Hockey: Ross McPherson passes away at age 77

Former Northland and New Zealand hockey goalkeeper Ross McPherson (right) in action at Kensington Park during the 1960s.

Former Northland and New Zealand hockey goalkeeper Ross McPherson has passed away at age 77.

McPherson began his hockey career as a goalkeeper at Whau Valley Primary School.

From primary school he went onto attend Whangarei Boys High.During his club career he played for Old Boys, Rovers and Springfield.

In his international career he played for NZ at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and the Munich Olympics in 1972. Over a nine year period during the late 1960s and early 1970s Ross played 64 matches for NZ, 37 of them tests or matches at the Mexico Olympics and the Munich Olympics.

During this time he did not let one single penalty stroke get past him. He had an uncanny ability to stop penalty strokes, a skill which he put to particularly good use helping Northland to win the Challenge Shield on two occasions by stopping penalty strokes.

Even today Ross is still regarded as one of the best goalkeepers the game has ever produced.

Sue Shepherd, author of Northland Hockey Heroes, said he will be sorely missed.

"Ross was one of those exceptional people you met in life. He was the reason I decided to make a book about some of Hockey Northlands greatest players. We talked many times - he was a gentleman and a true sportsman," she said.

"I am so glad I took the time to listen and record his stories. Marilyn Edwards his partner of many years was one of his greatest supporters."

"Rest in peace Ross you will be greatly missed by the whole Northland and New Zealand Hockey Communities."

McPherson, nicknamed 'Tufty' due to his lack of hair, was the consumate professional, typified by his comments in Northland Hockey Heroes.

"You try to win but winning isn't everything. You learn to take the good with the bad," he said.

"You play to win, you play to enjoy the game, but you must be a good loser."

"I've always tried to be a perfectionist. I am always happy after a game if the score at my end is nil."

McPherson also played cricket, representing Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield and was reputed as a solid and technically correct opening batsman.

He is survived by wife Marilyn Edwards and his two children.