2022 Senior Grand Finals Wrap Up

HOCKEY ACT SENIOR GRAND FINALS WRAP UP

A day full of excitement, upsets, close-calls, and over-due victories; the Hockey ACT Senior Grand Finals on Saturday 17^th September 2022 lived up to its long-awaited hype.

The first season in three years to run at full length, due to previous COVID lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, teams were eager to take the fields and earn their premierships in 2022.

With games hitting off early across all three pitches at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham; all 13 grand finals, from Capital League 1 all the way through to State League 5 grades, provided nail-biting finishes with many decided from shootouts.

In the Women’s Capital League 1 Grand Final, St Patrick’s were ready for the main stage, having come off a short ending in 2021 to earn their title in 2022. Standing in their way was a formidable Goulburn team, poised to take their first Women’s Hockey ACT premiership ever. Three quick goals from both teams early in the first quarters forecast a tough battle to play out throughout the game, right up until the final seconds. With mere minutes remaining in the 4^th quarter, the game look set to go to shootouts with the score line sitting at five all. Until St Patrick’s came in with the late goal, ultimately sealing their victory. With the seconds ticking down, St Patrick’s Naomi Evans held possession as the buzzer rang.

In the Men’s Capital League 1 competition, Central looked set to win their first premiership since 2016. However United, hot off a win-streak, were ready to ruin their chances looking for their first Capital League 1 premiership in 19 years.  A goal early by United put the game into rapid momentum, with strong attacks from both teams early on. Goals on both sides kept the action up throughout. By midway through the fourth quarter both teams sat equally on two goals each, once again hinting a shootout to decide. However late in fourth quarter, off a deflection by Matt Hotchkis, Central snuck in with a sensational goal to seal their victory 3-2. Having made it to the grand finals the past three years, it was an emotional win for the team, finally taking home the premiership.

All in all, the day was the sweet cherry on top of a full season for Hockey ACT. With all teams finally able to celebrate their hard work all year.

Next up on the Hockey ACT calendar is the Brophy McKay Presentation evening this coming Friday 23^rd September, 2022. An evening celebrating the 2022 hockey season, by recognizing outstanding achievements by players, umpires, and volunteers.

Then the Sultana Bran Hockey One League hits off, with the Canberra Chill’s first home game on Thursday 13^th October 2022, when they take on HC Melbourne. To catch all the action live, purchase your Canberra Chill Membership today: https://canberrachill.memberlink.net.au/memberhome

2022 Hockey ACT Grand Final Results: