HockeyOne: Debutants headline Perth Thundersticks squads heading to Canberra

The 2024 Liberty Hockey One season is just days away from kicking off and the Perth Thundersticks have locked in their first squad for their season opener against Canberra Chill.

Women’s

The highly anticipated Hockey One debut of the Perth Thundersticks’ first-ever international import player headlines the squad set to compete against Canberra Chill.

Dutch hockey legend Eva Drummond will make her first appearance in the Liberty Hockey One season as the Thundersticks get ready to travel to Canberra’s National Hockey Centre.

Drummond said she was very excited to be making her Hockey One debut this weekend.

“It’s been great so far to be here,” she said.

“I’m curious as to how it’s all going to work out because I’ve never flown to an away game before but I’m super excited to start playing and I think it’s going to be a good game.

“Everyone has been very welcoming, and it almost feels like home already.

“I’m still getting to know the girls and how they play but I’ve been enjoying it so far.”

Also set to make her Perth Thundersticks debut since joining the team from NSW Pride is Courtney Schonell, who returns to Hockey One for the first time since rupturing her ACL in 2023.

The Women’s squad will also feature several exciting returns with Aleisha Power coming back after being ruled out of the 2023 season due to injury, Jolie Sertorio, who returns after an ACL rupture left her out of the 2023 squad, and Candyce Peacock, who comes back to Hockey One after pregnancy.

Debuts: Eva Drummond (Hockey One), Courtney Schonell (Perth Thundersticks)

Men’s

As the Perth Thundersticks set to start a fresh Hockey One campaign in Canberra’s National Hockey Centre, two Burras are set to be unleashed on the Chill.

Angus Adamson and Max Freedman have been named to make their Liberty Hockey One debut as the Thundersticks gear up to take on the Canberra Chill.

Already teammates at YMCC Hockey Club within WA’s Stiles Electrical Premier League, Adamson & Freedman are part of a wave of promising young players coming through the Perth Thundersticks.

The pair have already enjoyed success on the national stage, becoming three-time Under-21 National Championship players at the Hockey Australia Under-21 National Championships earlier this year.

Both Adamson and Freedman said they were stoked to have been picked to make their Hockey One debut.

“It’s a big honour playing for WA, coming through the juniors and now making it on to the senior squads – it’s really awesome so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the boys,” Adamson said.

“We’ve been building really well over the past few weeks, and we had a trip away together last weekend which was really good for the boys and things are starting to come together.”

“We’ve got a good group this year so it should be really exciting to get going,” Freedman said.

“I’ve really enjoyed training so far, particularly after the club finals.

“There’s a nice, fun culture which makes it for a good environment.”

Not only will Sunday’s match see the pair showcase their skills at the Hockey One level for the first time, but it will also provide an opportunity to get some valuable game time in before they travel to Johor, Malaysia to compete in the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup with the Burras.

“Representing your country is pretty cool and we’re lucky enough to do that,” Freedman said.

“It should be a really good tournament for us and hopefully the boys do well while we’re away.”

Also set to make their Hockey One debut are Sam Ashton, who joins the Perth Thundersticks for the first time this season, and Josh Bowen, who will run out for the first time since joining the team in the 2023 season.

The Men’s squad will also see the return of Dane Gavranich and Coby Green, both of whom will be running out as a Thunderstick for the first time since the 2019 season, when Hockey One in its current form was introduced.

Debuts: Josh Bowen, Sam Ashton, Angus Adamson, Max Freedman (Hockey One)

Join the rumble this Liberty Hockey One season by becoming a Perth Thundersticks member and securing your tickets TODAY!

The Perth Thundersticks is proudly supported by Sharp EIT Solutions, Bravo Apples, ERM High Voltage Asset Specialists, Polytan, Session Equity, and Project Innovations.

The Perth Thundersticks Women’s program is also proudly supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.