SUMMER OF HOCKEY HEADS NORTH TO HAMILTON FOR A FOUR NATIONS EVENT

Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce the next chapter of the Summer of Hockey, with the Vantage Black Sticks Men set to host Korea, Japan, and Malaysia in a Four Nations tournament at the Gallagher Hockey Centre in Hamilton from 30 January to 3 February 2026. In partnership with Hamilton City and Waikato Hockey Association we are bringing this exciting new event and world-class international hockey to the Waikato region.

Following the women’s expanded Five Nations Tournament in Dunedin featuring the Vantage Black Sticks, Korea, Japan, the United States, and India, the Summer of Hockey continues to bring international action to New Zealand, strengthening global partnerships and giving fans the chance to experience top-tier hockey on home turf.

The Hamilton Four Nations will feature eight matches across four days, with each team playing one another before a final day of playoffs (3v4 and 1v2). With three match days, two games per day, and a standalone Finals Day, the tournament promises fast, competitive, high-energy hockey from start to finish.

Vantage Black Sticks Men’s Head Coach Greg Nicol says the Four Nations is an important stepping stone in their World Cup campaign, “This tournament gives us exactly the kind of competition we need early in the year. Playing Korea, Japan, and Malaysia at home allows us to test our depth, sharpen our style of play, and continue building a competitive programme heading toward the 2026 World Cup. The chance to play in front of our fans again is something the team is really looking forward to.”

This event marks the first time the Vantage Black Sticks Men have played at home since the 2023 Oceania Cup in Whangārei, and anticipation is high following their recent success at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where they secured bronze with a dominant win over host nation Malaysia. With Malaysia returning for this series, Hamilton fans can expect a fierce contest as both teams look to assert themselves early in the 2026 season.

Hockey NZ CEO Michelle Hollands says hosting both national teams on home soil to open the year is a significant moment for the sport, “Starting 2026 with both Vantage Black Sticks teams playing across Aotearoa is a fantastic way to engage fans and showcase international hockey at home. These tournaments provide a strong foundation as they build toward the World Cup, and we’re committed to bringing supporters along on that journey.”

Match Schedule:

Friday January 30

4.30pm: Japan vs Korea

6.30pm: Vantage Black Sticks vs Malaysia

Saturday January 31 

4.30pm: Malaysia vs Japan

6.30pm: Vantage Black Sticks vs Korea

Monday February 2

4.30pm: Malaysia vs Korea

6.30pm: Vantage Black Sticks vs Japan

Tuesday February 3, The Summer of Hockey Finals 

4.30pm: 3rd place vs 4th place

6.30pm: 1st place vs 2nd place

CLICK HERE to buy tickets NOW.