THE new Deutsche Bank Corporate Hockey League starts tomorrow evening with eight mixed teams signed up to the initiative, which is designed to encourage more people to take part in the game.
‘The Corporate League will provide regular hockey with the emphasis very firmly on fun,’ said Shelagh Herbert, the sport’s development officer who has been the driving force in bringing the new league into being.’I was very keen to develop the world of adult hockey and there was a lot of interest from established players when the idea was first advertised.
We now have eight corporate teams, made up from current players, former players and novices.’The whole point of including experienced players in the teams is so that they can provide the ideas and structure to the teams.’She added that it also gave Jersey Hockey Association players, who have taken on the role of organiser in their respective corporate team, the opportunity to put something back into the sport, while also providing those who already play regularly with a further opportunity.’It’s always easier to get people involved when it’s something they are interested in already.
Eight teams is a nice number to start with, and if the league goes well and is enjoyable it will grow in strength.
I hope there might be more teams involved next season.”The league also brings a welcome return to the game of mixed hockey, which has hardly been played in the Island at adult level for a number of years.’Some of those playing in the men’s and women’s hockey league now have never played mixed hockey, which is a pity,’ Herbert added.
‘I think they will be pleasantly surprised.
And this league is another example of the huge support that Deutsche Bank is offering the game of hockey.’Matches start at 6.30 pm at Les Quennevais tomorrow and spectators welcome.
Further details on the new league are available from Shelagh Herbert, tele 500161.
Article posted on 1st March, 2004 - 12.00am
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