The Southern Dogs will be hoping changes to the rules will prove to be a game-changer in the national league.
Auckland beat Southern 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout in last year's final.
This year, regular time has been trimmed by 10min. Matches will be played in four 15min quarters, rather than the traditional two 35min halves.
In another notable change, the clock will stop when a penalty corner is awarded and teams will get 40sec to take the corner.
The same rules will be adopted at international level on September 1.
The National Hockey League, which starts on August 30, will give New Zealand players and fans a taste of the new format.
The teams were confirmed yesterday, with the Dogs naming a useful squad featuring New Zealand men's under-21 player of the year and new Sky Next scholarship recipient Kane Russell and experienced campaigners James Nation and Chris Ashton.
The Southern Storm has a young side and will seek to improve on last year's wooden spoon in the women's competition.
Tournament week will be hosted at North Harbour Hockey Stadium from September 6-14.
National Hockey League
Southern squads
Women: Millie Cowan, Victoria Dougherty, Tessa Hewlett, Dayna Holland, Alex Irwin, Tessa Jopp, Paige Lane, Maddi McLean, Rachel Miller, Kelly Nicholson, Courtney Ross, Cara Simpson, Emma Spratt, Virginia Wilson, Sophie Wickens, Tanya Hawley, Lauren Spencer, Alana-Rose Miller.
Men: Chris Ashton, Callum Bailey, James Bishop, Jason Dungey, Nick Elder, Hamish McGregor, Jeremy Morris, James Nation, Joe O'Connor, Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Craig Smith, Andrew Matthews, Kirk Shimmins, Alistair Birchall, Kim Kingstone, Joe Crooks, Campbell Paton.
