The Black Sticks Men begin their 2008 Beijing Olympics qualifying preparation with a series of three tests against Korea in Christchurch, 8-11 November.

The build up to this series begins with two practice games, which will be played by a New Zealand selection. Black Sticks Coach Shane McLeod will use these games to test up and coming players at international level. A number of players have been called into the New Zealand selection including young strikers Joel Baker (19 from Wellington) and Nick Wilson (17 from Central). A number of fringe or recent Black Sticks including Shaun Barnett who captained North Harbour to the recent NHL title are included in the team.

Following these warm up games, a three (3) test series will be played on November 8, 10 and 11. Black Sticks captain Ryan Archibald, midfielder Shea McAleese and experienced striker Phil Burrows will arrive back from Europe a day before the first Korean test after completing commitments with their European clubs.

Korea, the world’s fifth ranked team, will use the series as preparation for the Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur later in November.

Following the Korean series, the Black Sticks team will play a three test series against Australia in Sydney 21-25 November. The squad to prepare for the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifying Tournament at North Harbour 2-10 February will be named after the Australian test series.

Team New Zealand: David Kosoof, Simon Child, Blair Hopping, Dean Couzins, Casey Henwood, Ryan Archibald, Bradley Shaw, Bevan Hari, Paul Woolford, Kyle Pontifex, Phillip Burrows, Hayden Shaw, James Nation, Bryce Collins, Lloyd Stephenson, Gareth Brooks, Shea McAleese, Ben Collier, Steve Edwards.

Source: New Zealand Hockey