TeamGB have announced the Great Britain men’s and women’s hockey teams for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, with notable absences and promising new additions highlighting the selection process.
The women’s team, captained by Hollie Pearne-Webb, includes a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Key players like Giselle Ansley, Amy Costello, and Lily Owsley are expected to lead the charge. While Great Britain’s most decorated player, Laura Roper, will be heading to her fourth Olympic Games. Women’s head coach David Ralph said: “Whether this is your fourth Games or your first, being selected for an Olympics is an incredibly special moment, which I know means a lot to all of our players.
“The GB women’s squad has a long history at the Olympic Games, and we now have the opportunity to create our own history. This is our moment and our chance to create memories for life.”
The full GB women’s squad includes Giselle Ansley, Amy Costello, Fiona Crackles, Hannah French, Sophie Hamilton, Tess Howard, Sarah Jones, Lily Owsley, Hollie Pearne-Webb, Flora Peel, Izzy Petter, Miriam Pritchard, Sarah Robertson, Laura Roper, Anna Toman, and Charlotte Watson. The reserves are Grace Balsdon, Jess Buchanan, and Lily Walker.
In the men’s section, the squad is a blend of experienced players and Olympic debutants. The team will look to key players like Phil Roper, David Ames, and Sam Ward to spearhead their campaign.
Mark England, Team GB’s Chef de Mission, added: “There is a fantastic wealth of experience across the two squads, along with some exciting Olympic debutants. This blend of experience will stand them in good stead this summer, and I am confident that on their day, they can match any team in the world.”
The GB men’s squad includes James Albery, David Ames, Will Calnan, Jacob Draper, Gareth Furlong, David Goodfield, Lee Morton, Nick Park, Ollie Payne, Phil Roper, Liam Sanford, Rupert Shipperley, Zach Wallace, Jack Waller, Sam Ward, and Conor Williamson. The reserves are James Mazarelo, Tim Nurse, and Tom Sorsby.
Notably, Nick Bandurak, Alan Forsyth and Brendon Creed have not been selected for the men’s team. Bandurak, known for his impressive goal-scoring record, Forsyth, a seasoned forward with significant contributions to the team, and influential defender Brendon Creed, will be notable absentees.
As the teams gear up for the Olympic Games, excitement and anticipation among fans continue to build. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, both the men’s and women’s squads are poised to showcase their talents and strive for victory on the world stage in Paris.
