When it looked like there was a chance it might not be Goulburn Valley Hockey Association is back.
This year heralds a wealth of new opportunities for the association, as well as president Michael Nielsen, as the league season prepares to start this weekend.
Questions lingered over the sport’s long-term future in the Goulburn Valley late last year as Nielsen succeeded Cam Druitt at the association’s helm amid issues with volunteer participation, among other areas.
As Nielsen explains, though, rumours of the competition’s demise were indeed exaggerated.
“That was never a problem or issue that was going to eventuate,” Nielsen said.
“It was always going to be resolved and the situation hasn’t proved to be as dire as it was made out to be back then.”
Having proclaimed local hockey in good health, the men’s A-grade competition has plenty of reason for excitement with the addition of a fourth side to compete with Shepparton’s Strikers and SYC along with Echuca-Moama.
“Numbers are pretty similar to last year and team entries are thereabouts, but the biggest thing we’ve got this year is Mooroopna coming back into the A-grade,” Nielsen said.
“They’ve brought their B-grade team up with a few people they’ve picked up along the way, which should make for a better competition.
“The Regional Hockey League with Bendigo will take place throughout the first half of the year as well, which is something both Bendigo and Shepparton clubs have expressed interest in continuing.”
Last year was a banner one for Mooroopna hockey with the women’s side advancing all the way to Vic League Two grand finals in Melbourne.
Growth isn’t limited to the senior teams, however, with Shepparton Christian College set to enter two new youth sides in the lower divisions this year.
“The college engaged with a few clinics last year and they’ve decided they’ve got enough people to start up in under-12 and under-16s,” Nielsen said.
“Some have played before in those teams and some haven’t.
“Hockey Victoria brought the Hockey Roadshow here and they engaged with that, so there’s been something simmering there for a while.
“Overall, there are a few Shepparton clubs and a few out of town, but we would say any participants should contact GV Hockey on Facebook; the growth coming in is good.”
The sport could embark on further burgeoning success in the area, with the Shepparton sports complex again set to host the Junior State Championships later this year.
As for the opening weekend, Shepparton and SYC will commence the season Friday night before Mooroopna makes its A-grade bow away at Echuca-Moama on Saturday.