Hockey: On the road and working for the big events

Black Sticks attacker Petrea Webster is taking time off teaching to focus on her busy hockey schedule. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Few sports get as many opportunities for international travel and competition as hockey.

The women's Black Sticks squad are in San Diego for a series of internationals against Britain and the United States next week.

Then there's a six-nation tournament in Hawkes Bay in April, followed by the World Cup in The Hague in May-June, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow a few weeks later.

So it's all go, and for the players there's an imperative in the American trip - show coach Mark Hager he needs you for the big events coming up.

For versatile attacker Petrea Webster the amount of time hockey will occupy this year has meant taking three terms off her job as a teacher at North Shore's Carmel College.

The school have been supportive and Webster is a thoroughly determined type.

"I really, really hate losing," she laughs.

Since her debut three years ago, Webster has clocked up 47 caps and at 25 is becoming established as a key figure in the team.

She began playing at 5, and is making serious headway since joining the Black Sticks national group.

"It's developed my understanding of the game and position wise I'm a little more adaptable," she said.

"I can play two positions [midfield and striker] which is good. I've grown in that way and in confidence and physical presence.

"Something that's really big under Mark Hager is perseverance and I've got better at that."

The North Shore player began as a striker and has been moved into a midfield role which she's relishing.

Hager likes her speed and ability to make life uncomfortable for the opposition.

"She's quick, tenacious and an annoying player for opponents because she never gives up and chases hard," Hager said.

"She's made good gains in the last few years."

At the World League final last month, the New Zealand men reached their first top tier final since winning gold at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, and as a result are now No 5 in the rankings.

The women's team, ranked seventh, are out to climb back up the rankings too.

Hager wants to leave no stone unturned in his search for the right blend to take to the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

There are new faces in San Diego, notably debutant Jordan Grant and the returning Jenny Storey from Canterbury.

With quality players Katie Glynn, Krystal Forgesson and Stacey Michelsen missing the trip through injury, the door is open.