Black Stick Ben visits Stratford | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

New Zealand Black Stick, Ben Collier, paid a visit to the Stratford Turf last Tuesday to check out the town's Summer Hockey League and to spend time with enthusiastic players, signing posters for many of them and giving encouraging words.

Ben is originally from Taranaki and played all his age-representative games for the region before moving to North Harbour.

He has stepped onto the field as a New Zealand representative 35 times.

Being a 'Naki' boy, Ben is right in behind lifting the profile of hockey in the province and is pleased that Stratford is running a Summer League.

"I think it is good to go out and have a bit of fun with hockey during the summer. It is great for the younger players to keep involved and I am happy to be here supporting them. I look forward to seeing them go through the ranks and become awesome players," he said.

Pictured is Ben Collier with a group of young players prepping before they launch into a Summer League game.