A PAIR of Melville City Hockey Club players have been named in the WA men’s team travelling to Tasmania for the Under-18 National Championships in April.
Justin Schonken and Kyle Potter will represent the Maroon’s in Hobart, joined in the side by Melville residents James Leigh (Old Aquinians), Riley Faulds (Fremantle Hockey Club) and reserve Ryan Pace (Suburban Lions).
Last year the under-18 men flew home with the gold medal after triumphing over New South Wales in a dramatic penalty shootout.
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READ NOWThe boys in black and gold will look to replicate that success when they take to the field again from April 8 to 16.
Hockey WA high performance and under-18 men’s coach Tom Wickham said whittling the squad down to 18 had been a difficult process.
“Entering our teams into the pre-season cup tournament has been a great resource for us to gain better understanding of players and what they have to offer,” he said.
“It’s always tough when you have a group of young talented athletes competing for limited positions, however we are happy with the selections we have come to.
“We have selected athletes who we believe are ready to step up to the demands and expectations we require and to put us into a position to win.
“The importance of selecting a team of players who can fit in and do what is required for the team was a huge part of the selection process.
“The athletes who have been selected as reserves are also athletes we believe are more than ready to step up to the challenge if called upon.”
The under-18 women’s team will be unveiled next week.