16 hours ago
Finn Ward's turn — with brother Patrick in the mix
PHOTO: ODT FILES
Otago hockey star Finn Ward has been named in the Black Sticks and his brother Patrick has been named as a back-up.
Patrick has played for the Black Sticks previously, but Finn will be on debut.
He is joined in the Black Sticks squad by Otago team-mates Malachi Buschl and Benji Culhane.
Patrick has been named as a travelling reserve.
The team will contest the 2025 Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur from June 15-21.
The Black Sticks, who won the tournament last year, return with a fresh opportunity to build on that momentum and push for top honours again.
Coach Greg Nicol has named a squad that blends international experience with exciting young talent, including three debutants: Louis Beckert, Gus Nelson and Finn Ward.
Their inclusion reflects the depth and development coming through the New Zealand hockey pathway.
''This is a great opportunity to expose new talent to international tournament hockey,'' Nicol said.
''Our focus is to keep building on last year's performance, playing a bold style of hockey and continuing to grow as a group.''
Dylan Thomas and Patrick Ward will also travel with the team as reserves.
The last time the Black Sticks played a test match was during the Paris Olympics last August.
This tournament is a valuable opportunity to represent New Zealand on a world stage and to build connections in preparation for Oceania Cup later this year.
Black Sticks
2025 Nations Cup
Louis Beckert, Dom Dixon, Scott Cosslett, Benji Culhane, Charlie Morrison, Brad Read, Simon Yorston, Malachi Buschl, Sean Findlay, Gus Nelson, Hayden Phillips, Nic Woods, Finn Ward, George Baker, Scott Boyde, Jonty Elmes, Sam Hiha, Sam Lane, Dylan Thomas (TR), Patrick Ward (TR).
Schedule
June 15, v Japan
June 17, v Malaysia
June 18, v Pakistan
June 20, semifinals
June 21, final
