Simon Child leads New Zealanders in HIL Players' auction

New Delhi: Simon Child, a member of the FIH World All Star team in 2009, is among the nine Kiwis who will feature in next month's Hockey India League Players' auction for the event starting in January 2013. With 93 goals from more than 170 matches, the 24-year-old Child has etched his mark as one of the world's finest strikers. Having started as a teenager, he has been a key member of New Zealand team in 2006 World Cup in Germany, 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2012 Games in London.

"Hockey India League is delighted that hockey fans in the country will get to watch exciting New Zealand players," said Hockey India Secretary-General and Hockey India League Chairman Narinder Batra. "I am confident that the New Zealanders will join Australians, Pakistanis and European stars and share the stage with Indians in offering the fans a memorable experience."

One of the Black Sticks most experienced and world-class striker and mid-fielder with 286 caps, Phillip Burrows is also among the players from New Zealand who have signed up for the HIL Players' Auction.

Simon Child, a member of the FIH World All Star team in 2009, is among the nine Kiwis who will feature in next month\'s Hockey India League.

Burrows was New Zealand captain in more than 50 internationals and has played the last three Olympics and was the top field goal-scorer at the Athens Games. New Zealand's defender and skipper Dean Couzins (260 caps which includes three World Cups, three Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games and three FIH Champions Trophy events), goalkeeper Hamish McGregor, midfielder Shea Mcaleese (167 caps), Steven Edwards (recognised as one of the world's best centre halves), Hugo Inglis are among the best known Kiwi players who might feature in HIL.

Forward Nicholas Wilson, who has scored 49 goals in 118 internationals, and defender Andy Hayward (137 caps and 49 goals) are among the prominent New Zealand players who have signed up for the HIL Players' Auction.

In its inaugural year, the six-team Hockey India League is scheduled to be held from January 5 to February 3, 2013. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has left a clear window for HIL to be organised and will assist in the technical conduct of the tournament that may occupy a pivotal place in the international calendar.

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