Returning to the St Leonards venue they graced with Queechy and Tamar respectively, president Ken Read and chief executive Damian Smith said Hockey Tasmania was keen to acknowledge an international career which showcased the state’s regional talent.

“Tim is a dual Olympian and his family is an institution in Northern hockey,” Read said.

“He shows players from all around the state that you can reach the very highest level.

“Unlike many players from other states who go to Perth to follow their dream, Tasmanians who go there remain Tasmanian and Tim has exemplified this. There was never any question that he would play for any other state.”

Deavin announced his international retirement in July after amassing 138 caps, gracing two Olympic Games and winning a World Cup, World League final and two Champions Trophies with the Kookaburras.

The 34-year-old, who started out with Tamar Churinga, will lead a lap of hounour accompanied by Tasmania’s under-13 teams before the first of two Australian Hockey League fixtures being played in Hobart on October 6 (against ACT) and 14 (NSW).

While the Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Newtown is also set to host two Pro League matches on February 9 and 10 next year, Hockey Tasmania is investigating the possibility of potential future AHL games being played at the Launceston venue named after Deavin’s grandfather David.

“A lot of things still need to happen but we’d love to bring a game up here,” Read said.