The Black Sticks squad for the third edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile has been confirmed with an aim to get back in the Pro League.
The side is looking particularly strong, welcoming back some of its key players who have been competing overseas in the Hockey India League, including captain Olivia Shannon, Hannah Cotter, and goalie Grace O'Hanlon.
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The tournament, takes place from February 23 to March 2, is an important event for teams ranked outside the FIH Hockey Pro League.
The winner earning a coveted spot in the following season of the FIH Hockey Pro League, but importantly for the Black Sticks acts as a building phase towards World Cup qualification against Australia in August this year.
Eight teams are set to compete for the title at Nations Cup and promotion to the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025/26.
The competition begins with three pool matches, and the top two teams from each pool will then advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the grand final on March 2.
Pool A: Canada, Chile, Japan, United States
Pool B: Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Korea
Nations Cup Squad is as follows:
Anna Crowley, Anna Willocks, Brooke Roberts, Casey Crowley, Emma Findlay, Emma Rainey
Grace O'Hanlon, Hannah Cotter, Hannah Gravenall, Holly Pearson, Kaitlin Cotter, Mezzy Surridge, Olivia Shannon (C), Paige Blake, Rebecca Baker, Riana Pho, Stephanie Dickins, Britt Wang
Match Schedule:
Sunday, February 23 at 3pm (Chile Time) vs Korea
Monday, February 24 at 7am (NZT)
Tuesday, February 25 at 5pm (Chile Time) vs Ireland
Wednesday, February 26 at 9am (NZT)
Thursday, February 27 at 3pm (Chile Time) vs Scotland
Friday, February 28 at 7am (NZT)
Semifinals:
Saturday, March 1 (Chilean Time)
Sunday, March 2 (NZT)
Finals:
Sunday, March 2 (Chile Time)
Monday, March 3 (NZT)