When Hockey ACT released the Canberra Chill training squad lists on Monday, 10 Goulburn District Hockey Association players were included.
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Six were named in the women's squad, including one train-on player, with another four in the men's, which also included one train-on player.
The GDHA players named are:
Women's Squad
- Mikayla Evans
- Naomi Evans
- Laura Gray
- Aleisha Price
- Jess Clements (nee Smith)
- Makayla Jones (train-on player)
Men's Squad
- Ben Staines
- Jake Staines
- Glenn Turner
- Brad Smith (train-on player)
To have so many players included in the Chill's first squad since 2019 was "huge" for the GHDA, association reps secretary, Sharney Fleming, said.
"Given the fact that we're such a small association, we produce really good players," Fleming said.
"It means a lot ... it's an accolade to Goulburn, as far as producing these players."
Hockey ACT CEO and Goulburn resident, Rob Sheekey, was pleased but unsurprised to see his hometown association still producing high-level talent.
"Goulburn and Crookwell are one of the strongest hockey areas in the country, have been for a long time and continue to be," Sheekey said.
"Coming from Goulburn, it's nice to see our local players reaching those heights. Glenn Turner's been to the top, and there's a few others pushing to follow in his footsteps.
"Glenn and Naomi have both represented the country, and I know the others are working hard at being there, particularly Ben and Jake.
"It's a great opportunity for all of them."
Both the Staines brothers and Clements were among the marquee signings announced by the Chill in late July, which means they are almost certain to be selected in the final squads.
The players will train together for the next two months, with the squads to be reduced throughout that time until the final 20-person men's and women's teams are announced prior to the start of the Hockey One tournament in October.
Makayla Jones and Brad Smith, as the GDHA's two train-on players, have been selected to continue their development and expose them to the rigours of high-level senior hockey.
Hockey NSW, with whom Jones is officially affiliated, came to an understanding with Hockey ACT in order to allow the young Goulburnian to train with the Chill, as the current COVID-19 lockdowns in the Greater Sydney region prevent her from training with NSW squads.
Uncertainty about the future of the 2021 Hockey One competition remains, largely due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
However, Sheekey said Hockey ACT was optimistic and willing to be flexible when it comes to tournament fixtures.
"We're not Nostradamus, we can't commit that everything's going to go ahead as scheduled," he said.
"But certainly it remains the focus of the league to be able to run home and away matches this year, and we're going to be flexible with draws.
"The situation with travel in other states is going to come into it, but it's great that the seven franchises remain committed to getting the home and away component of the league done."
The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 1, with Canberra's first home game currently set for October 15 against the Adelaide Fire.
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