WOMEN'S NHL: Northland preparing to face Auckland

Avoiding complacency is key for the Northland women's team heading into this weekend's National Hockey League's first two rounds.
The talent-laden Northland side lost both of last weekend's pre-tournament matches to the Northland Presidents - the only team to take out the men's national title the Challenge Shield 15 years ago - when complacency crept into their play.
First up in the tournament they play Auckland, who, coach Alan Lints said, is possibly their greatest opposition this year. They will will need to sharpen their game plan, absorb the physical knocks, think smarter to beat them if Northland are to improve on last year's fifth place at the NHL.
Australian import striker Jess Esslemont arrived on Wednesday and promptly put on her kit to train. "She has fitted in well and is excited about the attacking style we will be playing," the coach said.
All players will be involved this weekend with the goalkeepers Nicky Mathews and Nicky Howes most likely playing a game apiece. The rest of the squad is on the team card including a Black Sticks-filled midfield of Ella Gunson, Anna Thorpe, Laura Douglas and Stacey Michelsen. "They will need to be on their game as they have a number of opposition Black Sticks to contend with," he said.
Fellow Black Sticks Alana Millington will need to marshal the defence and concentrate on man-on-man marking and Charlotte Harrison, though young in years, will use her considerable international experience to lead her young co-strikers. Striker Jade McLeod has withdrawn because of injury and has been replaced by Jess McAlister. There is a sense of nervousness ahead of tomorrow's initial clash.
"It really is huge for us, Auckland in Auckland is always a challenge. But the opportunity to play North Harbour at home on Sunday is going to be fantastic. We have so much to play for, not only our team mates but all the wonderful people that have been supporting us," Lints said.
Northland back up tomorrow's game with a match against North Harbour at Rosvall ITM Stadium on Sunday, starting at 2.30pm.
Northland women: Guest Players: Emma Cobbin (AUS), Jess Esslemont (AUS), Laura Douglas, Ella Gunson, Charlotte Harrison, Nicky Howes, Nicky Mathews, Jacinda McLeod, Jess McAlister, Jasmin McQuinn, Carli Michelsen, Stacey Michelsen, Elley Miller, Alana Millington, Melissa Simpson, Hollie Smith, Anna Thorpe, Tarannah Vette.Auckland women: Jan Burrows, Honor Dillon, Krystal Forgesson, Kushla Glauser, Katie Glynn, Kate Hollywood, Julia King, Frances Kreft, Samantha Harrison, Danielle Jones, Stacey MacDonald, Rhonda Rowsell, Kate Saunders, Belinda Smith, Caroline Stuart, Danielle Sutherland, Lucy Talbot, Nicole Youman.
North Harbour Women: Edwina Bone, Johanna Bilkey, Rhianna Buchanan, Rhiannon Dennison, Hannah Duley, Kelsey Dunn, Lauren Emirali, Natasha Fitzsimons, Erin Goad, Amanda Green, Kathryn Henry, Naveena Hira, Amie Judge, Brianna Lupton, Karlie Maloney, Bianca Russell, Kate Savory, Petrea Webster.