Hockey: Trio of Northlanders in Black Sticks squad for Argentina

Northlanders Stacey Michelsen (pictured), Brooke Neal and Ella Gunson will take part in the Black Stick's tour to Argentina in February. Photo / Getty Images

Three Northlanders are adding to a senior core for the Black Stick's tour to Argentina in February.

Black Sticks Women's head coach Mark Hager has named a versatile team for next month's test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

The series, which runs from 10-22 February, will be the side's first competition of the year as the young squad builds towards the FIH Women's World League Final in Auckland this November.

Northlanders Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal and Ella Gunson are part of an experienced defensive core for the side who finished fourth at the Rio Olympics.

Three players will make their Black Sticks debut during the series including midfielders Stephanie Dickins and Tessa Jopp along with goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon.

North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry is still rehabilitating from a torn ACL suffered in 2016, ruling her out of the trip to Argentina.

The team is spearheaded by experienced defender Michelsen, who has played 216 tests for New Zealand along with Sam Charlton, Liz Thompson, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry and Gunson who have all played more than 100 games. Neal needs just four more appearances to join the 100 club.

Hager said the series is a great opportunity to open the year against the world number three ranked Argentineans.

"This will be a fantastic tour for the group in their first international competition of 2017," he said.

"We have four debutants and a lot talent who will be pushing for the additional five spots still up for grabs in the National Squad.

"Following the Rio Olympics it's a new era for us and it will be exciting for all these players to have a high quality hit-out ahead of a big year."