Irish Hockey takes a major step this weekend into a new era with the inaugural round of matches in the EY National Hockey League.
For the first time, teams will compete in 18 rounds to earn their place at the Champions Trophy weekend where the Irish champions will be crowned.
The new full-season EY Hockey League mirrors the domestic league structures in hockey powerhouses such as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
It is expected to lead to enhanced pathways for the development of players that can compete at international level.
International
Hockey Ireland won the right to host a major international event in 2017 and it is expected, following impressive recent results that both the men’s and women’s teams will qualify to compete for the first time at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.
“Having played in professional clubs in Holland, Belgium and Germany their competition is extremely high in their leagues making them incredibly exciting games to watch,” said Eugene Magee of Cambridge and Ireland speaking at yesterday’s launch
“The youth of those clubs then gain a significant interest in hockey and perhaps this is why they develop such skills from such a young age.”
“I’m hoping the same will apply to hockey in Ireland with the massive buzz that this league is creating”.
Structure
The new structure of the league means teams will be travelling around the country and the highest quality of hockey will be on display in all 4 provinces.
“We at EY are delighted to be partnering with the most impressive hockey competition on our island,” said EY Managing Partner Mike McKerr.
“By supporting the highest performing teams in the sporting arena, we hope to expand on our own strategy to inspire effective and engaged teaming within our firm.”
“We are extremely proud to be supporting Irish hockey as we embark upon what promises to be a highly competitive season.”
Inspiration
“In the past 6 months, in particular, the Green Machine and Green Army have filled us all with equal parts inspiration and confidence,” said Hockey Ireland CEO Mike Heskin.
“We now move into a new season and the league, much like our association, has a new name but the values we hold and that which our players personify very much remain steadfast.”
“Moving from the IHA to Hockey Ireland positions us alongside other Olympic and all Ireland sports, we are a progressive sport and are moving into the next chapter for hockey in Ireland”.
