Hockey: Madison Doar trading NCEA exams for international hockey tests

Northlander Madison Doar is ready for the biggest test of her young hockey career - the FIH World Hockey League Final. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT.NZ

While her schoolmates are preparing for NCEA exams, Madison Doar has a different kind of test to prepare for.

The 18-year-old Northlander will be lining up for the Black Sticks as they look to take full advantage of a home crowd during the FIH World Hockey League Final.

Doar joins fellow Northlanders Brooke Neal, Ella Gunson and Stacey Michelsen in the squad.

Doar said the opportunity is definitely a lot more fun than cramming for exams.

"It's pretty great not having to worry about them. St Cuthbert's (Doar's College in Auckland) have been really good about it so there isn't any additional stress going into the tournament," she said.

The young striker impressed during her debut series against India but she was not expecting to be called up for one of the biggest hockey tournament.

"I definitely wasn't expecting to be named in the squad. I had to re-read the email eight or nine times before I realised what had actually happened. It's really exciting," she said.

"This will definitely be a step up from when I first played. The best teams in the world are here but I learnt a lot from that debut and will carry a lot into this tournament."

Coach Mark Hager said it was a significant point in Doar's burgeoning career.

"It's a big moment for Madi, who we believe will learn quickly and relish the opportunity," he said.

"Madi is a good attacking player who is quick and wants to score goals - she's a young player without fear and we want to let her go out there and play her game."

The Black Sticks will be looking to improve on their grand final loss at the last World Hockey League Final in 2014, going down to Argentina 5-1.

Doar said the team is ready for tomorrow'stournament opener against world No 1 The Netherlands.

"Team preparation has been going well. We've had a few practice matches against Argentina, Germany and the men so we're in a pretty good spot," she said.

"We all know they've been a strong team for years so it will be a real battle but we're really excited. It'll definitely be a tough challenge but I'm sure we will all rise up for it and leave everything out there on the turf.

"The goal is always to win but we'll take each game as it comes. We can't take any team lightly, every single game will be a real challenge.

This is one of the most premier hockey tournaments New Zealand has ever hosted. It's the first time the Final has been hosted outside of Argentina.

Doar said the team is salivating the chance to play in front of their home fans but they still need to keep their eyes on the prize.

"It's brilliant to have something like this in our own backyard. It's the biggest tournament we've hosted in a long time but we've got to keep our focus on the task, not the crowd," she said.

"I have a lot of friends and family coming along to watch which is really cool."

"I'm really excited for this tournament, I can't wait for it to kick off. It's going to be awesome."