2025 Territory Stingers Head Coaches Confirmed!

Hockey NT is pleased to announce the appointment of Head Coaches for the Territory Stingers men’s and women’s squads ahead of the upcoming Festival of Hockey and the 2026 Malaysian Hockey League campaign.

Following an Expressions of Interest process and evaluation by a Hockey NT Board-appointed panel, the following appointments have been confirmed:

Women’s Program

Head Coach: Michelle Caden (reappointed)

“The stability in our women’s program is a real strength. Michelle’s reappointment gives us a strong platform to keep building this young program.”
– Hockey NT Board

Men’s Program

Interim Head Coach: Jason Butcher

“The Board acknowledges that asking Jason to step in as interim Head Coach during this period is significant. However, we’re confident the right support mechanisms are in place so he can manage this extra responsibility effectively. The men’s program is a critical part of our strategic direction, and its success remains a top priority. Jason’s leadership provides immediate stability while we continue building the long-term structure around the Stingers men’s program.”
– Hockey NT Board

These appointments follow this week’s announcement of increased NT Government investment in the Stingers program, a timely boost that will directly support preparations over the next 12 months.

Butcher will serve as interim Men’s Head Coach for the remainder of 2025, providing continuity and leadership while Hockey NT continues discussions with other identified candidates to build the long-term structure of the program.

The appointed Head Coaches will now lead preparations for a blockbuster finish to the 2025 season, including the upcoming Festival of Hockey. The squads will focus on developing greater depth in the Territory’s playing list and addressing key priorities identified from this year’s MHL campaign.

Two major international events will headline the Festival of Hockey:

• Territory Stingers vs New Zealand Black Sticks Men – Saturday, 30 August at the MWT Hockey Centre
  A feature international match under lights to close out Grand Final Day in front of a packed home crowd.
• Indonesia Series – 21–22 September at the MWT Hockey Centre
  A two-day showcase of international hockey, with the Territory Stingers men’s and women’s teams taking on Indonesia as part of their MHL campaign build-up.

Support staff appointments are currently being finalised and will be announced early next week, along with initial squad selections for the next six months, including the 2026 Malaysian Hockey League campaign.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Elle Richardson
Media & Communications – Hockey NT
elle.richardson@hockeynt.asn.au