The 2009 Northland women's side is aiming high at the National Hockey League tournament in September. With Black Sticks players Charlotte Harrison and Ella Gunson returning and Rhonda Rowsell recently back from a season in Belgium, coach Grant McLeod said there was plenty of talent to work with. "We have those girlsreturning, plus we still have newly capped Black Sticks midfielder Anna Thorpe along with Laura Douglas, a former Black Sticks player," he said. "We still have numbers from last year but we've somewhat of a new look. I'm reasonably happy with it." The Northland Hockey chief executive also coached the women last year. He decided to take up the position once more to try to improve on their fourth place in 2008. "We were fourth last year and also in 2007 - and fourth is the highest we have ever finished in the league," McLeod said. "This year we are hoping to achieve better than that." He hopes consistency within the team and coaching staff will help the team accomplish their goal. "Over the last few years Northland women have had four or five different coaches, so I put my hand up to ensure continuity of coaching staff," he explained. The squad begins training on July 18 at Rosvall ITM Hockey turf with the first league match against North Harbour at Whangarei on September 12. They head to Christchurch for the remainder of their tournament matches beginning on September 19. Canterbury is first up for Northland, followed by Midlands, Central, Auckland, Wellington and Southern before the finals on September 27. As part of their preparation the women will play practice games against North Harbour, Auckland and Midlands on the weekends leading up to the league. The Northland men's coach is yet to be confirmed. An announcement is expected this week and once the coach has been appointed, the training squad will be named, McLeod said. It will follow the same schedule as the women and will also play North Harbour at Whangarei the week before the Christchurch-based matches. Northland 2009 National Hockey League Training Squad: Nicky Mathews, Rachael Lecky, Tania Crene, Rhonda Rowsell, Brooke Neal, Ella Gunson (NZ), Rana Vette, Hannah Nink, Laura Douglas (NZ), Megan McGregor, Jade McLeod, Charlotte Harrison (NZ), Anna Thorpe (NZ), Alyx Pivac, Samaria Tugaga, Ashley Malcolm, Chelsea Beasley, Elley Miller, Svea Hinnueber.
