2020–21 Women's FIH Pro League

The 2020–21 Women's FIH Pro League was the second season of the Pro League, the premier women's field hockey national team league series. The tournament started in January 2020 and finished in June 2021.^[1]

2020–21 Women's FIH Pro League

Dates	11 January 2020 – 27 June 2021
Teams	9 (from 4 confederations)
Final positions
Champions	Netherlands (2nd title)
Runner-up	Argentina
Third place	Great Britain
Tournament statistics
Matches played	40
Goals scored	156 (3.9 per match)
Top scorer(s)	Olivia Merry (11 goals)
← 2019 (previous) (next) 2021–22 →

Format changes

The home and away principle was kept but this principle is split over two consecutive seasons from this season onwards and work according to the following example:^[2]

• in season 2020-21, Team A will host Team B twice within a couple of days.
• in season 2021-22, Team B will host Team A twice within a couple of days.

If one of the two matches played between two teams is cancelled, the winner of the other match will receive double points.

The grand final will not be played this edition because of the time proximity with the 2020 Olympic Games.

Coronavirus pandemic interruption

Due to the outbreak COVID-19 pandemic in China, the FIH decided in late January to put on hold the matches between China and Belgium, initially scheduled on 8 and 9 February in Changzhou. For the rest of the upcoming matches in China, the FIH monitored the evolution of the situation closely and following the recommendations of the World Health Organization applied in early February the same measures for the matches scheduled on 14 and 15 March against Australia, Meanwhile, it was evaluated the possibility for China to play these and their other matches on hold in alternative locations.^[3][4]

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Europe, Hockey Australia decided to suspend all international travels for its national teams until further notice in early March. The matches against Germany and Netherlands, scheduled on 21 and 22 and 26 and 29 March respectively, were postponed.^[5] Later Hockey New Zealand took the same decision, postponing their matches scheduled on 19 and 22 March against Netherlands and on 28 and 29 March against Germany.^[6]

Once declared as a pandemic on 11 March, the FIH and all participating National Associations involved in the competition decided to put all the matches scheduled until 15 April on hold. Furthermore, it was agreed that the current edition is maintained, no matches will be played after the Olympic Games and depending on the evolution of the situation and the decisions of the public authorities, every match which can be organized between late April and before the Olympics, shall be played.^[7] On 19 March, it was announced by the FIH that all the matches scheduled to play until 17 May were put on hold.^[8]

On 24 April, it was announced that the competition is extended until June 2021.^[9] The restart for September 2020, was announced on 9 July.^[10] Because not all matches are due to be played before the end of the season, the final ranking will be determined by points percentage instead of total points.^[11]

On 28 May, it was announced that despite the efforts of the involved federations, the matches set to play before the announcing date were going to be the last of the edition.^[12]

Teams

Nine teams competed in a round-robin tournament, being played from January to June.

•  Argentina (3)
•  Australia (2)
•  Belgium (12)
•  China (10)
•  Germany (4)
•  Great Britain (5)
•  Netherlands (1)
•  New Zealand (6)
•  United States (13)

Squads

Main article: 2020–21 Women's FIH Pro League squads

Results

Standings

Pos	Team	Pld	W	SOW	SOL	L	GF	GA	GD	PCT
	Netherlands (C)	12	10	1	0	1	35	7	+28	.889
	Argentina	10	5	2	0	3	24	15	+9	.633
	Great Britain	12	5	2	1	4	24	14	+10	.556
4	Germany	8	4	0	1	3	12	11	+1	.542
5	Australia	8	3	1	2	2	11	12	−1	.542
6	New Zealand	10	4	1	2	3	22	19	+3	.533
7	Belgium	12	3	1	2	6	19	25	−6	.361
8	China	2	0	0	0	2	2	7	−5	.000
9	United States	10	0	0	0	10	7	46	−39	.000

Source: FIH
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) matches won; 3) goal difference; 4) goals for; 5) head-to-head result; 6) field goals scored.^[13]
(C) Champion

All times are local.^[14]

Fixtures

11 January 2020 14:00 China  0–3  Netherlands Report Zerbo  8', 40' Leurink  31' Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou Umpires: Kang Hyun-young (KOR) Junko Wagatsuma (JPN)

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12 January 2020 14:00 China  2–4  Netherlands Peng  30' Chen Yi  54' Report Nunnink  6' Keetels  23' Welten  36' Matla  47' Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Kang Hyun-young (KOR)

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25 January 2020 14:00 United States  Cancelled  Netherlands Report Karen Shelton Stadium, Chapel Hill

As a mark of respect for United States manager Larry Amar, who died that week whilst with the team, their first match of the FIH Pro League was cancelled.^[15] In accordance with the League's regulations for a cancelled match, the points of the second match count double.

25 January 2020 16:00 Australia  3–3  Belgium Malone  21' Bone  59' Commerford  60' Report Versavel  33' Englebert  45' Nelen  55' Penalties Peris Nobbs Malone Lawton Claxton 4–2 Ballenghien Rasir Raye Englebert Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Michelle Joubert (RSA)

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26 January 2020 14:00 United States  0–9  Netherlands Report Albers  6', 43', 53' Matla  22' Welten  40', 50', 55' Zerbo  56' Verschoor  59' Karen Shelton Stadium, Chapel Hill Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI) Irene Presenqui (ARG)

26 January 2020 15:00 Australia  1–1  Belgium Nance  45' Report Duquesne  47' Penalties Stewart Nance Kershaw Kenny 1–3 Versavel Ballenghien Raye Duquesne Nelen Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Michelle Joubert (RSA)

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1 February 2020 17:00 New Zealand  1–2  Belgium McCaw  17' Report Ballenghien  2' Weyns  51' North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland Umpires: Steve Rogers (AUS) Wanri Venter (RSA)

1 February 2020 18:30 Australia  2–1  Great Britain Kershaw  26' Stewart  60' Report Robertson  18' Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL) Emi Yamada (JPN)

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2 February 2020 15:00 New Zealand  4–1  Belgium Merry  31', 35', 51', 55' Report Raye  7' North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA) Aleisha Neumann (AUS)

2 February 2020 17:30 Australia  Cancelled  Great Britain Report Toman  17' Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Umpires: Emi Yamada (JPN) Kelly Hudson (NZL)

Game was abandoned at half time due to heavy rain and thunderstorms when Great Britain was leading 1–0.^[16] In accordance with the League's regulations for a cancelled match, the points of the first match count double.

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7 February 2020 18:00 Argentina  6–2  United States Jankunas  3' Merino  23' Gorzelany  33' Luchetti  37' Sánchez Moccia  57' Rebecchi  60' Report Hoffman  24' West  50' CeNARD, Buenos Aires Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI) Ayanna McClean (TTO)

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8 February 2020 18:00 Argentina  6–1  United States Gorzelany  1' Merino  8', 60' Rebecchi  13' Barrionuevo  40', 53' Report West  28' CeNARD, Buenos Aires Umpires: Ayanna McClean (TTO) Catalina Montesino (CHI)

8 February 2020 19:30 New Zealand  0–3  Great Britain Report Howard  9' Watson  21' McCallin  50' North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG) Aleisha Neumann (AUS)

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9 February 2020 17:30 New Zealand  2–2  Great Britain Shannon  28', 53' Report Toman  38' Balsdon  42' Penalties Shannon Charlton Merry Ralph Michelsen Michelsen 4–5 Howard Owsley Martin Robertson Toman Howard North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Irene Presenqui (ARG)

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15 February 2020 17:00 New Zealand  3–1  United States Merry  13' Shannon  22' Keddell  33' Report Campbell  44' Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch Umpires: Junko Wagatsuma (JPN) Annelize Rostron (RSA)

15 February 2020 20:30 Argentina  2–0  Netherlands Gorzelany  35' Merino  57' Report CeNARD, Buenos Aires Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA) Michelle Meister (GER)

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16 February 2020 15:00 Argentina  1–3  Netherlands Gorzelany  18' Report Matla  30+' Jansen  42' Fortuin  60' CeNARD, Buenos Aires Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER) Maggie Giddens (USA)

16 February 2020 20:30 New Zealand  3–1  United States Merry  16' Michelsen  38' Jaques  54' Report Grega  47' Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA) Junko Wagatsuma (JPN)

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28 February 2020 20:00 New Zealand  1–1  Argentina Ralph  19' Report Albertario  37' Penalties Shannon Charlton Merry Ralph 1–3 Jankunas Miranda Albertario M. Granatto Jardel Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Liu Xiaoying (CHN)

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1 March 2020 17:30 New Zealand  5–3  Argentina Merry  3', 11', 13', 54' Ralph  47' Report M. Granatto  26', 31' Gorzelany  48' Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Christchurch Umpires: Junko Wagatsuma (JPN) Aleisha Neumann (AUS)

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6 March 2020 18:00 Australia  0–2  Argentina Report Jankunas  14' Gorzelany  48' Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Kelly Hudson (NZL)

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7 March 2020 16:00 Australia  0–2  Argentina Report V. Granatto  25' Toccalino  59' Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Kelly Hudson (NZL)

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22 September 2020 18:00 Germany  2–0  Belgium Heyn  36' Micheel  47' Report Düsseldorfer HC, Düsseldorf Umpires: Alison Leogh (IRL) Sarah Wilson (SCO)

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23 September 2020 15:30 Germany  3–1  Belgium Gablać  24' Pieper  33' Grote  46' Report Ballenghien  21' Düsseldorfer HC, Düsseldorf Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO) Alison Leogh (IRL)

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27 October 2020 16:30 Netherlands  1–1  Great Britain Dicke  2' Report Hunter  43' Penalties Sanders De Waard Welten Van Geffen 3–1 Rayer Howard Owsley Petter Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen Umpires: Jonas van 't Hek (NED) Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL)

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29 October 2020 16:30 Netherlands  3–0  Great Britain Van Maasakker  2' Matla  26' De Goede  46' Report Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen Umpires: Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL) Coen van Bunge (NED)

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31 October 2020 14:00 Belgium  1–1  Great Britain Duquesne  30' Report Jones  11' Penalties Versavel S. Vanden Borre Duquesne Raye 1–3 Owsley Toman Robertson Howard Royal Uccle Sport, Brussels Umpires: Jonas van 't Hek (NED) Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL)

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1 November 2020 14:00 Belgium  1–2  Great Britain Nelen  16' Report Owsley  14' Robertson  45+' Royal Uccle Sport, Brussels Umpires: Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL) Coen van Bunge (NED)

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4 November 2020 15:30 Belgium  0–4  Netherlands Report Welten  27' Matla  31' Stam  36' Van Geffen  36' Royal Uccle Sport, Brussels Umpires: Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL) Jonas van 't Hek (NED)

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6 March 2021 14:00 Netherlands  2–1  Germany Matla  35' Van den Assem  40' Report Altenburg  12' Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen Umpires: Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL) Jonas van 't Hek (NED)

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7 March 2021 14:00 Netherlands  3–0  Germany Dicke  2' Welten  34', 36' Report Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen Umpires: Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL) Coen van Bunge (NED)

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3 April 2021 17:00 Argentina  0–0  Germany Report Penalties Forcherio Albertario V. Granatto Jankunas Merino 3–2 Zimmermann Oruz Lorenz Pieper Maertens CeNARD, Buenos Aires Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG) Carolina de la Fuente (ARG)

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4 April 2021 17:00 Argentina  1–3  Germany Gorzelany  51' Report Stapenhorst  3' Heinz  24' Maertens  31' CeNARD, Buenos Aires Umpires: Carolina de la Fuente (ARG) Irene Presenqui (ARG)

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12 May 2021[note 1] 20:00 Great Britain  2–3  Germany Robertson  11' Townsend  32' Report Fleschütz  14' Micheel  41' Stapenhorst  57' Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO) Hannah Harrison (ENG)

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13 May 2021[note 1] 20:00 Great Britain  2–0  Germany Toman  23' Townsend  30' Report Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London Umpires: Hannah Harrison (ENG) Sarah Wilson (SCO)

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15 May 2021 17:30 Belgium  3–0  United States Raye  17', 58' Duquesne  33' Report Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL) Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL)

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16 May 2021 17:30 Belgium  6–1  United States Ballenghien  16', 31' S. Vanden Borre  23', 34' Ikegwuonu  24' Breyne  35' Report Gonzales  54' Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER) Laurine Delforge (BEL)

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22 May 2021 15:30 Great Britain  5–1  United States Petter  15', 30' Robertson  37' Toman  41' Rayer  50' Report Briddell  57' Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO) Alison Keogh (IRL)

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23 May 2021 14:30 Great Britain  5–0  United States Balsdon  2' Ansley  15' Haycroft  16' Robertson  48' Jones  52' Report Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London Umpires: Alison Keogh (IRL) Sarah Wilson (SCO)

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30 May 2021 14:00 Belgium  0–3  Netherlands Report Keetels  9' Matla  39' Van Maasakker  40' Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL) Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL)

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26 June 2021[note 2] 15:00 Australia  2–2  New Zealand Malone  4' Chalker  5' Report Michelsen  11' Ralph  36' Penalties S. Fitzpatrick Lawton Nobbs Peris 0–2 Shannon Merry Keddell Charlton King Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL) Aleisha Neumann (AUS)

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27 June 2021[note 2] 15:00 Australia  3–1  New Zealand S. Fitzpatrick  16' Squibb  34' Williams  57' Report Merry  4' Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Kelly Hudson (NZL)

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China  Cancelled[note 3]  Belgium Report

China  Cancelled[note 3]  Belgium Report

United States  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

United States  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

United States  Cancelled[note 3]  Germany Report

Argentina  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

United States  Cancelled[note 3]  Germany Report

Argentina  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

United States  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

United States  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

Germany  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

Germany  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

Great Britain  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

Great Britain  Cancelled[note 3]  China Report

Great Britain  Cancelled[note 3]  Argentina Report

China  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

Great Britain  Cancelled[note 3]  Argentina Report

China  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

Netherlands  Cancelled[note 3]  New Zealand Report

Netherlands  Cancelled[note 3]  New Zealand Report

Germany  Cancelled[note 3]  New Zealand Report

Germany  Cancelled[note 3]  New Zealand Report

Belgium  Cancelled[note 3]  Argentina Report

Belgium  Cancelled[note 3]  Argentina Report

Netherlands  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

Netherlands  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

Germany  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

China  Cancelled[note 3]  New Zealand Report

Germany  Cancelled[note 3]  Australia Report

China  Cancelled[note 3]  New Zealand Report

Goalscorers

There were 156 goals scored in 40 matches, for an average of 3.9 goals per match.

11 goals

• Olivia Merry

7 goals

• Agustina Gorzelany
• Frédérique Matla
• Lidewij Welten

6 goals

• Sarah Robertson

4 goals

• Delfina Merino
• Ambre Ballenghien

3 goals

• Tiphaine Duquesne
• Abigail Raye
• Anna Toman
• Felice Albers
• Ginella Zerbo
• Hope Ralph
• Olivia Shannon

2 goals

• Noel Barrionuevo
• María José Granatto
• Julieta Jankunas
• Carla Rebecchi
• Ambrosia Malone
• Barbara Nelen
• Stephanie Vanden Borre
• Lena Micheel
• Charlotte Stapenhorst
• Grace Balsdon
• Sarah Jones
• Isabelle Petter
• Susannah Townsend
• Pien Dicke
• Marloes Keetels
• Caia van Maasakker
• Stacey Michelsen
• Taylor West

1 goal

• Agustina Albertario
• Victoria Granatto
• Rosario Luchetti
• Rocío Sánchez Moccia
• Sofía Toccalino
• Edwina Bone
• Emily Chalker
• Kalindi Commerford
• Savannah Fitzpatrick
• Stephanie Kershaw
• Gabrielle Nance
• Penny Squibb
• Grace Stewart
• Mariah Williams
• Lucie Breyne
• Charlotte Englebert
• Shaunda Ikegwuonu
• Louise Versavel
• Anne-Sophie Weyns
• Peng Yang
• Chen Yi
• Lisa Altenburg
• Jette Fleschütz
• Hannah Gablać
• Rebecca Grote
• Pauline Heinz
• Naomi Heyn
• Pia Maertens
• Cécile Pieper
• Giselle Ansley
• Sarah Haycroft
• Tessa Howard
• Jo Hunter
• Shona McCallin
• Lily Owsley
• Elena Rayer
• Charlotte Watson
• Ireen van den Assem
• Kyra Fortuin
• Margot van Geffen
• Eva de Goede
• Yibbi Jansen
• Laurien Leurink
• Laura Nunnink
• Lauren Stam
• Maria Verschoor
• Alia Jaques
• Rose Keddell
• Gemma McCaw
• Kelsey Briddell
• Ali Campbell
• Linnea Gonzales
• Danielle Grega
• Ashley Hoffman

Source: FIH

See also

• 2020–21 Men's FIH Pro League

Notes

1. The matches, originally scheduled for 14 and 15 November 2020, were postponed by the request of the German team.^[17]
2. The matches, scheduled for 24 and 25 April were postponed.^[18]
3. The matches could not be rescheduled and were cancelled.^[12]

References

1. "FIH unveils Hockey PRO League schedule". FIH. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
2. "Executive Board approves 2020 and 2021 FIH Pro League match schedule principles". fih.ch. International Hockey Federation. 16 April 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
3. "China-Belgium on hold". fih.ch. International Hockey Federation. 28 January 2020.
4. "China-Australia on Hold". International Hockey Federation. 7 February 2020.
5. "Australia matches planned in Europe put on hold". International Hockey Federation. 7 March 2020.
6. "New Zealand matches in the Netherlands and Germany put on hold". International Hockey Federation. 9 March 2020.
7. "FIH Hockey Pro League put on hold until 15 April". International Hockey Federation. 13 March 2020.
8. "FIH Hockey Pro League: Postponement extended to 17 May". International Hockey Federation. 19 March 2020.
9. "FIH Hockey Pro League Season 2 extended until June 2021". International Hockey Federation. 24 April 2020.
10. "Germany to host Belgium as "Hockey at its Best" restarts!". International Hockey Federation. 9 July 2020.
11. "Fih Hockey Pro League 2021-2022: Match Schedule Confirmed". fihproleague.com. 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
12. "FIH Hockey Pro League: This Sunday is "winners' day"". fihproleague.com. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
13. FIH Pro League Competition Regulations November 2019
14. "FIH confirms venues and match timings of FIH Hockey Pro League 2020". fih.ch. International Hockey Federation. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
15. "FIH Hockey Pro League: USA-Netherlands to Be Played in One Match". fihproleague.com. International Hockey Federation. 23 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
16. "Black Sticks Record Breaker Merry Steals the FIH Hockey Pro League Headlines on Match Day 10". fihproleague.com. International Hockey Federation. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
17. "Upcoming Home Games Against Germany in FIH Hockey Pro League Postponed". englandhockey.co.uk. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
18. "FIH Hockey Pro League: AUS-NZL to be played in June". fihproleague.com. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.

External links

• Official website