Some of Lithgow’s best young hockey players are in Perth this week, competing in the Australian Hockey League.
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It’s the country’s premier domestic hockey tournament and a proving ground for players to become Olympic athletes.
Lithgow’s travelling contingent is made up of Abby Wilson, Andrea Gillard, Rene Hunter for the women’s Arrows team and Lachi Sharp for the men’s Waratahs team.
Gillard was picked up as a late entry after a player couldn’t make it, and all are extremely happy to be on the number one teams for NSW.
“This is where they select the squads for the Hockeyroos, the National Development Squad and the Junior World Cup for next year so it’s the best exposure we can get for national selection,” Hunter said.
They’ll be playing alongside—and against—current Olympians so the pressure to perform is palpable.
Hunter has played in the AHL before, but for Wilson, Gillard and Sharp this year’s tournament marks their debut on such a prominent stage.
Sharp said it was surreal to be playing alongside some of the players he’s looked up to since starting out.
“I’ve got Olympians in my team with Simon Orchard and Matt Dawson… they’re always helpful with feedback and always talking to you,” he said.
“It helps you improve and it’s just a great experience.”