Leftback Sports

Big congrats to my Summer training buddies, the Otago 45s who took home a well deserved silver at the NZ Hockey Masters Tournament! Special mention to manager JustinandJo Thorn (photo inset) for his tireless work to pull it all together - fabulous outfit but mate, that sign isn't fooling anyone ;-)

Sneak preview of new sticks for the coming season...due in next week ;-)

I've really enjoyed the Hockey India League over the last few weeks. For those who haven't heard of it, it's hockey's version of cricket's IPL - franchise teams with a base of Indian players and a few overseas stars in each squad. Fantastic extended highlights of each game on the following youtube channel - I'm interested in the what others thought of the comp's format and how each team performed - lots to unpack!

Hockey India League 2024-25 Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

Another great weekend away with the Tomahawk Chiefs at this event. Congrats to everyone - fitting a whole tournament into a weekend is a challenge at any age and yet the passion and effort was there till the last whistle.

I got to use the foot guards in a practice game on Wednesday. I didn't get hit on the foot (no PCs) but certainly comfy to play in and didn't notice any weight difference. If you want to make your own I got them from Aliexpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007182058794.html) and drilled the holes using a paper guide so they were even and the same on both feet (photo attached). The 10x6cm ones were $NZ6 a pair delivered but plenty of suppliers and different colours/sizes to choose from. Any questions welcome :-)

I noticed a few international players using guards on top of their shoes to protect their feet. The few suppliers I could find for something like this were all overseas and wanting stupid money so I made my own. They feel comfortable but I'll post an update after I get a chance to use them at masters training next week :-)

I've got a few Chugen that were sanded a bit hard at the factory so out they go at only $150 including delivery:

SECONDS SALE – Katana Chugen Hockey Stick – Low Bow – Leftback Sports These sticks were sanded a little too aggressively at the factory so have some small visual flaws in the top layer of carbon fibre. Such flaws are often covered by paint and graphics on other brands of stick and don’t affect the structure of the stick so the usual warranty applies.

A new season just around the corner which means new sticks in stock! I just had a hit with the new spread tow carbon fibre model - it takes power to a new level with a very large hitting sweet spot. I found hitting flat very easy for a low bow but with the usual benefits of the lower apex. Available in a variety of lengths up to 40" and all for a fraction of the price of the big brands...check it out here: https://leftbacksports.com/index.php/product/2024-katana-samurai-hockey-stick-low-bow/

New medium sized stick bags just arrived - $75 including delivery: https://leftbacksports.com/index.php/product/katana-medium-hockey-gear-bag/

New stock finally arrived arrived yesterday. I'm already enjoying the 2023 Ikko Cross Bow - halfway between a mid bow and low bow, I used it in a practice game last night and could easily hit flat but still pick the ball up for overheads and 3D: https://leftbacksports.com/index.php/product/2023-katana-ikko-hockey-stick-cross-bow/

Black Friday - 10% off store wide!

It's all action all week at the Ford NHC in Dunedin with playoffs underway - get all the info and links to live streams here: https://www.facebook.com/HockeyNZ Up the Otago Warthogs!

Hockey New Zealand Hockey New Zealand is the country's national sporting body for field hockey.