Andrew Deane

Andrew Deane has been an integral part of the ACT Hockey community for over 4 decades as a player, coach, selector, administrator, and volunteer has made an exceptional contribution to the administration of the association through these avenues. Andrew has been involved with the Canberra Lakers, ACT U12’s – U21’s teams, as well as various ACT club teams and Indoor competitions.

Andrew was a player coach of the Canberra Lakers from 1995-1997 in which the Lakers had great success and made the final in 1997. Following his playing career, Andrew has consistently coached a diverse range of teams, across junior boys both locally and for the ACT at national championships, men locally and senior women locally. Andrew supported various age groups over the years including, U21 Men in 1994, U12 Boys in 2007, U13 Boys 2008/2009, U15 Boys 2010/2011and U18 Boys in 2012/2013. He later returned as a coach of the Canberra Lakers from 2014-2016.

Andrew played a vital role in the formative years of the Canberra Lakers’ establishment, resulting in the team’s entry into the National Hockey League in 1991. The Lakers entry into the National Hockey League, assisted to establish an elite level program, and pathway for young, upcoming and aspiring athletes. Andrew was the Lakers foundation captain from the team’s inception through to 1998 and demonstrated his exceptional leadership skills undertaking the role of Lakers Captain and Coach simultaneously between 1995-1997.

Andrew is a strong and decisive leader who used his reputation and influence to attract domestic and international recruits to the Canberra Lakers, recruits who in turn contributed to the Association, coaching locally and strengthening the local and national competitions. Andrew was aware of the impact these players would have on developing local talent and strengthening the local competitions – a benefit for future athletes and the future of hockey in the ACT.

Andrew was also responsible for securing the Lakers first major sponsor, helping to secure the financial future and sustainability of the team following its inception. Andrew was also the major drawcard for obtaining sponsorship for the ACT Colts (Men’s under 21s team). Andrew was influential in the early development of the hockey centre as we know it. He was instrumental in gaining support for the construction of the Sue Watt sand-based pitch, the foundation of the Hockey Centre that we now know. Through these actions Andrew promoted a sense of shared responsibility and purpose for the association.

Andrew has made an exceptional contribution to many facets of hockey in ACT. Both as a player, coach, selector at club, state/territory/national and international level in both outdoor and indoor disciplines. Andrew was a role model and mentor to local players, inspiring and paving the way for the next wave of local international representative players that followed after.

He represented the ACT in various age groups, starting in U12’s all the way through to U21 where he was selected at 15 years of age. He also represented the ACT in indoor from 1986 to 1990. Andrew played in the ACT’s first grade competition for many years, even returning to the ACT to play after his retirement from international hockey. He demonstrated his passion for hockey and giving back to the community and local competition from 1982-2007.

Not only has Andrew supported the ACT national teams, he also coached at a club level between 1995 – 2019. In 2012, Andrew pioneered a development program at United Hockey Club, including a 3rd Grade development team which included a group of under 15 boys to assist in their transition to senior hockey. Testament to Andrew’s skill and dedication with this team, seven of the United Hockey Club Premiership winning team of 2023, started their senior career in this third-grade team.

Widely respected and highly regarded, Andrew’s exceptional talent and leadership both on and off the field have supported and influenced the association as we know it today. He has contributed to the growth and development of the sport across multiple facets of the game at the Association, club, state and international level.

Andrew undoubtedly meets the requirements of each, and every criterion required to be awarded life membership of the Association, as outlined in the Hockey ACT by-laws and his character undoubtedly reflects the values of the Association.

Nominating Club: United Hockey Club
Nominated By: Geoff Absolom, President , United Hockey Club

Seconding Club: Time Travellers
Seconded By: Nicole Slater