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In their second out of state competition of the year, the Miami Surf Field Hockey Club returned from the 2009 Chicago Cup as runners-up. In an outstanding effort, the South Florida-based outfit were able to compete against some great teams with their hard work and dedication paying off when they reached the final against one of the host teams, Chicago Red.
Day One - In the pouring rain, the Surf faced-off against Chicago White in what would proved to be a great start. Pinning their opponents into their own half for long portions of the game, the Surf's dominance was rewarded with a great strike by Jelle Prins. Further chances came and went but the one goal was enough to secure the victory.
Miami Surf then met Chicago Blue who were keen to make up for their counterparts defeat but the Surf stood strong and was able to forge ahead with the another victory. Prins' second goal of the day proved to be enough.
Game three saw the Surf face off against the St. Louis "Saltdogs". Having conceded an early goal, Miami had to dig deep to get back into the game and a fortuitous strike from Jurgens Jensen brought the teams back on level terms. His goal secured the Surf's place in the Championship Bracket but the final placing would be decided in their next encounter.
The final game of the day saw the Surf play New York City Field Hockey Club. This proved to be Miami's toughest competition of the day. NYC outplayed the Surf for portions of the game but were met by a stern defensive unit. The pressure took its toll and with the combination of a breakdown in communication the Big Apple unit claimed the game 1-0.
Day Two - The Surf progressed to the semi-finals where they would face Colorado. In a very spirited game Miami's opposition took the lead. This again tested the 'intestinal fortitude' of our Sunshine State representatives. The Surf dug deep and were able to score on a clever corner routine which was swept home by Derek "Degsy" Aspinall. With the game ending in a tie, the knock-out stage moved to strokes in which Muhammad Kanji and on loan goalkeeper Melinda "Cujo" Curran made themselves heroes.
Miami faced Chicago's third representative (Chicago Red) in the final where they took the lead with a great drag-flick from Jelle Prins. The Surf we unable to hang on and conceded three unanswered goals. A spirited performance for the Surf who were unable to find a way back into the game but a great first outing at such a well organized tournament.
Female MVP went to Stephie Hussey who had a fantastic tournament!
The Miami Surf were complimented by there hosts for their sportsmanship and honesty throughout the tournament which is a great advertisement for field hockey in Florida!
The Florida Field Hockey Association (FFHA) welcomed their tenth member this week as the University of South Florida (USF) confirmed that they would be joining their ranks.
Florida's newest club consists of female players currently attending USF and is one of four all-female teams in the state (which includes Florida State University, Miami Flamingos, *Tampa Bay Grasshoppers - *co-ed club which also has a ladies team).
USF are expected to compete in FFHA events very soon!
The Florida Field Hockey Association (FFHA) was contacted this week by the latest field hockey program to hit the scene in the Sunshine State. The University of South Florida (USF) "Bulls" Field Hockey Club, which was established in the spring of 2009, has already attracted some 20 players and is interested in becoming a member of the FFHA.
The FFHA expects to hear good news from USF very soon and would welcome them as their tenth member club! More news to follow . . ..
HOCKEY DAY : MIAMI (04/09)
The Miami Field Hockey Club hosted a 'hockey day' involving local clubs Miami Surf, Surf Juniors, Doral and their own adult open and junior development teams. In excess of 80 players were there to support the event and a fun day was had by all! This is the second time the junior teams of Miami FH (formerly known as Aventura), Doral and the Miami Surf have met as they move closer to the organization of the South Floirda Junior League (watch this space!).
MERCIAN HOCKEY USA ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL SUNSHINE STATE 7'S LEAGUE SPONSOR (04/09)
Mercian Hockey USA has been named the first Official Sponsor of the Sunshine State 7's League. This rolling annual agreement will be of great benefit to all associated with the Florida Field Hockey Association (FFHA). Mercian will support the many facets of the Association including club development (through the issuance of start-up packages), funding raising (by providing items for a field hockey store where profits would go to the FFHA/host team) and discounts on Mercian items (including 25% off of their entire 2009 stick range).
There are many other benefits to this partnership. For more details please contact your respective FFHA representative.
TWO BECOME ONE! (03/09)
Miami Field Hockey aka Miami Flamingos has announced its official merger with Aventura FHC. Both teams will now operate under the Miami Field Hockey banner. This decision is a no brainer as the long term benefits are shared by both parties.
Miami Field Hockey offers opportunities to females athletes from Under-9 to the Adult (Open) age groups.
For more information contact the club at [email protected]
SUNSHINE STATE 7'S LEAGUE LAUNCH A SUCCESS (03/09)
Despite a late cancellation by one of the association's teams and a couple of logistical problems presented to the FFHA on the league opening weekend, the launch of the Sunshine State 7's (SS7s) can be viewed as nothing short of successful!
The standard of play was higher than previously anticipated. The addition of MiaCuba FHC, a highly skilled team from Miami, and the resurgent UM 'Canes added great flavor to the competition.
Hosts Tampa Bay where represented by their NORTH and SOUTH teams, whilst the Miami Surf fielded their firsts and seconds. Central Florida also particpated in the historic occasion.
Joy Lincoln, captain of the Miami Surf 1's, became the first player to register a goal in the league, as she guided her team in an opening day victory over Tampa Bay South.
Tampa Bay Grasshoppers were perfect hosts and have set the standard for the organization of future league meets.
A great weekend was had by all!
For all of the league standings and statistics please select the FFHA League page on the above menu bar.
MIAMI SURF FHC, INDOOR SUCCESS (02/22)
The Miami Surf Field Hockey Club claimed their first piece of silverware of the season at the 5th Annual Midwest Indoor Challenge Cup. Having been ranked fourth overall after the group stages, the Surf went on to lose to finalists Cincinnati Centurions FHC which set them up for a 3rd/4th place showdown against Chicago Field Hockey Club.
The Surf were keen to avenge their pool defeat at the hands of the Chi-town massive and went into the game knowing that their best had to be good enough in order to secure third place.
A frantic game saw both teams challenging early on. Chris Parrilla and Nico Siciliano led the attack and went close on a couple of occasions but it was on-loan Betsy Ehlen who put the Surf ahead. The Miami-based team were resilient in defense and were able to thwart every Chicago attack.
The one goal was enough as the Surf took the game 1-0.
Congrats to all involved!
GREAT WEEKEND FOR FLORIDA FIELD HOCKEY! (10/16)
The Florida Field Hockey Association (FFHA) took a massive step in the right direction this past weekend as they fielded no fewer than three teams in the 2008 Atlanta Cup. Florida United (MEN'S DIVISION) and Tampa Bay Grasshoppers (WOMEN'S DIVISION) joined the well traveled Miami Flamingos at the annual event, with the Sunshine State-based teams making up 20% of the weekend's competition (a great showing by all accounts).
All teams put forth great efforts and represented Florida with pride.
In the men's division, Florida Utd. made an instant name for themselves and proved to be a force to be reckoned with when they downed Nigeria's STALLIONS 4-1 and lost by the odd goal to the TORONTO LIONS (2007 Winners) and BERMUDA (2004 Winners). They progressed to the knock-out stages after a hard fought tie with the ATLANTA BALLISTICKS (2007 Runners-Up) and went on to face 2006 Winners, CHICAGO FHC, in the semi-finals. A second half comeback saw Florida mount great pressure on their opponents but the 3-0 halftime deficit proved too difficult to claw back and they left the field with a 3-1 loss.
The women's division boasted no fewer than nine teams traveling from all across the States and Bermuda. Tournament newcomers, Tampa Bay Grasshoppers, had a very tough draw facing the LUCKY DRAGONS (2007 Winners, 2006 Runners-Up), CHICAGO FHC (2006 Winners), VINTAGE ATLANTA and the ATLANTA MAJESTICKS (2005 & 2003 Runners-Up). Having put forth great efforts they finally got their reward against Vintage Atlanta. After large spells of sustained pressure the Grasshoppers were unlucky not to take all three points. It was the home side that held on as the Lady Grasshoppers secured the first point in their team's short history .
Elsewhere in the women's division, the Miami Flamingos secured first place in the group stages with victories over TEAM PHILLY (2007 Runners-Up), the BERMUDA WILDCATS, VINTAGE ATLANTA and the ATLANTA MAJESTICKS (2005 & 2003 Runners-Up). Moving on to the knock-out stages they faced a very impressive CHICAGO FHC in what was their toughest game yet. Slightly shading the game in the ways of chances, the Flamingos scored with only a few minutes left on the clock to take them to their second cup final of the year where they would face TEAM PHILLY. They out-performed their opposition with around 65% possession. However, Philly was able to withstand every attacking wave and forced the game to penalty strokes. The in-form Nikki Baudini made a great save to help the Flamingos cause and when Georgina O'Neill dispatched a sublime stroke Miami claimed their first Winners trophy in the club's history.
A fantastic weekend of hockey! I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of all of our efforts and am happy to report that the FFHA are firmly on the field hockey map!
Derek "Degsy" Aspinall - Chairman, FFHA
