THE 2018 Diamond Mineral Indoor Hockey Festival, which will be the 14th edition, is set to rumble off on the weekend of November 29–December 2.
President of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Philip Fernandes, has indicated that the festival is receiving avid interest from a number of international teams.

The participation of more than one team from Canada and the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is expected.
In the past, clubs from those two countries have been of the highest calibre. Fans were treated to a high standard of hockey which in turn motivated Guyanese teams at the tournament.

After a brief hiatus, the festival returned to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last year after the uneven floor made it almost impossible to play on. However, the acquisition of a ‘plastic tiled floor’ by the GHB in 2017 (used for the Pan American Championships), paved the way for the return of the festival. The tiled surface is of the standard that is seen in gymnasiums all across North America.

Last year fans saw Trinidad and Tobago’s Queen’s Park Hockey Club gain revenge for their 2016 defeat to Pepsi Hikers, by defeating the latter 8-3 in a thrilling encounter.
Hikers’ Aroydy Bradford was the festival’s top goal-scorer after he finished with 25 conversions.

However, the ladies’ title was claimed by Guyana’s Pizza Hut GCC (now GBTI GCC) who edged their local counterparts, Lady Hikers, 1-0 in a penalty shootout, courtesy of brilliant goalkeeping from Briawna Gorgon, who had two blocks, with the conversion coming from national player Gabriella Xavier which decided the outcome.

This year a close and thrilling festival is anticipated with all clubs in immense form and a plethora of national players representing their respective clubs.