The Storm will open its National Hockey League campaign against Canterbury at the McMillan Centre in Dunedin today and play Central at the same venue tomorrow.
The Storm has really struggled to compete in the league, finishing last in six of the past seven tournaments. Its winless streak stretches back to 2007 when it beat Auckland 2-1 in the playoff for seventh and eighth.
It is a far cry from the halcyon days of the 1950s and 1960s when the region was a powerhouse in the game with teams from Otago, Maniototo and Eastern Southland all winning national titles.
The Storm's less-than-impressive record does not sit well with its Australian contingent - Tamsin Lee and Fiona Johnson.
Lee (22) played for Southern last season and is well aware how much of a challenge it will be to get that breakthrough win. And Johnson (28), who is a veteran of 97 internationals for Australia, had been briefed but accepted there were a few gaps in her knowledge.
"I didn't realise it was since 2007 that we'd had a win so we'll have to change that this year," she said.
"I hate losing. I'm Australian.""It is really tough," Lee added.
"We come from New South Wales and they are always one of the top teams. So it is a different feeling to play with a team who is not in the top four. But we always want to win so hopefully we can get one win if not more."
Southern was perhaps more competitive than its results suggested last year. There were draws against Capital (3-3) and Northland (1-1) and a close call against Central. But ultimately the team still finished last.
The league has introduced a shootout for games which are tied at the end of regulation time this season. That could present the Storm with a few more opportunities to break the drought.
Johnson and Lee arrived in Dunedin on Thursday night and will bolster the midfield. Johnson's experience and ability to read a game will be a valuable asset, and Lee, who is more accustomed to playing in defence, will add some starch to the midfield.
Experienced campaigner Vicky Clarke-Joyce returns after a break and the team has some promising talent in Elizabeth Gifford, Anita Chandler, Pip Symes, Jenny Storey and Samara Dalziel.
The Southern Men have been a lot more competitive than the Storm and their squad has been bolstered with the return of home-grown Black Sticks Hugo Inglis and Blair Tarrant.
As well as a shootout, the league has introduced a region of origin rule which paved the way for their return.
National goalkeeper Hamish McGregor has also thrown his kit bag in with Southern and, with former international James Nation also in the squad, Southern has a talented side capable of improving on last year's sixth placing.
The Southern Men play Canterbury in Palmerston North today and Central at the same venue tomorrow.
NHL - Southern teams
• Southern Storm: Michelle Borren, Anita Chandler, Vicky Clarke-Joyce, Samara Dalziel, Victoria Dougherty, Elizabeth Gifford, Charlotte Henley, Alexandra Irwin, Fiona Johnson, Tamsin Lee, Kerryn McKeown, Sarah O'Connells, Francesca Rowley, Olivia Smeele, Jenny Storey, Phillipa Symes, Eloise Watson. Coach: Mark Stafford.
• Southern Men: Chris Ashton, Callum Bailey, Alistair Birchall, Liam Brown, Struan Burgess, Tom Clarkson, Adam Clifford, Joseph Crooks, Steven Davison, Jason Dungey, Nick Elder, Hugo Inglis, Hamish McGregor, James Nation, Sandeep Niak, Kane Russell, Richard Storey, Blair Tarrant. Coach: Dave Ross.
NHL draw
• Southern Storm
v Canterbury, Dunedin, July 30; v Central, Dunedin, July 31; v Northland, Wellington, August 6; v Capital, Wellington, August 7; v North Harbour, Wellington, August 8; v Auckland, Wellington, August 10; v Midlands, Wellington, August 11. Semifinals, Wellington, August 13. Finals, Wellington, August 14.
• Southern Men
v Canterbury, Palmerston North, July 30; v Central, Palmerston North, July 31; v Auckland, Wellington, August 6; v Northland, Wellington, August 7; v Capital, Wellington, August 8; v Midlands, Wellington, August 10; v North Harbour, Wellington, August 11. Semifinals, Wellington, August 13. Finals, Wellington, August 14.
