Hockey Tasmania general manager Bob Gregory hosted the event, which recognised the contribution of volunteer and player achievements during 2017.

Hockey Tasmania Northern Competition Committee convener David Hickman said the luncheon was also an opportunity to mix with supporters and forge pathways for the future,

“There was a particular focus on the 2018 national under-18 championships, which will staged at St Leonards in March, and the re-invigorating of the infrastructure that has not had a major review since the second artificial turf was laid in 2002,” he said.

“Our season started in March with the Greater Northern League competition bringing together teams from Smithton, Burnie, Devonport and Launceston, while local rosters featured teams from Queechy Penguins, Launceston City, Tamar Churinga and South Launceston Suns competing in two senior divisions for both men and women.

“In our underage rosters, traditional club teams were joined by teams from Launceston Church Grammar, St Patrick’s College and Scotch Oakburn to make for some spirited competition in the under-14, under-16 and under-19 age groups.

Hickman said all players showed a commitment and dedication through the season, which culminated in some impressive displays of team work and personal endeavour in the grand finals.

“At an individual level, premiership medallions were up for grabs; while on a team and club level, premiership shields and bragging rights for the season, and the future, were on the line and this was reflected in the intensity of these entertaining matches,” he said.

“That intensity aside, all matches were played in good spirits and the host of vocal supporters were rewarded with some really close results, which included several games being taken to penalty shoot-outs to add to the drama.”

The presentation event brought many players season to a close, but for others there is still work to be done with representative teams competing in national championships across the country.

The men’s masters will take the field in Hobart from Friday and the women’s masters fighting it out in Wollongong, NSW, from September 29.

The Australian Hockey League in Perth, WA, starts on September 28 with Sarah McCambridge playing for Tassie’s van Demons and Tim Deavin lining up for the Tassie Tigers.

The under-13 boys and girls will also fly to Perth and will be encouraged to mix with Australia’s best players at the AHL Event.