Saints Hockey Club Boosts Junior Program with Community Collaboration
Saints Hockey Club has been making significant efforts to revamp their junior program in recent seasons, with the involvement of local schools being a crucial component of their strategy. After a few years of absence, Saints Hockey Club entered an under-8's team in the 2022/23 summer competition, and it was a resounding success. In the interest of fostering consistent growth, the Junior development team partnered with Hockey Victoria and Hockey Geelong to promote hockey in the surrounding schools and sports programs. We are incredibly grateful to the selfless members who volunteered their time to help actualize these programs. The Hookin2Hockey Program was the most fruitful initiative in years, with nine participants and seven of them joining our under-8's team for the 2023 Winter Season. Ryan and Lauryn Werner's coaching led to an unforgettable first season of hockey for these kids. We're excited to build on this success in future seasons.

All-Star Coaching Lineup Leads to a Successful 2023 Season
It wasn't just our junior teams that had an amazing 2023 season. The addition of Head Coaches Shane Walters and Kelli Caldow, accompanied by assistant coaches John Alonso, Sam Climpson, and Callum Lewis, made for a promising season. Our original plan was to enlist two women's and two men's teams into the competition. However, as Saints Hockey Club's reputation spread, our membership increased significantly. Consequently, we found ourselves compelled to submit a third men's team. 

Our senior teams faced a highly competitive season, and yet they met the challenge head-on, resulting in an impressive feat of all five teams participating in the finals series. Two of our men’s teams, Saints Black and Saints White, emerged as grand final contenders
In an exhilarating Grand Final, Saints White claimed victory in Division 2 after a nail-biting shoot-out. Although Saints Black topped the ladder in Division 1 Men's competition, they couldn't clinch the title, losing to Torquay in a well-contested match.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals for their exceptional performance in their respective divisions: Aleesha Smith, Marita Trantor, Ashlee Hope, Naomi Sheppard, and Richard Shelverton, who were among the top five best and fairest players. A special congratulations to James Thomson for being awarded the Division 1 Men's Best and Fairest for Hockey Geelong, and to Ryan Werner for receiving the title of Player of the Grand Final in the Division 2 Men's game. Well done to all the deserving recipients!

Members Recognized for Contributions to Hockey at Grand Final Day Celebrations

We are privileged to have exceptional members, both current and former, who have made noteworthy contributions to hockey. This year, we recognized several members for their achievements and contributions.

John Alonso and Martin Hopper were inducted into the Hockey Geelong Hall of Fame, while Greg McGrane (Grubby) was awarded the Life Member of Hockey Geelong accolade. We congratulate these three men on their accomplishments. All of them have made significant contributions to hockey in Geelong, both on and off the field. We are proud to have them as members of our esteemed club.

In addition, John Larkins was awarded the Most Improved Umpire award. We express our gratitude to John and all our umpires for their unwavering commitment each week. Without their efforts, we would not be able to play.

Lastly, we are thrilled to announce that Saints Hockey Club was awarded the Presidents Award for its contributions to the growth, development, and participation of hockey in 2023. We extend our thanks to Nic Alonso for her leadership as president, as well as to our committee members, volunteers, players, and supporters. Their efforts have been integral in supporting the club's progress and success.

2023 Presentation Night Award Winners 

Congratulation to all the award winners for the 2023 Season. 

Division 1 Men:

Coaches Award: Callum Lewis

Rising Star: Brayden Caldow

Most Valuable Player: Richard Shelverton

Runner up Best & Fairest: Richard Shelverton

Greg McGrane Best and Fairest Award: James Thomson

Division 1 Women:

Coaches Award: Naomi Sheppard

Rising Star: Mia Routson

Most Valuable Player: Amber Reilley

Runner Up Best and Fairest: Jay Sands

Karen Kolsch Best and Fairest Award: Victoria Werner

Division 2 Men Saints Red:

Coaches Award: Ryan Werner

Rising Star: Liam Bishop

Most Valuable Player: Pearce Frost

Runner Up Best and Fairest: Stuart Raffen

Peter O’Reilly Best and Fairest Award: Geoff Bullen

Division 2 Men Saints White:

Coaches Award: Dale Thomas

Rising Star: Sam Larkins

Most Valuable Player: John Larkins

Runner Up Best and Fairest: Michael Priest

Peter O’Reilly Best and Fairest Award: Chris Norton

Division 2 Women:

Coaches Award: Kristy Lee Stolk

Rising Star: Aleesha Smith

Most Valuable Player: Victoria Werner

Runner Up Best and Fairest: Victoria Werner

Peter O’Reilly Best and Fairest Award: Aleesha Smith

Club Saints: Pearce Frost & Victora Werner

Alan and Peter Climpson Award for Best Club person: Nic Alonso

Life Member inductees: Astrid Kolsch, Stacey Climpson, Josh Climpson, Sam Climpson

Toilet Seat Award: Harry Julian

Spit the Dummy Award: Matt Cherry