Whanganui hockey player Jordan Cohen is late recalled to Commonwealth Games Black Sticks squad

Whanganui hockey player Jordan Cohen has been called up late to represent New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Hockey Wanganui said Cohen and another reserve player were added to the men’s team on the eve of games after two players suffered injuries while training for games.

Jordan’s grandmother, Angela Workman, said Jordan had been playing hockey since he started at St Johns Hill School.

Workman said that from an early age, Cohen’s goal was to play for the Black Sticks.

“Early on he was focused on one day playing for the Black Sticks and training, playing and watching the game as often as he could,” she said.

A few months ago, he achieved that goal when he learned he would be traveling with the team as a reserve player in Europe, which led to his call-up for the games.

Workman said Cohen’s family is very proud of his hard work and accomplishments and grateful for the support of his team members and coaches.

The Black Sticks men’s team played out a 5-way draw with Scotland on July 29 and then beat Pakistan 4-1 on July 31.

They then lost to Australia 7-2 on August 2.

New Zealand still have a pool game against South Africa on August 5.