A HOME SERIES WIN FOR THE VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN

The deciding match of the 2026 Men’s Summer of Hockey series delivered everything you would expect from a winner-takes-all contest, as the Vantage Black Sticks Men faced Japan in Hamilton with the series locked at one win apiece. With a home series victory and momentum heading into a World Cup year on the line, the stage was set for a high-quality showdown.

The opening quarter was intense and evenly matched, with both teams showing attacking intent. The best chance of the quarter fell to the Vantage Black Sticks when Dylan Thomas pounced on a rebound inside the circle, only to be denied by a brilliant piece of goalkeeping as the Japanese goalkeeper reached back to knock the ball off the goal line. A fast, physical first quarter ended scoreless.

Japan struck first in the second quarter with a moment of individual brilliance, as an attacker spun sharply inside the circle and fired a reverse-stick shot underneath the goalkeeper. The response from the Vantage Black Sticks was immediate. Sam Lane stepped up at a penalty corner and delivered a fast, accurate flick through the narrow gap between the post defender and the goalkeeper to level the score.

Just before halftime, the Vantage Black Sticks earned another penalty corner. Lane’s flick was saved, but Nic Woods reacted quickest to the rebound, forcing the ball over the line to give the hosts a 2–1 lead heading into the break.

The drama continued early in the third quarter, with Japan crashing the ball into the circle and an unmarked player finishing from close range to make it 2–2. The Vantage Black Sticks responded with one of the goals of the tournament. Dylan Thomas won possession in the attacking third and drove into space down the left side of the circle before unleashing a reverse-stick effort that Sam Lane expertly finished at the back post, restoring the lead at 3–2.

Japan refused to go away and struck again late in the third quarter to level the match at 3–3, setting up a tense final 15 minutes with everything still to play for.

The decisive moment came when the Vantage Black Sticks earned a crucial penalty corner. Kane Russell walked to the top of the circle, Japan knew he had to be shut down. With Japan throwing double runners at him to block his flick, Kane Russell showed composure and class, finding a way past the defenders and firing an unstoppable flick into the top of the goal. The strike proved to be the match-winner, sealing a 4–3 victory.

The win crowned the Vantage Black Sticks Men champions of the 2026 Summer of Hockey series in Hamilton. An excellent way to kickstart the year and build confidence heading into an important international season.

While the series is decided, the two teams will meet once more in an additional test match on Wednesday at 10:00am, providing another valuable opportunity for international hockey as preparations continue. This additional match will not be streamed on Hockey TV but updated will be live across social media.

New Zealand Goal Scorers:

19’ Sam Lane – Penalty Corner Goal

29' Nic Woods - Penalty Corner Goal

42' Sam Lane - Field Goal

50' Kane Russell - Penalty Corner Goal