THERE is a new face at the helm of Jersey Hockey men’s team, as they welcome Cambridge to Les Quennevais tomorrow for the opening round of EH Men’s Tier 2 Championships.
Tom Sibley has been a regular within the side since his arrival on the Island over two years ago, but now the highly experienced player is going to shoulder the burden of player-coach for the national team.
The Islanders have enjoyed a couple deep runs into the prestigious knockout competition over the past couple of years.
In 2021/22, Sibley and co enjoyed their most impressive victory of all time, dispatching powerhouses Surbiton 2nds in the quarter finals.
Last season, the Caesareans made the quarters, before a painful loss to neighbours Guernsey on Sarnian soil.
However, their new leader feels that his side possess a “strength in depth” that far exceeds recent years.
“Competition for places has been really fierce,” said Sibley.
“There isn’t anyone in the squad that feels their place is guaranteed, so training the past few weeks leading up to selection has been very competitive.
“We’ve had one or two injuries in the last week or so, which has hindered us slightly, but as a squad we are strong and it hasn’t hurt as much as it might have in prior years.’
Sibley has vast experience in the game, having played for Wapping HC, and National League hockey for a decade.
His side also welcome back Jamie Watling, who has been at university training regularly with Loughborough’s first team.
Stalwarts of the squad in the shape of Pete and Tom Millar also return, alongside Anthony Kay, Sam Dunstan, Sam Watling and Joel Dudley, to name a few – all of whom have experience of the Tier 2 Championships.
With Jersey’s recent efforts, Sibley says that his sights are set firmly on trying to lift the title.
“The ultimate goal is to win the tournament,” he added.
“In the past, injuries have been very key for us and if we lost a couple players, it was a real struggle.
“But there is a big difference this year in terms of how deep and talented the whole squad are.
“That drives standards within the camp and gives everyone the confidence that we can beat anyone in our way.
“It also means that all the players in the matchday squad will be used effectively and not just brought on for ten minutes or so.”
Former player-coach Tom Millar is still very much a key cog in the side, and has been an important figure for Sibley to lean on in his fledgling coaching journey.
“Tom has been brilliant to have around,” Sibley continued.
“He has so much experience in doing this and has been there to bounce ideas off and be a sounding board for any thoughts.”
Action is set to get under way from Les Quennevais at 4pm tomorrow.
Jersey squad: Piers Brandie (GK), Joel Dudley, Jack Stevens, Tom Sibley, Pete Millar, Bobby Minty, Anthony Kay, Jamie Watling, Matt Boote, Sam Watling, Tom Millar (c), Sam Dunstan, Jack Tait, Sam Habin, Jamie Bolton
