International hockey made a welcome return to Dunedin for the first time in 19 years and did not disappoint.
New Zealand A reversed their fortunes and won bronze at the tournament, with Katie Bond’s goal securing a 1-0 win over Japan.
Otago Hockey general manager Andy McLean was thrilled to have international hockey back at the McMillan Centre.
"Obviously really special to have international hockey in Dunedin," McLean said.
"To have New Zealand, USA, Japan and New Zealand A here for that period of time — just really cool and special for the local community to be able to come down and get involved in that."
It was a collective effort to host the tournament.
Teams stayed at Knox College, various schools provided vans — driven by rotary club members — and Otago Hockey staff and volunteers put in countless hours to get the tournament humming.
"Dunedin knows how to turn it on and look after visitors. The whole event just had a really good feel to it."
That was not lost on the travelling teams, either.
United States star Abigail Tamer praised the accommodation and playing facilities, as did Black Sticks coach Phil Burrows.
"The turf’s been in fantastic condition, so that’s all we can ask for," Burrows said.
"We’ve had a good time and sad that we have to leave already, because we haven’t been together long and now we’ve got to end."
McLean was rapt with the feedback.
"All of the feedback around the training facilities and the playing facilities has been top-notch," he said.
"We are really, really lucky to have such a high-qualify turf here. When you get those sorts of comments from international coaches and staff . . . that’s really good to hear."
While the weather left much to be desired — with persistent rain during the week — diehard hockey fans still flocked to the turf to catch the action.
"I don’t think we could have got more unlucky with the weather if we tried.
"A heap of comments that given the weather, and how bad it was, that the crowds were pretty impressive.
"I had a number of comments that if it was that weather in some other locations, people probably wouldn’t have turned out.
"It was awesome to see how many people were happy to brave it out and support their teams."
It was the first time the Black Sticks had played in Dunedin since 2007, and if the opportunity arose again, Otago Hockey would love to host more international tournaments
"That’s what it’s all about — having that stuff here . . . it’s just fantastic.
"Both international hockey, and also meaningful domestic tournaments, we’ll be forever keen to put out hand up and have as much of that stuff down this way as we possibly can."
