Hockey: Michelsen nominated for Player of the Year

Northlander Stacey Michelsen has been nominated for the World Hockey Player of the Year award after an impressive 2016 season. Photo/Photosport.nz

Black Sticks live wire and Northlander Stacey Michelsen is one of five players shortlisted by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for Women's Player of the Year.

Michelsen, who has played 216 tests for New Zealand, had a stunning year at events such as the Hawke's Bay Cup and Rio Olympic Games.

"It is a huge honour to be nominated, particularly alongside the other nominees who I have a great amount of respect for as players," Michelsen said.

"It's been a very tough year with the disappointment of not achieving what we set out to in Rio, but it has certainly motivated many of us to be better in the coming years.

"I am very much looking forward to the chance to play in the Word League tournaments in 2017, especially the final which will be hosted in Auckland.

"It provides Hockey New Zealand a great opportunity to showcase the sport and will also be very nice to play a major tournament in front of a home crowd, something we haven't had the chance of doing as a group."

The news came as the FIH announced nominees for the 2016 Hockey Stars Awards, the annual prizes which recognise the world's best field players, goalkeepers, rising stars, coaches and umpires in a given calendar year.

Five male and five female nominees have been selected for each award with the Player, Goalkeeper and Rising Star awards selected by a panel consisting of the FIH Athletes' Committee, Continental Federations, Coaches and media.

All awards are based on performance at international events during the 2016 season, as well as the player's overall contribution to the sport.

Award winners will be decided by the combined results of an online vote that is open to the public and a peer vote from international athletes.

Voting for all awards will open later this week with more details to come.