BY TONY IROGA
For this first time in Solomon Islands sports history, four locals joined the Hype Pacific All Stars team and participated in the Easter Hockey Heritage Tournament campaign in New Zealand.
The Hype Pacific All-stars team finished in 4th spot in the 11 aside Heritage Hockey Tournament during an Easter session campaign.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday after their arrival in the country, hockey team captain, Enock Mae said it was a historical start for them to play in a 11 aside hockey tournament.
“We used to play in the Pacific region, in the pacific cup and Pacific games but this is the first time for us to join the international team,” he said.
Mae said he found this sport very useful for young people, highlighting that it was also an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and talents.
“I am fortunate to be able to play in this heritage hockey tournament,” he said.
He said the tournament was a blessing for them as they were able to do something they have never done before; playing hockey overseas.
He mentioned that the tournament was for the Pacific All-Star team, which comprised of players from Pacific Island countries.
“Vanuatu, Samoa and PNG were not able to play in this tournament due to financial difficulties.
He said hopefully, they will be able to join the team and will be playing against players from Fiji and some players from New Zealand.
Mae said it was after the Pacific Cup that he met Brett Liver from NZ Heritage, who then contacted him.
“I considered this opportunity to be very important,” he said.
He also thanks their coach Joachim Rande and others, who continue to support them and provide training for them.
“I would like to thank my team mates for representing Solomon Islands as good ambassadors.
“It’s a totally different level of game, in terms of intensity and high level of how to do things and we have improved a lot and it is an eye-opener for us,” he said.
He added that they have gained a lot of knowledge about the 11 aside game and they will teach the game to hockey athletes in the country.
“We will prepare and work hard for the next tournament in 2027 as the tournament is set for every year,” he said.
Mae said the competition was supported by New Zealand hockey legend, Mr Brett Leaver and he acknowledged him for creating such an incredible opportunity for Pacific athletes.
Speaking to the paper yesterday as well was hockey coach and coordinator Mr Jochim Rande who thanked the boys for representing the country.
He said the boys brought in a lot of motivation to local hockey athletes in the Solomon Islands.
“I welcome the boys’ home and hope the boys had a lot of good experience with international teams,” he said.
He said the Solomon Islands hockey federation has a new initiative with Heritage teams in which hockey boys will have a lot of opportunities from in the future.
The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) thanked and welcomed back its six ambassadors’ home after they proudly represented Solomon Islands on the international stage.
The four local hockey players are; Nyrick Zuna of Dolphin Hockey Club, Ricky Fairamoa and Jackson Ramo of Renegades Hockey Club, and Enock Mae Paekera of White Kovara Hockey Club.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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