THE Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) opens its 2012 hockey season today with an exciting double-header in the John Fernandes Insurance Services second division league. The first match scheduled to commence at 14:00hrs sees the newly formed Saint Club take on the Airbenders, a side made up primarily of the women’s national squad.
Saints are expected to rest much of their hopes squarely on promising youngsters Joel Hunt and Leroy Jack who are both a part of the current national Under-21 squad.  Ulrica Sutherland and Alysa Xavier remain the centre of the Airbenders’ solid defence while the attack will be boosted by the return of former national Carol Caine to competition.
In the second match of the day, Hikers top second division scorer for the previous year, the powerful Randy Hope, will lead his side against defending champs GCC.
The Branford brothers, Reon and Aryody, along with brothers Shaquille and Jamarj Assanah will round off a potent Hikers line-up which makes them one of this year’s favourites to take the crown.  GCC’s efforts will rely on their experienced midfield of Shad Fernandes, Stuart Gonsalves and Shaka Gill.
The tournament will continue next weekend at Saints ground when the All Greys take the field for the first time against Saints on Saturday March 17 followed by Old Fort versus Hikers.
The tournament runs for two rounds and is expected to be completed on May 13.