As excitement builds ahead of the 2026 ONE Active Hockey One season, the Perth Thundersticks have welcomed a major addition to their roster.

The Perth Thundersticks and Hockey WA are thrilled to announce the signing of German international Johannes Große for the 2026 season.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier midfielders, Große has represented Germany on 146 occasions and is poised to add to that tally when he competes at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.

Große’s impressive resume includes an Olympic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games and being part of Germany’s Euro Hockey Championship-winning squad in 2025.

Große will bring his wealth of international experience to Perth as he prepares for his first Hockey One campaign.

Perth Thundersticks Men’s Head Coach Tim Geers said securing a player of Johannes’ world-class pedigree was a significant coup for the Thundersticks.

“Signing a player of Johannes’ calibre is a significant statement for our program,” he said.

“He’s one of the most accomplished midfielders in world hockey, and his experience, quality and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our squad.

“Just as importantly, he’s incredibly excited by the opportunity to contribute to what we are building and help develop the next generation of Perth Thundersticks players.

“We can’t wait to see him in Thundersticks colours this season.”

Securing Große for the 2026 season marks the first time an international import has been signed to the Perth Thundersticks Men’s squad and just the second time an international import has joined a Thundersticks program, following Eva Drummond’s signing in 2024.

The signing comes as the Perth Thundersticks Men’s squad continues to bolster its experience, with former Kookaburra Flynn Ogilvie joining the club for his first Hockey One season since representing NSW Pride in 2023.

The Thundersticks have also welcomed back current Kookaburras James Collins, Cam Geddes and Ian Grobbelaar for the 2026 season, along with dynamic brother duo Jake and Tom Harvie.

Combining world-class international pedigree with proven Hockey One and Kookaburras experience, the Perth Thundersticks Men’s squad enters the 2026 season with the depth, quality and leadership to challenge the competition’s best.