SUHC is entering three teams (grades 1, 2 and 3) in the Sydney Veterans competition in 2010. Camel is our Veterans Vice President for 2010, meaning he is now officially responsible for everything.
In 2008 and 2009 we made the Grand Finals in 1st grade, our 2nd team was again just off the money for the trophies, and our third team (introduced in 2009) puffed its way to a magnificent end of season performance and bash. This year we will beat UNSW in 1st grade, and still have as much fun in the other grades.
We need approximately 18 players to support each team. This is becasue the rules do not allow us to move players between teams easily. We also need to allow for the niggling injuries and work commitments that come with being 40+. Currently we are probably going to be pretty much right wuith numbers, which is a great result. If you are interested in playing with us, thopugh, please email veterans@suhc.asn.au as soon as you can. We have a range of playing skills from State level down, so there is a place for everyone who is interested.
The Vets comp usually runs from March to September with the rounds finishing in August. We play 4 weeks straight through March and then have another 10 games spread over 4.5 months (total 14 round games + 3-4 pre-season). It means games are scheduled about every second week, although there is no real pattern.
Most games are played at Homebush with occasional games at Cintra Park and Moorebank (nothing before 7.30 at Moorebank). Games are played 80% on Wednesday nights and 20% Monday nights, with the earliest start being 6.15 pm and the latest, 9.05 pm.
To qualify for Vets for next year you must turn 40 by the end of 2010. There is also a provision for up to 3 first grade players who can turn 37-39 next year. This does not apply to grades 2-3. As a guide, if you are playing 5th grade or higher on Saturdays you could be considered for first grade. The cut-off is usually somewhere in 5th grade.
Uniforms (including shirts, socks and shorts in sizes below XXXL) can be obtained at the Club's Rego Day on 27 February. After that we plan to have them stocked at Just Hockey at Homebush - watch this space for confirmation.