The climax of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League 2022 Season will unfold in Bendigo, with the Victorian city securing hosting rights for the finale of the competition.
The best of the best of Australian hockey will converge on Bendigo for a semi finals and grand finals ‘Main Event’ weekend on 19-20 November to determine the Sultana Bran Hockey One Women’s and Men’s Champions.
Following the seven week regular season, the top four teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions will face off in the Semi Finals on Saturday 19 November, with the winners moving into the Grand Finals on Sunday 20 November.
The Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex is no stranger to elite hockey events having previously hosted the International Festival of Hockey in 2017, a tournament that involved the Kookaburras, Hockeyroos and other top hockey nations.
This announcement also reveals a new format for the finals series from Season 1 which was spread over two weekends and held in various locations.
The finals weekend is a concept Sultana Bran Hockey One League General Manager Andy Crook says is aimed at escalating the drama and buzz around the finale to the season.
“To have the best four teams in the women’s and men’s Sultana Bran Hockey One League vying for the respective trophies over an action packed weekend in Bendigo is a huge coup for the sporting community in the region,” said Crook.
“The league is still in its infancy and we are keen to trial this format for the finals series to see how it goes as there is a lot of potential and prospective benefits in it.”
“We thank the Victorian Government, City of Greater Bendigo, and Hockey Victoria for their interest, enthusiasm and support in holding the finals series in Bendigo.”
“Bendigo has a strong hockey and sporting community and I am sure they, together with travelling supporters of the competing clubs, will create a fitting atmosphere for the league’s main event.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “The recent Commonwealth Games have already put the spotlight on regional Victoria, while showcasing Australian hockey talent after the medal winning performances of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos.”
“These finals give our next generation of champions the chance to take centre stage and emulate their Commonwealth Games heroes in front of cheering crowds, while delivering the benefits to businesses across Bendigo that we know big regional games bring.”
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said Bendigo was delighted to host the Sultana Bran Hockey One League Finals Series.
“We are very excited to be hosting the top teams in men’s and women’s competitions at our world-class Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex,” said Mr Karamaloudis.
“Our passionate sporting community are in for a treat watching all the action from the best of Australian hockey in this new format finals series.”
Ticketing details will be announced in due course.
Event Details
Sultana Bran Hockey One League 2022 Finals Series
19-20 November 2022
Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex, Bendigo VIC
Ticketing Details to be confirmed