There will be some added competition to the 2020 men's premier league hockey season with Zig Zag men's hockey team set to return to the turf.
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After their withdrawal from the 2019 season due to a shortage of players, people leaving town and work commitments, it's been a year too long and it seems the tables have turned, with Ziggies women announcing their fold earlier this week.
Zig Zag premier league manager Brian Kelly said the resurgence comes after a number of former players showed interest.
"Brett Baker has put his hand up to train the team which has assisted in attracting players.
"We've also got the likes of Zac Sharp and Luke Shepherd returning as well as other former regular premier league players," he said.
Kelly said while the return of the Ziggies men was exciting there was still some uncertainty around this year's competition, leaving organisation a bit patchy.
"There is still too much uncertainty around the competition in my mind to make any real plans around training and game preparation at this point in time.
But there is a premier league meeting next week which will assist in clarification, hopefully," he said.
He said this year's competition would be a completely different experience for everyone.
"This year will be different to any before in terms of duration, layout and in, participating teams as potentially different final series.
"No one really knows at this point," he said.
I can say Zig Zag will be competitive if everything goes as planned.
- Brian Kelly, Zig Zag premier league manager
Kelly also said with some uncertainty around the competition restarting it was difficult to say who would be the final participating teams.
"At this stage it's difficult to identify a competition premiership favourite.
"I can say Zig Zag will be competitive if everything goes as planned," he said.
The only other challenge that worried Kelly was putting a competitive team on the paddock week in and week out.
"It's hard when you've got players with other commitments and it will depend on the amount of travel," he said.
Despite minor concerns Kelly looked forward to the men's return and some healthy local rivalry.
"It's always a good game against Panthers in the local derby. Bring it on," he said.
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