New Zealand hockey teams named for Beijing

WELLINGTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand Olympic Committee on Monday named the 32 men and women who make up the New Zealand Olympic hockey teams competing in Beijing in August.

Ryan Archibald, 27, who missed out on competing in the 2004 Olympics when he failed a late fitness test on his fractured leg, will captain the men's Black Sticks side.

The NZOC trumpeted the experience of the men's side, noting in particular defenders Blair Hopping and Dean Couzins, who have played in 183 and 155 tests respectively.

Experience was also touted for the women's team, but the NZOC said the strength would be in how that experience blended with emerging young talent.

This would be particularly evident in the forward line, where 18-year-old Gemma Flynn would perform alongside seasoned strikers Jaimee Claxton, Niniwa Roberts and Krystal Forgesson.

The women's team would be captained by influential defender Lizzy Igasan.

New Zealand men: David Kosoof (North Harbour), Blair Hopping (North Harbour), Ben Collier (North Harbour), Steve Edwards (North Harbour), Ryan Archibald (Auckland), Simon Child (Auckland), Dean Couzins (Auckland), Paul Woolford (Auckland), James Nation (Auckland), Gareth Brooks (Auckland ), Casey Henwood (Midlands) , Kyle Pontifex (Wellington) , Phillip Burrows (Wellington) , Shea McAleese (Central) , Bradley Shaw (Canterbury), Hayden Shaw (Canterbury).

New Zealand women: Jaimee Claxton (North Harbour), Lizzy Igasan(North Harbour), Krystal Forgesson (Auckland), Kim Noakes (Auckland), Gemma Flynn (Midlands), Kayla Sharland (Central), EmilyNaylor (Central), Caryn Paewai (Central), Tara Drysdale (Central),Anita Wawatai (Central), Beth Jurgeleit (Wellington), Niniwa Roberts (Wellington), Sheree Horvath (Wellington), Kate Saunders (Canterbury), Stacey Carr (Canterbury), Jo Galletly (Canterbury).