Underwater hockey making waves

UNDERWATER hockey may be an emerging sport locally but there’s no doubt it is growing in popularity rapidly.

On Sunday, November 26, Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club hosted their first tournament at the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

The event attracted competitors from throughout the state and Australia-wide, including elite players from Columbia.

Beginners were also able to have a shot at the sport.

Coordinator Jacqui Walsh said competitors were put into their appropriate categories and split off into teams.

“Essentially, the puck is on the bottom of the pool and it’s weighted, and it’s just like hockey,” she said.

“Players use fins and snorkels and a hockey stick, which is quite short, and they’ve got to be able to hold their breath for quite a long time.”

Jacqui highlighted the sport has become popular with families, including her own children.

“We moved down here about three years ago and we joined… since then I’ve been pushing it on social media and we’ve grown our juniors to about 30-35, which is great,” she said.

“Us (Wonthaggi) along with Geelong and Monash Uni are the three major underwater hockey teams in Victoria, and a lot of the crew are going up to Cairns to play nationals.”

The tournament included two divisions for under 15s and open, with a round robin tournament held followed by finals.