The Southern Alpiners men's side are locked and loaded, ready to head to the North Island for their double header this weekend.
Playing in rounds four and five of the inaugural Premier Hockey League in Hamilton and Auckland, Metro News headed to a training session to find out how the seasons been going and how the lads are preparing for back-to-back games.
Coach Aaron Ford says although the team was only together for 3 hours before their first official games, due to players being scattered around the country, he’s been impressed with the intensity and effort. “They’re Southern lads, so they’re a great group of guys who bring the intensity. They just love playing hockey”.
This is backed up by the points table, which the Alpiners sit atop heading into the weekend.
Alluding to their love for the game, Ford said the guys were pushing for an extra five minutes of small games at the end of training, but he had to make sure they’re fit and ready to take their best up North.
With so many experienced Black Sticks in the side such as Joe and Charlie Morrison, Blair Tarrant and skipper Sam Lane. These trainings are perfect for young players looking to break into the national team.
Gus Nelson, playing an attacking role for the Alpiners and studying at Lincoln University said he is constantly in the ears of the top guys. “I’m always talking, asking questions, just trying to soak in as much as I can in this great environment".
Coach Ford says they’re looking to be a team that plays with speed and scores plenty of goals. In the first 3 rounds, the Alpiners nailed 13 in the back of the net. They’ll look to add to their impressive tally, starting tomorrow at 2:30 against the Mavericks in Hamilton.