Tasmania secures major national hockey events

A raft of major Australian hockey events will be held in Tasmania over the next six years following an agreement between Hockey Australia (HA) and the Tasmanian government through its tourism arm Events Tasmania.

HA and Events Tasmania, with support from Hockey Tasmania, will partner to deliver the following list of events from 2022-2027, beginning with the 2022 Australian Under 13 Carnival (28 September – 4 October) which completes the confirmed list for next year’s national hockey championships calendar.

Hockey Australia and Events Tasmania Agreement - List of Events
-    Designated matches as part of the 2022-2023 FIH Pro League season
-    2022 Australian Under 13 Carnival
-    2023 Australian Under 18 Championships
-    2024 Australian Men’s Masters Championships
-    2025 Australian Women’s Masters Championships
-    2026 Australian Under 16 Championships
-    2027 Australian Under 21 Championships
*Dates and venues to be confirmed.

The events, to be held across Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, are collectively expected to attract over 12,000 participants and supporters to Tasmania and generate $17.5 million for the local economy.

“Tasmanians are passionate and patriotic about their state and their sport and hockey is no exception, so we are thrilled to bring an array of Australian championships and FIH Pro League matches to this part of the country over the next six years,” said Hockey Australia Vice-President Pat Hall, who attended the official announcement at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre.

“To receive such significant investment from the Tasmanian government through Events Tasmania for hockey is testament to the value they see in our sport and for that we are extremely grateful.”

“As well as boasting quality hockey facilities, Tasmania has a rich and proud history of producing world class Australian players and highly competitive state teams.

“This agreement will maintain hockey’s high visibility and allure in Tasmania, while also bringing substantial other benefits to the state more broadly.”

Kookaburras co-captain and proud Tasmanian Eddie Ockenden, who was also present at the announcement, said it was exciting to have elite level hockey confirmed in his home state.

“I enjoy any opportunity to come back home and always love representing Tasmania on the national stage…it’s always a privilege,” said Ockenden.

“It’s great that more top-level hockey is coming to Tasmania and hopefully it inspires more people and especially kids to play hockey and believe they can play for their state and even for Australia one day.”

“Tasmanians are parochial when it comes to sport but at the same time are really hospitable and welcoming to visitors so I am sure everyone who attends hockey events here over the next six years will have a great time.”

Sarah Courtney, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events said: “Through our continued partnership with Hockey Australia, the Tasmanian Government is providing $1 million in funding which will support the delivery of six major Australian National Championships and one International Pro League match.

“Not only will this give Tasmanian hockey fans the opportunity to enjoy world-class hockey in their home state, but also showcase Tasmania to international audiences through a global media presence, including live streaming and television broadcasts.”

“The Tasmanian Government is proud to deliver these top level sports events to help secure the future of our tourism and visitation market.”

The Men’s and Women’s Masters Championships are the highest participation and attendance events on the Hockey Australia calendar.

The various underage championships feature the best hockey talent at the respective age levels, including the development of the next crop of Australian hockey stars.

The FIH Hockey Pro League is the annual global home and away league involving the world’s best men’s and women’s international teams.