Hockey: Andy Hayward targets home turf tilt

Tauranga's Andy Hayward is looking forward to playing for the Black Sticks in Tauranga. Photo/File

Tauranga's homegrown Black Sticks international Andy Hayward is excited about the prospect of playing against Japan in a three-test series to take place at the Tauranga Hockey Centre from March 12-15.

The former Tauranga Boys' College star missed the successful silver medal campaign at the World League Final in New Delhi, so is even more determined to get his starting spot back in the Black Sticks.

"I think this series is very important from a team perspective, as it is a pretty big year coming up with the World Cup in May/June and then the Commonwealth Games in July/August," Hayward said.

"But also personally I have not played for the team since June last year, as I have had a few injuries and sometimes work commitments come first, so it is exciting to be back in the team."

Hayward is highly impressed with the world-class turfs and lights at the Tauranga Hockey Centre, which means the Black Sticks will hopefully play regular series here.

"I love it and all the boys love going down there. It is a pretty cool place to come. You can play hockey there and then after the game you can cruise down to the Mount and a two-minute walk to the beach, which is pretty exciting.

"The turfs are exactly the same as what the World Cup turfs are going to be like this year, so that makes them the latest and best turfs around. If we can make it a regular sort of training and playing venue every year than that will be really good."

Tickets for the Black Sticks v Japan series are on sale from midday today. The series is part of the team's build-up to the 2014 World Cup in May and the Commonwealth Games in July, and is the side's only home appearance in 2014.

A Have a Go zone for the kids will be set up and the Black Sticks will be available for autographs after the games. With tickets cheap and discounted family passes available, this is a great chance to see world-class hockey at the wonderful facilities at the Tauranga Hockey Centre at Blake Park.

This should sell out quickly, so go to www.ticketdirect.co.nz. Presale tickets are cheaper so buy now and save.