Three uncapped hockey players have been named in the Black Stick's women's team for next month's test series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Coach Mark Hager has included midfielders Stephanie Dickins and Tessa Jopp and goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon in the young team, who'll all make their debuts during the series.
North Harbour's Stephanie Dickins has been named in the Black Sticks squad to play Argentina Photo: Photosport
The team is spearheaded by experienced defender Stacey Michelsen, who has played 216 tests for New Zealand, along with Sam Charlton, Liz Thompson, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry and Ella Gunson who have all played more than 100 games.
North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry is still rehabilitating from a torn ACL, ruling her out of the trip.
The series, which runs from 10-22 February, will be the side's first competition of the year as they build towards the FIH Women's World League Final in Auckland in November.
Hager said the Argentina series is a great opportunity to open the year against the world number three ranked Argentinians.
"This will be a fantastic tour for the group in their first international competition of 2017," he said.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"We have four debutantes and a lot talent who will be pushing for the additional five spots still up for grabs in the National Squad.
"Following the Rio Olympics it's a new era for us and it will be exciting for all these players to have a high quality hit-out ahead of a big year."
BLACK STICKS WOMEN'S TEAM
Georgia Barnett
Sam Charlton
Michaela Curtis
Frances Davies
Stephanie Dickins
Natasha Fitzsimons
Erin Goad
Jordan Grant
Ella Gunson
Tessa Jopp
Rose Keddell
Rachel McCann
Olivia Merry
Stacey Michelsen
Brooke Neal
Grace O'Hanlon
Amy Robinson
Kelsey Smith
Phoebe Steele
Jenny Storey
Liz Thompson
