New AstroTurf for National Hockey Centre

Making this revelation was Minister of Sport Darryl Smith, during a media conference at the neighbouring National Tennis Centre yesterday.

Talking about the state of the Hockey Centre, Smith noted, “I always asked the question ‘why was the machine to clean the turf never purchased?’ When I asked how much (the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board) spent every quarter or so to pay (a company) to powerwash, when we added up how much that came up to, we could have had enough money to buy 10 machines.” Smith said, “I’m letting you all know that with the new turf, we’ll be also purchasing a new machine as well. We have new lighting, we have to thank TTEC for coming in so fast to assist. We’ll be finishing a new pavilion this week.” The Hockey World League Round Two will feature eight teams in two groups. Pool A will comprise of Canada, Chile, Barbados and the United States, while hosts Trinidad and Tobago will be in Pool B, alongside Japan, Russia and Switzerland.

On the opening day, March 25, in Pool A, Canada will face United States at 1.15 pm while Chile will meet Barbados from 3.30 pm. And, in Pool B, Japan will oppose Switzerland at 5.45 pm while Trinidad and Tobago will square off against Russia at 8 pm.

There will be preliminary round games on March 26 and 28, followed by the quarter-finals on March 30, the semi-finals on April 1 and the final, as well as the lower-placing matches, on April 2.

The Sports Minister also urged the athletes and the TTHF to encourage the fans, particularly in the primary schools, to attend the event to enhance the growth of the sport locally.

And, focusing on the TT squad members in attendance at the media conference, Smith stated, “At the end of the day, the light is shining brightly on you all. If you perform well, you can get scholarships and contracts (abroad).” Glenn “Fido” Francis, coach of the TT team, spoke of the preparation phase that the team have been going through, within the past year. “We started eight months ago,” he said. “We started off with 30 guys, then (reduced to) 22 guys. The guys have been doing well, they’re really focused.” The former national player noted, “For me as the coach, it’s very tough because everyone has high expectations. But we’ll deal with it. We have a lot of quality in the team.” Among the sponsors for the tournament are the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT), Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), Tourism Development Company (TDC), First Citizens, Excellent Stores, Atlantic LNG, Colfire, Blue Waters, Nestle Trinidad and Tobago Limited, Subway, Movie Towne and Associated Brands Limited.

Trinidad and Tobago Training Squad - Darren Cowie (captain), Aidan De Gannes, Kieron Emmanuel, Jordan Reynos, Jordan Vieira, Marcus James, Shaquille Daniel, Marcus Pascal, Dylan Francis, Teague Marcano, Tariq Marcano, Kristen Emmanuel, Andrey Rocke, Kwasi Emmanuel, Kwandwane Browne, Stefan Mouttet, Akim Toussaint, Mickell Pierre, Isaiah Scott, Karlos Stephen, Jabari Perez, Daniel Byer, Lyndell Byer.

Technical Staff - Glenn Francis (coach), Dwain Quan Chan (assistant coach), Kirth Davis (manager), Nataki Akii-Bua (assistant manager), Christabella George- Ford (assistant manager), Nicholas Baldeosingh (videographer/ IT analyst), Karielle De Bique (physiotherapist), Dr Zynul Khan (doctor).