Black Sticks men launch first Europe-based camp

The Black Sticks men are turning the page on a new era — holding their first-ever European-based training camp as Hockey New Zealand adapts to a decentralised model and significant funding cuts.

Fifteen of the country’s top players, who are now based across various European leagues, have gathered in Hamburg, Germany, for a week-long training block with Black Sticks head coach Greg Nicol and assistant coach Shea McAleese.

"We’ve got 38 players playing in Europe right now," McAleese told 1News. "Fifteen of them are on our immediate radar, so we brought them together to get eyes on them and to keep those connections strong."

It’s a major move that signals a shift in strategy for the national programme following their near $1.5 million funding cut and Hockey New Zealand's move to decentralise, no longer operating a centralised high-performance base in Auckland.

“This is the new normal,” Nicol said. “Players are going to be based in Europe playing at clubs so the relationship we build with them, and with their club coaches, is key. We need to make sure they’re getting the best support and development while they're offshore.”

The European camp is one of many Black Sticks coaches are running. Last month they held a similar session in New Zealand for locally-based players.

The camps are all part of the team's preparations for the Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur in June, where New Zealand will defend their title.

Black Sticks defender Kane Russell says the Europe camp is about more than just reconnecting, it’s about setting the tone for the next phase.

“We’re heading into a new cycle,” Russell said. “The goal is to go there [Nations Cup], win another tournament, and ultimately qualify for the Pro League — where we’re up against the top teams in the world.”

Many Kiwi players are choosing to stay in Europe long-term, not just for the hockey, but for the chance to train like true professionals.

“I'm only working 20 hours a week here,” said Captain Nic Woods, who’s now playing and working part-time in Germany. “That allows me to train properly. You don’t get that opportunity in New Zealand. With limited funding, you’re either working or studying full-time. It’s hard to do both and still perform at your peak.”

Both Nicol and McAleese say a long-term European base is on the table. The idea isn’t new — it's a model used successfully by Olympic champions.

“We call it blue-light thinking,” said McAleese. “Argentina did this before Rio. India have done it in the past. It’s something we can consider if we continue growing our player base here.”

Nicol agrees. “Argentina set up in Europe before the Rio Games—and they went on to win gold. So maybe it’s the way to go.”

After finishing last at the Paris Olympics, the Black Sticks men are clear: This isn’t just a trial camp — it’s a step toward rebuilding on the world stage.