Action from Black Sticks v Malaysia at Tauranga Hockey Centre in March 2016. Photo / File
Action from Black Sticks v Malaysia at Tauranga Hockey Centre in March 2016. Photo / File
World class hockey returns to the Tauranga Hockey Centre at Blake Park with the Four Nations tournament in January.
The Vantage Black Sticks are set to host Olympic silver medallists Belgium (world ranking 3rd), India (6th) and Japan (16th) in a quad series from January 17-28.
Split across two separatefive-day series, the Tauranga Hockey Association at Blake Park will host the action from January 17-21 before teams head to Gallagher Hockey Centre in Hamilton from January 24-28.
It will be the first appearance by the Black Sticks men at Mount Maunganui since the series against Malaysia in March 2016.
The Kiwis will be looking to start 2018 off with a bang as they begin their build-up for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.
New Zealand last played Belgium and Japan at the Hockey World League semifinals in Johannesburg where they recorded a 2-0 defeat and 3-1 victory. The Black Sticks will also be looking for revenge against India who came away with a 4-0 win in their last clash at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year.
Tauranga Hockey Association general manager Clinton Butler is excited by the calibre of teams competing in the Four Nations.
"Any tournament you get the opportunity to host international matches is massive but it is extra good when you look at the calibre of teams that are coming. Belgium were silver medallists at the last Olympics, New Zealand are currently eighth, India sixth and Japan top 20.
"Any time you can bring world class athletes to town and put them on show for your membership and for the community to come along and have a look at is huge."
Tickets for all days of the 2018 Men's Four Nations are on sale and start from just $5 through www.dashtickets.co.nz.
The 2018 Men's Four Nations is proudly supported by Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT), Tauranga City Council and Hamilton City Council.
2018 Men's Four Nations — Match Schedule Blake Park, Mount Maunganui
Wednesday, January 17 5.45pm — India vs Japan. 7.30pm — Vantage Black Sticks vs Belgium Thursday January 18 5.45pm — India vs Belgium, 7.30pm — Vantage Black Sticks vs Japan Saturday January 20 12.15pm — Vantage Black Sticks vs India, 2pm — Belgium vs Japan Sunday January 21 12pm — Bronze medal match, 2pm — Gold medal match
