Town supports hockey club’s comeback

Hockey has certainly made a come-back in Port Hedland since the club facility opened earlier this year.

The Hedland Hockey Club, based at the Port Hedland Tennis Club, has received keen interest on a national level — receiving a visit from Olympian Joel Carroll last week.

The elite player, who made his Olympic debut at the London Games in 2012, was keen to hit sticks with some young players last Wednesday.

Hedland Hockey Club president Nicki Latham said the community had rallied behind the club, with more than 90 members now signed up.

The sporting club was given a boost after being accepted for funding from Fortescue Metals Group.

The money has been put towards new goalposts and markings.

“It’s been so exciting ... we got together in February and by May we were all ready to go,” Ms Latham said.

“The amount of people that have become involved in running the club has been very exciting.

“To begin with we had no idea of the interest and whether people would want to be involved.”

She said the club placed an emphasis on creating a family-friend environment based on inclusion and making people feel welcome.

The HHC was forced to shut several years ago because of financial hardships and some key players and committee members leaving town.

“It’s fantastic support ... hockey gets into your blood and when we first put the message out to say we were going to start the sport again, the amount of hockey players that came out of the woodwork was incredible,” Ms Latham said.

Matches are played on Saturdays and informal training sessions are held on Thursday nights.