Thundersticks set to spark in Under-21s match-ups

High-quality hockey will hit the Perth Hockey Stadium pitch at Curtin University when the Perth Thundersticks Men’s and Women’s Squads take on Hockey WA’s Under-21 State teams, in what shapes to be a feast of hockey in Perth.

The matches, played Wednesday 9 June and 16 June, will see the Thundersticks squads commence their preparation for the 2021 Sultana Bran Hockey One League later in the year.

The Perth Thundersticks squads are also slated to play invitational matches against the Vantage Black Sticks New Zealand Olympic Teams later this month, in what shapes to be an exciting opportunity for WA hockey – more information on this to be communicated soon.

Hockey WA General Manager of Talent Development and Asian Engagement Dean Evans says it's a fantastic opportunity for some of the state's best talent to experience high-quality matches in the lead-up to key tournaments.

“After the success of the second Ric Charlesworth Classic tournament earlier in the year featuring the best open age talent in Western Australia, we’re very excited to be embarking on the next phase of high performance hockey for this cohort. Our best players have been plying their trade in the local world class All Flags Premier League and will now get the opportunity to vie for higher representative honours on the National stage for the first time since 2019," Evans says.

"The standard of hockey promises to be first class and an ideal opportunity to whet the appetite before the upcoming Olympic Games.”

Rotating Thundersticks team line-ups for the matches will allow all players to experience full-match minutes and give coaches the opportunity to tweak with altering line-ups, positions and plays.

With the Under-21 teams finalised earlier this week, it also presents an important opportunity for the team to play together against high-quality opposition in the lead-up to the Under-21 National Championships on June 30 in Moorebank, Liverpool in New South Wales.

Attendance to the matches is free and all are encouraged to come and support your clubs’ very own Thundersticks stars before the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras face the Vantage Black Sticks in the FIH Pro League at Perth Hockey Stadium on 26 and 27 June. Buy FIH Pro League tickets here.

Full bar and food facilities will be open for fans during the matches, with new menu additions on offer.

Match Details

Game 1

Wednesday 9 June

Men’s - 6-7.30pm @ Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Thundersticks Men’s Game 1 Squad

Ben Rennie - Hale

Marshall Roberts - YMCC

Frazer Gerrard - UWA

Joe Welch - WASPs

Brandon Gibbs - WASPs

Coby Green - UWA

Brayden King - Hale

Will Byas – Westside Wolves

Daniel Robertson - Reds

Tim Geers - Melville

Josh Bowen - Hale

Sasha Thomas – Victoria Park

Alec Rasmussen - Hale

Dane Gavranich – Westside Wolves

Jack Hayes - Reds

Daniel Timms - UWA

Standby:

George McGeoch – Westside Wolves

Tarrant Haami-Jones - Reds

Matthew Fisher - UWA

Matt Willis - Melville

Game 2

Wednesday 16 June

Women’s - 6-7.30pm @ Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Men’s – 7:30 – 9:00pm @ Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Teams announced at a later date.