HOCKEY

By TOM HAYES

 

STADIUM34 Moe successful hosted the 11th Inline Australian Club Championships recently.

The event saw 59 Australian teams and one New Zealand team converge on the complex to compete across six divisions in more than 161 games of hockey over six days.

International: Jaan Turia (KIHL All Stars) puts on the brakes in front of Jamie Bourke (Bulls) at Stadium34. Photograph supplied

From Wednesday, March 27 to Monday, April 1, players put it all on the line to take out the biggest prize on offer.

STADIUM34’s Matt Beatson was incredibly proud of the efforts made by not only the players, but also his staff to see the tournament come to fruition.

“It was fantastic. It was the biggest one we’ve held, so overall really good,” he said.

“It was really fantastic to have representation from all over Australia and then this year being the first year to have a team from New Zealand was just awesome.

“They had a really good tournament, the New Zealand team, made it to the Grand Final.

“It was busy. Lots of spectators, lots of people, long days, it was good.”

Congrats: Latrobe City Mayor, Mayor Darren Howe presented Bulls captain Jamie Bourke with the Pro Division Champions Cup and cheque. Photograph supplied

With games running as early as 6.30am and as late as 11.30pm, there was really no time to rest for the STADIUM34 crew, so forgive them for having a small break.

STADIUM 34 had to close its facility for 10 days to host the event, to allow time to set-up the tournament and pack-up once it was completed.

The Inline ACC tournament is not only huge for STADIUM34, but also the region, Beatson explains.

“Its huge for us. We’re really proud of what we’ve created over the years and the partnerships with Skate Victoria, some of the other sponsors that help make the event viable,” he said.

“But its not just huge for us, but its huge for the local community, and the town, and the service providers through accommodation and hospitality.

“The flow-on effect it has on the region is pretty significant so we’re pretty proud to bring it to Gippsland.”

The tournament will be staying at STADIUM34 indefinitely for the time being, with the team preparing for the next event as soon as they can.

Keep an eye on STADIUM34’s socials for updates on what might be coming to the Moe facility.

 

GRAND FINAL RESULTS:

Pro Division: Bulls 4 def KIHL All Stars 1 ($2000 prize money)

Division 1: M7Ms 6 def Scorpions 2

Division 2: The Loose Pucks 2 def Beach Bombers 1 (Overtime)

Division 3: Boo-Urns 6 def Dry Ice Devils 3

Masters: Wild Dingoes 4 def South Oakley Dynamos 3 (Penalty Shootout)

Women’s: Dekes of Hazzards 2 def Snipers 1