Hockey NT Announces 2025 Festival of Hockey Details

Hockey Northern Territory is proud to unveil the full program for the 2025 Festival of Hockey, set to deliver the biggest month in the sport’s history across the Top End with international clashes, elite domestic finals, and a spotlight on regional diplomacy through sport.

The festival will launch in spectacular fashion on DHL Grand Final Day, Saturday 30 August, with a triple-header of elite matches at the MWT Hockey Centre:

• 4:00pm – Women’s TPL Grand Final
• 6:00pm – Men’s TPL Grand Final
• 8:00pm – International Showcase: Malaysia & Territory Stingers v New Zealand Black Sticks Men

The final game marks the first-ever formal collaboration between Hockey NT and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, serving as a proof-of-concept exercise for their joint ambition to enter the Hockey One League as a cross-border franchise. The teams will meet again in a second international fixture on Monday 1 September at 6:00pm, offering fans another chance to witness elite-level hockey on Territory soil.

“The Black Sticks men are looking forward to the two fixtures against the Territory Stingers as we prepare for the World Cup qualifier versus the Kookaburras. Having game one on grand final day also allows us to connect with the Hockey NT community. It is shaping up to be a superb day of hockey.” Greg Nicol, Blacksticks Head Coach

These matches form part of the final preparations for New Zealand ahead of the Oceania Cup, a three-game series from 4–7 September in Darwin where the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will face off against the Black Sticks for World Cup qualification, the biggest event ever hosted in Hockey NT’s history.

The festival continues with the Stingers v Indonesia Five-Match Series, running from 18–24 September, featuring both the senior men’s and women’s national teams from Indonesia. The series is the first major activation under a four-year strategic partnership between HNT and the Indonesian Hockey Federation, deepening regional ties through elite competition, coach development, and cultural exchange.

Michelle Caden, Head Coach of the Territory Stingers Women, said the series plays a critical role in the program’s development:

“This is a key opportunity for us. Playing Indonesia in a five-game series at home gives our group the chance to test themselves, build confidence, and show what they’ve learned across the year. It’s also an important part of the selection process leading into our next Malaysian Hockey League campaign and will be a real measure of how far this playing group has come.”

Jason Butcher, CEO of Hockey NT, said the festival reflects the momentum and ambition building across the Territory:

“It’s going to be a massive month of hockey in the Top End. We’re looking forward to some great hockey and entertainment and also unveiling key pieces of the Northern Gateway Initiative.”

He also highlighted the unique nature of the opening international fixture:

“It’s an incredibly unique opportunity for the Territory Stingers to join forces with Malaysia and take on one of the most iconic teams in world hockey. The Black Sticks have an incredible legacy, and for our local boys to line up against them in front of a home crowd is going to be something truly special. It’ll be a treat for our community to see some of our home-grown players step onto that stage.”

Festival of Hockey 2025 – Key Highlights:

30 August – DHL Grand Final Day

 • Women’s TPL Grand Final – 4:00pm

 • Men’s TPL Grand Final – 6:00pm

 • Malaysia & Territory Stingers v Black Sticks Men – 8:00pm

1 September – Second International Match

 • Malaysia & Territory Stingers v Black Sticks Men – 6:00pm

4–7 September – Oceania Cup

 • Kookaburras & Hockeyroos v Black Sticks (World Cup Qualification)

18–24 September – Indonesia v Stingers Series

Five-match series (Men’s and Women’s)

• Thursday 18 September – Practice Game: men 6.00pm / women 7.30pm
• Saturday 20 September – Game 1: women 4.00pm / men 5.30pm
• Sunday 21 September – Game 2: men 4.00pm / men 5.30pm
• Tuesday 23 September – Practice Game: men 6.00pm / women 7.30pm
• Wednesday 24 September – Practice Game: men 6.00pm / women 7.30pm

Proudly supported by:

Northern Territory Government, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), Indonesian Hockey Federation (IHF), Hockey New Zealand (HNZ), Hockey Australia (HA), SRA, Mindil Beach Casino Resort (MBCR), NT News, New Balance, MWT Facilities Management, Thrifty, Asahi Beverages, TigerTurf, Zuccoli Pharmacy and Trident Event Management.

Media Contact:

Elle Richardson

Media and Communications – Hockey NT

Elle.richardson@hockeynt.asn.au