There will be one less Wanganui team contesting the start of the Manawatu Hockey League today as last year's young wooden-spooners Rangers are no longer in existence.
It means all playing resources for the men's grade have switched over to Tech College Old Boys, who will once again try togo just one game better than previous seasons and see if they can secure a spot in the grand final on August 23.
Last year, under coach Langley Atkinson, the team finished third after winning the consolation playoff with College in Palmerston North, having been beaten semifinalists the week before by Massey, who won the title.
Atkinson will not be coaching this year, with veteran player Trent Williamson taking the reins, while leading player Martin Atkinson, who played for the Central Mavericks in the NHL and was in the Junior Black Sticks training squad, has moved to Auckland.
TCOB's first game will be against Massey at home, starting at 3pm.
