Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad for the upcoming Summer of Hockey series in Dunedin, marking a special return to home soil as the team begins its build toward the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup. The Summer of Hockey series provides an important opportunity to reconnect with fans, play international hockey in Aotearoa, and continue building momentum following a successful 2025 season.
The Dunedin event will bring international opposition to New Zealand shores and create a festival-style atmosphere for players, fans, and the wider hockey community. For the Vantage Black Sticks Women, the series is a valuable chance to test combinations, welcome players back into the environment, and continue developing depth and connection within the squad as preparations ramp up for a major World Cup year.
Vantage Black Sticks Women Captain Olivia Shannon is excited about what the series represents for the group. “It’s exciting to have hockey back in New Zealand and to begin our build-up to the World Cup at home. Being back on the pitch after a big and successful 2025, welcoming players back from injury, and seeing this group come together is going to be really exciting. We’ve got a great squad and I can’t wait to see what we can do in Dunedin and in 2026.”
The squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent, with some key returns adding further strength to the group. Katie Doar makes her return to international hockey following a long rehabilitation process after surgery, with her determination and resilience throughout recovery a strong reflection of her character. Liz Thompson also returns to the Black Sticks environment after time away from the international stage, earning her selection through strong performances in the Premier Hockey League and bringing valuable experience back into the squad.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women squad for the Summer of Hockey: ANNA CROWLEY, BRITT WANG, CASEY CROWLEY, ELLA HYATT-BROWN, EMMA RAINEY, GRACE O’HANLON, HANNAH COTTER, HANNAH GRAVENALL, HOLLY PEARSON, HOPE RALPH, JOSEPHINE MURRAY, JULIA GLUYAS, KAITLIN COTTER, KATIE DOAR, LIZ THOMPSON, MEZZY SURRIDGE, OLIVIA SHANNON, REBECCA BAKER, RIANA PHO, TESSA REID.
The Summer of Hockey series in Dunedin promises to deliver high-quality international hockey, a strong home advantage, and an exciting next chapter for the Vantage Black Sticks Women as they continue their journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE. (21-25 January 2026 at the Alexander McMillan Hockey Centre, Dunedin)
