring outside of a state championships."
