Anticipation builds for first Indoor Classic

The best indoor hockey players from across the country are set to head to Northam this weekend for the first Hockey WA Indoor Classic.

The Classic is supported by the Shire of Northam and will run from October 8 to 9 and provide players and spectators the opportunity to experience elite-level indoor hockey and explore the region.

The competition will emulate Hockey WA’s highly-successful Ric Charlesworth Classic with the same four teams – the Breakers, Outbacks, Suns and Highlanders – and is set to put indoor hockey in the spotlight.

Former Australian indoor hockey star Lauren Austin, who is coach of the Highlanders men’s and women’s sides, said the event would help put indoor hockey in focus in WA.

“It is exciting for a lot of people in the indoor community seeing this push and this support from Hockey WA,” Austin said.

“One of the main sticking points for us is feeling like we aren’t a separate community, we are the hockey community, and it is great to get that support.”

Austin was a member of the Australian Indoor Hockey squad for well over a decade and represented her country at two Indoor Hockey World Cups in 2007 and 2018, scoring five goals across the two tournaments.

The former Australian star said indoor hockey was a high-scoring, skillful and enticing game which was great for spectators.

“It is an exciting and fast format of the game,” Austin said.

“It is high scoring, you can get 10 to 20 goals scored in a game of 40 minutes, so anyone that likes goal scoring and fast-paced hockey should come for a look.”

The sides for the Classic are made up of international and state indoor players as well as a number of stars from Hockey WA’s Premier Leagues.

Austin said the sport was not only great to play but it provided plenty of benefits for outdoor players throughout the offseason.

“I love the game of indoor hockey and I always have,” Austin said.

“I think it is an amazing sport to be involved in to develop your outdoor skills.

“It is a faster format of the game when it comes to decision making and spatial awareness on the court.

“At the end of the day, the basics of hockey are something you can never be too good at.”

Austin said the format of the Indoor Classic would be a great way to showcase the talent of indoor players in WA and Australia.

“I think tournaments like this will help people to realise there are other things to do, it doesn’t just have to be state stuff or club stuff,” she said.

“We are starting to grow the game and showing people we do have the ability to showcase some of the best players in the country.

“The Ric Charlesworth Classic has been so successful over the past couple of years and I think it is great indoor hockey get their chance.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity going forward.”

Attendance is free and all spectators are welcome to attend, with matches kicking off from 9am Saturday and 8am Sunday at the Northam recreation centre.