The FIH have unveiled their shortlists for their end of year awards. With three different categories available for both male and female nominees (International Rising Star of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and International Player of the Year) there is plenty of English interest.
Maddie Hinch has been nomianted in the International Female Goalkeeper of the Year category. Hinch, like Pinner in the men’s squad, took over the goalkeeping duties in the wake of London 2012 and has taken to the task with great success. She is a formidable athlete who scooped three consecutive goalkeeper of the tournament awards in the World League Semi-Final, Final and the EuroHockey Nations competitions. A specialist in shootouts, she has proved to be a tough opponent for the world’s best.
Hinch faces competition from Jackie Kintzer of the USA, Rachael Lynch of Australia, the Netherlands’ Joyce Sombroek and Belen Succi of Argentina.
East Grinstead’s Ashley Jackson has been nominated for the FIH Player of the Year category. Jackson, who won FIH Young Player of the Year in 2009 has continued to show his worth as one of England and Great Britain’s key players. The No7 played an important role in England’s run to the medal matches in the World Cup this summer and was then integral to his team picking up a bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
He is up against some stiff competition in Australia’s Mark Knowles and Eddie Ockenden as well as Robert van der Horst and Robbert Kemperman of the Netherlands.
Team mate George Pinner is in the running for International Male Goalkeeper of the Year. Since London 2012, Pinner has established himself as England’s No1 and has not looked back. The platform from which England build their defensive strength, Pinner won Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the World League final in which England won a bronze medal and the giant Holcombe stopper has turned heads with his athletcism, bravery and above all, his consistency.
He is up against Juan Manuel Vivaldi of Argentina, Australia’s Andrew Charter, PR Sreejesh of India and Jaap Stockmann of the Netherlands.
For the first time, fans are able to have their say and cast their votes. Follow this link and show your support for the efforts of England’s finest. The results will be announced in FIH social media channels during the week 18 – 23 December 2014 – so get voting!
