NZ hockey hopeful sticks to his dream
A passion for hockey has led a Thames local to be named as part of the Junior Black Sticks squad.
The Junior Black Sticks squad has been announced, and among its ranks is 18-year-old Trent Summers from Thames.
The announcement came after the final of the National under 21s tournament held in Hamilton this week.
Coach Grant Edwards will reduce the 30-strong squad to 20 players through a training camp in September, forming the team for the international Junior World Cup next year.
Summers, who now lives in Christchurch, delicately balances his engineering studies with his hockey commitments.
“It’s probably the hardest thing, especially this year with the increased workload. But that’s all part of the experience, I suppose, and teaches me to manage my time a bit better,” he laughs.
The defender and midfielder has played hockey from a young age and believes it is a sport like no other.
“It’s one of the fastest and most skilful sports around, which is exciting to be a part of. The fact that it’s so unpredictable because you’re not limited by an offside rule means you’ve got to be thinking on and off the field.”
The former Hauraki Plains College head boy has been working his way up the ranks for the past five years.
“This year I am playing for the Canterbury University Club team and played for the Canterbury U21s. I played for the New Zealand U18s last year and I’m hoping to work my way towards the NHL squad for Canterbury in the near future.”
Being a struggling student, Trent is grateful for any support that he receives.
“TOA (a New Zealand brand) have picked me up this year and are sponsoring me which is handy because it takes a bit of the money pressure off, not having to fork out 400 odd bucks for a stick considering you go through a couple each year.”
Summers has not been plagued by injuries, unlike many of our nation’s rugby players, and is enjoying the most out of the experience.
“The tournaments you go away on for school and stuff and the people you get to meet are definitely part of the experience which makes it enjoyable.”
The venue and date of the 2013 World Cup is yet to be announced.
For more information on the team and coaches visit the Hockey NZ website.
