Tasmanian hockey program set to benefit from champion of the game

Eddie Ockenden’s decision to retire from international hockey after more than 450 games may be a loss for the Kookaburras but a gain for Tasmanian hockey.

The 37-year-old will return home to Tasmania where he will join the Tasmanian Institute of Sport to deliver its new Tigers Academy Program and support the senior TIS Hockey Program.

Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan, said Ockenden’s return was a major coup for the state.

“He has played more than 450 international games for his country, making him Australian hockey’s all-time appearance record-holder,” Minister Duigan said.

“And given his impressive record, he clearly understands what it takes to be successful.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about giving our sport stars the facilities and resources they need to succeed, Eddie’s guidance will continue to do that.”

Bass Liberal MP, Rob Fairs, said Ockenden had inspired many future generations of hockey stars.

“Tasmania’s next generation of hockey players are set to benefit from his experience, which will be invaluable as they set out on or continue their own hockey and sporting journey,” he said.

At 37, Ockenden said it was a “good time” to retire.

“It will give the team space to regenerate, I have loved every moment of my international sporting career, which luckily has been long,” he said.

“It is easy to reflect on something that I had great joy in doing. It has been a long time for sure, but it has also gone very quickly.

“I have always wanted to move home to Tasmania, and I definitely want to work in sport – I love sport and it is definitely my preference do something in sport.

“Not only is it what I know but what I have loved my whole life.”

Ockenden referenced his first Olympic selection as an obvious highlight of his extensive career.

“My first Olympic selection was a childhood dream and something you always want when you play an Olympic sport. You don’t think it will happen until it happens,” he said.

“But the ultimate challenge is to play a big game against an opposition that you know is really good and to try to beat them.

“I got satisfaction out of performing well against a great team in a really big game.”

Ockenden said the TIS had provided him with an amazing opportunity to take on a role in the hockey program.

“It is a fantastic investment to make in sport in Tasmania. I am very passionate about sport and kids’ sport, and particularly hockey because I have had such a good experience with it.

Eddie Ockenden career highlights:

• Played more than 450 international games for Australia, making him Australian hockey’s all-time appearance record-holder
• At the recent Paris Olympics, he became the sport’s first five-time Olympian and the first Tasmanian-born flag-bearer
• Winner of a silver and two bronze Olympic medals.
• Sixteen tournament wins in the Pro League (2019), World League (2015 and 2017), World Cup (2010 and 2014), Commonwealth Games (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and Champions Trophy (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018).
• A two-time Tasmanian Athlete of the Year winner.
• FIH young player of the year winner in 2008.
• Hockey Australia’s player of the year in 2010, 2014 and 2015.