6 locals among Hyper Pacific Allstars preparing in New Zealand ahead of Heritage hockey tournament
BY TONY IROGA
The Hyper Pacific Allstars team are on session training in New Zealand ahead of the Heritage Hockey tournament which kicks off tomorrow, Friday and ends on Monday April 6 in Auckland, New Zealand.
The six locals named in Pacific Allstars are; Nyrick Zuna of Dolphin Hockey Club, Ricky Fairamoa of Renegades Hockey Club, Jackson Ramo of Renegades Hockey Club, Enock Mae of White Kovara Hockey Club, Melwyn Makana of Penguins Hockey Club Australia base player and Australia based player, Junaina Mahika of Penguins Hockey Club.
According to Hype Pacific Allstars player, Mr Nyrick Zuna they have been training well and will continue with their last training today.
He said he has been playing hockey for almost three years, and used to play Hockey five in Solomon Islands which started way back in 2015.
“It is my first time to play Hockey in an international tournament here in New Zealand,” he said.
He said he was feeling proud, and it’s great for them to be selected as best of the Pacific Allstars to team up and play together as one team to compete in the Heritage Hockey Tournament.
“The weather condition here is different from the Solomon Islands, usually the weather in Solomon Islands is hot, but here it’s a little bit cold,” he said.
He said he was happy to meetup with his teammates during their first training session and got to know how each of them plays.
He added that the environment in New Zealand is comfortable and the sports facilities are very good for boosting up trainings.
The Hype Pacific Allstars team will open their first game against New Zealand Indians tomorrow Friday at 11am in Tiger Turf 2 Auckland, New Zealand.
In their second match, they are set to meet rival Fijian Heritage on Saturday 4th at 12 pm at Cello 1 turf 1 in Auckland, New Zealand.
The third game will be a fantastic determination game as Hype Pacific Allstars will meet Panjab Heritage on Sunday 5 at 12p m at Cello 1 turf 1 in Auckland, New Zealand.
The fourth match on Monday 6th April at 10Am will be a playoff matches for the 3rd and 4th spots and followed by the grand- final match at 2 pm at Cello 1 of turf 1.
He calls on all families, fans and supporters back home to rally support behind the team as they prepare for their first game tomorrow against New Zealand Indians.
“They are starting to adapt to the weather conditions and, more importantly, building strong understanding and connection with each other as a team,” he said.
He mentioned that with each session, the confidence and chemistry continue to grow, and the boys are showing real commitment and focus as they prepare for tomorrow’s game.
“We’re now looking forward to another solid training today as we keep pushing towards our best performance,” he said.
The team also thanks Mr Brett Leaver, Scott, and Paul Frazer for their guidance and support in helping develop and prepare them for their matches.
The tournament will bring together teams from across the Pacific and beyond, celebrating culture, identity and the spirit of hockey.
Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) acknowledges Brett Leaver, an Olympian and founder of NZ Heritage Hockey, for creating the opportunity for Pacific athletes.
Photo: Supplied
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