The Perth Thundersticks have once again received a high-profile boost with Federal Member for Brand, Madeleine King MP back on board as the Number One Ticket Holder, alongside the first ever Number One Junior Ticket Holder, 11-year-old super-fan, Sam McCallum.
Both Ms King and Sam will be getting behind both the women’s and men’s Perth Thundersticks sides ahead of the 2023 Hockey One League season as the teams strive for gold in Australia’s elite hockey competition.
Ms King, who serves as the Federal Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia has a long affiliation and love for hockey, having played with the University of Western Australia Hockey Club since her university days.
“I am very proud to once again be named the Perth Thundersticks’ number one ticket holder,” Ms King said.
“Western Australia boasts the highest participation rate for hockey of any state, from minkey to juniors, to seniors and masters.
“Western Australia is rightly regarded as Australia’s home of hockey and Perth has produced some of the world’s greatest players.
“I was very happy to work with the State Government on last year’s successful bid that saw Perth retain Australia’s High Performance Hockey Program.”
Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said it was a fantastic coup for the teams to have the support of a prominent community member such as Ms King.
“The 2023 Hockey One League season is shaping up to be a fantastic contest on the national stage, and we are incredibly excited to again have Ms King’s support behind our Perth Thundersticks players,” Ross said.
“We know that WA is the home of hockey in Australia, and we encourage all Western Australians to get behind our Perth Thundersticks who represent the best of the best in a state with a track record of hockey success.”
With a state full of hockey enthusiasts, one young fan’s devotion to the sport and his “hockey heroes” has been acknowledged this year with the first-ever appointment of a Number One Junior Ticket Holder.
Hockey super-fan, 11-year-old Sam McCallum has been named this year’s Perth Thundersticks Number One Junior Ticket Holder.
Sam has been playing hockey for four years at Whitford Hockey Club and his love for the game is inspired by the Perth Thundersticks players he idolises including Rachel Frusher, Aran Zalewski and Brodee Foster.
“I am excited to be the number one junior ticket holder – I love hockey and the Perth Thundersticks are my favourite team!” said Sam.
“This opportunity is so special as I am passionate about my hockey and the players are my sports heroes.”
Sam is taking his role as number one junior ticket holder very seriously by encouraging his friends, family and all Western Australians to get behind the teams by sharing what he loves most about Perth Thundersticks games.
“I love that I can get up close to my hockey heroes at the Perth Thundersticks matches. I wear all the supporter gear and get the player’s signatures after all the games. I love watching and cheering loudly for them, they are all such good players,” said Sam.
“Everyone should get down and watch the Perth Thundersticks play this season because it is so much fun. Where else can you watch live world-class sports and also see your heroes up close!”
The Perth Thundersticks Women’s and Men’s season kicks off with a double header home match at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University on Saturday 7 October.
Tickets and season memberships are on sale now!