ATLASVILLE, SOUTH AFRICA – After a successfully hosted World championships Division III in Cape Town, the players, coaches and clubs now look forward to the new season.
In the past few months, there have been some additions in terms of the leagues in Johannesburg, South Africa. What used to be known as 1st division has now become known as the PHL (Premier Hockey League), a new league which is now 1st Division has been created as well as maintaining the 2nd Division.
The 1st Division teams will be feeder teams for the PHL teams.
As you may remember we had 3 teams last year, not much has changed in that regards. There are still the Scorpions, Wildcats and Warriors. Wildcats however, have a new look to their team. They have changed colours and design of uniform and have obtained the service of a coach, Nick Beukes. Nick Beukes bring a vast amount of experience to the team as a coach, having represented South Africa as a player in his younger years and now currently serves a linesman at various World Championship competitions.
At Wildcats first training session he made it known that this year was going to be different to past years. Wildcats have also bolstered their defence with the addition of long absent Burton Matthews. Matthews is a powerhouse on the blue line and brings much experience having represented South Africa at all levels and having played ice hockey in Croatia and Canada.
Warriors have also added a few new players to their roster this year. They have acquired the services of two players from Cape Town, Deen Magmoed and Gareth Miller, both were on the 2011 South African team. These two along with Captain, Andre Marais and forward Cameron Birrel should add an interesting dimension to the league.
The battle once again is going to waged between the goaltenders, Ashley Bock for the Warriors, Gary Bock for Wildcats and David Berger for Scorpions. Gary Bock, having been left off the roster for the World Championships has a massive point to prove this year.
The battle of the power forwards will be an interesting one as well as each team has one. Andre Marais for the Warriors, Damian Cardoso for the Scorpions and George Lyon for the Wildcats.
All three were representatives of the 2011 South African team that achieved silver medal at the World Championships in Cape Town.
The first game of the season was Sunday 15th May, with the Warriors taking on Scorpions in highly anticipated opening season game.
Wildcats open their campaign the following weekend with a game against the Warriors.
Keep an eye out for the game update of the season opener.
Glad to be back writing again and look forward to the season ahead.
Contact Gary.Bock@prohockeynews.com
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