Words from James Coughlan
30 July 2015
Playing in the national hockey league for North Harbour is something that has been really important to me. Ever since i was a ball boy as an 11 year old and watching some of my idols play up close i knew that i wanted to do the same thing and represent my province at the highest level in NZ. Since making my debut as a 17 year old I've been lucky enough to represent North Harbour 63 times and also lucky enough to win the national league the last time in 2009 a moment being national champion that not only myself but others involved in the team will never forget. Since then I have gone on to represent my country which is a huge honour however still putting on the maroon and white shirt each year motivates me to not only continue to represent my province and to try and win but to give back for all they've done for me in my hockey career no matter how many games you play for the black sticks you never forget where you came from. When i debuted i made a goal to try and get 100 caps for North Harbour at senior level which is the equivalent of playing NPC rugby for North Harbour or First class cricket, the difference being Hockey having little funding can sometimes force individuals out of the game because of work, family etc and makes us very reliant on our association, sponsors, own individual will to compete at the highest level and local community like yourselves for continued support of not only our program but from under 13 right up to senior mens and women's. Any way you can help out the 2015 North Harbour mens NHL team would be greatly appreciated. Not only will the support be needed to help us achieve success in Whangarei in September but will help the 18 strong team and management understand not only are we playing for the name on the front of the shirt but the 4000 members of our association who want to see us win for the first time in 6 years. Thank you
James Coughlan