2025 Junior Black Sticks for local lads

A TRIP to Malaysia for the Sultan Johor Cup was a recent highlight for two local men, Owen Brown and Gus Nelson from Aria, who played for the NZ U21 Junior BlackSticks in the international competition. The national team placed fourth with two wins and four closely drawn games.

Both Gus, who plays for the South Island Alpiners team and Owen, who plays for the Waikato/Bay Of Plenty Mavericks, are enjoying playing in the NZ Premier Hockey League which is under way now.

Owen is now based in Christchurch where he has just completed his first year studying a bachelor of industrial product design, however he is back in the King Country for the summer holidays to work and save money. He is grateful for all of the support he has received from home and especially thankful to the coaches who taught him throughout his childhood.

Gus has just finished his BComAg degree at Lincoln University and has started a shepherding job near Darfield. He is very grateful for the support he has received from the Piopio Charitable Trust over the last two years. Both men are hoping to make the Junior World Cup team for the tournament in India next year.
Birdtalk Magazine December 2024 & January 2025