After the fiasco that was the 2020 and 2021 hockey seasons, 2022 has started off with a significantly better looking outlook from a hockey perspective. I have already participated in the Over 50's and Over 34/40's NSW State Championships and the Over 55's are on the horizon.

The NSW 40's teams have been named, and the 1's team is once again led by Simon Vimpani and boasts a great mix of both experienced and new players. Everyone is excited by the prospect of gathering on the Gold Coast, catching up with friends, enjoying a few cold frothies and playing some hockey.

The Australian Masters Championships has a great lead up event, with the Masters Hockey World Cup being held in Nottingham in August. Australia is sending a team to contest the Over 40's age group, and for many, this will be the perfect warm up for their participation at the national championships.

Following its renovation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast Hockey Centre offers an exciting venue to play and watch hockey. With two blue pitches, great player facilities, some nice looking bar and food options and being part of a larger sporting precinct, the venue promises to be a superb place to enjoy hockey.

I know many of the NSW players are going to be taking their family to the Gold Coast. The destination offers many family-friendly attractions. I hope we'll see all those family members on the sideline cheering on the teams.

See you all on the Gold Coast!