Vale Dennis Kemp

Hockey WA is saddened to hear of the loss of a WA hockey legend and 1956 Olympian in Dennis Kemp.

A legend of the Perth Hockey Club, Dennis was introduced to the world of hockey halfway through his first year of high school after previously playing football in the Cobbers' Temperance League as a boy.

Perth Hockey Club was the first and only hockey club Dennis played for, going on to compete in first division, State Colts, State Seniors and then for Australia.

Dennis was also heavily involved with the Perth Hockey Club off the field, serving as Vice President, Committee Member, Floreat Editor, WAHA Delegate, Club Coach, First Team Coach and Vice Patron. He was made a Life Member in 1964.

Dennis made his A grade debut for Perth HC in 1949 and was a regular fixture in the top team from 1950 to 1967, serving as captain of the Perth A1 team from 1953-1967.

Dennis was easily distinguished on the field by the white handkerchief he tied around his forehead to keep his hair from his eyes.

After impressing in State teams and representing Australia in a Test March against New Zealand, Dennis was one of eight Western Ausralians chosen to play in the Australian team at the 1956 Olympics, where they finished in fifth place.

It was during the Olympic Games play-off match against Great Britain that Dennis showed plenty of tenacity, playing the second half of the match barefoot with no substitutions and blisters on his feet.

Dennis also made a name for himself as coach, serving as Club Coach at Perth HC during the 1961, 1962 and 1963 seasons, then as A2 Coach from 1968 to 1971 before returning as A1 coach in 1979.

He also spent two years coaching the North Coast Raiders and spent many years coaching the Floreat Park Ladies Hockey Club, where he also served as President and a Member of Selection committees, and was made a Life Member in 1978.

Hockey WA extends its condolences to Dennis’s family at this time.