Olympic Games Preview: Women’s Pool B.

The Top of the D has already given a run-down of the teams to compete in Pool A of the Women’s Olympic Hockey competition here. Now, it’s the turn of those in Pool B:

Argentina. World Ranking: 2.

Champions Trophy 2012, winners, World Cup 2010, winners, third in Beijing 2008, Las Leonas are many people’s favourites for the gold medal this time out. With their tournament pedigree and the quality in their squad it is not difficult to see why. Continue reading

Olympic Games Preview: Women’s Pool A.

The Top of the D has already taken you through the teams vying for the Men’s Olympic Hockey medals. Now, with the games mere days away, it’s the turn of the women.

Netherlands World Ranking: 1.

The world’s number one ranked team comes into the London Olympics as the reigning champions. They qualified for the tournament by virtue of winning gold at the EuroHockey Nations tournament by beating hosts, Germany. Continue reading

Olympic Games Preview: Men’s Pool A.

With the Olympics looming large on the horizon, you are probably wondering about the teams that are competing in the tournament. Well, fear not, The Top of the D brings you a team-by-team breakdown of those you’ll see at the Riverbank Arena at the end of this month. Today, we look at Pool A of the men’s competition.


Australia. World Ranking: 1.

Australia are the world’s number one side and boast an array of talent which would make anyone jealous. Continue reading

The Top of the D Meets: Emily Maguire.

With almost 100 international caps to her name and a series of eye-catching displays in the Champions Trophy, Emily Maguire has made a starting berth in the Great Britain line up her own. The Reading and Scotland defender is composed defensively and a threat going forwards. She might not be mentioned in the same breath as Alex Danson or Helen Richardson, but Maguire is a key component in the side’s quest for gold. The Top of the D caught up with her recently to talk hockey, Olympics, maths and beauty tips. Continue reading

London 2012: Great Britain Men’s Squad. Part 2.

The Top of the D ran through a little about the first half of the squad in part one here. Now, sit back and have read about the rest of the Great Britain squad, going for gold in London this summer:

Ian Lewers. Club: East Grinstead. Age: 28. Position: Defender/Midfield.

The 28-year-old East Grinstead star may be lacking in international tournament experience for Great Britain, having only played one EuroHockey Nations and one Champions Trophy so far, however his experience of playing in the Hoofdklasse with HGC, and the EHL with current club East Grinstead, as well as his time with the Irish side will stand him in good stead. Continue reading