Ex-local makes Black Sticks | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

JOEL Baker, formally of Stratford will get his first taste of international men's hockey after stand-out performances in the 2008 National Hockey League promoting him to the New Zealand Black Sticks.

Joel has moved up the ranks after being both a national development and A Team player in recent years.

Joel received this amazing opportunity after Hockey New Zealand accepted a late invitation for the Black Sticks Men to join Holland, Germany and India at the exclusive 4 Nations Punjabi Gold Cup.

The Cup will be played from January 31 to February 9 in Chandigarh, India.

Accepting the invitation allows the Black Sticks to get a taste of playing in India - the venue for the 2010 World Cup and Commonwealth Games. With India already confirmed for a four test series against the Black Sticks in New Zealand in late February - it is also an opportunity to gauge the threat that a rebuilding Indian team will pose.

Coach Shane McLeod is also keen to see some players who could form a key part of the 2010 team and then the 2012 Olympic team.

"The base of top players is becoming broader and the opportunity for these players to play Germany - the Beijing gold medalists and Holland - the world's 3rd ranked team is great for the development of the players" he said.

Joel attended Ngaere Primary School and then new Plymouth Boys'chool before heading off to Wellington.

He said watching his sisters and father play hockey on Saturday mornings got him interested in the sport and admitted to just following in their footsteps.

"At one stage I thought about playing rugby or tennis, but hockey seemed to always be there and then I started getting good at it."

With great performances in the development side and the Men's A Team Joel was excited about his selection in the Black Sticks.

"Travelling to India to play first class hockley is amazing and an opportunity I'm not going to miss."

Joel is part of an 18-strong squad and said his main goal is to get plenty of game time to prove himself.

The 22-year-old is looking to cement his starting position as a striker for the team.

Joel's next step is to cintue to play hard to gain selection for the 2010 World Cup in India and then the 2012 Olympics in London.

Joel would like to thank his family and friends for there tremendous support and for helping him not give up his dreams.

He would also like to make a special mention to his mum, who has been a huge supporter and has attended every single game he's played in New Zealand.