Hockey: Four Northlanders in Black Sticks squad

Northland defender Ella Gunson is one of four from the region to make the latest Black Sticks squad.

Northland continues to be a hotbed of hockey talent with four players selected in the latest Black Sticks squad.

Defenders Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen and Brooke Neal join Auckland-based striker Sam Harrison on the plane to Belgium.

The Black Sticks have been drawn in Pool B alongside the host nation, Australia, Spain and Malaysia. Pool A consists of reigning world champions Netherlands, Korea, China, Scotland and Italy.

World class defender-cum-midfielder Michelsen spearheads an experienced squad boasting 10 players with more than 100 appearances. Michelsen has 224.

Sam Charlton, Gunson, Harrison, Pippa Hayward, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry, Neal, Liz Thompson and veteran goalkeeper Sally Rutherford have all played more than 100 international matches.

Split across two events, 10 teams will take part in Brussels with another 10 competing at the World League semifinal in Johannesburg from July 8-23.

With qualification at stake for the FIH World League final in Auckland this November (New Zealand have automatic qualification as hosts), both semifinal events also serve as World Cup qualifiers.

While vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, the top teams from each semifinal will qualify for the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup in London.

Coach Mark Hager said the depth within the group presented some tough selection decisions.

"This is the strongest team we have at present after tests against Argentina, the Hawke's Bay Cup and also the Indian series this year," he said.

"There were some very challenging decisions in selecting the final group which shows we have healthy depth at the moment which is great following an Olympic year.

"We know the World League semifinal will be very tough and it offers the top level competition we need to play amongst to continue developing. We'll be pushing for a top performance with the ultimate goal to come away having qualified for the World Cup."

Black Sticks squad:

Goalkeepers: Grace O'Hanlon (unattached), Sally Rutherford (Midlands)

Defenders/Midfielders: Sam Charlton, Natasha Fitzimons, Rose Keddell (Midlands), Erin Goad (North Harbour), Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal (Northland), Liz Thompson (Auckland), Pippa Hayward, Jordan Grant, Rachel McCann (Canterbury).

Strikers: Kelsey Smith (Capital), Sam Harrison (Auckland), Kirsten Pearce (North Harbour), Olivia Merry (Canterbury), Amy Robinson (Midlands). Travelling reserve: Frances Davies (Midlands).

World League schedule (NZT):
June 22: v Spain
June 25: v Australia
June 26: v Belgium
June 28: v Malaysia