There were mixed emotions in the North Harbour camp yesterday.
On the one hand they were celebrating repeat triumphs with Black Sticks Blair Hopping and Lizzy Igasan again named as New Zealand's hockey players of the year.
On the other they were left contemplating today's must-win game againstCanterbury in the last round of pool play without key players.
After losing former Black Sticks striker Jan Peterson to a knee injury in their first match of the National League last Friday, they are now without regular fullback Dan Shaw who badly broke his finger in the come-from-behind 5-2 win over Wellington on Thursday night.
Hopping, brought in as a replacement for Peterson, is unavailable today, leaving coach Brent Edwards with a squad of 15.
Under this season's format the top two teams qualify for tomorrow's finals. There are no semifinals.
Auckland, unbeaten on 16 points, are assured of their place in the finale but their opponent will not be known until after today's clash between North Harbour and Canterbury.
Midlands, who should be too strong for Northland in the 11am game, are on 12 points but trail North Harbour on goal difference.
If Midlands score a big win over Northland, North Harbour must beat Canterbury and keep their goal difference advantage intact to get through. If Midlands and North Harbour lose, Canterbury would go through.
The women's race is just as tight. Auckland and Midlands lead on 13 points - one ahead of North Harbour and Northland.
