He enjoys getting out on the farm and spending time outdoors.
Wilcox is feeling fresh, physically fit and eager to make the most of his opportunities.
He had a good year in 2017, but his 2018 was frustrating.
On the comeback trail after major hip surgery at the end of the previous year, he then tore a hamstring.
Wilcox, a striker or midfielder, managed only 15 games of hockey last year and had to miss the Commonwealth Games.
“The hardest thing was the Commonwealth Games . . . that was my biggest knock,” he said.
The Black Sticks women won a gold medal and the men picked up silver.
Watching his teammates on television and not being able to join them on the park was tough.
The surgery was needed to reconnect his hip with his labral cartilage, he said.
He found the drawn-out recovery from the hamstring tear to be more frustrating than coming back from hip surgery.
Before his injuries, Wilcox had not had a break for a good while. He said the lay-off helped put things in perspective.
He has nearly completed his AgriCommerce degree from Massey University. However, the finishing post will be a little further away now that he’s resumed his hockey commitments.
Wilcox returned to the National Hockey League for Central in September last year and played for the Black Sticks against Canada in October, but didn’t make the World Cup team near the end of last year. He has since been a regular in the side.
He is also one of the 25 contracted men’s players.
Now living in Auckland, Wilcox said he pushed himself over summer to get in good shape.
“Physically, I’m feeling really good.”
