Jaypee Punjab Warriors News

-While Kalinga Lancers aspire for their second victory, the hosts will be aiming to get on the winning road

Mohali, 24 January 2015: With the Hero Hockey India League stepping in to its fourth day tomorrow, the talented bunch of Kalinga Lancers are all set to play against the enthusiastic home team – Jaypee Punjab Warriors at the Hockey Stadium, Mohali. While the Lancers are upbeat after their early win against the Ranchi Rays, the hosts will be looking forward to their first win post a draw against Dabang Mumbai in their opening match yesterday.

Led by the very efficient Captain – Jamie Dwyer, Barry Dancer coached team Jaypee Punjab Warriors will bring the best tricks of the trade into play when they step out on the turf to face the Kalinga Lancers, tomorrow. With Jaap Stockmann guarding the nets for them, the team will be looking at creating maximum scoring opportunities and increase goal conversion rate to register their first win in the League. Playing their first match against Dabang Mumbai yesterday and trailing by 0 goal to 1 till half time, Jaypee Punjab Warriors came back strong in the third quarter and turned the tables in their favour. With Jaap’s heroic saves at the net and with Jamie holding the ball and zipping past to the opponents D, the team ensured that the match was electrifying and a real treat for the spectators. The team tomorrow will yet again gear up to showcase similar play against the Lancers.

Unfazed by the crowd support that the home-team will enjoy, the Kalinga Lancers will walk onto the turf in a calm and poised manner, all geared up to showcase their best game of hockey and record their second consecutive triumph in the League. Under the proficient Captaincy of Vickram Kanth, post their inaugural win on the League, the Lancers are by now in no doubt of putting-up a brilliant show in the upcoming match against the Jaypee Punjab Warriors. Showcasing great play in their opening match where they stunned Ranchi Rays with their play, Vickram Kanth led Kalinga Lancers will be looking at testing themselves against a very strong team. While all eyes will again be on the young Gurjinder Singh to convert the penalty corners for his team, Lucas and Ryan will aim to penetrate the D of the opponents and get the ball past the goalkeeper- Jaap Stockmann.

Speaking on the upcoming match, Head Coach of Kalinga Lancers, Jude Felix said, “According to me Jaypee Punjab Warriors is the strongest team in the League. While they have not won the League till now, but we still can’t take away the fact that they have some of the best players in their squad. Keeping this in mind for tomorrow we have to give our best and each one in the Kalinga Lancers team has to come forward and contribute. Gurjinder Singh, Lucas Villa, Ryan Archibald, Vickram Kanth – all have to stand up and contribute and ensure we end the match tomorrow on a winning note.”

Confident of a good show tomorrow, Head Coach of Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Barry Dancer said, “We are looking at bettering ourselves for the match tomorrow and ensure that we have control over their players. We have to adjust and respond better against the opposition and that is the challenge for our team.  The objective from here is to better ourselves. Tomorrow’s match is crucial as they already have a win in their kitty, but we are confident that we will turn the game in our favor.”

Remarking on the impending game, Captain of Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Jamie Dwyer said, “We have to concentrate every second and we can’t relax at all either on the first minute or the last minute of the match. This cost us 3 points in the last match yesterday. Sandeep is flicking good along with Christopher. He flicks and defends well and is doing a good job for the team and we are looking at him contributing in the same manner in the forthcoming matches.”

Kalinga Lancers will play against Jaypee Punjab Warriors on January 25, 2015 (Sunday) at 1900 HRS IST, at Hockey Stadium, Mohali.

The match will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.