GRAYS HOCKEY NEWS
TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION
Wed 23 June 2010
Coming Soon: Nano Carbon Tube Technology
It is well known that in many international hockey matches, there's a small margin of difference between winning and losing.
For 2010 the introduction of Carbon Nano Tube Technology is the latest development in improving Grays composite hockey sticks. Although small in size, these minute sized Carbon Nano Tubes play an important part in taking our hockey stick construction technology to a new level and give top players that extra percent that can swing hte game in your favour. They recognise it is the small things that make all the difference.
Grays inspiration for our nano range has come from our desire to:
- Take the performance of composite sticks to a new level by improving the stick's consistency and performance
- Improve the sticks reliability by increasing both the flexural strength as well as giving greater torsional stability
- Increase the sticks durability and wear performance on synthetic pitches
By introducing these new hi-tech Carbon Nano Technologies, Grays are now able to introduce and offer players the latest cutting edge technology.
Player Benefits:
- Greater consistency in performance when hitting
- Improved stability against torsional forces when controlling the ball and when hitting
- Improved feel and handling response when controlling the ball
Nano Carbon Tubes are molecular scale graphitic tubes that are amongst the strongest of known fibres. We have now included "Carbon Nano Tubes" as part of our resin mixture formulae. This process has involved carefully adding these nano molecule particles into the resin mix as part of the all important lay up process. The Grays formulae is so important in creating the all important stick performance qualities of increased strength and feel.
When integrated within the formulae mix of the resin, these minute sized Carbon Nano Tubes allow greater impregnation of the resin into the surface of the reinforcing fibres themselves, resulting in greater tensile strength in the bond of the resin itself on the surface of the reinforcing fibres.
It is the combination and integration of the use of these Carbon Nano Tubes within the resin mix combined with our Grays special composite fibre matrix constructions on these Nano models that increases the unidirectional qualities of the sticks performance.
Eddie Ockenden's Journey So Far...
Mon 31 May 2010
Eddie Ockenden has quickly become one of World Hockey’s most promising up and coming international players with his fast athletic style of player. The Australian midfielder is a rising star and has put in some fine midfield performances at his first World Cup in Delhi.
His journey to the top has taken him a long way from his roots in Tasmania. Eddie was taken to his local hockey club at the age of 4 by his mother Angela and father Clive - and Eddie has never looked back. “My hockey hero was Matthew Wells who was a great Aussie full back who also comes from Tassie.”
Eddie’s progress and development was continued and nurtured by Andrew McDonald who was in charge of the Tassie Tigers team in the Australian Hockey League. Eddies says “I owe a lot to Andrew as he really helped me develop as a player.”
Eddie appeared on the radar following his selection in the Aussie junior team that took part in the 2005 Junior World Cup in Rotterdam where the team won the silver medal. Eddie was soon promoted into the senior squad and took part in the Azlan Shah tournament in 2006. He has continued in the team at took part in the Beijing Olympics and was rightly rewarded by being named the 2008 FIH Young player of the Year.
Following the Olympics Eddie joined the Laren Club in Holland with a desire to improve his game and increase his knowledge of European styles of hockey. “We play various styles of teams each week in Holland which has helped me appreciate things more clearly.”
Eddie uses a Grays GX7000
Mark Knowles Reflects
Mon 31 May 2010
Ryan and Barbara Knowles are rightly extremely proud of their son.
Mark has come a long way from his early hockey days in Rockhampton in Central Queensland. Recognised as one of hockey greatest talents, Mark is now playing in his second World Cup final. He is one of the games finest athletes with an “engine” that knows no limits.
However it has not all been easy for Mark to get to the games summit and he has had to strive to get to the top… 2003 was a low point in Mark’s development when he broke his ankle playing in the Australian finals and then spent ten weeks recovering – only to break his ankle again in his first game back. Mark’s determination was crucial in his coming back again and almost beyond his own belief was included in the Aussie training squad for the Athens Olympics. Mark reflects “I owe Barry Dancer a lot in that in addition to his undoubted knowledge about the game he also was willing to give younger players like myself an opportunity.“
The Australian team went onto win their first ever Olympic Gold medal in Athens “It’s still surreal to me. I was so young at the time. When I look back on it and know how many Aussies have come so close over the years it really hits home what the team achieved.“
Since 2006, Mark has furthered his hockey career playing in the Dutch Hockey League at Rotterdam hockey club where he feels he has developed as a player. “It’s good to play against different types of players each week.“
Now playing in his second World Cup having been in the team that won the silver medal four years ago, Mark feels the new rules stop break down tackling which helps him in his new central midfield rather than on the right side. “I’m enjoying the new challenge and it has helped freshen me up as a player.”
Mark says of the current coach Ric Charlesworth “I really enjoy the training and detail we now have in the group.”
Mark Knowles Grays stick choice: GX 7000
GRAYS ATHLETES PRETTY IN PINK
Fri 19 June 2009
GRAYS is delighted to announce that seven of their sponsored athletes have been named in the 2009 Hockeyroos Champions Trophy Squad.
As the first major international tournament since the Beijing Olympics, the Champions Trophy will be the first opportunity for the Hockeyroos to unveil their new era, as they begin their climb back to Olympic glory at the London 2012 Olympics.
Not only will their be a major difference in the Hockeyroos line-up from the team that competed at the Beijing Olympics but their will also be a change in their uniform. With the Champions Trophy running from 11-19 July, the Hockeyroos will celebrate ‘Pink Ladies Day' on Sunday 12th July during their match against Argentina by wearing full pink bodysuits to mark their charity partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This will be the first time any Australian national team has completely altered their official team uniform for charity.
GRAYS will provide pink grips to the Hockeyroos squad to complete their pink uniform. These grips are available at all GRAYS retail partners. By purchasing a pink grip you are helping GRAYS reach a target of donating $150,000 for breast cancer research in Australia and New Zealand. $1 will be donated from the sale of each grip.
2009 Hockeyroos Champions Trophy Squad
(Grays sponsored athletes are highlighted)
Squad: Nicole Arrold (ACT), Madonna Blyth (QLD), Alison Bruce (NSW), Casey Eastham (NSW), Toni Cronk (NSW), Kate Hollywood (NSW), Emily Hurtz (NSW), Fiona Johnson (NSW), Stacia Joseph (VIC), Heather Langham (NT), Rachael Lynch (VIC), Kobie McGurk (WA), Hope Munro (WA), Georgia Nanscawen (VIC), Ashleigh Nelson (WA), Sarah O'Connor (VIC), Megan Rivers (NSW), Kim Walker (WA).
Ric Charlesworth Announces 2009 Kookaburras Squad
Fri 17 April 2009
The 2009 National Kookaburras line-up has been confirmed, with Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth announcing his 24 man squad, which includes seven Grays sponsored athletes.
Signalling the beginning of a new and exciting ear Charlsworth has selected seven players all who have played less than ten international games each in the last twelve months. Three of these new talents include Grays sponsored athlete Chris Ciriello, Mark Paterson, and Glen Simpson.
While the inclusion of the new players brings a fresh look to the Kookaburras, who won Bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Charlsworth has indicated the squad will continue to evolve in the short term and their main focus will be on exposing as many players as possible to the national team.
In addition to the new talents mentioned above, Grays is also delighted to announce the inclusion of previous squad members Mark Knowles, Eddie Ockenden, Grant Schurbert and Russell Ford.
As the first major international tournament since the Beijing Olympics, the Champions Trophy in Melbourne from November 28-December 6 will be the first opportunity from the Kookaburras to demonstrate the strength and depth of Australia's hockey talents.
Hockeyroos to play first match since Beijing Olympics
Fri 24 April 2009
The Hockeyroos have announced that they will participate in the Spar Cup, a 4 Nations invitational tournament to be played in Durban, South Africa from 2 to 6 June. In their first tournament since the 2008 Beijing Olympics the Hockeyroos will take this opportunity to unveil a new era.
GRAYS athletes Alison Bruce, Stacia Joseph and Georgia Nanscawen will all make their international debuts when the Hockeyroos go head-to-head against Argentina, South Africa, and India.
Of particular interest is the inclusion of Nanscawen, who at the age of 16 will become one of the youngest-ever Hockeyroos. Nanscawen who was first noticed and singled out by Grays when she was just 12 years old is said to be delighted and still in shock considering 12 months ago she was still playing Under 15s.
While admitting playing for the Hockeyroos is a massive step up from anything she has previously encountered, Nanscawen says she isn’t going in with any expectations and is just looking forward to playing.
Experienced squad members Kate Hollywood, Hope Munro, Nicole Arrold and co-captain of the Hockeyroos squad Emily Halliday have also been named in the side.
2 June
Hockeyroos v India
3 June
Hockeyroos v Argentina
5 June
Hockeyroos v South Africa
6 June
Finals
2009 Hockeyroos Squad
Nicole Arrold GX 7000 MAXI
Alison Bruce GX 7000 MAXI
Emily Halliday GX 7000 MAXI
Kate Hollywood GX 7000 MAXI
Stacia Joseph GX 7000 MAXI
Hope Munro GX 7000 MAXI
Georgia Nanscawen GX 8000 TURBO TORQUE
Other squad members:
Teneal Attard, Madonna Blyth, Toni Cronk, Casey Eastham, Emily Hurtz, Fiona Johnson, Heather Langham, Rachael Lynch, Kobie McGurk, Sarah O'Connor, Megan Rivers, Danielle Schubach, Kim Walker
Grays Athletes Win WorldHockey Awards
Thu 11 December 2008
WorldHockey Men's Player of the Year Award - Pol Amat, Spain
Pol Amat was named the 2008 World Hockey Player of the Year. Pol, the first Spanish winner, received the prestigious award at the FIH Congress Dinner last week in Los Angeles. Pol was the driving force behind the Spanish Men's Team performances throughout 2008, climaxing in a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.
WorldHockey Young Player of the Year Awards
Ladies - Maartje Paumen, Holland Men's - Eddie Ockenden, Australia
Both the World Hockey Young Players of the Year Awards went to two Grays Players - Maartje Paumen of The Netherlands and Eddie Ockenden of Australia. Maartje won Gold at the Beijing games scoring 11 goals in the process, a new Olympic record. Eddie performed consistently well at the both the Olympic games the Champions Trophy.
Mark Knowles re-signs with Grays Hockey
Thu 29 January 2009
Grays Hockey is pleased to announce that Kookaburras (Australia Men's Hockey Team) midfielder Mark Knowles has re-signed with Grays Hockey.
Knowles, 24 years old, is a key member of the Kookaburras outfit and is an important signing for the brand in Australia and worldwide.
In 2007 Knowles won the highly regarded Junior World Hockey Player of the Year award and captained the Australian side for the first time. Knowles was the youngest member of the Australian Men's Olympic Hockey Team to win Gold in Athens 2004 and has since played in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2006 World Cup and 2008 Olympic games.
Knowles uses the GX 7000 Composite 37.5" medium-weight hockey stick.
GX 7000
• Carbon and Aramid braided mix for exceptional power
• “Carbon-X” heel and edge protection zones
• Optimum weight to balance ratio for excellent balance and feel
• Sizes 38.5”, 37.5”, 36.5”
Grays Dominates the 2009 Hockeyroos Squad
Thu 9 April 2009
The beginning of a new and exciting era for the Hockeyroos has been reconfirmed today, with Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray announcing his 2009 national squad, which includes 10 Grays sponsored athletes.
Demonstrating the youthful nature of the new Hockeyroos line-up, the squad includes 16-year-old Georgia Nanscawen (VIC). Nanscawen was first noticed and singled out by Grays when she was just 12 years old and subsequently appeared in a television advertisement that aired on channel 31 in 2007.
In addition to Georgia Nanscawen, three additional Grays athletes will also make their debut, namely Alison Bruce (NSW), Stacia Joseph (VIC) and Airlie Ogilvie (NSW).
Grays is also delighted to announce the inclusion of previous squad members Nicole Arrold (ACT), Kate Hollywood (NSW), Claire Messent (VIC), Hope Munro (WA), Ashley Nelson (WA), and freshly named co-captain of the Hockeyroos squad, Emily Halliday (WA).
The first step in the Hockeyroos march to the top of world hockey will take place on home soil, when the Hockeyroos host the world’s top six nations at the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy in Sydney from 11-19 July 2009.
As the first major international tournament since the Beijing Olympics, the Champions Trophy will be the first opportunity for the Hockeyroos to unveil their new era, as they begin their climb back to Olympic glory at the London 2012 Olympics.
2009 Hockeyroos Squad
(Grays sponsored athletes are highlighted)
Nicole Arrold GX 7000 MAXI
Alison Bruce GX 7000 MAXI
Emily Halliday GX 7000 MAXI
Kate Hollywood GX 7000 MAXI
Stacia Joseph GX 7000 MAXI
Claire Messent O-TECH SILVER
Hope Munro GX 7000 MAXI
Georgia Nanscawen GX 8000 TURBO TORQUE
Ashley Nelson GX 8000 TURBO TORQUE
Airlie Ogilvie GX 7000 MAXI
Other squad members:
Teneal Attard, Jane Bennett, Madonna Blyth, Toni Cronk, Casey Eastham, Anna Flanagan, DeAnne Gilbert, Emily Hurtz, Fiona Johnson, Heather Langham, Rachael Lynch, Kobie McGurk, Sarah O'Connor, Megan Rivers, Danielle Schubach, Kim Walker
Grays dominate the FIH WorldHockey All Star Teams 2008
Thu 11 December 2008
The WorldHockey All Star Teams was announced in Los Angeles on the 22nd November. A number of Grays players were unveiled in both the Mens and Ladies teams once again echoing Grays dominance at the international level. The highlight of the announcement was 10 out of the 18 players featured in the Ladies team used Grays Sticks.
Men
- Pol Amat (Spain)
- Santi Freixa (Spain)
- Barry Middleton (Great Britain)
- Eddie Ockenden (Australia)
- Jong Ho Seo (Korea)
Ladies
- Kaori Chiba (Japan)
- Baorong Fu (China)
- Natascha Keller (Germany)
- Seon Ok Lee (Korea)
- Yibo Ma (China)
- Maartje Paumen (Netherlands)
- Maria Jesus Rosa, goalkeeper (Spain)
- Qingling Song (China)
- Melanie Wells (Australia)
Quick Questions with Mark Knowles
Fri 6 June 2008
My nickname is KNOWLESY...and I have played hockey for THE KOOKABURRAS...
My most memorable achievement would have to be..WINNING OLYMPIC GOLD IN 2004 ...
From the GRAYS range I use GX7000 MAXI.....and I like it because GRAYS STICKS HAVE THE BEST FEEL OF ANY IN THE WORLD
To prepare for the Olympics I ..TRAIN HARD IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS TO MAKE MYSELF THE BEST PREPARED I CAN BE..
The best thing about representing Australia is...WINNING IMPORTANT MATCHES
To conquer nerves before an important game I ..LISTEN TO MUSIC AND HAVE COFFEE WITH MATES/ GIRLFRIEND....
The best thing about the Olympics is...THE CROWDS AND PLAYING IN THE GREATEST SPORTING EVENT ON EARTH
In five years time I will...HOPEFULLY HAVE PLAYED AT 3 OLYMPICS, HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AND STILL LOVING LIFE ..
The best advice I have ever received is...REMEMBER SOMEONE'S ALWAYS WATCHING (GRANDAD) ...
I admire MY PARENTS AND PEOPLE WHO WORK HARD AND GET THE REWARDS ...
My earliest childhood memory is...FOLLOWING MY FATHER AROUND THE HOCKEY FIELDS AND FAMILY CAMPING TRIPS
Other teams/sports that I follow are...MANCHESTER UNITED, BRISBANE LIONS ..
My Favourite travel destination is...HOME TO ROCKHAMPTON ...
My favourite sporting moment is... BRISBANE LIONS 3 PEAT
Something people might be suprised to know about me is... I HAVE 2 TATTOOS
The best day of the year is... XMAS DAY, DONT SEE MY FAMILY TO OFTEN SO THATS THE BEST
On the weekend you will find me...WATCHING SPORT OR RELAXING AT THE BEACH
I am looking forward to...CONTINUING TO PLAY FOR MY COUNTRY FOR A WHILE
The most embarrassing thing I have ever done is...CHICKEN OUT OF HIGH ROPES COURSE
People always ask me... WHY MY LEGS ARE SO SKINNY
Three words that describe me are...SPORTY, HAPPY, HARDWORKINGThe most annoying thing is......PEOPLE WHO SMOKE
My life motto is...LOVE LIFE, WORK HARD AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
WARNING: Counterfeit sticks
Tue 24 June 2008
Please be wary of counterfeit GRAYS Hockey sticks which have recently been appearing on the Australian market. There is a concern with counterfeit hockey sticks being sold through unauthorised retailers.
Plesae beware of hockey sticks not purchased through approved retailers - see our retailers listing
It is also recommended that you do not purchase hockey sticks from online auction web sites.
Australian Olympic Women's Hockey Team Announced
Tue 24 June 2008
Grays Hockey will be represented by five female athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which are:
Nicole Arrold (ACT) 26yo GX 8000 Turbo Torque
Melanie Wells (QLD) (nee Twitt) 30yo GX 7000 Maxi
Hope Munro (WA) 27yo GX 7000 Maxi
Kate Hollywood (NSW), 22yo GX 7000 Maxi
Emily Halliday (WA) 29yo GX 8000 Turbo Torque
New Zealand Olympic Hockey Teams Announced
Tue 15 July 2008
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has named the 32 men and women who will make up the New Zealand Olympic Hockey Team to Beijing 2008.
Grays athlete are highlighted.
The 16 Black Sticks Men's players to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics are:
Shirt # Player Name NHL Team Age Caps Position
3 David Kosoof North Harbour 29 136 Striker
7 Blair Hopping North Harbour 27 183 Defender
30 Ben Collier North Harbour 24 72 Midfielder
31 Steve Edwards North Harbour 22 47 Midfielder
10 Ryan Archibald Auckland 27 207 Midfielder
6 Simon Child Auckland 20 81 Striker
8 Dean Couzins Auckland 27 155 Defender
16 Paul Woolford Auckland 31 128 Goalkeeper
20 James Nation Auckland 31 90 Defender
24 Gareth Brooks Auckland 29 103 Striker
9 Casey Henwood Midlands 27 61 Midfielder
17 Kyle Pontifex Wellington 28 65 Goalkeeper
18 Phillip Burrows Wellington 28 198 Striker
25 Shea McAleese Central 23 70 Midfielder
12 Bradley Shaw Canterbury 25 73 Defender
19 Hayden Shaw Canterbury 27 139 Defender
The 16 Black Sticks Women's players to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics are:
Shirt # Player Name NHL Team Age Caps Position
8 Jaimee Claxton North Harbour 30 138 Striker
10 Lizzy Igasan North Harbour 25 121 Defender
3 Krystal Forgesson Auckland 25 66 Striker
14 Kim Noakes Auckland 25 34 Defender
22 Gemma Flynn Midlands 18 16 Striker
1 Kayla Sharland Central 22 87 Midfielder
2 Emily Naylor Central 22 105 Midfielder
17 Caryn Paewai Central 32 141 Midfielder
23 Tara Drysdale Central 29 114 Midfielder
26 Anita Wawatai Central 27 41 Goalkeeper
15 Beth Jurgeleit Wellington 27 66 Goalkeeper
21 Niniwa Roberts Wellington 32 134 Striker
24 Sheree Horvath Wellington 28 34 Defender
4 Kate Saunders Canterbury 26 51 Defender
11 Stacey Carr Canterbury 24 92 Midfielder
13 Jo Galletly Canterbury 28 63 Defender
Smith celebrates 100th game with win
Tue 13 May 2008
Grays would like to congratulate Victorian Viking and Kookaburras midfielder Andrew Smith on celebrating his 100th international appearance by defeating China in the Darwin 4 nations tournament. GRAYS well represented in 2008 Beijing Olympics Squad
Wed 14 November 2007
Hockey Australia has announced a fresh new look for its 2008 Beijing Olympics Squad. Grays Hockey is again well represented with eight athletes choosing Grays hockey sticks and equipment. Ashleigh Nelson is the new member of the Grays team to join the National Squad.
Follow the links to view each athlete's hockey stick.
Nicole Arrold, ACT - GX7000 Maxi
Suzie Faulkner, QLD - GX7000 Turbo
Emily Halliday, WA - GX8000 Maxi
Kate Hollywood, NSW - GX7000 Maxi
Hope Munro, WA - GX7000 Maxi
Ashleigh Nelson, WA - GX8000 Maxi
Rebecca Sanders, NSW - GX7000 Maxi
Melanie Twitt, QLD - GX7000 Maxi
Interview with Mark Knowles
Fri 12 October 2007
Grays Hockey Video Promo
Wed 26 September 2007
Earlier in the year we put together a GRAYS Hockey TV Ad for the Hockey Show which aired on Channel 31 in Victoria throughout the hockey season. GRAYS Hockey was a major sponsor of the show, and we thought, why not use our sponsored players to star in the ad!
Luke Young, Hannah Cohen, Georgia Nanscawen, Andrew Smith, Rebecca Waley and Lachlan Dreher all featured in the ad which takes us through the highs and lows of their hockey careers. The one thing they all had in common was that "GRAYS was there."
Check the ad out for yourself
Be the first to know!
Fri 28 September 2007
If you love your sport as much as we do - you'll want to be the first to know the lastest info. We'll be posting exclusive interviews with some of our sponsored players, plus giving you access to screensavers and wallpapers, to you can keep even closer to your favorite sport.
We'll be covering Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball, Squash, Tennis and Darts. Just click on the newsletter link at the bottom of any page and select the sports you're interested in. We promise not to spam you with useless information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
