By Medinah Wells – Bond University intern
The Nightsticks Hockey Club tackle a whole lot more than emergencies on the hockey field when the team of first responders from around Australia come together for mateship and sport at the Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG).
Originating at the Emergency Responders Games and following their first event at the 2002 World Masters Games in Melbourne, the Nightsticks have had a team in seven Pan Pacs with numbers increasing over the years.
The club has grown immensely over the years from just one men’s team of eleven players to now boast four men’s teams and two women’s teams.
Club President Craig White said that unlike other hockey teams, the Nightsticks don’t get the opportunity to play or train together before their first game, only coming together every two years to play.
Nightsticks player Damien Duggan emphasised that for emergency service men and women in such confronting and stressful careers, coming together and checking up on one another is paramount.
“To come up here, have a good time, catch up, play hockey and ensure everyone is doing well is really important.”
