Field Hockey World Cup 20 [Everything Thread]

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

OOC: Shameless C+P of multiple users' OPs for formatting and sport-specific purposes (thanks Liventia and SWR/Hannasea!).

[Insert a logo]

Hey all! Welcome to Quebec and Shingoryeo for the long-awaited 20th edition of the Field Hockey World Cup!

Handy links

If you are new to NS Sports roleplaying, I recommend looking at the guide to see how things work; you may also want to see other competitions for an example of how the tournament will run.

For those unfamiliar with field hockey, you may refer to the Wikipedia article on it. The IOC also has a solid article on the rules, which should help you as well.

Games last for 60 minutes (15 minutes x 4 quarters). Each team must field eleven players on the pitch, with five substitutes on the bench. Rolling substitution will be used - which means that you have no limit on how many substitutions could happen! In pool stage three points for a win, and a draw for one. In the knockout round, penalty strokes will be used to determine the winner.

If you have out of character comments or questions, please post them to the OOC thread or send me a TG/DM directly. There are other users who are also more familiar with field hockey as the sport than myself, so feel free to go around and ask.

Format and Schedule

The cutoff window will be 15h30-17h30 EDT (19h30-21h30 UTC). For most of the tournament, I will be available on NS Sport discord server, mostly for TW purposes. I will provide prompt update on the OOC thread at very minimum, if I need to delay scorination by several hours or a day.

Please note that for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I will be cutting off on the later half. On those days I will be at the office for my workplace, while for other days it is likelier I cut off on earlier half unless an extension request is made. I tend to be very generous with requests, but don't consider this a guarantee.

Groups: MON 16th May (EVENING)
MD1: THU 25th May
MD2: FRI 26th May
--Day off--
MD3: SUN 28th May (Later Half of Window)
--Day Off--
MD4: TUE 30th May (End of Window)
MD5: WED 31st May
---
Play-Off: FRI 2nd June
Quarterfinals: SUN 4th June
Semifinals: TUE 6th June (Later Half of Window)
Medal Matches: THU 8th June

Groups

Group A

United States of Devonta
Commonwealth of Baker Park
Poafmersia
HUElavia
Irritating Stick
New Gelderland

Group B

Hannasea
Thiothard
Darkmania
Lisander
Sarzonia
Xanneria

Group C

Macbon
Aeragny
Eastfield Lodge
Quebec and Shingoryeo
Kharakia
Sorcery

Group D

Ko-oren
Brookstation
The Spartan Dominion
Delaclava
Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
Hopal

RP Permissions and Style Modifier

Style Modifier (-5 to +5):

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers - Y/N
Godmod goalscoring events - Y/N
Injure my players - Y/N
Godmod injury events - Y/N
Give my players disciplinary cards - Y/N

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Quebec & Shingoryeo Information

Quebec & Shingoryeo is a gigantic nation of 84 million people located in the Calania consisting of 12 provinces. That said, due to its geographical location, as well as the complexities of the territorial planes over the Quebecois Realms, it identifies itself as a nation of both Calania and northwestern AO, and handles its border/territorial situations accordingly. Quebecois Realms and the N.A.F.T.A. Zone of five nations that are, for some complicated reasons soon to be RP'd in the last quarter of the OOC calendar year 2022, located in Anaia and Atlantian Oceania.

In Anaia, it borders former Semarland and New Gesem to the southeast and Huayramarca to southwest. In Atlantian Oceania, it borders Lacfroid to southeast and Whitecroft to southwest. South Detroit Free State, as a former Quebecois territory, is considered a dual-region state and qualifies under same regulations as the Quebecois Mainland in terms of border control. In terms of water, it faces Salamantic Sea and the Northandryun Strait to the West, Xile Sea to the East. North of the Quebecois borders stand Blood Sea, the maganimous ocean that stands between Anaia and Atlantian Oceania to Rushmore.

The land that is now known to be part of Quebecois Realms, which share boundaries with the aforementioned nations of the N.A.F.T.A. Zone, is inhabited for millennia by the indigenous people present in the region. In the year 1404, the fleet of Joseonite exiles would sail into the so-called RL-verse move into areas that nowadays constitute the Acadie province and the capitol of Joongyeong, where the kingdom was founded in the same year by Henri I, who negotiated treaty of coexistence among all peoples of the nation, whether indigenous or Koreanophone.

Over the subsequent centuries, the nation would grow in size and technology. With the quiet incorporation of the neighbouring peoples, the expansion of maritime trade between Atlantian Oceania and Rushmore (and to some degree Tyran and Esportiva), subsequent industrialisation of the country's industries, and inconsistent operations of the interrealm portal, the Quebecois Empire would grow to incorporate territories across many regions.

The Empire, while formed by military warfare and supported by its allied nations (see: Gatchingerrak Union's constituent nations), was an odd one of own. It did not suppress the peoples or the cultures, but focused on the equal standings between the locals (this being mostly the ruling elites of the territories) who would fall under the mostly similar administrative and economic frameworks (citation needed for latter btw). Thus, the Empire was stood to be a short-term option with nations fostered to develop their own, nationalistic path over time. With the growing inequalities faced domestically at home, and the overseas territories becoming increasingly unmanageable in economic terms by the early-1900s, decolonisation and the further bloc-ification of the Quebecois Empire and its allies were inevitable and encouraged.

Eventually, the Empire would turn into that of the Quebecois Commonwealth, a loose political and economic union of two-dozen nations, with the process finished by year 1949. The nation, now without a glitter (and grime) of an empire, had to embark on their own path to redefine themselves. Continued encouragement of immigration from both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth nations, which had coincided the postwar decades' excitement and calls for cultural liberalisation, would further diversify the nation. At the same time the resilient strength of the nation's economy, even after all the booms-and-busts of economic cycles, nationalisation and privatisation and re-nationalisation policies, would too ensure that Quebec and Shingoryeo, just over a century after the nation-defining Southern Rushmori War and the de-markation of the Quebecois Empire, and just under a decade after historical Foxchester Declaration, is still a darn good place to live, if slightly expensive.

Quebec and Shingoryeo is a federal parliamentary democracy and semi-constitutional monarchy, currently led by Christine II as the head of state. There are three official languages - English, French and Korean - with local indigenous languages spoken in regional capacity. Quebec and Shingoryeo has one of the largest economies in both regions, which is built upon its strengths in heavy industry, finance and agriculture.

As the seat of the former Quebecois Empire and the current Quebecois Commonwealth, Quebec & Shingoryeo has stood as a major power in Anaia and Atlantian Oceania. It has also maintained its historical status as one of major international powers in culture, science and philosophy - a feat achieved partly through the existence of Quebecois Commonwealth and its geopolitical location between Anaia, Atlantian Oceania and Rushmore, but also through long history of social and cultural homogeneity that originated from the nation's founding day. That said the nation, once an active participant in international wars, has stayed peaceful and relatively conflict-less, and is expected to uphold the past forty years of peacetime.

---

Travelling to Quebec and Shingoryeo is a fun, multi-planar experience (lol) of own. It can feel daunting and all that - I totally understand it!

So, with this in mind, here are some travel tips you could use for next the month of fun on the Northeast:

1. Laws, laws and laws.

Quebec and Shingoryeo is known to be a fairly liberal country in terms of certain laws, and it's partly true. That is probably why you are smelling a bit of marijuana and may be drinking too much on an outdoor patio of a local delicatessen while walking down the street.

The minimum age to purchase and consume substances vary in what substance - 14 for alcohol, 16 for marijuana, and 21 for tobacco. Possession and consumption of said substances (which also include a narrow list of recreational drugs) outdoors are predictably legal as well, though some boomers and fitness maniacs may openly judge you if you do them in a park or somewhere that is public.

There is a total ban on indoor public smoking, however, and this extends to sporting events in general. Drinking on indoor venues, while not prohibited, will be frowned upon. Besides, why would you drink indoors when there is just a pub down the road with way cheaper and better quality Anju? Drugs trade, unless they are from a legal vendor and for legal substance, is banned. So if you are a local or a tourist, you are more than welcome to go to a state-owned Cannabiscorp or a co-op store and buy stuff instead.

What is no different than other past hosting nations are firearms. Firearm ownership, let alone use, is heavily restricted in Quebec and Shingoryeo with exceptions only given to those whose work requires it (e.g. shooters, pentathletes, some members of the police and the military), or those who have likely survived months and several dozen pages of the application process for a hunting rifle. For the sake of this competition, let's just assume that it's probably not a good idea to not bring your favourite Glock or Colt .45 to Quebecois soil.

2. Quebecois Pound (Q£) is the national currency. The exchange rate is roughly Q£1 = NSD 2.00. Foreign credit cards will be accepted into most bank ATMs.

3. As seen above, Quebec and Shingoryeo has three official languages - English, French and Korean - with local indigenous language(s) also used on a regional capacity. While all three languages will be used in an official capacity, the language dynamic there is a bit more complicated - the best way to describe this is by using a quote from Sylvain IV 'The Thinker', the great-grandfather of current Christine II - 'I speak English to a Banker, French to a Dancer, Korean to a Thinker, and the Original Tongue to a God.' In the Northwestern part of Quebec, English and Korean are primarily spoken.

4. Quebecois people are usually known to be talkative, celebratory and most importantly blunt, and they will rarely apologise or remain polite unless on close capacity. While those in need of help or directions will always be helped, and you will be set for a long time after that, it is expected that the help is asked first by those to whom this may concern. That said, once the help is sought out and all goes well, you will be set for the rest of your time here, and may have found yourself a lifelong mate to come stay over or drink with.

5. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed. That said, this does not mean freedom from consequences.

In adherence to the security protocol established back in the Games of the 16th Olympiad, there will be strict security checks when entering the venues and team hotels, with additional personnel placed across the city. Unlike with the Olympics, however, there will be more lax security regulations -- flares, obscenely large banners and limited display of hooliganism will be tolerated. Displays of hate speech will not be tolerated, however.

6. The question of religion is a complicated one, perhaps even more so than languages. Traditionally, Roman Catholicism, Mahayana Buddhism, Anglicanism, and Indigenous religions are considered as four religious pillars of state and are viewed with particular interest by the state and people. All four pillars, as well as other minor religions, incorporate various elements of native shamanism and folk traditions and do not always follow the rules from Vatican or Canterbury, something that has complicated the authority-to-authority relations over the Interrealm portal.

The rights of religion are unquestioned here, and this will remain the same throughout the course of your stay in the country. People tend to be careful being aware of other person's religions though, and their way of addressing it is usually not asking about them. At least not on the first impression/moment, or else they are viewed as rude.

7. If you need police, fire or most importantly medical help, please call 777. (Yeah, it's literally 777).

Visitors and athletes of delegations will be able to receive excellent and prompt care from the city's hospitals and walk-in clinics under the People's Healthcare Services (PHS). Specialists may take a little bit longer time to reach, but for the most part, will be there for you in time. Those interested in consulting services re: traditional medicine will be given referrals, but those likely require a friend or two, or a local jack, who knows one.

8. Food and alcohol here should be fine, if slightly spicy. Influenced by the indigenous fare and the influences of haute cuisine coming from the Joseonian settlers of old, the Quebecois cuisine is largely based upon rice, and other diverse kinds of grains, vegetables, and meats. In this part of Calania, moose, lamb and caribou are known to be particularly popular, which have long survived the wave of delicacies that are no longer eaten.

They are also known for their intensive use of spices, sauces and pastes. Seafood is extremely popular across the country, though their affordability remains up in the air unless you reside on the West or East Coast - more inland parts usually consume freshwater fare instead. Quebecois do not have a particularly picky taste of alcohol in general, though what alcohol you drink usually depends on your cultural background and socioeconomic demographics. Smoking culture is massive here, and while cigarette smoking is very slowly declining over the years, marijuana's prominence in society is not something that's being challenged anytime soon.

Venues:

Stade-Marcus-A.-Chang (cap. 30,000) - Group A, Opening ceremony
* Multi-purpose stadium that has seen extensive use in various sports. Temporary converted to include a primary pitch, and a practice pitch.

Northern Hockey Centre (cap. 20,000) - Group B, C
* One of three national team hockey centres in Quebec, with other two located in Twin Cities and Montevicio. Home to Myeongju State field hockey team on autumn, and Wildrose Hockey of QHA on spring. On other seasons of the year, hosts extensive field hockey programming and team training camps here. Hosts three playable pitches at same time.

Stade-Dmitris-Kazantzakis (cap. 16,000) - Group D
* Old gridiron stadium with bricked arches built in 1950s, it is nowadays fully converted and are used by the Universite d'Etoile-Nord field hockey and lacrosse teams. Hosts two playable pitches at same time.

Myeongju is the host city of the Field Hockey World Cup. A recent host of the qualification events of the 16th Winter Olympics, and the latest AOlympic winter carnival, the city has hosted many visiting fans and delegations who have come to nearby Bongpyeong and Saint-Amant, two resort towns located approximately thirty minutes drive and/or train ride away, and crossing through multiple mountains, from the city's Downtown. It is also readily accessible through its port, where it offers multiple services to a dozen Quebecois cities and many more smaller municipalities, including Notiskuan island.

A small city of around 450,000 people, Myeongju is located on the self-explanatory province of Nord-Est on northeastern Quebec and Shingoryeo's mainland. Sandwiched between the tundras and the arctic that cover most of the province, as well as the nearby presence of warmer, rainier Acadie and Inteachan provinces, Myeongju directly faces the water of the East Sea (also used in Anaia as Grinshem Sea) on the east, and is just west of the mouth of Fleuve-Saint-Henri that flows from Joongyeong and Songak, two largest metropolises in the central part of the country, into the East Sea. The location of it has meant that the city, being one of the oldest in all of Quebec and Shingoryeo, holds high heritage value with many traditional, older houses and buildings in relatively good condition and found all over the city. The city's long history (mostly on literature, art and other forms of creative industries) could be found at the Samjook House Gallery and Myeongju City Museum.

Economically Myeongju is a diverse location, with the city and its surrounding regions separated by the Juvenal mountain range that separate the countryside towns from the port city. Traditionally it is known as one of the most recognisable locations when it comes to East Coast fishery, and while the industry has somewhat dwindled from the heydays about half a century ago, Myeongju continues to be a major location for the fisheries. The downtown itself reflects those challenges, with a lot of old buildings on the city's Downtown and the Quay still being repurposed and worked to facilitate the growing tourism industry that have long been prevalent in the surrounding resorts and towns, but not as much on Myeongju proper outside of traditional locations. As with those developments the city demographics start to change as well with many youths and retirees starting to move into the area, largely on permanent basis but with some on holidaying purposes as well, and the city continues to grow in terms of population and interest.

Outside of Myeongju, the surrounding villages and resorts are ones you would most likely notice along the Pleyel mountain range (alt. approximately 1200-1800m), heading into resort towns of Bongpyeong and Saint-Amant. With difficult terrain, cold climate and strong environmental regulation being in place for over a century now, the natural landscape of Myeongju and the surrounding Pleyel remain mostly preserved. Due to abundance of snow in the winter, as well as relatively cooler climate during the summer, tourists and sportspeople of all colours come to Myeongju and the surrounding villages on a year-round basis, with some coming to train, others to enjoy opportunities made available. Plenty of hiking and rafting opportunities exist here, though steepness of both the waterfalls and the speed of running water along its streams would mean that safety advisories do exist for those who venture in certain times of the year, particularly the winter. Since the competition itself will be held over the Summer, however, the climate should be perfect for those willing to venture out.

[The Spartan Dominion]

Goaltender: Joe Random HT: 6.9 age. 19
Forward: River Ray ( Captain ) HT: 7.1 age. 20
Forward: James Elizabeth HT: 6.6 age. 20
Forward: Duke Jerald HT: 6.10 age. 20
Defense person: Ronald merget HT: 6.1 age. 19
Defense person: Knox Chamberlain HT: 6.4 age. 19
Defense person: Dillon Slater HT: 7.0 age. 20

Kit
Blue and red colors with the usual padding and wear.
Style modifier +5

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers - Y
Godmod goalscoring events - Y (Have a actual Reason)
Injure my players - Y (Consult with me the severities)
Godmod injury events - N
Give my players disciplinary cards - Y

[Delaclava]

Delaclava national field hockey team
Field Hockey World Cup 20

The team's international debt. Yikes.

Coach: Ignacio Herrera, 53
Captain: #10 MF Philip Scheffel

#	Pos	Player	                Age
3	DF	Anton Banik	        24
5	DF	Rachid Rhissassi	29
6	DF	Gunnar Wegman	        21
7	FW	Kristian Schulte	25
8	MF	Justin Ellis	        30
10	MF	Philip Scheffel	        31
11	FW	Tadeusz Cich	        25
12	DF	Ryan Cook	        23
14	FW	Jacoby Kerr	        22
19	FW	Alex Bacharach	        24
23	MF	Michael White	        34
24	MF	Sebastian Russo	        25
25	MF	Jacob Demeyer	        24
31	GK	Columbus Dan Playfoot	38
33	MF	Sergius Gelinski	34
98	FW	Emory John Corbyn	35

Reserve GK: #55 Evan Sutton, 31

Style Modifier: +1.5

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers - Y
Godmod goalscoring events - N
Injure my players - Y
Godmod injury events - N
Give my players disciplinary cards - Y

[Thiothard]

The Empire of Thiothard
Field Hockey World Cup 20

Style Modifier: +2.6
Formation: 2-3-2-3
If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers - Y
Godmod goalscoring events - N
Injure my players - Y
Godmod injury events - N
Give my players disciplinary cards - Y

ROLES                       		NAME
TRI::                                 	TOD
Head Coach::                    	Darryl Freddie Howe
Assistant::                    		Delmar Patterson
Offensive Coach::              		Greg Dean
Defensive Coach::               	Kristopher Eric Webb
Fitness Coach::                 	Roosevelt Burnett
Physio::                       		Val Lupe Swanson
Team Doctor::                  		Dr. Theo Foster
Team Captain::                  	Barney Miles
Team Vice Captain::                  	Nelson McKinney

NAME                  		POSITION		CLUB                 		AGE
Brenton Harris           	GK            		Godmin Godspeed HC		26
Chet Sexton       		GK             		Peningtham Prowler HC      	32
Fernando Victor Randall		GK            		Bingham Billionaire HC		28
Frank Kim         		FB            		Berton Bravery HC		26
Majo Pitts         		FB            		Berton Bravery HC		29
Marcelino Mike Shepherd		FB            		Witford Witchcraft HC		25
Newton Flynn            	FB            		Kiganey Kingsmen HC		22
Odis Lyons         		FB            		Thaxningle Thunderwolves HC	31
Oren Stephan Duncan		LH            		Asingston Armada HC		35
Porter May                	LH            		Godmin Godspeed HC		26
Spencer Randolph McFarland	LH            		Stansterham Kapital HC		26
Stanley Flowers         	CH            		Stansterham Kapital HC		25
Trey Walls         		CH            		Witford Witchcraft HC		23
Wade Bryant Hooper		CH            		Cleoney Crusader HC		21
Wayne Gayle Davenport     	RH            		Faringley Firefly HC		20
Amado Hewitt                   	RH            		Stansterham Kapital HC		26
Archie Best       		RH            		Peningtham Prowler HC		30
Arnoldo Mason   		IL      		Thaxningle Thunderwolves HC	32
Barney Miles     		IL      		Cleoney Crusader HC		33
Brant Guerra     		IR             		Stansterham Kapital HC		27
Bret Faustino Barlow		IR             		Berton Bravery HC		27
Cruz Harland Bowen		LW            		Kiganey Kingsmen HC		25
Devin Gilbert Pate		LW            		Asingston Armada HC		24
Kristopher Jefferey Meyers	CF            		Witford Witchcraft HC		31
Nelson McKinney       		CF            		Faringley Firefly HC		33
Parker Jamey Aguilar		CF            		Thaxningle Thunderwolves HC	27
Roderick Dong Vance		RW           		Faringley Firefly HC		26
Sonny Elbert Farley		RW           		Cleoney Crusader HC		30

Achievement
- Field Hockey World Cup 20: 3rd place

[Ko-oren]

Field Hockey World Cup 20 - Ko-orenite Roster

Field hockey is the unofficial sport of Intermare - where it rivals soccer and gridiron for popularity. If you were to go further up north, it's too cold to reliably play the game, and ice hockey is a huge pastime there instead. In Intermare, the climate is just right, situated nicely between two bodies of water, it's located a lot further south than many Ko-orenites assume, and its cities and towns have embraced the sport. The top level teams play all over Intermare though there is a slight bias towards Schemerdrecht.

There are two leagues:
- The Club League pits twelve teams against one another, most of which are in Intermare. Attendance is fairly high, and the level is also very high.
- The Regional League pits twelve teams against one another, where players may only play for the region they're from (though there are various other eligibility rules). In here, the city of Schemerdrecht is one team, while all of Western Ko-oren is also one team, providing some balance between teams. Attendance is high in Intermare - which supplies five and a half out of twelve teams - and horrible elsewhere, to the point where some teams opt to play their home games in Intermare as well. The level is not as high as the club league, because only the best eleven of, say, Schemerdrecht play while locking out the next best eleven. All twenty-two would have a contract with a club team, for instance.

The leagues are played back-to-back, so many players appear in both. The first entity named for each player is the club, the second is the region.

Doelverdedigers/Goalkeepers
DV Raudhjina (f) Esoniden (22) - April / Turnaarde en April
DV Thizolan Onrenthenira (23) - Sterrenwolde-Stad / De Hoofdsteden
DV Adelheid (f) Argielkornuit (25) - Herengein-Schemerdrecht / Schemerdrecht

Despite every position being dominated by Intermareans, it's two Gehrennans that have this locked down. Esoniden is hands down the best, playing in her native April - seen by many as a bit of a hick area forgotten by God - but she's adding so much to the teams she plays for, especially given how far behind other goalies are.

Verdedigers/Defenders LA=Linksachter/Leftback MA=Middenachter/Centreback RA=Rechtsachter/Rightback VS=Voorstopper/Stopper*
LA Herbort Valkenare (23) - Donderen-Schemerdrecht / Schemerdrecht
LA Simme Goutbeek (31) - Wintertoorn-Schemerdrecht / Keijzerdal

MA Godelieve (f) van Oosterdorp (20) - Rozenvoorde / Keijzerdal
MA Aleid (f) Snijder (21) - Helburg / Laringerstrand
MA Quint Albers (27) - Sterrenwolde-Stad / Sterrenwolde

RA Amelius Helhulst (26) - Donderen-Schemerdrecht / Schemerdrecht
RA Ido Imbert (31) - April / Turnaarde en April

VS Symeon Anareend (23) - Herengein-Schemerdrecht / 't Rozenvoordse
VS Merlinde (f) Goudnetel (20) - Laringen / Laringerstrand
VS Evan Williams (30) - Vleugelberg / West Ko-oren

Plenty of central options but it's a little dire on the wings. Valkenare and Helhulst are some of the most individually talented players on the team, so buildup will go through them (most likely), but if they're subbed off, or injured, we'll have to rely on going through the crowded centre. The team's attacking plans (see further down) rely on quickly moving the ball from side to side and finding a way forward, so if either wingback isn't available we could see a predictable, defeatable Ko-oren team. If they're on, opponents will have to cover the majority of midfield to prevent quick breaks down the wing.

Middenvelders/Midfielders LM=Linksmid/Left midfielder MM=Middenmid/Central midfielder RM=Rechtsmid/Right midfielder
LM Eduard van den Berg (23) - Helburg / De Frontier
LM Soizic (f) Charlier (23) - Angelwoud / Centraal Ko-oren

MM Otaulek Enzesorendhen (22) - Vleugelberg / De Hoofdsteden
MM Rutger van Heerdoorn (26) - Donderen-Schemerdrecht / Keijzerdal
MM Adelisa (f) Lijstervalk (29) - Hazel-Amber / Sudaefjoll

RM Vincent Veerwilg (24) - Angelwoud / Sudaefjoll
RM Annemarie (f) Haarvrucht (22) - Hazel-Amber / De Frontier

Again, we're looking at plenty of depth in the middle but narrow sides. Enzesorendhen - again a Gehrennan telling the Intermareans what to do - is as dominant at his position as goalie Raudhjina is at hers, which means that the two most important positions are filled by those from Gehrennan-speaking areas. Van Heerdoorn is a tremendous backup. Van den Berg and Veerwilg have to pick up the pace to match them, if they can.

Aanvallers/Forwards LV=Linksvoor/Left forward SP=Spits/Striker RV=Rechtsvoor/Right forward
LV Thilen Vleugelalk (20) - Wintertoorn-Schemerdrecht / 't Rozenvoordse
LV Hilaran Lurelgun (24) - April / De Hoofdsteden

SP Willem Zomerdadel (27) - Laringen / Laringerstrand
SP Symeon Anarduif (21) - Rozenvoorde / Schemerdrecht

RV Michil van Heerdoorn (27) - Vleugelberg / De Frontier
RV Grimboud Rechtre (26) - Sterrenwolde-Stad / Laringerstrand

Michil van Heerdoorn - older brother of Rutger - and Vleugelalk are the main scoring outlets of the team. The striker position is tip-ins only: it's not looking too great for us. We make up for that with the outsides though, both able to create as well as finish the job.

Captain and Vice Captain: Amelius Helhulst, Symeon Anareend
Key players: Herbort Valkenare, Otaulek Enzesorendhen, Raudhjina (f) Esoniden, Amelius Helhulst
Short corner specialists: Thilen Vleugelalk, Godelieve (f) van Oosterdorp
Penalty strokes: Michil van Heerdoorn

This team is looking for mistakes by the other side, comfortable to sink deep onto its own half until there's room for a quick break. Speed and fluid passing in attack, traversing most of the field in just one or two strokes, and defensive security is this team's bread and butter. Starting XI is the 11 players named first for each position, but feel free to change this up.

*a stopper occupies more or less the same space as the centreback, but is more man-marking oriented, taller, heavier, bulkier, and engages the (centre) forward directly, freeing up the centreback for 'man extra' or other tactical duties.

Style: -3
Formation: 3-1-3-3 (or 1-3-3-3, depends how you look at it. There are two central defenders that are in front of one another rather alongside each other)
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Injure my players: Y
RP other events: Y
Hand out Green or Yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out Red cards to my players: Y
God mod goals/injuries/other events: Y

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Commonwealth of Baker Park
National Field Hockey Team

Head Coach: Julie Travis (University of Belle Haven)
Assistants: Mary Jewson (Kellerville State), Ashira Patel (University of Ezriquay)

Pos	Age	Plays for:
20 Bonnie Gunn	       GK	20	Endborough College
10 Kim Douglas	       GK	22	Coolville State University
5  Jessica Smallwood   GK	19	University of Baker Park

18 Diane Perry	       HB	21	Oceana City College
19 Amy Blackmore       HB	22	University of Belle Haven
16 Tamsin Malhotra     HB	19	University of Southern Baker Park
4  Vickie O'Hara       HB	20	Kellerville State University
13 Kaylan Davies       FB	21	University of Endover
7  Phoebe Carter       FB	21	Coolville State University
11 Hanna Webster       FB	19	Ezra State University
22 Louisa Doyle	       FB	22	Baker Park A&M University
15 Tara Ford	       RW	22	University of Oceana
9  Cassidy Bohlman     RW	19	University of Belle Haven
3  Donata Jacobelli    RW	21	University of Ezriquay
12 Rachele Campobella   C	22	Kellerville State University
14 Gabby Grasso	        C	22	University of Endover
2  Riley Foster	       LW	20	Marshallton University
8  Maritza Rael	       LW	21	University of Coolville
23 Chelsea Holmes      LW	19	Endborough College
1  Laurel Malik	        F	20	University of Ezriquay 
17 Kimberly Montgomery  F	22	University of Baker Park
6  Lindsay Baird	F	21	Belle Haven Valley College
21 Susan Quinlan	F	19	Osheana Capital University
24 Melanie Solomon	F	19	Belle Haven County College

The Universities Athletic Coalition, the governing body of intercollegiate sports in Baker Park, has arranged for a team to return for a second time to the World Field Hockey Championships.

Field Hockey is a traditionally female sport in the Commonwealth, much as lacrosse was prior to the entry into the World Lacrosse Championship for the first time. The only real difference in terms of participation at a local interscholastic level is hockey has a decidedly city oriented player base, where lacrosse has a broader appeal in both town & country areas.

Thirteen of the 23 players who were in the squad in Lisander return for the trip to Quebec & Shingoryeo, where the women won five of eight in pool play, although that was not enough to advance to the knockout stages.

Head Coach Julie Travis was an assistant for that team and leads this iteration in search of improvement on those results.

Style Modifier (-5 to +5): +1.67

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers - Y
Godmod goalscoring events - Y
Injure my players - Y (duration of match only please)
Godmod injury events - Y
Give my players disciplinary cards - Y

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Quebec and Shingoryeo Field Hockey National Team

Nation name: Quebec and Shingoryeo
Trigram: QUE
Denonym: Quebecois
Team Nickname: Grim Reapers
Team Captains: Baek Jong-Hyeon (Men) & Chelsea Burnside (Women)

As the off-season sport to its icy counter part here, field hockey has been mostly an urban, southern sport in Quebec and Shingoyeo. It does have a lower profile than other team sports, mostly due to the enduring popularity of other summer sports such as gridiron, baseball and handball (last being the worst enemy), and both 8-team domestic leagues, while high-paying and stable, could use more international competition to improve. Not to mention further access to disadvantaged folks, who may not necessarily have the means to afford it, especially as the middle and high school teams are mostly private schools or public schools located in affluent areas of both small and large cities.

In past, Q&S would field mixed teams with expanded rosters to international competitions, a policy that the Quebecois Hockey Association (not to be confused with Hockey Quebec, which governs its icier version!), in continuation of its practice also shared by Basketball Quebec (BQ), Royal Quebecois Volleyball Federation (RQVF), and the Royal Quebecois Football Association (RQFA), has adopted, even as the leagues remain gender-separated. This remains the same this cycle, but without the gender-specific separation that the past teams would mark, to allow for full integration whenever possible. That said, should individual associations wish to compete against single-sex variation, the request will be accepted (OOC: just PM/TG me).

Coaching Staff

Coach              Position            Age              
Sami Jokiharju     Head Coach           52
Gulshan Bhullar    Assistant Coach      40      
Choo Yeong-Heon    Assistant Coach      44
Catherine Dion-Heo Assistant Coach      45
Bok Jong-Hye       Team Doctor          39

Players

#   Pos.  Player              Height  Age Sex
01  GK    Josephine Boutin    1.79m   30    F
02  DF    Hwang Ye-Rim        1.82m   25    F
03  DF    Amit Lal            1.77m   27    M
04  DF    Martha Sung         1.74m   30    F
05  DF    Nadia Hertzberger   1.85m   27    F
06  MF    Clare Lee Knockwood 1.76m   21    F
07  MF    Brigitte Telos      1.80m   23    F
08  DF    Emilien Lassonde    1.83m   31    M
09  DF    Myeong Seong-Sook   1.77m   18    F
10  FW    Kim In-Hyeong       1.81m   22    M
11  FW    Florentine Saulnier 1.79m   27    F
12  DF    Jean-Pierre Talbot  1.85m   26    M
13  FW    Baek Jong-Hyeon     1.76m   37    M
14  MF    Chelsea Burnside    1.82m   28    F
15  FW    Goh Nam-Choon       1.83m   24    M
16  MF    Byeon Dong-Joo      1.87m   34    M
18  MF    Simon McDonagh-Ki   1.75m   29    M
20  MF    Theo Tukakiskwasis  1.91m   19    M
21  DF    Laurent Mvuemba     1.80m   20    M
23  DF    Nancy Potter-McKee  1.81m   26    F
25  FW    Isabelle Noh-Bryant 1.70m   22    F
29  GK    Cliff Burnside      1.85m   25    M
30  GK    Moon Jong-Yik       1.81m   20    M
42  FW    Marine-Lee Flambeau 1.74m   20    F 

[pre]Style: +3
Formation: 4-3-3
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Injure my players: Y, but I will decide severity 
God mod goals/injuries/other events: Y* (Please discuss with me in advance)
Hand out Green or Yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out Red cards to my players: N
RP other events: Y* (Please discuss with me in advance)

[Brookstation]

BROOKSTATION NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM

SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Alison Blackie
Dot Bishop

Defenders
Cath Houghton
Frances Winkless
Alex Carrell
Rowan Eyre
Lisa Everick

Midfielders
Kate Sanders
Eliza Mackenzie
Ali Trickey
Alison Zino

Forwards
Francesca Miller
Charlotte Beever(C)
Christene Robertson
Shirley Johnston
Rebecca Duncan(VC)

Management Staff

Head Coach: Adele Lawrence
Assistant Coach: Yasmin Miles
Defense Coach: Phoebe Tran
Offensive Coach: Bella Wong
Team Doctor: Willie Cooper

RP PERMISSIONS
If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonia Stars

Style modifier 0 (balanced between attacking and defence-oriented)

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers - Y
Godmod goalscoring events - N
Injure my players - N
Godmod injury events - N
Give my players disciplinary cards - Y (no more than one or two; this is not a dirty side by any stretch of the imagination)

Manager Brad Richie (42)
Richie was the team captain and a midfielder on the last Stars team that competed in field hockey and won gold at the 15th edition of the sport's ultimate competition. He originally asked former manager Harry Cartwright to come out of retirement, first as the manager, then as an assistant manager, but he declined.

Assistant Manager Bill Houlder (38)
Holder will work with the defensive team and favours a physical style of play that was akin to how he competed as a player on the Stars' championship-winning team.

Goalkeepers Coach Dave Finney (34)
Finney will parlay his experience as a goalkeeper on the Stars into his guidance of the team's goalkeepers this go round.

GOALKEEPERS
1 Matt Marchment, 34, 5-11, 175 pounds (Woodstock Miracle)
Marchment was the starter for the championship-winning Stars and he believes he still has one good run left in him.
30 Christian Barker, 22, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds (Portland Mariners)
Barker is just a rookie, but he won the starting job with the Mariners in training. He started the season 5-1 en route to a 10-3 record. He will sit behind the veteran Marchment.

DEFENDERS
2 Joe Hall, 26 5-foot-11, 180 pounds (Nicksia Nobles)
Hall has spent three seasons in Nicksia after being born just north of the border with Delaclava in a sleepy town. He admits he's still not used to the city life. Speaks with a slight Delaclav accent.
3 Aaron Carlson, 27, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds (Catherina)
The only starter who plays in a foreign country, even if Sarzonians sometimes question whether Delaclava counts as one, Carlson brings a physical presence to the Stars backline.
5 Nick Haney, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds (Portland Mariners)
Another player who figures to use his size to his advantage, he also brings speed to the back four and will be counted on to shut down faster attackers.
11 Ben Adams, 35, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds (free agent), team captain
Adams will be counted on as the experienced hand for a team that otherwise largely lacks international experience.
13 Elisse Mathers, 23, 5-foot-4, 145 pounds (free agent)
Mathers is still trying to latch onto a team in the Sarzonian league, but with it still containing only four teams, she's having trouble landing a spot.
14 Josh Jacobs, 21, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds (Joe Gibbs University)
He plays more of a central role in reserve. He starts for his college team as a central defender.

MIDFIELDERS
6 Paul Tomlinson, 28, 6-foot, 185 pounds (Ravenna Rollers)
He plays a rugged defensive midfield position and is unafraid to mix it up, even with bigger players
13 Quentin Barker 32, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds (Woodstock)
Barker, who was one of the youngest players on the last Stars team to compete in field hockey, is now one of the veterans. He now makes up for lost speed due to an ACL tear with a sixth sense for positioning and his ability to anticipate where his teammates will look for him.
14 Christian Candele, 23 (Nicksia), 5-foot-9, 155 pounds
The younger brother of Jonathan, he shares his brother's ability to distribute the ball, but is more disciplined defensively.
16 Vickie Nelson, 27, 5-foot-6, 135 pounds (Nicksia)
She’s learned to be an opportunistic offensively and a total pest on defence. That scrappiness led Richie to install her in the lineup.
17 Joy Windsor, 21, 5-foot-4, 115 pounds (Woodstock City College)
Windsor is lanky and fast, but needs to develop some bulk to be considered for the starting lineup.
20 Enrique Salvador, 20, 5-foot-8, 160 pounds (Somerset University)
He provides depth at playmaking/offensive midfielder and can be a sparkplug off the bench.
ATTACK
10 Allison Campos 27, 5-foot-10, 160 pounds (Corcorran FHC – semipro women’s team)
Even though she doesn’t have the professional or major college pedigree of the rest of the team, Campos is a pure goal scorer and a surprisingly physical presence. She’s arguably the toughest player on the team.
12 Joe Cartwright, 19, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds (unaffiliated)
Cartwright is the grandnephew of the one Sarzonia manager who took the team to a championship victory. He is finishing up preparatory schoolwork prior to starting at Joe Gibbs University in Nicksia in the fall.
18 Deontae West, 25, 5-foot-9, 171 pounds (Portland)
West is known more for getting in space and being creative with the ball than he is for brute force. He’ll be counted on as a vital substitute when the team needs offence late.

[Sarzonia]

Legacy.

A team that's been getting long in the tooth and one that has already won the last three championships it's competed in has decided to come back again for another shot at glory for that reason.

The Sarzonian national field hockey team are listed as two-time defending world champions in the sport. They've won the last three titles they've competed for with a title in the Field Hockey World Championships and then the last two World Cups. The team did not compete in the intervening tournaments, whether they be world championships, World Cups, or the celebration of field hockey.

Regardless of whether you consider the Stars two-time or three-time defending champions, the fact remains the Stars are one of just two countries with three titles. The former country of Rejistania are the other.

"Some of the players after we won our last title felt we had given everything we could for the sport, especially after a grueling final," manager Brad Richie said. "They would have told you right then to let younger players go in and compete for the title. However, we've had plenty of rest since the last time we took to the pitch, and many of us felt we wanted to keep getting back out there until someone knocks us off. I think once we line up and the opening whistle sounds, a lot of us will still be hungry."

So that explains why a team that's now considered a veteran side and one of the most decorated in the sport will still compete for a title. It's about legacy. For Richie himself, he has one title as a player and two as a manager. If Sarzonia can win yet again, it would mark his third consecutive title as manager, a feat that no team has accomplished. It would also separate the Stars from Rejistania as the most successful team in the sport with four championships. However, goaltender Matt Marchment had far simpler goals in mind when asked about the team's potential place in history.

"We just want to win the next one," he said. "That's it."

[Lisander]

DRAMA UNFOLDS AS THE QUEENS ARE DETAINED IN HEEMSTRA!

Heemstra is going through days of crisis. The country's president, Davon Jantjies, has been arrested by the military, which supported the coup d'état promoted by the Heemstra National Union. The air force has joined the coup and closed the country's airspace to all airlines. All flights to and from Stellenia, the capital of the country, are suspended.

Amidst this crisis, a group of families from Lisander watches with concern. The national Field Hockey team, known as "The Queens," which was in Heemstra at the time of the coup to play two friendly matches against the local team, is trapped in the country and unable to reach Quebec & Shingoryeo for the start of the Field Hockey World Cup.

The situation was immediately reported to Lisander's ambassador in Heemstra, Marc de Almeida, who is currently trying to contact the authorities in charge of the movement to secure a release, not only for the players but also for any Lisanderian citizens who wish to leave the country.

Hope comes from the expats!

Upon learning about the problem in Heemstra, a group of Lisanderian university students in Quebec contacted the National Federation, offering to play as representatives of the country in the absence of a professional team. "We had tickets to watch all the games, but we decided that we wouldn't allow the team to lose by forfeit. It would be very sad, especially given the situation happening in Heemstra," said Luísa Yoong, one of the university students who is of Lisanderian descent with a Quebecois father.

Yoong, who also practices fencing and is studying medicine in Myeongju, called a contact in the Lisander Fencing Federation, Lucas Venter, who then contacted an acquaintance in Soria, Letícia Moran, who happens to be the niece of Maria Moran, the director of the Lisander Hockey Association. Through Yoong's connection, Moran obtained authorization, and the fourteen players were included in the roster sent hastily to the organization:

30 - GK - Isabela Lefèvre
31 - GK - Laura Rousseau-Ahn
32 - DF - Marisol Roseno
33 - DF - Valentina Yoong
34 - DF - Alice Fernandes
35 - DF - Mariana Souto
36 - MF - Amélie Fernandes
37 - MF - Milla Machado-Soler
38 - MF - Ester Durant
39 - MF - Luísa Yoong
40 - FW - Sofia de Brum
41 - FW - Marília Lefevre
42 - FW - Maria Helena Martinez
43 - FW - Rafaela Vieira

At this moment, everything is uncertain. As Pia St.-Marie, the captain of the Queens, said: 'It's a situation that no one expected. It completely caught us by surprise.' We remain vigilant about the unfolding of the political crisis in Heemstra, and as soon as we have news, not only regarding the hockey players but also about other Lisanderian citizens trapped in the country, we will bring you updates.

No killing, no creeping, the rest is yes.

[Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland]

Team name: Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
Trigram: SWR
Demonym/adjective: Schutzenphalian, Schutzi (colloq.)
Team nickname: Die Blumenflauschensgebeitmienetingsbrüglaudehenschgeblörstweltekranzenkeitstagerinnersmöchtes (“The Team” in Schutzenphalian)

Coaching staff
Head coach: Dominik Herman
Strength & conditioning: Sarah Hoch
Political officer: Sophia von Hauptberndorf

Squad

Goalkeepers
1. Jonas Schwartz
9. Leni Oberlander

Defenders
2. Martin Beike
5. Swen Brandt
13. Tobias Wannemaker (captain)
27. Joel Heilig
30. Samantha Morgenstern (vice-captain)
17. Carolina Feist

Midfielders
15. Jonas Finkel
6. Leonhard Esmann
4. Felix Weichselbraun
26. Saskia Manninger
29. Elsa Schifter

Forwards
21. Wolfgang Askin
12. Thorsten Maurer
3. Phillipp Baier
25. Franziska Mendel
19. Eva Ransmayr

The Team generally set up in a 4 – 3 – 3 formation with Martin Beike anchoring the defence alongside Tobias Wannemaker. The central midfield runs through Elsa Schifter. Wolfgang Askin and Thorsten Maurer are the team’s true centre forwards, with Franziska Mendel playing just behind. Naturally, formations are fairly fluid, though.

Penalty corner set-up

Injection: Mendel, Ransmayr or Esmann
Trap: Ransmayr, Esmann or Weichselbraunn
Drag-flick specialists: Wannemaker, Maurer or Beike

RP permissions

You may choose goalscorers but please use the highlighted players for penalty corners/strokes.

You may RP cards, injuries and godmode events that would end a player’s participation in a game.

Events that will end a player’s participation in future matches (e.g. flagrantly illegal or immoral action that would clearly lead to suspension, serious injury or death, running off to join the circus) are not permitted.

Please do not use photographs and say they represent my characters, or RP violence by or against my characters.

Otherwise, go nuts.

Style modifier: 0

[Hannasea]

Team name: The Hannasean Federation / Hannasea
Trigram: HAN
Demonym/adjective: Hannasean (pronounced ‘Hanna-seen’)
Team nickname: Black Sticks

Coach: A nice big one with air conditioning :)

Roster (customary starters/most minutes in bold)

2. Emma Martin (Old Blopping Swallows)
17. Evie Phillips (GK) (Coral Coast Swans)
Replacing the legendary Addison Stewart in goal has been tough for Emma Martin. She's a more conventionally crease bound goalkeeper and not so aggressive at charging down attackers, but has good reactions and isn't afraid to put her body on the line.

16. Kassy Abraham (LB) (Butterfly City Robots)
10. Jade Elliott (CB) (Greenfield Monkeys)
3. Mia Harris (RB) (Greenville Arsenal)
5. Sofia Weaver (Coral Coast Swans)
6. Jasmine Fraser (Pearl City Rockets)
At the heart of the Black Sticks’ defence is Jade Elliott, who has the size to cover opposing centre forwards, offer lockdown defence, and then release quick breaks with long accurate passes and throws. Whether this will transfer when playing against mixed or men’s teams however remains to be seen. Mia Harris is a very capable defender who can press high and Kassy Abraham the team’s second option at penalty corners.

4. Sarah Tanner (CH) (Angelwood Snakes)[/b]
Tanner replaces Olympic captain Jasmine Dawson in a pressing centre half role, linking up the defensive back line with the midfield. She runs hard all game and is an excellent distributor, whipping out long passes to either wing, but rarely runs with the ball.

7. Vanessa Aguirre (LM) (Coral Coast Swans)
8. Holly George (CM) (Greenfield Monkeys)
12. Bethany Cook (CM) (Greenfield Monkeys) - captain
1. Lara Houghton (RM) (Arsenal)
13. Amara Knight (Silver Mountain Ravens)
18. Leila Bronson (Oak Park Broncos)
Not part of the Olympic side, Bethany Cook is a dynamic midfielder coming off a couple seasons’ worth of injuries. She plays alongside her domestic teammate and former Olympic MVP Holly George, a super small, super fast, super super skilled ball of energy. Vanessa Aguirre is mostly famous as the team’s PC specialist; she’s also got a lethal tomahawk. She is the team's highest goal scorer in Olympic history and dominated at the last FHWC. Lara Houghton is a tall (for Hannaseans) winger with amazing stick control, though her touch in the final attack can let her down.

15. Niamh Murphy (FW) (Liberty Dragonflies)
9. Danielle Robertson (Deer River HSC)
11. Aria Ramsay (Deer River HSC)
14. Lexi Spencer (Central Pearl City HC)

With the big guns Chloe Ross, the team's all time leader in field goals, and Emilia Tanner, Olympic star, gone, the scoring is down to Robertson, a small, sneakily effective poacher, and Murphy, a true centre forward who uses her strength well and is particularly effective with her back to goal.

RP permissions

Please keep hockey realistic-ish, allowing for the fact this is NS and this is a women’s team competing in co-ed/men’s hockey.

Please have Aguirre, Cook or Abraham take PCs, and Aguirre, George or Cook take PSs.

Please do not use photographs and say they represent my players.

Please do not have violence from/to my players and supporters.

Please have fun.

Style modifier: +5

[Hannasea]

Butterfly City Mercury
Black Sticks back for vengeance

4 years ago*, the Black Sticks roared through the group stages of the Hockey World Cup as indisputable world number ones. Coming off their Olympic gold medal, they amassed the only perfect record -- in a group that featured Olympic silver medallists Quebec and Shingoryeo and hosts Lisander. Their 48 goals were more than any two other teams; their +35 goal difference better than that of any three teams. In crushing form, with Vanessa Aguirre firing off penalty corners like an American cop firing bullets at a dog during a home welfare check, they swept into the quarterfinals with fans already buying tickets to the finals. Two hours later, those same fans were applying for refunds. At the first knockout stage, the Black Sticks were knocked out, 4-0, by Anglo Saxe Coburg. Outside the Hannasean Federation, the game is better recalled as a heartwarming Tinderella** story for ASC. Inside the Hannasean Federation, it marked a moment of despair and humiliation.

In the intervening years, the Black Sticks have reached another Olympic final -- losing, this time, to Ko-oren, the same team that knocked them out eight years prior, in extra time. But the Olympics, so long the focal point of the Hannasean sporting calendar, no longer seem the prime motivation. Seeking vengeance for their humiliation in Lisander has rather occupied the Black Sticks, who arrive in Quebec & Shingoryeo for the 20th Hockey World Cup fortified and determined to prove wrong the doubters. Led now by midfielder Bethany Cook following the retirement of defensive general Jasmine Dawson, the new-look Black Sticks still feature some familiar faces -- Aguirre, Holly George, and Jade Elliott among the returning gold medallists -- but Erin Campbell, Chloe Ross and Emilia Tanner are among the attacking players also retired, giving the midfield a partially and forward line a wholly new look.

The most exciting new player is Danielle Robertson, a short but extremely fast striker whose bobbing ponytail is often all that can be seen as she speeds through defenders in a blur of black. Replacing all time leading scorer from open play Ross, she will have much to prove. So too will the older heads, among them Aguirre and George, who were so blamed for previous failures. They're determined to put right the belief that the Black Sticks are too dependent on winning short corners over creating goals from open play. But however it's achieved, there's only only one possible result that can satisfy the Hannasean public's demand here in Quebec. "We know exactly what's expected of us," said Cook. "To play really well in the group stage then flame out in the playoffs wait shit nooooooooooooo"

* OOC: I do not expect anyone else to abide by this canon!
** Hannasean folk heroine similar to Cinderella, but sluttier.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

MD1 Cutoff

Group A
United States of Devonta 3–2 New Gelderland
Commonwealth of Baker Park 2–1 Irritating Stick
Poafmersia 3–1 HUElavia

Group B
Hannasea 8–2 Xanneria
Thiothard 2–2 Sarzonia
Darkmania 4–3 Lisander

Group C
Macbon 3–4 Sorcery
Aeragny 2–1 Kharakia
Eastfield Lodge 1–5 Quebec and Shingoryeo (Scorinated by South Newlandia)

Group D
Ko-oren 3–0 Hopal
Brookstation 0–1 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
The Spartan Dominion 2–6 Delaclava

Tables will be up starting MD2.

[Thiothard]

3409 Followers | 3001 Following | 390 Total View Cinema Ranger @cinema_ranger Cinema Ranger this time covers a local film that managed to collect a high collection, the film Final Touch directed by Gregor Ukievski lined up great actors such as Billy Sloan and Jenny Duncan and many others. Final Touch is the story of a successful lawyer named Ed Figelthorn (starring Billy Sloan), who is leading a double life as a notorious thief. Figelthorn's heists are so well-planned and executed that no one has ever suspected him, and he's amassed a massive fortune from his criminal activities. However, things start to unravel when Figelthorn falls in love with a woman named Nancy Owen (starring Jenny Duncan), who works as a detective in the police department. As Figelthorn and Nancy's relationship deepens, Nancy starts to suspect that Figelthorn is somehow involved in the crimes that she's investigating. Meanwhile, Figelthorn's criminal partner, a ruthless mob boss named Leoniv Boris (starring Hugh Tierney), starts to get suspicious of Figelthorn's loyalty. When Boris discovers that Figelthorn is also leading a double life as a lawyer, he threatens to expose Figelthorn's criminal activities to the police unless Figelthorn agrees to do one final heist for him. Figelthorn is now caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal, torn between his love for Nancy and his loyalty to Boris. As he tries to pull off one last heist and keep his secret life hidden, Figelthorn realizes that he may have to sacrifice to protect the people he loves. The movie ends with a shocking twist that leaves the audience questioning everything they thought they knew about Figelthorn and the people around him.

Group B
Thiothard 2–2 Sarzonia
McKinney (Penalty Corner); McKinney (Field Goal)

Thiothard First Eleven
Brenton Harris
Frank Kim - Odis Lyons
Archie Best - Stanley Flowers - Porter May
Brant Guerra - Barney Miles (C)
Roderick Dong Vance - Nelson McKinney  - Cruz Harland Bowen

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Hockey Weekly
Segolene Plouffe-Arnautovic: QHA Focus now on expansion

Everett J. Bryant

MYEONGJU, NORD-EST - Interesting times present interesting options. And perhaps no one's more excited about the possibilities of the Quebecois Hockey Association (QHA) than its president, Segolene Plouffe-Arnautovic.

Just four years removed from Quebec and Shingoryeo's successful hosting of the Summer Olympics, and with the Calanian nation hosting the Field Hockey World Cup right at home in the city of Myeongju, there is no reason for her to feel less enthusiastic about it.

With the QHA expanding from 26 teams to 36 teams in three divisions over the past decade, and the Quebecois national teams performing well on the past Summer Olympics, there continues to be optimism surrounding the health of the QHA league circuit, and how it would be able to continue into the future times.

While the QHA is exactly not in the position to gauge their respective competition, something that Plouffe-Arnautovic has attributed to an international club competition, she remains positive that the level of competition is healthy and at level with standards abroad.

'It is true that we do not have an international club competition, and that the league has little metrics to gauge their strengths outside of the Olympics or the World Cup. But through stronger competition within our borders, and the national team continuing to generate positive noise, I'm sure that we will get things right,' said Plouffe-Arnautovic ahead of the Grim Reapers' opening match against Eastfield Lodge, a known name in the sport, in Myeongju.

'Just as much of a challenge about establishing international standard is for us to ensure that we ensure the leagues to run successfully and for the future. The QHA so far has done good work expanding the reaches, and making sure that the players get paid well and reach out to our communities. But those have to be sustained.'

Consisting of three divisions - men's, women's and mixed division - the QHA runs three seasons over the two-year cycle. Year one sees gender-separate leagues run, while year two sees the mixed division run, both under round robin schedule. The league, at this point in time, does not plan to run a playoff.

Currently the biggest task for the league is the attendance. According to Plouffe-Arnautovic, the attendance figures remain consistent and stable at around 3,000 a match, with attendances varying depending on the home venues, but an increase would be nice to have from the league growth standpoint.

'Expanding the game is key. Attendance itself isn't the issue. Our matchday attendance figures average 80% per match, and that already speaks volumes,' Plouffe-Arnautovic said. ' But for years the QHA's goals were to ensure survival and making sure our roots remain intact and integrated. Now, with us having achieved the success, the next steps have to be taken to ensure competitiveness in this era where we see strong competition from other sports - handball, lacrosse, et cetera..'

To read more, please click here.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Cutoff, MD2

Group A
New Gelderland 3–2 HUElavia
Irritating Stick 1–2 Poafmersia
United States of Devonta 0–1 Commonwealth of Baker Park

# Group A                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Poafmersia                                    2   2  0  0    5   2  +3    6
2 Commonwealth of Baker Park                    2   2  0  0    3   1  +2    6
3 New Gelderland                                2   1  0  1    5   5   0    3
4 United States of Devonta                      2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
5 Irritating Stick                              2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0
6 HUElavia                                      2   0  0  2    3   6  −3    0

Group B
Xanneria 1–5 Lisander
Sarzonia 1–0 Darkmania
Hannasea 1–1 Thiothard

# Group B                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hannasea                                      2   1  1  0    9   3  +6    4
2 Sarzonia                                      2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Lisander                                      2   1  0  1    8   5  +3    3
4 Darkmania                                     2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
5 Thiothard                                     2   0  2  0    3   3   0    2
6 Xanneria                                      2   0  0  2    3  13 −10    0

Group C
Sorcery 2–4 Quebec and Shingoryeo (Scorinated by South Newlandia)
Kharakia 0–4 Eastfield Lodge
Macbon 0–2 Aeragny

# Group C                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Quebec and Shingoryeo    2    2   0   0     9    3   +6     6
2 Aeragny                  2    2   0   0     4    1   +3     6
3 Eastfield Lodge          2    1   0   1     5    5    0     3
4 Sorcery                  2    1   0   1     6    7   −1     3
5 Macbon                   2    0   0   2     3    6   −3     0
6 Kharakia                 2    0   0   2     1    6   −5     0

Group D
Hopal 1–1 Delaclava
Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland 2–2 The Spartan Dominion
Ko-oren 0–0 Brookstation

# Group D                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Delaclava                                     2   1  1  0    7   3  +4    4
2 Ko-oren                                       2   1  1  0    3   0  +3    4
3 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland      2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
4 Brookstation                                  2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
5 Hopal                                         2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1
6 The Spartan Dominion                          2   0  1  1    4   8  −4    1

[Thiothard]

Thiothard Hockey Association history
The history of field hockey in Thiothard begins in the early 20th century when the Khantari colony ruled the island. Khantari introduced the sport of field hockey to Thiothard as part of a program to modernize and spread Khantari culture. At that time, field hockey in Thiothard was still limited to the Khantari community and schools founded by the colonial Khantari. However, over time, the sport began to pique the interest of native Thiothards, leading to the establishment of more local field hockey clubs and teams.

After Thiothard chose to leave the Khantari union, Thiothard gained independence and underwent significant social and political changes. Field hockey continued to thrive in Thiothard with the establishment of additional clubs and local competitions. In 1999, the Thiothard Hockey Association was founded to regulate and develop the sport in the country. Since then, field hockey has gained popularity in Thiothard, particularly among the younger generation.

As Thiothard's sports infrastructure continues to develop and community participation in field hockey increases, the sport is expected to further grow and evolve in the future. With strong commitment and effort, Thiothard has the potential to become a formidable force in the international field hockey arena. The 20th Field Hockey World Cup marked the Thiothard Hockey Association's first participation at the international level, showcasing the country's progress and dedication to the sport.

Group B
Hannasea 1–1 Thiothard
Miles  (Penalty Corner)

Thiothard First Eleven
Brenton Harris
Marcelino Mike Shepherd	 - Odis Lyons
Archie Best - Trey Walls - Porter May
Brant Guerra - Barney Miles (C)
Roderick Dong Vance - Nelson McKinney  - Devin Gilbert Pate

[Ko-oren]

Confused by how our sports leagues report the month and day? Planning your visit to the Dragonfly Archipelago and wondering what the best time is? Or are you.. somehow... interested in when the chairman of parliament is appointed... every other year - what is wrong with you?

[Brookstation]

What can be the worst outcome of a game? Perhaps a tie, where there isn't a winner nor a loser. Still, outcomes which end in a tie are respected, merely for the fact that both the teams have given their best and had therefore been able to catch up to each other. But here, we are looking at a tie, where neither team has been able to score or in other words, a goalless tie.

Having already lost in a traditional fashion in their opening game, coach Adele Lawrence was surely not expecting another disappointing result although Brookstation were again paired with a bunch of well experienced hockey teams, one of them being none other than Ko oren. Ko oren as a nation, is known for its sporting diversity, for splendidly performing in almost every sport there is, with hockey being no exception. But what is more amusing, is in fact the nation's unique style of play, a bold minded defensive style of play, something which has baffled nations for quite a long time now. But now, as messed up as it might seem, it was Adele's turn to face the algorithm.

The first period saw constant counter attacks from the Brook side, creating a plethora of opportunities, all of which were successfully countered by the magnificent Ko oren defense. It seemed as if Brookstation had the upper hand, that was until Ko oren started their fair share of attacks, something which the Brook side was not yet ready for. A smooth pass by van den Berg saw Lurelgun slide his way to the box before shooting right at the goal. Dot Bishop's reflexes came to the rescue at the perfect second to prevent Ko oren from gaining possession of the game. Brookstation might have been lucky once but luck is not something that favours you everytime.

It was at that point when Adele had a sudden realisation. For centuries, iron had been fought with iron and the only way in which Brookstation could possibly survive Ko oren's intricately carved attacks was by playing in a defensive manner themselves. There was an apt change in formation, something which the players found a bit annoying at first but with the break of the first quarter, the team knew exactly how to proceed for the remaining minutes of the game. It must be admitted that the game got as boring as it possibly could as literally nothing happened throughout the second and the third quarters.

However, the last period of the game did see some action, in the form of a Godelieve foul on Kate Sanders after accidentally tripping Sanders with his stick. Brookstation had the perfect opportunity right in front of them, while Ko oren found themselves in utter despair. With only 3 minutes left in the clock, it was by far the most intense moment of the game. Rebecca stepped up to take the penalty but with the heat of the moment, she failed to capitalize the opportunity after hitting just a few inches wide of the post. Rebecca had broke down instantly, along with the rest of the team and the fanbase but the they still had a game to complete. With a shattered heart, the players got back to their positions and somehow completed the game in an odd 0-0 score. At this point, many players would have broken down completely but as an experienced and bold player herself, Rebecca knew that she had an entire tournament to play and quitting away was definitely not the right decision.

In a post match press conference, Rebecca replied, " In sports, it's always about the ups and downs. Who would've thought that we would have the slightest chance against Ko oren? But here we are undefeated atleast. Missing a penalty is not the end of the world but I admit that I should've been better. Rather, focusing on the brighter side of things, I believe that there has been quite some improvement in our quality. We had definitely put up a better display than last time, making it close to the goal on several occasions but as you know, there's always room for improvement. I am especially proud of our defense, we have not conceded a single goal so far. I think for today, everyone out there on the field deserves an applaud for the way they performed because without this coordination, we could've never been able to come this far. "

One thing worth noticing is the unique set of results produced by Group D, a pair of three draws. With no team being able to gain a win on the last matchday, Delaclava sit proudly on the top of the table, closely followed by their counterparts Ko Oren and Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland. Despite the heavy competition for the crown, coach Lawrence still thinks that Brookstation has a shot for qualification. With more than half of the group stage still in contention, Brookstation has a long distance to cover and they better cover it fast.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

MD3 Cutoff

Group A
Commonwealth of Baker Park 3–2 New Gelderland
Poafmersia 4–3 United States of Devonta
HUElavia 3–3 Irritating Stick

# Group A                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Poafmersia                                    3   3  0  0    9   5  +4    9
2 Commonwealth of Baker Park                    3   3  0  0    6   3  +3    9
3 New Gelderland                                3   1  0  2    7   8  −1    3
4 United States of Devonta                      3   1  0  2    6   7  −1    3
5 Irritating Stick                              3   0  1  2    5   7  −2    1
6 HUElavia                                      3   0  1  2    6   9  −3    1

Group B
Thiothard 5–2 Xanneria
Darkmania 2–5 Hannasea
Lisander 2–2 Sarzonia

# Group B                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Hannasea                                      3   2  1  0   14   5  +9    7
2 Thiothard                                     3   1  2  0    8   5  +3    5
3 Sarzonia                                      3   1  2  0    5   4  +1    5
4 Lisander                                      3   1  1  1   10   7  +3    4
5 Darkmania                                     3   1  0  2    6   9  −3    3
6 Xanneria                                      3   0  0  3    5  18 −13    0

Group C
Aeragny 0–1 Sorcery
Eastfield Lodge 0–2 Macbon
Quebec and Shingoryeo 1–2 Kharakia (Scorinated by South Newlandia)

# Group C                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Quebec and Shingoryeo    3    2   0   1    10    5   +5     6
2 Aeragny                  3    2   0   1     4    2   +2     6
3 Sorcery                  3    2   0   1     7    7    0     6
4 Macbon                   3    1   0   2     5    6   −1     3
5 Eastfield Lodge          3    1   0   2     5    7   −2     3
6 Kharakia                 3    1   0   2     3    7   −4     3

Group D
Brookstation 3–2 Hopal
The Spartan Dominion 2–5 Ko-oren
Delaclava 2–0 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland

# Group D                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Delaclava                                     3   2  1  0    9   3  +6    7
2 Ko-oren                                       3   2  1  0    8   2  +6    7
3 Brookstation                                  3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
4 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland      3   1  1  1    3   4  −1    4
5 Hopal                                         3   0  1  2    3   7  −4    1
6 The Spartan Dominion                          3   0  1  2    6  13  −7    1

[Thiothard]

Thiothard Field Hockey Training Center
Strategically located on Smithburry Hill, the Thiothard Field Hockey Training Center represents the pinnacle of field hockey development in Thiothard. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities owned by Thiothard Hockey Association and comprehensive training programs, the center has established itself as a premier destination for athletes looking to hone their skills and reach their full potential. The Center's unwavering commitment to promoting the growth and advancement of field hockey has earned it unprecedented recognition in the field hockey community and cemented its position as a bastion of elite athletic training and achievement. The center's exceptional facilities provide athletes with a conducive environment for training and success. Equipped with advanced technology, several practice fields feature modern turf systems that ensure optimal playing conditions, allowing athletes to improve their technique and push their limits. In addition, the contemporary clubhouse provides a comfortable and inviting space for players, coaches, and staff that fosters a sense of community and collaboration. The center's highly skilled and experienced professional coaching staff works tirelessly to design and implement carefully planned training programs. In addition, the center strongly contributes to the holistic development of the athlete. The team provides athletes with mental training strategies, customized nutrition plans, and injury prevention methods. This holistic approach ensures that athletes achieve excellent results on the field and develop into well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.

Group B
Thiothard 5–2 Xanneria

Thiothard First Eleven
Brenton Harris
Marcelino Mike Shepherd	 - Odis Lyons
Archie Best - Trey Walls - Porter May
Brant Guerra - Barney Miles (C)
Roderick Dong Vance - Nelson McKinney  - Devin Gilbert Pate

[Ko-oren]

Apologies to the South-Central Cote Austral and Riverina Minigolf league for not including them. Sports with significant professional presence only. You might also like various other student activities, such as ultimate and lacrosse. Individual sports not covered here - suffice to say that either they're in the Summer Olympics, or it's orienteering or cycling... or it's disc golf, minigolf, or bowling. Big golf is illegal for multiple reasons.