PAIGE BLAKE’S FULL CIRCLE NATIONS CUP JOURNEY
After more than a year away from international hockey, Vantage Black Sticks Women midfielder Paige Blake is set to make an incredible return to the black jersey at the 2026 FIH Nations Cup in Auckland.
For Blake, the tournament represents far more than just another international campaign.
In February 2025, during New Zealand’s Nations Cup campaign in Chile in match two against Ireland, Blake suffered a torn ACL and meniscus injury that immediately ruled her out of the tournament and the next phase of her career.
What followed was months of surgery, rehabilitation, setbacks and uncertainty.
“It was probably the hardest news I’ve ever had to hear,” Blake said. “I was absolutely devastated to be honest, but to support the girls for the rest of the tournament and watch them win the gold medal was amazing and a good distraction”.
Just one month after the injury, Blake underwent surgery before beginning the long process of rebuilding strength, movement and confidence in her knee.
While the physical rehab was demanding, Blake admits the mental challenge of being away from hockey for so long was equally difficult.
“I don’t think I realised how important hockey was to my everyday life until I didn’t have it anymore,” she said. “It was always my outlet. Losing that really challenged me, but it also helped me learn more about who I am outside of hockey.”
After nearly 12 months of rehabilitation, Blake returned to full training at the beginning of 2026 before earning her place back in the Vantage Black Sticks Women squad.
Now, in a full-circle moment, her international return will come at North Harbour Hockey Stadium. The home turf where she grew up playing hockey through the North Harbour Hockey Association pathway.
“To come back and to play for New Zealand at North Harbour means everything,” Blake said. “It’s where I grew up, where my hockey journey started, and where so many people supported me through this injury. It literally is a dream come true”.
The 2026 Women’s FIH Nations Cup will bring some of the world’s best hockey nations to Auckland, with the Vantage Black Sticks Women looking to defend their title on home soil.
Suzanne McFadden, founding editor of the LockerRoom, sat down with Blake and discussed her journey in depth.
For fans, Blake’s return adds another powerful storyline to what promises to be a special week of international hockey.
The 2026 Women’s FIH Nations Cup takes place at North Harbour Hockey Stadium from 15-21 June next month.
Fans are encouraged to get behind the Vantage Black Sticks Women and support Paige Blake’s long-awaited return to international hockey on home turf.