Territory Stingers Back the Future with Youth-Focused Squad for Malaysian Hockey League

Territory Stingers Back the Future with Youth-Focused Squad for Malaysian Hockey League

The Territory Stingers have officially announced their squad for the upcoming Malaysian Hockey League (MHL), placing a strong emphasis on investing in future talent. With five players under 18 and eleven under 21, this selection highlights Hockey NT's commitment to building a lasting legacy through homegrown development.

The inclusion of Perth Thundersticks legends Jemma and Elly Buckley adds invaluable experience and leadership, while experienced internationals Julia King (Blacksticks/New Zealand) and Sarah Jones (Great Britain) bring a wealth of elite-level insight to support and mentor the younger players.

Full Squad:

• Sophie Aranha
• Sydney Auld
• Holly Beath
• Jordan Bliss
• Ellie Buckley
• Jemma Buckley
• Shaykoda Carne
• Niesha Casmiro
• Tiana Crompton
• Ashleigh D’Souza
• Macenzee Dixon
• Estelle Hughes
• Julia King
• Stacey Luck
• Natalie Lynch
• Millie McLaurin
• Maya Nunn
• Samantha PangQuee
• Chloe Pendlebury
• Destiny Peris
• Elle Richardson
• Amy Stripling
• Sarah Jones
• Isobel Cowell
• Zita Varatharajan

Head Coach Michelle Caden shared her enthusiasm for the program’s direction: "This team embodies the next chapter of Territory hockey. We’ve selected this young core because we believe in their potential and ability to perform with the right support. By surrounding them with experienced leaders we are confident we will create an environment where they can develop for the future.”

Caden acknowledged the challenges the team will face but remains confident. "High-level competition is where they will learn the most. It’s about more than this season, it’s about building a sustainable, long-term future for our women's program."

CEO Jason Butcher reinforced this focus on development: "These players represent the aspiration of the Territory and the importance of opportunity. We know this will be a tough experience, but their exposure to the National U21 competition level and the Brisbane Blaze at the Festival of Hockey over the last few years has prepared them well. Our priority is to give them the opportunity to take this next step and to ensure we have the right support around them to ensure they grow from the experience."

The team will fly to Kuala Lumpur on February 3rd to begin their tour, which will see them based in KL until February 23rd.

For many of these young athletes, the MHL represents the biggest moment in their short careers. The Stingers will face the Singapore national team in a warm-up match on Wednesday, February 5th, in Singapore, before kicking off their MHL campaign against Mutiara-MSSPP-PSHA-PKS Uniten in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, February 8th.

"This is their time and we look forward to them showing the world what Territory hockey is all about," said Butcher. "We are excited to see how they take on this adventure and represent the Northern Territory on the international stage."

For more information or media inquiries.

Elle Richardson

Hockey NT Media and Communications Coordinator

Email: elle.richardson@hockeynt.asn.au