All competitors had to win to get here.  No one comes in with the expectation they are not going to be standing with a trophy in their hands at the end.  Twelve women’s teams and eight men’s teams will come to Newark.  Only two will leave as National Champions.  In the dust on Sunday July 23rd will be some truly fine field hockey games worth watching for anyone who is even remotely interested in the game.  If you’re asking yourself if you should make the trip or put it on your calendar, rest assured this is worth your time, no matter what age player or fan you are.  If you cannot make it to Newark, flip on YouTube and watch the games live. 

 
 

The Men’s UN of Field Hockey 

 

 

In adult competition in the USA, anyone interested can play the game.  Unlike national teams, we have no citizenship requirements to play in the USFHL.  Where you are, you play.  People around the world hang up their work clothes and head to a field to pick up a stick and play some hockey.  The same is now true here as well.   In our world of global travel, people move for work to some of our great cities, and unsurprisingly, many of them play the third most popular sport in the world - hockey. Called field hockey in the USA, where ice hockey owns the term hockey, the rest of the globe knows our sport of field hockey as the ubiquitously termed ‘hockey’.   Many of the hockey players in the tournament are just these people - they hang up their work clothes and head to a field to play - and compete - after their day jobs, and have grown up around the world playing.  Welcome to men’s hockey in the USA today.  It’s a blast. 

 
 
 
 

We don’t always get to see a lot of men’s field hockey inside the US, but you could not tell that by this competition.  The more popular of the two genders of the sport globally,  but not in the US, we often do not get chances to see public men’s games, let alone high caliber contests.   This competition can change that for any spectator in one weekend.  There will be multiple former national team players from around the globe playing for the teams competing. 

 
 

In true American Everyman fashion, the veritable United Nations of players are here living their lives, and we spectators all benefit from them rounding out some really good hockey teams.  Not just last year's Men’s Champions, the NY Islanders FHA, who sport a clutch of former various national team players, but also sprinkled well among several other teams - the Minuteman team, for examples,  who won the Northeast Premier League to qualify,  has former national team players from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, & Kazakhstan.  Don’t be fooled though, the non national team players on the rosters are just as tough and competitive.  In qualifying through elimination regional events, these teams have been vetted as serious contenders.  All clubs are arriving with workhorse teams that can win a championship on Sunday. 

 
 

The NY Islanders FHA are returning champions from 2022.  Their off the field hallmark is having a fun time and it's translated well for them into on the field success.  The gentlemen from New York delivered high skill play last year, besting Lonestar FHC out of Texas in a tight match for the title. We expect a lot more fun and great play from them again this year.  This is the team to buzz by if you need a pick me up moment of happiness.  Lonsestar has qualified again, though, and there’s nothing quite like sitting on a year of being second to drive you to push you into more reps, more cage time and more conditioning for a return match.  Sitting in opposite pools this year, Lonestar will need to meet the NY Islanders in elimination play to have their chance at redemption.   

 
 

Philly Premier will be playing in their backyard. An hour's drive from Newark, they have the benefits of being a “home team” for this tournament.  Not quite as local, Rye / Westchester from New York will be arriving as the League Champions from North East Field Hockey Association (NEFHA).  They already hold a national title, they are “NEW YORK'S OLDEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL FIELD HOCKEY CLUB SINCE 1928”  They plan to add to that success and “win the cup” this tournament, according to their Goalkeeper Oliver Stubel.  Late entrant Greenwich FHC will be making their first tournament appearance. 

 
 

If you have never seen a great game of men’s field hockey - arguably a different game look and tactics than the women’s game - then mark your calendars for the July 21-23 weekend and head to Newark, Delaware. (Admission is free)  You are guaranteed to see some high quality, competitive, and if last year is any measure, at times very hotly contested games. This competition will have it all.   

 
 

Once again, the estimable Gus Sotteriedes will be leading the officiating crew.  Top quality competitors deserve top quality officiating.  Gus and his team kept pace with fast games, a few short tempers and managed to seamlessly move the competition forward to everyone's satisfaction through the bumpiest of moments in 2022.  We enjoyed the well managed play and even the temperamental moments, which gave evidence to the determination of the competitors to claim the trophy.  USFHL is pleased to have Gus and his crew returning and elevating the officiating to professional levels. 

 
 

Women’s Bracket is Deep, Competitive and Fierce 

 

The hotbed of women’s teams coming into Nationals this July will make up the four pools competing to land in contention for the title round. Twelve teams from around the country will compete in Delaware this summer.   One will walk away with the title ‘National Champion’.   

 
 

Returning National Champions The Olympic Club Field Hockey Team from San Francisco, California, will be defending their 2022 title.  The athletes of Olympic Club have recently been seen out and about, working hard and competing in regional tournaments. They are aware they arrive with targets on their backs and 11 other teams wishing to send them back to California disappointed. Many of the athletes from their 2022 roster are returning again, and certainly they are well remembered. 

 
 

 

 
 

Also returning are the women of the Atlanta FHC. led by Director and Captain Elizabeth Hitti.  Noteworthy, Hitti was just named to the USA Field Hockey Senior Nexus program, so believe it when we say that this team is ready to compete.  Having bested all competitors in their Regional Club Championships in Houston this year, they are ready to make their run to the end.  Like the Olympic Club, they are prepared to hit the ground hard and not let up.   

 

 
 

Winging in from California are the Santa Monica FHC.  Making their first ever appearance in the National Club Championship tournament, team manager Sandra Binder remaked “we want to represent the coast, coming from so far away,  we are excited to be going.  Our goal is to finish in the top three for our first nationals.”  Binder also reports the other team goal is to enjoy the event as a whole.   

 
 

Saturday night is set up just for this undertaking.  All teams will be attending the Saturday evening National Tournament Social. A great benefit of adult hockey, the social aspects are emphasized as much as hockey competition.  Held on the tournament grounds at the University of Delaware, this event is always well attended and players have the chance to see old friends and make new ones. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The NY Islanders FHC, Lonestar FHC, dcDragons and Washington FHA clubs should really be making an outsized presence, as all four of these clubs are sending both their women’s and men’s teams to the competition.  dcDragons are coming to reclaim a title too.  The 2021 National Champions want their title back, according to their leadership.  So look out. 

 
 

The women’s bracket is rounded out nicely with great competition.  The Colorado Bears are arriving from Colorado, naturally.  The Strikers from Pennsylvania, who won the league championship at Spooky Nook to qualify, are joined by fellow keystone state teams Running on Empty, the Pennsylvania Field Hockey Association Champions and the SteelStyx, hailing from Pittsburgh.    We cannot forget to mention the hometown favorite, who practice on Rullo Field, Delaware FHA!  With the hometown advantage in play, plus mad skills, they are certainly a team that could the last one standing in the women’s bracket on Sunday. 

 
 
 

See you in July for great field hockey.  Admission to the event is free. There is parking available on site.   If you cannot make it to the event, tune into our live coverage on USFHL.com