By Lucas Ball
Holcombe Hockey Club are delighted to confirm the arrival of New Zealand international Hope Ralph as Nick Bandurak’s fourth summer signing ahead of a return to the Premier Division for Holcs.
Ralph, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, joins Holcombe from Dutch Hoofdklasse side Oranje Rood, having also played for Central in the Ford National Hockey League in New Zealand.
The 24-year-old forward has scored eight goals in 52 senior caps for the Black Sticks, with five goals in seven caps at under-21 level.
She follows the additions of Mads Newitt and two international teammates in Kaitlin Cotter and Olivia Shannon.
On signing, Ralph said: “I am really excited to be a part of the team and help contribute to the team’s success.
“It’s also really special getting the opportunity to play alongside my best friends Kaitlin [Cotter] and Olivia [Shannon] for an amazing club.”
Head Coach Bandurak added: “Hope is a fantastic forward and I’m thrilled she’ll be joining the group ahead of an exciting season.
“Her experience at the top of the international game and well-known connection with Kaitlin and Olivia will bring an exciting dimension to our attacking play and I’m really looking forward to working with her in the coming months.”
We look forward to seeing Hope in action soon!
Further additions will be announced in due course.
Images:
Ralph – all credit to original photographer
Bandurak – Jon Goodall