Hockey New Zealand named the squads yesterday to prepare for Junior World Cups in Chile (men, November 29-December 10) and Malaysia (women, December 5-16).
Selections have been based on performances from the National Hockey Championship and the New Zealand under-18 tournament, as well as performances in camp and in last year's transtasman series.
Annabelle Schneideman is the sole Otago representative in the New Zealand junior women’s squad.
The second golden generation of Otago men is represented by four players in the New Zealand junior men’s squad.
Benji Culhane, Patrick Ward and James Nicolson were all in the Otago senior team that won back-to-back national championships at the weekend.
Penalty corner specialist Ward was Otago’s leading scorer, all six of his strikes coming from set play, while Ward added four goals.
The fourth representative is Daniel Torr, who played for Otago B at the national tournament.
Zeke Buschl (men) and Pippa Croft (women) are non-travelling reserves.
New Zealand under-21 men’s coach Aaron Ford is looking forward to pitting his young Kiwis against some of the best sides in the world.
Belgium, the Netherlands and Pakistan are in Pool D with New Zealand.
"This World Cup is a great opportunity for our players to get a taste of international hockey and test themselves on the world stage,” Ford said.
"Selections are never easy, especially with the quality hockey we have seen throughout the year. We now ramp up our preparations for what will be an exciting few months ahead."
Women’s coach Mitch Hayde said competition for places in the team was strong.
"We have selected a group that has earned selection based on consistent performances over the last 12 months and this is a group we are confident is ready to represent our country on the world stage.”
The New Zealand junior women will face England, Japan and the United States in their pool.
Both teams will get a chance to prepare at a camp in early October and some international opportunities are to be confirmed.
New Zealand hockey
Under-21 squads
Men: Luke Aldred, George Baker, Benji Culhane, Scott Cosslett, Jonty Elmes, Luke Elmes, Aiden Fraser, Hayden Ganley, James Hickson, Josh Irwin, Sam Lints, Charlie Morrison, James Nicolson, Ryan Parr, Daniel Torr, Patrick Ward, Jordan Whittleston, Matthew Wilson.
Women: Rebecca Baker, Rosanna Bedford, Paige Blake, Brodie Cochrane, Hannah Cotter, Jaimee Eades, Emma Findlay, Maddie Harris, Leah Hodges, Emma Irwin, Arabella Loveridge, Emilie Logan, Riana Pho, Tessa Reid, Lucy Russ, Annabelle Schneideman, Issy Storey, Katherine Winter.
