Laura Gray's Return to Form
Published Fri 16 Sep 2022
LAURA GRAY’S RETURN TO FORM
2022 is shaping up to be a big year for Laura Gray. The former national program athlete returns from shortened seasons (due to two c-sections in 2019 and 2020 respectively), COVID lockdown in 2021, and a recent knee dislocation early this year to leading her local club Goulburn to the Women’s Capital League 1 grand finals this weekend and eyeing a return to the national stage with her Canberra Chill debut in early October.
“My return to CL1 had a bit of a rocky start.” Laura Gray states, “In 2019 I played my first game 4 weeks after having a c-section (I definitely don’t recommend however I was listening to my body and I felt ok). The following season I also returned 6 weeks after another c-section, and 2021 was a wipe out due to COVID. 2022 is the most consistent Capital League 1 hockey I’ve played since 2016. This season has been up there with the most enjoyable, being back around the competition on a regular basis.” Her joy for the sport also clearly reflects in her success, with Gray scoring 25 goals in 11 games this season.
Prior to her shortened seasons, Laura was in Perth for the 2017/18 season, training at the Hockeyroos camp in preparation for the World Cup. With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting most hockey activities in 2020 and 2021; now three years and a lifetime of experience later, Laura Gray is ready for the challenge.
First up this weekend, Laura will be starring in the Hockey ACT Women’s Capital League 1 grand finals when her local club, Goulburn, take on the reigning premiers St Patrick’s. The Goulburn women’s team have the chance to make history this Saturday, by being the first Goulburn women’s to win a Capital League Premiership ever. “I have been extremely fortunate throughout my career to compete in multiple grand finals with this being my 7th appearance. However, winning the first premiership for Goulburn would be a remarkable highlight.” Gray continues the Goulburn team are up for the challenge, “The team over the last month has prepared well. When the complete group is together we mesh really well and play an exciting style of hockey. In short, winning this weekend would be everything for the woman’s group. The men have tasted success and we are driven to put our name next to theirs.”
Next up, in early October, Laura is set to make her Canberra Chill debut when the Chill take on the Brisbane Blaze in Round 2 of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League in Brisbane. Having missed the inaugural season in 2019, Laura looks forward to travelling the country and representing the capital in 2022. “It feels strange to be a debutant again at the age of 27 considering I debuted for the Canberra strikers as an 18-year-old. I’m really looking forward to competing at the highest level again as my last appearance was in 2017 before having children and COVID.”
With the Canberra Chill playing three home games this season, Gray will have the chance to play to a home crowd of family and friends, “The home crowd is exciting. Having people cheer for you and give a positive atmosphere pump me up. This year will also be special for me to have my family and 2 little boys in the crowd. We are lucky to have such a supportive fan base in Canberra.”
The Women’s Capital League 1 grand final between Goulburn and St Patrick’s hits off at 3.30pm on the Carter field at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham this Saturday 17th September 2022, with FREE entry to all. The game will also be livestreamed across Hockey ACT’s Facebook and YouTube accounts, and on the LIVE Hockey platform.
The Canberra Chill’s first home game is Thursday 13th 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
