Experience of a Lifetime: Training with the Marist Premier Hockey Team
As a sports reporter, I’ve had the opportunity to test my skills in various sports. However, nothing could have prepared me for the challenge of training with the Marist premier hockey team.
From the moment I stepped onto the hockey turf, I knew I was in for a tough day. The skill level of the players was incredibly high, with many of them having either represented or being tipped to represent the Black Sticks.
Struggling to even hold the stick properly, I knew I was in for a rough time. The warm-up alone left me exhausted, with sprint drills pushing me to my limits.
With some guidance from Black Stick Charlie Morrison, I attempted penalty corners and shooting drills. Despite my best efforts, my lack of experience was evident as most of my shots went wide or straight to the keeper.
However, as the training session progressed, I started to get the hang of controlling the ball and making passes. Although I may not have been scoring goals, I was improving with each drill.
When it came time for a half-field game, I was advised to sit it out – probably for the best considering my lack of proper gear and limited experience.
Watching the Marist premier team in action was truly inspiring. Their precision and skill were unmatched, highlighting just how far I had to go in mastering the sport.
Despite my struggles, I embraced the challenge and enjoyed learning new skills. While I may not be at their level yet, the experience was invaluable in pushing me outside of my comfort zone.