Good Evening all!

Firstly, well done to everyone for some fantastic hockey over the weekend. I've heard reports of plenty of fun, exciting and hard-fought games across all grades, which is exactly what we love to see.

This week, most of our teams made the trip to Mount Barker. While many know Mount Barker for its famous bakery, it's also home to some pretty talented hockey players! A big thank you to Mount Barker Hockey Club for hosting us so well and keeping everyone fed and caffeinated throughout the day. The burgers, chips and coffee certainly went down a treat.

Our teams did a wonderful job, as you'll see from the results that follow, but most importantly, thank you to everyone who made the trip, represented North Albany with pride and gave it their all on the field. Whether the result went your way or not, your effort, sportsmanship and team spirit never go unnoticed.

ROUND 6 HOCKEY RESULTS

Senior Teams

Men's A Grade

• Win 0 - 2 vs Mount Barker

Women's A Grade

• Win 0-2 vs Mount Barker

Men's B Grade

• Draw 2 - 2 vs Mount Barker

Women's B Grade

• Win 1 - 4 vs Mount Barker

High School Teams

U18 Girls

• Draw 0 - 0 vs Griffins Red

7/8/9 Boys

• Win 1 - 3 vs Mount Barker

7/8/9 Girls

• TBC vs Griffins

Primary School Teams

5/6 Redbacks

• Loss 0 - 4 vs Spencer Park Light

5/6 Grey

• Loss 2 - 1 vs Mount Barker

2/3/4 Redbacks

• Win 2 - 0 vs Vikings

2/3/4 Grey

• Loss 4 - 0 vs Mount Barker

Players of the Week

A big congratulations to this week's Players of the Week!

Thanks to the generous support of Dylan's Café and Three Anchors, our team leaders can recognise players who have made a positive contribution both on and off the field. Whether it's commitment at training, great teamwork, a standout performance, endless effort, or simply bringing positive energy to the club, these awards celebrate the people who help make our hockey community great.

Well done to this week's recipients!

Women's A Grade – Stella Gordon

Stella earns this week's Player of the Week recognition for her amazing effort, composure and consistency through the midfield. Her ability to remain calm under pressure, support her teammates and contribute across the field made her a standout performer. Well done, Stella, on a well-deserved recognition!

Girls 7/8/9s – Eloise Braidwood

Eloise earns this recognition after producing a standout performance in goals against Griffins, turning away everything that came her way and providing a rock-solid last line of defence for the team.

Her shot-stopping ability was on full display throughout the game, but it was her constant communication and organisation of the defence that really stood out. Eloise led by example, helping keep the team focused and working together under pressure.

Well done, Eloise — a thoroughly deserved Player of the Week performance between the posts.

Women's B Grade – Gabi Bickers

Gabi earns this week's Player of the Week award after spending the game chasing down every loose ball and opposition player, consistently backing up her teammates and never letting her work rate drop.

Her determination and tenacity were on display from start to finish, and her willingness to do the hard yards wherever needed certainly didn't go unnoticed. Gabi's team-first attitude and relentless effort make her a deserving recipient of this week's award.

Congratulations, Gabi!

Year 2/3/4 Redbacks - Aida Osborne

I love the way this little legend goes about her hockey. Despite being one of the youngest and smallest players on the field, she cracks in at 100% every time she steps onto the pitch.

Aida has an amazing tackle and never shies away from a contest, showing plenty of determination and courage against players often much bigger than herself.

She is definitely one to watch in the future. Well done, Aida!

Good Luck to Our Country Championship Representatives!

Congratulations to all players selected to represent the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association in Women's Division One and two at the CBH Group Country Championships, taking place in Perth this weekend, from 19–21 June.

A special congratulations goes to our North Albany players who have earned selection in the squad. We are incredibly proud of your achievement and look forward to cheering you on as you take on some of the state's best country hockey talent while representing the Great Southern.  To all players, coaches and officials travelling to Perth this weekend, we wish you the very best of luck. May your hockey be strong, your smiles be plentiful, and your tournament be injury-free. Most importantly, enjoy the experience, make lasting memories and wear your colours with pride.

From everyone at North Albany Hockey Club, good luck to all those competing this weekend—we'll be following your progress and cheering you on every step of the way!

Sponsor Shout-Out

North Albany Hockey Club would like to extend a huge thank you to Koster's Steel Constructions for once again committing as our Platinum Sponsor.

The continued support of local businesses like Koster's Steel Constructions plays a vital role in helping our club grow and thrive. This year, their sponsorship will assist in providing gear for our new teams, ensuring our players have what they need to get out on the field and enjoy the game.

We are incredibly grateful to John and his team for their ongoing support of our hockey community and their investment in local sport.  If you're planning a new shed or require any steel construction work, be sure to get in touch with John and the team at Koster's Steel Constructions. Supporting the businesses that support our club helps keep our hockey community strong.

Thank you, Koster's Steel Constructions, for being such an important part of the North Albany Hockey Club family.

This Weekend’s Fixtures

Our Men’s A Grade take on Spencer Park this Friday night at 8pm in what promises to be a great evening of hockey under lights.

Our 10/11/12 Girls teams have a bye this weekend, with some players travelling for Country Week representation — a fantastic achievement, and we wish them all the best.

There are no Women’s fixtures this weekend due to these commitments, however we encourage everyone to check the fixtures and get down to support our junior teams in action.

There will be some yummy dinner available in the canteen on Friday night to keep everyone warm while cheering from the sidelines. And for Saturday… who needs an excuse for a coffee and a toastie while watching the kids play?

See you at the turf, and good luck to all our players this weekend!

Many Thanks

North Albany Hockey Club