Why are the New Zealand Black Sticks not playing in the FIH Pro League?

The Black Sticks are not participating in the FIH Pro League primarily due to the high travel costs associated with competing globally, making it financially unfeasible for Hockey New Zealand.

How does not playing in the Pro League affect the Black Sticks' performance?

The absence from the Pro League means players have less opportunity to compete against the world's best teams, impacting their development and contributing to a widening quality gap, as seen in recent tournament results.

What are the Black Sticks players doing to stay competitive without the Pro League?

Players are improvising by participating in the FIH Nations Cup, training in city-based camps, and sometimes funding their own practice games and travel to maintain their skills and connection.

Home / Sports / Black Sticks' Global Game: Travel Costs Ground Hockey Dreams

Black Sticks' Global Game: Travel Costs Ground Hockey Dreams

6 Jan

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Summary

New Zealand hockey team cited travel costs as reason for skipping Pro League.
Players must fund camps and practice games out of their own pockets.
The team finished last at the Paris Olympics, its worst performance since 1964.

Black Sticks' Global Game: Travel Costs Ground Hockey Dreams

The New Zealand men's hockey team, known as the Black Sticks, faces significant challenges in competing at the elite level due to their inability to participate in the FIH Pro League. Hockey New Zealand has cited prohibitive travel costs for their withdrawal from the league, deeming it economically unfeasible to send the team across continents for fixtures. This decision, announced in July of this year, prioritizes a sustainable, athlete-first program but comes at the cost of regular exposure to top-tier competition.

Without the Pro League, Black Sticks players are improvising to maintain their skill levels. Captain Nic Woods highlighted the financial impossibility of competing in a league requiring travel to multiple continents. Despite winning the FIH Nations Cup for two consecutive years, the team has rejected the resulting promotion to the Pro League, opting instead for a more localized competition. This strategy, while addressing immediate financial concerns, has contributed to a growing quality gap with world hockey's elite.