UniKL Young Guns shoot themselves in foot...

UNIKL Young Guns shot themselves in the foot when they were held to a 2-2 draw by SSTMI Juniors in Division One of the Junior Hockey League yesterday.
  It was an amazing score, as SSTMI Juniors only won their first point of the season after five matches. SSTMI Juniors also have let in 22 goals thus far and are at the bottom of the 10-team Division One standings.
  UniKL, third on the standings on 10 points, will have to play much better in the remaining three matches if they want to play in the knock-out TNB Cup quarter-finals.
  The top four teams in Division One and the-four in Division Two will play in the quarter-finals.
  UniKL took the lead off Haziq Hisyamuddin in the 13th minute, but SSTMI Juniors equalised off Badrul Amin in the 16th minute. Zul Yadain gave UnKL the lead again in the 28th minute, but Fikri Amer stole the first point of the season for his team with a 60th minute strike.
  UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran was dejected with his charges attitude: "I have prepared the team as best as possible for this match but my players never took the opportunities that came their way. They missed too many sitters and penalty corners and now we are in danger of missing the quarter-finals if they keep playing with the same attitude."
  UniKL are a pale shadow of their double silver medal winning side last season, as have lost two matches and drawn one after six games.
  "This is a good lesson as SSTMI Juniors showed us that no team in Division One can be taken lightly. We were punished for thinking that they will give is three points on a platter. 
  "Instead, we lost two crucial points in this match while STMI Juniors had every reason to celebrate this win like they had won the League title itself," said Vickneswaran.
  The JHL takes a two-week break before resuming on Feb 12.
  RESULTS: Division One: BJSS Thunderbolts 2 SMKDBL Young Guns 1, UniKL Young Guns 2 SSTMI Jnrs 2.
  Division Two: Group A: Perlis Young Lions Jnrs 0 MCKK 0, Azlan Shah Science 1 Kedah Jnrs 3, Matri 1 MSS Kedah 5; Group B: MSSWPKL 2 Anderson PHA 4, MISCF-UFL 2 Anderson Thunderbolts 4; Group C: MSNT-PHT 1 TBSS Tampin 7, Pahang Hockey Academy 1 Malacca High 1.

DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSTMI TNDER'      5 5 0 0 26 4   15
SSP-MSP-TNDER'    5 4 0 1 28 7   12
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  6 3 1 2 14 15  10
BJSS TNDER'       4 3 0 1 11  5  9
OLAK TIGERS       6 3 0 3 14 19  9
POLITEKNIK        5 2 1 2 9  8   7
PJCC              5 2 0 3 7  11  6
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 6 1 1 4 10  16 4
NURINSAFI         5 0 2 3 6  21  2
SSTMI JRS         5 0 1 4 5  24  1

JHL: SSP-MSP Thunderbolts bounce back..

PAHANG Sports School (SSP-MSP Thunderbolts) bounced back in style when they hammered Petaling Jaya City Concil 4-1 in Division One of the Junior Hockey League yesterday.
  The win came at the back of a 2-3 defeat to UniKL Young Guns on Friday, with the heart-break being scored at the final minute of the match.
  And if SSP-MSP Thunderbolts maintain their fine run, they have a good chance of finishing at least second in the League.
  In another Division One match, Olak Tigers beat SSTMI Jnrs 2-0 with goals from Adhwa Jalil (29th) and S. Kavinash (30th).
  Yesterday, SSP-MSP Thunderbolts took a 2-0 lead off Idris Samad in the 4th and 17th minutes, before PJCC pulled one back off Faiq Razin in the 30th.
  But after the break SSP-MSP Thunderbolts killed off the fight with a brace from Kamil Yusop in the 40th and 53rd minutes.
  "My players were really motivated to win this match after losing our grip against UniKL at the last minute Friday. With this win, we have a good chance of finishing among the top-three this season," said SSP-MSP Thunderbolts coach Sufian Mohamed.
  There will be a two-weeks rest before the Pahang team takes on SMKDBL Young Guns.
  "The two-week rest also played a psychological role in our win today (yesterday) because my players went all out knowing that they have a long period to recover after this match. We will take a few days off hockey, before preparations start for the next four games," said Sufian.
  RESULTS -- Division One: Olak Tigers 2 SSTMI Jnrs 0, PJCC 1 SSP-MSP Thunderbolts 4.
  Division Two: Group A -- Kedah Jnrs 1 Penang MSSPP-USM 6, Azlan Shah Science 0 Perlis Young Lions Jnrs 7; Group B: Felda Jnrs 0 BJSS Jnrs 1, MISCF-UFL 1 Anderson PHA 3; Group C: Science Johor 1 Datuk Taha 5.
  TODAY: Division One: BJSS Thunderbolts v SMKDBL Young Guns (National Stadium I), UniKL Young Guns v SSTMI Jnrs (National Stadium II).
  Division Two: Group A: Perlis Young Lions Jnrs v MCKK (Kuala Perlis), Azlan Shah Science v Kedah Jnrs (Kuala Kangsar), Matri v MSS Kedah (kangar); Group B: MSSWPKL v Anderson PHA (Ministry Education), MISCF-UFL v Anderson Thunderbolts (KLHA); Group C: MSNT-PHT v TBSS Tampin (Padang Midin), Pahang Hockey Academy v Malacca High (Temerloh).
  Note: All matches at 5pm.


DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSTMI TNDER'      5 5 0 0 26 4   15
SSP-MSP-TNDER'    5 4 0 1 28 7   12
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  5 3 0 2 12 13  9
OLAK TIGERS       6 3 0 3 14 19  9
POLITEKNIK        5 2 1 2 9  8   7
BJSS TNDER'       3 2 0 1 9  4   6
PJCC              5 2 0 3 7  11  6
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 5 1 1 3 9  14  4
NURINSAFI         5 0 2 3 6  21  2
SSTMI JRS         4 0 0 4 3  22  0

JHL: SSTMI Thunderbolts keep tight grip

JUNIOR Hockey League double champions SSTMI Thunderbolts were slow off the block, but picked up steam to beat Petaling Jaya City Council 4-0 in Division One yesterday.
  Unbeaten after five matches, SSTMI showed they are still the team to topple for titles this season.
  SSTMI only led by a solitary goal off Akhimullah Anuar in the 21st minute but after the half-time break, they hammered in four more goals off Shello Silverius (53rd), Fitri Khairul (60th) and Akhimullah again in the (62nd).
  In another match Division One match, UniKL Young Guns beat SSP-MSP Thunderbolts 3-2 with a last minute penalty corner goal.
  SSTMI coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman was relieved that his players picked up the momentum in the second half.
  "PJCC played very well to contain us in the first half, but after the rest they started defending and that was when my players went up and scored three more goals.
  "The league is at its half-way for us and with five wins, we are on track to defend our title," said Wan Roslan.
  Wan Roslan feels the tournament will become tougher for them from now.
  "We have yet to play UniKL Young Guns, who always give their very best when playing against us over the years. Also Pahang Sports School (SSP-MSP Thunderbolts) have been playing as a unit for years and their players have matured and have a good understanding.
  "I believe both these matches will be tough, but we are game to defend our titles," said Wan Roslan who has taken SSTMI to four consecutive doubles.
  RESULTS -- Division One: UniKL Young Guns 3 SSP-MSP Thunderbolts 2, PJCC 0 SSTMI Thunderbolts 4, Nur Insafi 1 SMKDBL Young Guns 1.
  Division Two: Group A: Perlis Young Lions Jnr 1 Matri 1, MCKK 1 Perlis Young Lions 9; Group B: STAR 0 BJSS Jnrs 2, MSSWPKL 2 Anderson Thunderbolts 1, MSNPK/ILHC x Felda Juniors x; Group C: Pahang Hockey Academy 2 TBSS Tampin 3, Malacca High 7 MSNT-PHT 1, SMKDBL Jnrs 3 Datuk Taha 1.
  TODAY -- Division One: Olak Tigers v SSTMI Jnrs (Tun Razak), PJCC v SSP-MSP Thunderbolts (National Stadium II).
  Division Two: Group A -- Kedah Jnrs v Penang MSSPP-USM (Sungai Petani), Azlan Shah Science v Perlis Young Lions Jnrs (Kuala kangsar); Group B: Felda Jnrs v BJSS Jnrs (Azlan Shah I), MISCF-UFL v Anderson PHA (KLHA); Group C: Science Johor v Datuk Taha (Batu pahat).
  Note: All matches at 5pm.


DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSTMI TNDER'      5 5 0 0 26 4   15
SSP-MSP-TNDER'    4 3 0 1 24 6   9
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  5 3 0 2 12 13  9
POLITEKNIK        5 2 1 2 9  8   7
BJSS TNDER'       3 2 0 1 9  4   6
PJCC              4 2 0 2 6  7   6
OLAK TIGERS       5 2 0 3 12 19  6
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 5 1 1 3 9  14  4
NURINSAFI         5 0 2 3 6  21  2
SSTMI JRS         3 0 0 3 3  20  0

JHL: Thunderbolts prosper...

JUNIOR Hockey League (JHL) title sponsors feted four Thunderbolts teams under their fold to a scrumptious lunch Thursday, with a promise to continue helping the teams prosper in the long run.
  Tenaga started by sponsoring Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) a decade ago, and the school now holds the distinction of four consecutive back-to-back doubles in the JHL.
  Three more teams were included under the Thunderbolts programme this year and they are Bukit Jalil Sports School and Pahang Sports School in Division One and Anderson in Division Two.
  The Thunderbolts programme, run by former internationals who are Tenaga employees, seem to have a golden tough as in Division One, SSTMI and Pahang Sports School are one-two, while BJSS fourth on the standings currently.
  Anderson are tops in Group B of Division Two with three wins so far.
  Today, Pahang Sports School will face their moment of truth when they play against a wounded UniKL Young Guns.
  "All four Thunderbolts gathered at the Kilat Club for lunch and motivational talk midway of the League and I can see that my players are really fired up to give their best in the remaining matches," said Pahang Sports School coach Sufian Mohamed.
  But Sufian admitted UniKL will nor be easy: "UniKL lost to Politeknik (1-0) last weekend and I believe they will also try their best to claw back into the League with a win against us. But I have faith in my players for full points," said Sufian.
  Pahang stared off by playing in Division Two, gained promotion and finished sixth in the League last season. This year, they have won all three matches and are second to SSTMI only because they have played one less match than the double champions.
  UniKL, double silver medallists last season, have had a poor season as they are sixth on the standings after losing two out of four matches.
   FRIDAY -- Division One: UniKL Young Guns v SSP-MSP Thunderbolts (National Stadium I), PJCC v SSTMI Thunderbolts (National Stadium II), Nur Insafi v SMKDBL Young Guns (Sungai Petani).
  Division Two: Group A: Perlis Young Lions Jnr v Matri (Kuala Perlis), MCKK v Perlis Young Lions (Kuala Kangsar); Group B: STAR v BJSS Jnrs (Azlan Shah I), MSSWPKL v Anderson Thunderbolts (Ministry of Education), MSNPK/ILHC v Felda Juniors (Azlan Shah II); Group C: Pahang Hockey Academy v TBSS Tampin (Temerloh), Malacca High v MSNT-PHT (Malacca), SMKDBL Jnrs v Datuk Taha (Batu Pahat).
  SATURDAY -- Division One: Olak Tigers v SSTMI Jnrs (Tun Razak), PJCC v SSP-MSP Thunderbolts (National Stadium II).
  Division Two: Group A -- Kedah Jnrs v Penang MSSPP-USM (Sungai Petani), Azlan Shah Science v Perlis Young Lions Jnrs (Kuala kangsar); Group B: Felda Jnrs v BJSS Jnrs (Azlan Shah I), MISCF-UFL v Anderson PHA (KLHA); Group C: Science Johor v Datuk Taha (Batu pahat).
  SUNDAY: Division One: BJSS Thunderbolts v SMKDBL Young Guns (National Stadium I), UniKL Young Guns v SSTMI Jnrs (National Stadium II).
  Division Two: Group A: Perlis Young Lions Jnrs v MCKK (Kuala Perlis), Azlan Shah Science v Kedah Jnrs (Kuala Kangsar), Matri v MSS Kedah (kangar); Group B: MSSWPKL v Anderson PHA (Ministry Education), MISCF-UFL v Anderson Thunderbolts (KLHA); Group C: MSNT-PHT v TBSS Tampin (Padang Midin), Pahang Hockey Academy v Malacca High (Temerloh).
  Note: All matches at 5pm.

DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSTMI TNDER'      4 4 0 0 22 4   12
SSP-MSP-TNDER'    3 3 0 0 22 3   9
POLITEKNIK        5 2 1 2 9  8   7
BJSS TNDER'       3 2 0 1 9  4   6
PJCC              3 2 0 1 6  3   6
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  4 2 0 2 9  11  6
OLAK TIGERS       5 2 0 3 12 19  6
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 4 1 0 3 8  13  3
NURINSAFI         4 0 1 3 5  20  1
SSTMI JRS         3 0 0 3 3  20  0

JHL: Bad season so far...

THE Junior Hockey League (JHL) season is almost at its midway point, but teams or individual players have yet to show any promise in both the divisions.
  Initially a record 36 teams registered for the tournament which was incepted in 1995, but Larut Matang and Selama withdrew three days from the start.
  The remaining 35, 10 in Division One and 25 in Division Two, have dished out a paltry dish and there seem to be no above average talent who shone above the rest.
  In Division One, four-time consecutive double champions SSTMi Thunderbolts started off promisingly by beating SSTMI Juniors 8-1 and Olak Tigers 7-2, but struggled against last seaon's Division Two teams Nur Insafi and SMKDBL Young Guns.
  Boht the teams played in the Division Two final last season, where Nur Insafi edged SMKDBL Young Guns 3-2 -- and both the promoted to Division One this season.
  And surprisingly, SSTMI could only beat SMKDBL Young Guns 3-0 and let in the first goals against Nur Insafi before beating them 4-1.
   SSTMI meet Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) on Friday, and if they continue playing like this, they might drop three points.
  The only spark in this JHL is SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts who are second on the Division One standings but have played on ematch less that leaders SSTMI Thunderbolts.
  The Pahang Thunderbolts, SSP-MSP, are fielding four 16-year-olds, seven 17-year-olds, five 18-year-olds and only four 19-year-olds in the ongoing JHL.
  Some of their players, although yet to mature, have shown glitters of promise and could surprise the gallery when the dust settles.
  In Division Two the 25 teams, with 20 players each, are just going through the motions of completing their fixtures -- and that's 500 players who have poor basics.
  The stands have been empty not only of spectators, but also Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) officials and scouts.
  That's the state of the JHL at the half-way mark of the League stage.

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSTMI TNDER'      4 4 0 0 22 4  12
SSP-MSP-TNDER'    3 3 0 0 22 3  9
POLITEKNIK        4 2 1 1 7 5   7
BJSS TNDER'       3 2 0 1 9 4   6
PJCC              3 2 0 1 6 3   6
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  4 2 0 2 9 11  6
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 4 1 0 3 8 13  3
OLAK TIGERS       4 1 0 3 9 17  3
NURINSAFI         4 0 1 3 5 29  1
SSTMI JRS         3 0 0 3 3 20  0

Politeknik's Fakhri sees off UniKL

LAST season's double silver medallists UniKL Young Guns received a massive blow when they were beaten 1-0 by Politeknik in Division one of the Junior Hockey League Saturday.
  UniKL wasted 12 penalty corners, one penalty stroke and had a goal disallowed in the drama-filled match before bowing out in this disastrous outing.
  The toast of Politeknik was Fakhri Ardillah who scored the winner in the 47th minute off a field attempt.
  Politeknik moved to third on the standings on seven points, while UniKL slid down to an all-time low sixth.
  "It was a disastrous outing as we wasted so many chances which included 12 penalty corners and a penalty stroke. This is a disaster of our own doing which had placed us in an all-time low over many seasons," said UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran.
  Double champions SSTMI Thunderbolts continued their path towards another League title when they beat Nur Insafi 4-1 to remain unbeaten after four matches to top the Division.
  "We have one week to train and claw back into the picture as we need to finish among the top-four to play in the knock-out stage. The players have themselves to blame as they somany chances to win the match but just could not score. Hopefully they wake up next weekend," said Vickneswaran.
  In the other match, Nur Insafi scored the first goal in the third minute off Azril Shaqeer but SSTMI Thunderbolts fought back with goals from by Aliff Syazwan (eighth), Akhimullah Anuar Essok (52nd, 56th) and Amirul Hamizan  Azahar (65th). 
  RESULTS: Division One: SMKDBL Young Guns 4 Olak Tigers 5, Politeknik 1 UniKL Young Guns 0, SSTMI Thunderbolts 4 Nur Insafi 1.
  Division Two: Group A: Matri 7 MCKK 2, MS Kedah 3 SM Sains Azlan Shah 0, Penang USM 1 Perlis Young Lions Juniors 4.
  Group B: MSSWPKL 4 MSNPK-ILHC 0, Anderson PHA 6 STAR 2.
  Group C: TBSS Tampin 5 Sabah Sports School 4, Young Hurricanes Malacca 4 SM Sains Johor 1, Malacca High School 2 SMKDBL Juniors 1.

DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSTMI TNDER'      4 4 0 0 22 4  12
SSP-MSP-TNDER'    3 3 0 0 22 3  9
POLITEKNIK        4 2 1 1 7 5   7
BJSS TNDER'       3 2 0 1 9 4   6
PJCC              3 2 0 1 6 3   6
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  4 2 0 2 9 11  6
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 4 1 0 3 8 13  3
OLAK TIGERS       4 1 0 3 9 17  3
NURINSAFI         4 0 1 3 5 29  1
SSTMI JRS         3 0 0 3 3 20  0

BJSS do just enough to beat PJCC 2-1

BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Thunderbolts lived by the skin-of-their-teeth to beat Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) 2-1 in Division One of the Junior Hockey League yesterday.

  However, the match of the day belonged to SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts who hammered SSTMI Juniors 9-1 to top the Division One Standings.

  Second on the standings are double champions SSTMI Thunderbolts who beat Olak Tigers 7-2.

  Yesterday, BJSS took the lead off Arif Sabron in the third minute and Syafiq Razak made it 2-0 in the 50th minute before PJCC narrowed the score via Azwadi Ridzuan in the 53rd minute.

  "We did everything right except score more goals, but the win is a welcome from our 2-1 defeat to SSP-MSP Thunderbolts last weekend," said BJSS manager K. Rajan.

  It was the same script for BJSS as they missed about 10 sitters, the same when they lost to SSP-MSP, and this is cause for worry.

  "Right from the back to attack the boys did everything right, but when they enter the semi-circle they fail to nail sitters. Even though this is a worrying factor, at least we have one week before the next match to rectify matters," said Rajan.

  BJSS started with a bang when they opened the JHL with a 6-1 hammering of UniKL Young Guns: "Our target is to finish top-four in the League and play in the knock-out and right now we are bang on target," said Rajan.

  RESULTS -- Division One: SMKDBL Young Guns 2 UniKL Young Guns 4, Politeknik 2 Nur Insafi 2, PJCC 1 BJSS Thunderbolts 2, SSTMI Thunderbolts 7 Olak Tigers 2, SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts 9 SSTMI Juniors 1.

  Division Two: Group A -- Penang-USM 4 Matri 1, MSS Kedah 4 MCKK 0, Perlis Young Lions v Kedah Juniors (Called off).

  Group B: Anderson Thunderbolts 8 STAR 0, Felda Juniors 3 MISCF-UFL 1, BJSS Juniors 2 MSNPK-ILHC 1.

  Group C: Pahang Hockey Academy 5 Datuk Taha 3, Malacca High 8 SM Sains Johor 0, Young Hurricanes Malacca 1 SMKDBL Juniors 0.

  

  SATURDAY: Division One: SMKDBL Young Guns v Olak Tigers (Batu Pahat), Politeknik v UniKL Young Guns (Taman Daya), SSTMI Thunderbolts v Nur Insafi (SSTMI).

  Division Two: Group A: Matri v MCKK (Kangar), MS Kedah v SM Sains Azlan Shah (Padang Serai), Penang USM v Perlis Young Lions Juniors (Sg Petani).

  Group B: MSSWPKL v MSNPK-ILHC (Ministry of Education), Anderson PHA v STAR (Azlan Shah I).

  Group C: TBSS Tampin v Sabah Sports School (Seremban II), Young Hurricanes Malacca v SM Sains Johor (Malacca I), Malacca High School v SMKDBL Juniors (Malacca II).

  NOTE: All matches start at 5pm.

DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSP-MSP-TNDER'    3 3 0 0 22 3  9

SSTMI TNDER'      3 3 0 0 18 3  9

BJSS TNDER'       3 2 0 1 9 4   6

PJCC              3 2 0 1 6 3   6

UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  3 2 0 1 9 10  6

POLITEKNIK        3 1 1 1 6 5   4

SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 3 1 0 2 4 8   3

NURINSAFI         3 0 1 2 4 16  1

OLAK TIGERS       3 0 0 3 4 13  0

SSTMI JRS         3 0 0 3 3 20  0

JHL: BJSS Thunderbolts have a plan...

BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Thunderbolts aim to bounce back in Division One, when they meet Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) in the Junior Hockey League Friday.
  BJSS have a well balanced team, but wasted sitters and a penalty stroke as well when they went down 2-1 to SSP-MSP- Thunderbolts last Sunday.
  "The defeat was a lesson well learnt by mu players, as being in control of the match means nothing if they do not tuck in the ball more frequently. We missed too many sitters, and also a penalty stroke to lose three vital points last Sunday.
  "We have been training hard since to rectify some of the problems and hope to secure three points from PJCC tomorrow (today)," said BJSS Thunderbolts team manager K. Rajan.
  PJCC have full points by beating Nur Insafi 3-1 and Olak Tigers 2-0.
  "We have watched videos of both the PJCC matches, and my players know what to do and what not to do. It wont be an easy match, but we aim to bounce back to keep in touch with the leading pack," said Rajan.
  RESULT: Division Two Group C: Pahang Hockey Academy 0 Sabah Sports School 4.
  Division One -- FRIDAY: SMKDBL Young Guns v UniKL Young Guns (Batu Pahat), Politeknik v Nur Insafi (Taman Daya), PJCC v BJSS Thunderbolts (National Stadium), SSTMI Thunderbolts v Olak Tigers (SSTMI), SSP-MSP- Thunderbolts v SSTMI Juniors (Kuantan).
  SATURDAY: SMKDBL Young Guns v Olak Tigers (Batu Pahat), Politeknik v UniKL Young Guns (Taman Daya), SSTMI Thunderbolts v Nur Insafi (SSTMI).
   Division Two: FRIDAY (Group A) -- Penang-USM v Matri (Sg Petani), MSS Kedah v MCKK (Padang Serai), Perlis Young Lions v Kedah Juniors (Kangar).
  Group B: Anderson Thunderbolts v STAR (Azlan Shah I), Felda Juniors v MISCF-UFL (Azlan Shah II), BJSS Juniors v MSNPK-ILHC (MInistry of Education).
  Group C: Pahang Hockey Academy v Datuk Taha (Temerloh), Malacca High v SM Sains Johor (Malacca II), Young Hurricanes Malacca v SMKDBL Juniors (Malacca I).
  SATURDAY: Group A: Matri v MCKK (Kangar), MS Kedah v SM Sains Azlan Shah (Padang Serai), Penang USM v Perlis Young Lions Juniors (Sg Petani).
  Group B: MSSWPKL v MSNPK-ILHC (Ministry of Education), Anderson PHA v STAR (Azlan Shah I).
  Group C: TBSS Tampin v Sabah Sports School (Seremban II), Young Hurricanes Malacca v SM Sains Johor (Malacca I), Malacca High School v SMKDBL Juniors (Malacca II).
  NOTE: All matches start at 5pm.

DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSP-MSP-TNDER'    2 2 0 0 13 2  6
SSTMI TNDER'  2 2 0 0 11 1  6
PJCC          2 2 0 0 5 1   6
BJSS TNDER'       2 1 0 1 7 3   3
POLITEKNIK  2 1 0 1 4 3   3
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 2 1 0 1 2 4   3
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  2 1 0 1 5 8   3
OLAK TIGERS  2 0 0 2 2 6   0
SSTMI JRS         2 0 0 2 2 11  0
NURINSAFI         2 0 0 2 2 14  0

SSP-MSP Thunderbolts on steady climb..

SSP-MSP-THUNDERBOLTS took a big gamble when they fielded a 15-year-old goalkeeper in Division One of the Junior Hockey League, but Hamiz Ahir has shown that he is made of sturdy stuff.
  Hamiz, who turns 16 next month, was instrumental in the Pahang Sports Schools' 2-1 win over BJSS Thunderbolts on Sunday.
  BJSS were the better team, but good goalkeeping by Hamiz denied them victory.
  "Yes, our No 1 goalkeeper is just about to turn 16, but he has shown great determination in both our matches to date," said SSP-MSP coach Sufian Mohamed.
  In the curtain raiser, SSP-MSP hammered Nur Insafi 11-1.
  However, leg cramps seems to be a big problem among the Pahang Sports Schools youth brigade, as more than five players fell to cramps against Nur Insafi and the trend continued against BJSS.
  "I'm perplexed on why many of my players started having cramps since trhe JHL started because before this we never had this problem in all the tournaments they played. Salt, a good warm-up and everything else has been done to the book, but too many of them suffered cramps during both the matches," said Sufian.
  SSP-MSP has fielded four 16-year-olds, seven 17-year-olds, five 18-year-olds and only four 19-year-olds in the ongoing JHL.
  "This is a team for the future, as many of them can play next season as well.
  "But even though we have won both the matches, we will only know out true strength at the end of January when we take on tougher teams," said Sufian.
  Their next match is against SSTMI Juniors and they should collect another three points.
  "Yes, we should be able to beat SSTMI Juniors but after that we face UniKL Young Guns and PJCC (Petaling Jaya City Council) and if my players come out tops, I believe we will be among the top-three in Division One this season," said Sufian.

DIVISION ONE

                 P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SSP-MSP-TNDER'    2 2 0 0 13 2  6
SSTMI TNDER'  2 2 0 0 11 1  6
PJCC          2 2 0 0 5 1   6
BJSS TNDER'       2 1 0 1 7 3   3
POLITEKNIK  2 1 0 1 4 3   3
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 2 1 0 1 2 4   3
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS  2 1 0 1 5 8   3
OLAK TIGERS  2 0 0 2 2 6   0
SSTMI JRS         2 0 0 2 2 11  0
NURINSAFI         2 0 0 2 2 14  0

JHL: SSTMI Thunderbolts do just enough..

DOUBLE champions SSTMI Thunderbolts scraped to a 3-0 win over SMDBL Young Guns in Division One of the Junior Hockey League yesterday.

  SSTMI had beaten SSTMI Juniors 8-1 on Friday, but were not their usual self when they could only beat newly promoted SMKDBL 3-0.

  SSTMI got their goals off Luqman Nul Hakim (34th) and Luqman Hakim (correct) (61st, 65th).

   In another match, SSP-MSP-Thunderboolts beat BJSS Thunderbolts 2-1 at the back of an 11-1 hammering of Nur Insafi on Friday.

  BJSS had the lions share of possession, and even wasted a penalty stroke to hand the win to SSP-MSP of Pahang.

  SSP-MSP took the lead off Idris Samad in the 25th minute, but BJSS equalised off Hafiizhuddin Zaidi in the 48th minute, before Nazrey Din nailed the winner in the 65th minute off a penalty corner.

  SSP-MSP coach Sufian Mohamed was happy with the win, but not with the way his charges played.

  "The win is of course a welcome, but I am not happy with the way my boys played today as they were not up to their standard. Also, five of them were hit by cramps during the match and we will look into this to prepare for the next match," said Sufian.

  SSP-MSP did not have their best player Zulfiqrie Zulazli: "Zulfiqri would have made a big difference in this match, but unfortunately his grandfather died and he went home to attend the funeral."

  SSP-MSP are Temerloh Sports School who were recently renamed as Pahang Hockey Academy, and from their two matches indicate that they will be a force to reckon with this season.

  RESULTS -- Division One: BJSS Thunderbolts 1 SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts 2, SMKDBL Young Guns 0 SSTMI Thunderbolts 3, SSTMI Juniors 1 Politeknik Malaysia 3, Olak Tigers 2 UniKL Young Guns 4, Nurinsafi 1 Petaling Jaya Municipal Council 3.

  Division Two: Group A: MSS Kedah 1 Penang MSSP-USM 3; Group B: MSSWPKL 2 MISCF-UFL 3, STAR 2 MSNPK-ILHC 6; Group C: TBSS Tampin 3 Young Hurricanes 3, Datuk Taha 1 Malacca High School 7.

JHL: UniKL in a state of shock..

UNIKL Young Guns coach I. Vickneswaran woke up to a crackling hangover yesterday, as he still can't get over the fact that his boys were hammered 6-1 by Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Thunderbolts in Division One of the Junior Hockey League on Friday.
  BJSS walked onto the pitch as the whipping boys of last season, while UniKL were the double silver medallists, but the tables were turned on them four times in the first half-itself.
  "Its a hard and painful lesson for my players who took BJSS for granted after they beat them 4-2 in a friendly before the JHL started.
  "I'm still coming to grips, and the only reason I can think of is that the majority of my boys played their first game in Division One, and were slow off the block as they let in four goals in 35 minutes," said Vickneswaran.
  UniKL only managed to retain two players from last season, while the others moved to Olak Tigers and Petaling Jaya Minicipal Council (PJCC).
  Interestingly, PJCC opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Olak.
  "We play Olak Sunday and there is no other path for my players than to wake up from the whipping and snatch the three points from Olak. If not, we will be in deep trouble this season," said Vickneswaran.
  The most promising start of the season in Division One was by  Temerloh Sports School -- SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts -- who whitewashed last season's Division Two champions Nur Insafi 11-1. Newly promoted Nur Insafi is expected to face a torrid time the entire season.
  SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts will meet high riding BJSS Thunderbolts today, and it will show the true strength of both the teams.
  Even though both teams are sponsored and trained by Tenaga Nasional, the Thunderbolts' clash will have 'No Mercy' as its tag-line.
  "Even though both the teams are under the Tenaga Nasional Thunderbolts programme, there will be no love lost when we meet Sunday. I expect my players to give their best again, as a win would put us in a good position to challenge the other Thunderbolts in Division One -- SSTMI Thunderbolts," said BJSS Thunderbolts coach K. Rajan.
  Tenaga Nasional, under the Thunderbolts banner, provide funds and coaching to three teams in Division One and Anderson in Division Two.
  RESULTS: Division Two: Group A: MSS Kedah 6 Kedah Juniors 0, Matri 0 Perlis Young Lions 1, Perlis Young Lions jnrs 0 Penang MSPP-USM 3.
  Group B: Anderson Thunderbolts 5 MSNPK-ILHC 1, Anderson PHA 3 Felda Juniors 0, BJSS Juniors 5 MISCF-UFL 0.
  Group C: Malacca High 2 Young Hurricanes 2, Datuk Taha 0 TBSS Tampin 3, MSNT-Terengganu HT 0 Pahang Academy 0, SM Sains Johor 0 SMKDBL Jnrs 2.
  SUNDAY -- Division One: BJSS Thunderbolts v SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts (National Stadium II, 5pm), SMKDBL Young Guns v SSTMI Thunderbolts (Batu Pahat, 5pm), SSTMI Juniors v Politeknik Malaysia (SSTMI, 5pm), Olak Tigers v UniKL Young Guns (Tun Razak, 5pm), Nurinsafi v Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (Sungai Petani, 5pm).

JHL: BJSS hammer Unikl 6-1

UNIKL Young Guns became the early casualty when they were hammered 6-1 by Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Thunderbolts in Division One of the Junior Hockey League at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
  But down South, double champions SSTMI Thunderbolts romped 7-1 over their juniors, which was an expected score.
  UniKL, double silver medallists last season, were never in the game, and bad goalkeeping by Suhayl Ainol did not help their cause. Three of the goals went between his pads.
  Hafizhuddin Zaidi (18th, 33rd), Rahimi Rosley (20th), Zulfitri Zin (35th), Adam Daniel (55th, 70th) were the scorers for BJSS. The UniKL consolation was scored by Iskandar Fareez in the 38th minute.
  "It was a super start to our campaign as we took control of the first half and scored four goals to douse the UniKL fire early. We went in looking for a win, but did not expect such a big score.
  "Hopefully this opening boost will make my players more confident of their capabilities in the next matches," said BJSS team manager K. Rajan.
  Meanwhile, Division Two team Larut Matang and Selama threw in the towel three days ago, and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation competitions committee has sent them a show cause latter.
  "Larut Matang sent in a letter three days ago saying that they are pulling out of the tournament and we have sent them a show cause letter. The possible punishment includes forfeiting the registration fee of Rm500 and we might ban them for one or two years depending on mitigating factors," said competitions committee member Jusver Singh.
  RESULTS: DIVISION ONE -- SSTMI Thunderbolts 7 SSTMI Juniors 1, UniKL Young Guns 1 BJSS Thunderbolts 6, Politeknik Malaysia x SMKDBL Young Guns x, Nurinsafi 1 SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts 11, Olak Tigers 0 PJCC 2.
  DIVISION TWO: Group A: Perlis Young Lions 5 Perlis Young Lions Jnrs 0, Malay College KK 1 SM Sains Azlan Shah 1.
  Group B: STAR 1 Felda Juniors 3, Anderson Thunderbolts 6 Anderson PHA 0, BJSS Juniors x MSSWPKL x.
  TODAY -- Division Two -- Group A: MSS Kedah v Kedah Juniors (Padang Serai, 5pm), Matri v Perlis Young Lions Jnrs (Kangar, 5pm), Perlis Young Lions v Penang MSPP-USM (Kuala Perlis, 5pm), Larut Matang & Selama v MCKK (K Kangsar, 5pm).
  Group B: Anderson Thunderbolts v MSNPK-ILHC (Azlan Shah 1, 5pm), Anderson PHA v Felda Juniors (Azlan Shah II, 5pm), BJSS Juniors v MISCF-UFL (Ministry Education, 5pm).
  Group C: Malacca High v Young Hurricanes (Malacca, 5pm), Datuk Taha v TBSS Tampin (Seremban II, 5pm), MSNT-Terengganu HT v Pahang Academy (Padang Midin, 5pm), SM Sains Johor v SMKDBL Jnrs (Batu Pahat, 5pm).
  SUNDAY --Division One: BJSS Thunderbolts v SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts (National Stadium II, 5pm), SMKDBL Young Guns v SSTMI Thunderbolts (Batu Pahat, 5pm), SSTMI Juniors v Politeknik Malaysia (SSTMI, 5pm), Olak Tigers v UniKL Young Guns (Tun Razak, 5pm), Nurinsafi v Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (Sungai Petani, 5pm).

SSTMI Thunderbolts' easy JHL opener

SSTMI Thunderbolts are expected to start their Division One double title defence with a win as they will play against their juniors in the Junior Hockey League (JHL) curtain raiser Friday.
  And double sliver medallists UniKL Young Guns will clash with BJSS Thunderbolts, with the sports school getting a boost of fresh coaching and funding from Tenaga Nasional.
  This season BJSS will be coached by Tenaga's K. Rajan, who was the 2009 Malaysia-Singapore Junior World Cup coach, as they were recently roped into Tenaga's Thunderbolts programme.
  The other teams in Thunderbolts programme are Temerloh Sports School playing under SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts and Division Two team Anderson Thunderbolts.
  Division One is again expected to be a four-team battle with the two teams promoted from Division Two finding the going much more tougher than last season.
  Nur Insafi beat SMK Datuk Bentara Luar of Johor 3-2 in the Division Two final last season, and both teams were promoted to the tougher division.
  SSTMI Thunderbolts coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman is expecting a tougher fight from at least five teams.
  "Of course we will play to keep both our titles but it will not be as easy as before because other teams have also progressed over the years," said Wan Roslan.
  SSTMI Thunderbolts hold the distinction of winning the last four consecutive doubles.
  "There is a bigger pool of players and many teams have a sound development programme. This augurs well for hockey in the country, but at the same time, makes it harder to retain our titles."
  As for UniKL, coach I. Vickneswaran aims to at least win one title.
  "We would like to trade in at least one of our seilers to gold this season. Even though we did not have the desired time to train as we only started after Christmas, but still, we aim to be among the top teams again," said Vickneswaran.
  DIVISION ONE -- FRIDAY: SSTMI Thunderbolts v SSTMI Juniors (SSTMI, 5pm), UniKL Young Guns v BJSS Thunderbolts (National Stadium II, 5pm), Politeknik Malaysia v SMKDBL Young Guns (Taman Daya, 5pm), Nurinsafi v SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts (Sungai Petani, 5pm).
  SUNDAY: BJSS Thunderbolts v SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts (National Stadium II, 5pm), SMKDBL Young Guns v SSTMI Thunderbolts (Batu Pahat, 5pm), SSTMI Juniors v Politeknik Malaysia (SSTMI, 5pm), Olak Tigers v UniKL Young Guns (Tun Razak, 5pm), Nurinsafi v Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (Sungai Petani, 5pm).
  DIVISION TWO -- FRIDAY: Group A: Perlis Young Lions v Perlis Young Lions Jnrs (Kuala Perlis, 5pm), Malay College KK v SM Sains Azlan Shah (Kuala Kangsar, 5pm), 
Matri v 
Larut Matang & Selama (Kangar, 5pm).
  Group B: STAR v Felda Juniors (Azlan Shah I, 5pm), Anderson Thunderbolts v Anderson PHA (Azlan Shah II, 5pm), BJSS JUniors v MSSWPKL (Education Ministry, 5pm).
  SATURDAY -- Group A: MSS Kedah v Kedah Juniors (Padang Serai, 5pm), Matri v Perlis Young Lions Jnrs (Kangar, 5pm), Perlis Young Lions v Penang MSPP-USM (Kuala Perlis, 5pm), Larut Matang & Selama v MCKK (K Kangsar, 5pm).
  Group B: Anderson Thunderbolts v MSNPK-ILHC (Azlan Shah 1, 5pm), Anderson PHA v Felda Juniors (Azlan Shah II, 5pm), BJSS Juniors v MISCF-UFL (Ministry Education, 5pm).
  Group C: Malacca High v Young Hurricanes (Malacca, 5pm), Datuk Taha v TBSS Tampin (Seremban II, 5pm), MSNT-Terengganu HT v Pahang Academy (Padang Midin, 5pm), SM Sains Johor v SMKDBL Jnrs (Batu Pahat, 5pm).

Steep rentals: Corporation ready to give discounts

STADIUM Malaysia Corporation Friday gave assurance that they are in negotiation with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) on discounts for pitch bookings at Bukit Jalil and Tun Razak Stadiums.
  This came about after clubs and social teams cried foul over almost 100 per cent rise in rental prices, which also saw the hours being shortened.
  Stadium Malaysia Corporation CEO Azman Fahmi said: "We had no choice but to raise rental at both the stadiums because or rising costs like electricity and maintenance. But rest assured, we are in the midst of negotiating discounts with the MHC to lower the rates."
   The Junior Hockey League (JHL), starting on Jan 15, is just around the corner and teams are edgy because there is no concrete development in the negotiations yet.
  Last year, it was RM130 for the MHC to rent for one match (two hours) at Bukit Jalil, but the new season will see teams paying RM250 to RM300 with floodlights.
  And at Tun Razak, which is also under the Stadium Corporation, the rates for night remains at RM120, but the minutes have been reduced from 90 to 60 minutes.
  However, for daytime it has now doubled to RM80 per hour, from RM40.
  All these rates are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  "I have forwarded the new rates for MHC and its affiliates to our chairman for approval. Once I receive the green light, I can forward the information to the said parties," said Azman.
   Last year, bookings for the JHL season was RM130 per-game, but it went up to RM300 for Malaysia Hockey League matches which were played under floodlights.
  Comparatively, at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium the rates are much lower. Its RM40 per-hour for bookings from 8am to 4pm, and RM50 per-hour from 4pm to 7pm. At night under the floodlights, its only RM90 per hour.
  The KLHA Stadium is fully booked months ahead as the rates are very reasonable.
  On another note, Azman said both the hockey pitches at Bukit Jalil will not be closed this year for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games preparations.
  "Initially there were plans to close both the pitches to public as we wanted to re-turf them. But after discussing with the MHC, we will now allow them to use the pitches until the end of the year before we start re-turfing both the pitches for Sea Games," said Azman.
  The only other facility at Bukit Jalil which will remain open for the year is the Aquatic Centre while the rest, including Stadium Malaysia HQ at the soccer stadium, will be closed for Sea Games renocations.
  STADIUM Corporation published rates at Bukit Jalil: 1. 7am-7pm: RM150 per 60m, RM225 per 90m.
  2. 7pm-12am (with full lighting - best for TV Coverage): RM300 per 60m, RM450 per 90m.
  3. 7pm-12am (with half lighting): RM225 per 60m, RM300 per 90m.
  NOTE: Negotiations are ongoing for a different rate for MHC, their affiliates and schools.

JHL: Boys settled, now waiting for girls...

EVEN THOUGH there was a record 36-team entry for the boys, the debut of the girls Junior Hockey League is expected to see about 10 teams only.
  Yesterday, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee released groupings for the boys Division Two, which will be played on a zonal basis.
  "The boys JHL will see a record entry of 36 teams, 10 in Division One and 26 in Division Two. The total prize money on offer would be RM144,000," said competitions committee chairman George Koshy.
  The girls JHL entries will close on Jan 30.
  "We expect fewer team in the girls JHL which is scheduled to begin after the Chinese New Year. But its a step towards the right direction to develop the women's game in the country," said Koshy.
  The boys JHL was incepted in 1995, and has produced many promising players for the nation. Even though the girls JHL is 21 years too late, its still a step towards seeing the women play at a higher level than the Asian Games.
   Nine venues nationwide will be utilised in the two-month long JHL.
   Defending double champions SSTMI Thunderbolts lead the Division One challenge which will be played on a league format.
 The other teams in Division One are SSTMI Juniors, Politeknik Malaysia, SMK Datuk Bentara Luar Johor, UniKL Young Guns, BJSS Thunderbolts, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, Olak-PKT Tigers, Nurinsafi and SSP/MSP Thunderbolts.
  At the conclusion of the league, the top two teams will advance to the final.
  The 26 teams in Division Two will be divided into three groups with matches played on a zone system. North and South zones will consist of nine teams each while South zone will have eight teams.
  The top two teams in each zone will advance to the second round. They will be further divided into two groups of three teams each respectively. The group winners will play in the final.
   The top four teams in Division One and Division Two will play in the Junior TNB Cup which will be on a knockout system. The champions will receive RM25,000, runners-up RM20,000, third RM13,000 and fourth RM10,000.
   “MHC will provide a grant of RM3,000 to each team. We have also increased the total prize money by RM15,500 which is more by 10 per cent compared to last year's RM128,500,” said George.
  He added that Sabah team will be based in Johor Bahru throughout the duration of the tournament with the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium as their home venue.
   DIVISION Two: Group A: MSSP/PHP Perlis Young Lion Jr, MSN/PHP Perlis Young Lion, SM Agama (Matri) Perlis, MSSD Larut Matang Selama, MSS Kedah, Penang MSSPP, KHA Kedah Juniors, Seratas and MCKK.
   Group B: Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Star), Felda Juniors, Anderson Thunderbolt, MSNPK/ILHC, Anderson PHA, Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors, MSSWPKL and MISCF-UFL.
  Group C: Tunku Besar Secondary School Tampin, Malacca High School-Hercules, Young Hurricanes, SMK Datuk Taha, Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah, MSNT/PHT, Academi Hoki Pahang, Sekolah Dato Bentara Luar Jr and SM Sains Johor.
  PRIZE MONEY: Division One - Champion: RM18,000; runner-up: RM13,000; Third: RM10,000; Fourth: RM8,000.
  Division Two - Champion: RM7,000; runner-up: RM4,000; third: RM3,000; fourth: RM2,000.
  Junior TNB Cup - Champion: RM25,000; runner-up: RM20,000; third: RM13,000; fourth: RM10,000.
 

Stadium rental too steep..

HOCKEY clubs are crying foul at Stadium Malaysia Corporation for raising the price of rental at both the National Hockey Stadium pitches in Bukit Jalil as well at the Tun Razak Stadium.
  And with the Junior Hockey League (JHL) starting on Jan 15, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is trying its best to negotiate a lower price.
  Last year, it was RM130 for the MHC to rent for one match (two hours) at Bukit Jalil, but the new season will see teams paying RM250 to RM300.
  And at Tun Razak, which is also under the Stadium Corporation, the rates for night remains at RM120, but the minutes have been reduced from 90 to 60 minutes.
  However, for daytime it has now doubled to RM80 per hour, from RM40.
  All these rates are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  An MHC official said he was shocked last year itself, as when he booked for the JHL it was RM130, but bookings for the Malaysia Hockey League went up to RM300.
  Clubs have been venting their frustration on social media, and MHC CEO K. Logan Raj said they are in discussion with the Stadium Corporation to get a better deal for their affiliates.
  "After we received the revised rates, we met Stadium Corporation members and had a few discussions. The Corporation said the increase is because of certain factors, but they are looking at giving MHC and our affiliates a better rate," said Logan.
  One club official, who declined to be named, said: "We hope  the Stadium Corporation would have a re-look at the high rental and lower time allotted at their hockey stadiums.
  "This is because teams use their facilities to compete in the JHL, MHL, social matches, university games and certain schools and clubs training projects.
  "From our (clubs) point of view, the high rates and lesser playing time would make teams train less for tournaments and this would bring down the quality of players over the long run," said the official.
  For private clubs at Bukit Jalil its now RM300 for two hours while schools are charged RM150 for two hours. Last year it was half the rate.
  Comparatively, at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium the rates are much lower. Its RM40 per-hour for bookings from 8am to 4pm, and RM50 per-hour from 4pm to 7pm. At night under the floodlights, its only RM90 per hour.

Stephen van Huizen's 40

  SENIOR TRAINING SQUAD: S. Kumar, Hairi Rahman, Hafizuddin Othman,  Hazrul Faiz, Razie Rahim, Sukri Mutalib, Aslam Hanafiah, Izad Hakimi, Harmesh Singh, Harmeet Singh, Shahrun Nabil, Shazril Irwan, Baljit Singh, Nabil Fiqri, Azri Hassan, Harvinder Singh, Joel Samuel Van Huizen, Faiz Helmi, Marhan Jalil, Fitri Saari, Ramadan Rosli, Norhizzat Sumantri, Meor Azuan, Rashid Baharom, Dedy Ariyadi, Hafiz Zainol, Faridzul Afiq, Dangerous Lee, Firhan Ashari, Shahril Saabah, Haziq Samsul, Izwan Firdaus, Firdaus Omar, Amirul Aideed, Najib Abu Hassan, Sufi Ismat, Ridzwan Azmi, Nik Aiman, Najmi Jazlan, Nor Syafiq Sumantri. 

Tenaga bank on K. Rajan to revive BJSS

TENAGA Nasional are not only title sponsors of the Junior Hockey League (JHL), but will also have four teams battling for honours starting Jan 15.
  It all started with Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) Thunderbolts, which evolved into Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) Thunderbolts and became a winning machine which has four consecutive doubles under their belt (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015).
  BPSS were never in the picture before the Thunderbolts programme was introduced nine years ago, as back then the champions were Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) who has seven League and five Overall titles.
  The Thunderbolts programme by Tenaga is now in three other schools -- BJSS, Pahang Sports School and Anderson.
  Former national juniors coach K. Rajan, a Tenaga employee, has been tasked to revive BJSS' fortunes.
  "BJSS used to be the feared school in JHL as they won seven straight League titles from 2003 to 2009 (and Overall titles in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009).
  "But after the Thunderbolts programme was introduced in BPSS, BJSS were left far behind. Tenaga has started the programme in BJSS this season, and hopefully the school will start producing results again in a few years time," said K. Rajan who also used to coach Tenaga in the JHL.
  Three Thunderbolts will play in Division One, while Anderson in Division One.
  "There will be a standard training format for all Thunderbolts, but when we come to a head-to-head clash, there will be no mercy for our sister teams as each has targets to achieve.
  "In a way, this programme will develop a big pool of young players for the country," said Rajan.
   Tenaga are the only all-local team in the Malaysia Hockey League, and with four junior teams as feeders for the senior side, they are spending their money wisely and not lavishly by hiring foreigners to play in the MHL all the other teams.
  This JHL season will see 10 teams in Division one and 26 teams divided into three zones in Division Two.
  Nine teams will play in the South Zone, eight in Central and nine in North. This was done to cut down on travelling as well as cost per team.

Junior HL: MHC agree to host 36 teams

THE MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee Saturday decided to accommodate six late entries, turning the Junior Hockey League (JHL) into a record 36-team tournament this season.
  Last year there were 30 teams, and the same number registered when entries closed.
  But Malacca Young Hurricanes, Anderson PHA, Seratas, MSSWPKL, SM Sains Johor and MISCF-UFL placed their entries anyway -- and the competitions committee chaired by George Koshy did not want to deprive anybody of playing hockey.
  "On a positive note, the record entries shows that hockey is a popular sport in the country and many teams are hungry to play in junior tournaments.
  "But we need to wait and see if quality balances with quantity," said Koshy.
  Ten teams will play in Division One, where SSTMI Thunderbolts have been reigning supreme with four back-to back doubles.
  In Division Two, the 26 teams will be divided into South, Central and North Zones
  "Nine teams will play in the South Zone, eight in Central and nine in North. This was done to cut down on travelling as well as cost per team.
  "The top-two teams in each Zone will then be divided into two groups and the top team in each group will play in the final," said George.
  Division Two will see Felda and Malay College Kuala Kangsar play in the North and Central Zones respectively.
  The JHL was incepted in 1995 when the late Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary S. Satgunam proposed, planned and kick-started a league to develop youth.
  "Even if each team only produces one good player, we will have 36 quality players to be trained for the country. Hopefully, teams in Division Two make and impact by playing good hockey and not just make up the numbers," said Koshy.
  The tournament starts on Jan 15, and MHC will provide a grant of RM3,000 per-team.
  DIVISION ONE: SSTMI Thunderbolts, UniKL Young Guns, Pahang Sports School, Old La Sallians of Klang (Olak-PKT), SSTMI Juniors, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Politeknik Malaysia, Petaling Jaya City Council, Nur Insafi and SMK Datuk Bentara Luar Johor.
   DIVISION TWO: North Zone: Perlis Young Lions, Perlis Young Lions Jnrs, Matri Perlis, MSSD Larut Matang, MSS Kedah, MSSP Penang, Kedah HA-MSNK, Seratas, Malay College Kuala Kangsar.
  Central Zone: Sek Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Felda Juniors, Anderson Thunderbolts, MSNPK-ILHC, Anderson Perak HA, BJSS Juniors, MSSWPKL, MISCF-UFL.
  South Zone: TBSS-Tampin, Malacca High, Young Hurricanes, SMK Datuk Taha, Sabah Sports School, MSNT-Terengganu HT, Pahang Hockey Academy, Datuk Bentara Luar Jnrs, SMS Sains Johor.