The 2008 National Hockey League will take place from Friday September 19th – Sunday September 28th at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga, Auckland. Traditionally a 5 week league, this year the NHL will be a 10 day tournament.

2008 marks over 100 years of domestic competition for both the men and women.

The men will compete for the Challenge Shield with North Harbour keen to defend the title they won in 2007 with a nail biting last minute win over Canterbury. North Harbour has lost 9 of last years team of 18 through European contracts and player unavailability so will be tested.

Wellington women will be out to defend the title they won comfortably over North Harbour last year; however they too have lost some influential players and most notably they have lost coach, Chris Leslie, who is now in charge of Canterbury.

International Guest players could play a crucial part in this year’s NHL with a number of high profile international stars here to play. Midlands Men have possibly drafted the best with Mathew Wells and David Guest – both part of Australia’s gold medal Athens team and bronze medal Beijing team playing. North Harbour men have secured the colourful and hugely talented Trinidad and Tobago captain, Kwan Browne, while Auckland have Eike Duckwitz, who has played over 200 tests for hockey power-house Germany.

Midlands women have also drafted in two of USA’s successful Beijing team, while Wellington women have Teneal Attard back from Australia.

Source: Hockey New Zealand