Nighthawks to represent region at Ontario games
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Kimberly Lochhead
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Tweet ThisEMC Sports - As a new team bursting with talent and dedication, the Nepean Nighthawks Field Hockey Club's U-14 girls team will make their debut this weekend at the Ontario Winter Games in Muskoka.
"This is also the first time indoor field hockey has been included in the winter games," said Maureen Chopra, one of the coaches of the team. "(Organizers) decided to make it club-based because it would be easier to get teams in. It feels incredible and we've been working with this group of kids since last May."
Ms. Chopra said the club ran a three-week program for girls in the U-14 age category, and offered additional programs over the summer. She said the girls are thrilled to be included in the competition this year.
The club plays on Minto Field at the Nepean Sportsplex and was given the Field Hockey Ontario award for development in recognition of its commitment to growth of the sport last year. Founded in 2002, the club has provided opportunities for both men and women at all levels of play. Prompted by their own children who wanted to play the sport, Ms. Chopra said she and fellow coach Julie Prystupa decided to create a junior level team.
"We thought it was an opportune time to build up our junior level because we had resources to get the word of mouth out," added Ms. Chopra. "The summer games are this year in Sudbury for the under 16 group so we're hoping to apply for coaching and recruit both boys and girls for that event."
To prepare for the games, the team has practiced once a week since November and have held two exhibition games against their senior club members. Most of the team members hail from Trend-Arlington and Chapman Mills in Barrhaven.
"Some of the girls do play ringette together but it is a completely new group," said Ms. Chopra. "They quickly bonded. With the age, we know there (are) not a lot of kids who have had experience in the province, and those who have played before have taken a leadership role in our team."
The Nighthawks' coach said the team has great potential as a new team adding that she anticipates doing well.
"Our strategy is with our strong defense and center and we'll work with the strength the girls have," said Ms. Chopra. "There's so much to teach them in so little time but we've given them the tools and will fine tune as we go and react to what comes to us. We've keyed on to set pieces of the game and we're optimistic that this will carry us through to be successful."
For more information, contact Maureen Chopra at 613-220-2328.
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