THE region’s hockey clubs have united under one banner and will face the new season with a singular focus.
The Loddon Murray Hockey Club and Kerang Junior Hockey Association have amalgamated and retained the Loddon Murray club name in a move that club president, Jason Hensley hopes will garner greater participation.
“It’s about having one representative body for hockey in our area which provides clear pathways for our players, and one voice for any advocating that we do that represents hockey,” he said.
“You can join our juniors club and then play up to other opportunities we have for you [in the seniors],” he said.
Before the amalgamation occurred the teams often played down in Bendigo as joint teams with the Eaglehawk Hockey Club and others.
This structure will continue, but the season will also get underway with an outright LMHC men’s and women’s B Grade team, and an A Grade and B Grade men’s team with Eaglehawk.
“We’re hoping to continue to develop hockey in our district through a strong junior program and a strong link in the senior program,” Hensley said.
The ultimate goal for the team, beyond increasing participation, is to be able to play home games.
“Ultimately our long term goal is to secure a synthetic pitch in Kerang and play home games, as that will only raise the profile of hockey for us and bring players into our area,” Hensley said.
“That’s certainly an item that we’re going to continue to speak to the powers-that-be about – the avenues of securing a synthetic hockey pitch. But in the mean time we’re wanting to grow hockey and grow people’s involvement in the sport.”
The club will hold a come and try day for juniors tomorrow at McLeod Oval from 10am, with weekly activities – including Hook into Hockey – to occur from Saturday, April 21 at McLeod Oval from 9am.
The senior competitions will start on April 15.
Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Jason Hensley on 0429 428 084, or email the club at secretarylmhc@yahoo.com.
