Category Archives: Development

Congratulations to all those who are participating in the Western Wildcats teams in the Victorian Junior State Championships.

Results have been mixed but it’s fantastic to see everyone putting in their best performances.

U13 Boys – vs North East Devils 3-4, vs South East Cougars 4-0, vs North West Tigers 1-3, vs South West Eagles 7-0, vs Central Flames 1-2, vs North West Lightning 7-1.  Good work by Jonah McKinnon and great keeping by Josh D’Arcy.  The Classification final saw the Southern Sharks take the win 4-2, with the Wildcats finishing in 6th place.  Great work by all.

Josh D’Arcy in action with Jonah McKinnon in support.

U13 Girls – vs South East Cougars 1-0, vs North East Devils 1-0, vs South West Eagles 4-0, vs North West Tigers 3-0, vs North East Knights 2-1, vs Eastern Hotshots 2-0.  This is a great effort to win 5 out of 6 matches.  The team continued its great performances in the Classification final with a 4-0 win against North West Lightning to finish in 5th place.  Well done all.

Rachel van der Ploeg put in a great effort.

U15 Boys – vs North East Devils 4-2, vs South East Cougars 8-1, vs North West Tigers 1-0, vs South West Eagles 4-0, vs Eastern Hotshots 2-1, vs Southern Sharks 0-2.

The Final saw a rematch between the Wildcats and Southern Sharks.  A great effort by the Wildcats closed the gap a little but the Sharks prevailed for a 1-0 win.  Great work by the Wildcats to finish as Runners Up in the State Championships.

Matt Barnett, Adam Gieles, Jimmy Jirik and Angus McKinnon all played a great part in these results.

U17 Boys – vs North East Devils 2-4, vs South East Cougars 2-1, vs North West Tigers 1-4, vs South West Eagles 1-2, vs Southern Sharks 0-2, vs North West Lightning 6-0.

Sean Fitzgerald and James Humphries worked hard in these games.

U17 Girls – vs South East Cougars 4-0, vs North East Devils 2-1, vs South West Eagles 4-0, vs North West Tigers 2-2, vs Southern Sharks 4-0, vs North East Knights 1-0.

The Final saw the Wildcats pitted against the North West Tigers, and a very close match resulted in a 1-0 win for the Wildcats to earn them the title of State Champions.  Congratulations to the team and to Tiahna Proebstl for her effort and her participation in this team.

Having ten players from our Club selected in these teams is a fantastic achievement – reaching a comparable level with many of the metropolitan clubs in this aspect.

The Geelong Carnival for U13 Mixed teams is held each year, with participating teams coming from both country and metropolitan areas in Victoria.  The 2014 Carnival will be held on Sunday July 20, at Stead Park, Corio.  Matches will be played from 8 am to 4 pm.

This annual Carnival is always a great chance to meet new friends, and to catch up with those you may have met previously at regional and State tournaments.  It’s a great opportunity to work on your hockey skills, and most importantly, a day of fun for all.

Players must be aged under 13 at January 1, 2014.  Hockey Geelong will enter one team, and possibly two if space permits.  If you are aged 10 to 12 at the beginning of this year, why not have a go?  Put your name down and join the fun.

To register your interest, return the U13 Carnival Registration Form to Ruth McKinnon by July 6.

Umpires will be needed so if you are available, please contact Ruth McKinnon.  Helpers to make the day run smoothly would also be appreciated. Contact Ruth McKinnon for details.