(Hockey News) The women’s team of New Zealand has decided not to participate in the upcoming season of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Hockey New Zealand made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition, despite successfully avoiding relegation on the field. However, the governing body of New Zealand hockey clarified that the team intends to rejoin the FIH Hockey Pro League after 2024. To achieve this, the Black Sticks will need to win the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, which serves as the qualification pathway to the FIH Hockey Pro League.
As a consequence of New Zealand’s withdrawal, the USA, which finished last in the recently concluded season, will retain their spot among the participating nations for the upcoming season.
Anthony Crummy, CEO of Hockey New Zealand, stated, “As a founding participating nation in the league, this was a difficult decision for us, but the right one to ensure we are best placed to qualify and prepare for the most important event in our calendar, the Olympic Games. The increased travel costs in a post-Covid environment, combined with the extensive travel and the timing of Season 5’s events in a busy 2024, make it impossible for us to participate in the Pro League while qualifying and adequately preparing for the Olympics.”
Simon Hoskins, Executive Director of USA Field Hockey, expressed, “We are sorry to learn about the withdrawal of New Zealand women. For the USA, we are excited about the opportunity to continue in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Our young and improving squad will be aiming to make their mark in Season 5.”
FIH CEO Thierry Weil commented, “It’s heartbreaking to see that a team that fought hard to avoid relegation won’t be able to stay. However, with Hockey New Zealand’s commitment to return to the FIH Hockey Pro League in the near future, I am confident that we will welcome back the Black Sticks sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, we eagerly anticipate the participation of the US team in the Pro League next season, as they are building towards the future and especially towards the 2028 Olympic Games, which they will be hosting in Los Angeles.”
The FIH will soon announce the final match schedule for the 2023-2024 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
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