Robilliard aims to increase profile

A NEW era is dawning for hockey.

After four years as Guernsey Hockey Association president, Ray Bushell has stood down to be replaced by Jason Robilliard. Bushell has been 'Mr. Guernsey Hockey' for a number of years and apart from being the president, he also ran the Easter festival for 10 years.

During his time in charge, he oversaw the construction of the Hockey Club, which was completed two years ago.

For Robilliard, the focus of the GHA now shifts from off the pitch on to it.

'The Hockey Club is a testament to Ray,' said the new president.

'He has done a very good job. He has put the infrastructure in place and I'm inheriting a well-run club.

'I'm now looking to concentrate on the grass-roots hockey and on the development side with the development officer, Becky Hubbard.

'I'll also be looking at the veterans, as between the ages of 35 to 40, we have some very good players and I want to build a team for the future at this age group.

'The main aim is to increase the profile of hockey locally and to continue what has gone on before.'

Robilliard, 35, has been involved in local hockey since 1991.

For a number of years he was the first choice keeper for the island side and for the last couple has been the keeping coach for the Guernsey women's team.

Word has been going around that the new-format league would be revamped to include promotion and relegation between the first and second divisions, but Robilliard has stated that there will be no tinkering with the current structure.

The league will continue to be split into two, with the pre-Christmas league winners playing the champions of the post-Christmas one in a play-off at the end of the season.

However, changes are planned for the Easter festival, which has seen numbers dwindle in the last few years.

There is a lot to mull over for Robilliard and his committee, which has a new, youthful look to it.

Island winger Adam Kitching has stepped in as registrations secretary and current players Nathan Hodder and Emma Atkinson are also lending a hand.

'It's a young committee with plenty of ideas,' said Robilliard.

'It's all about increasing the amount of quality hockey. I want to target more teams to come over.

'Guernsey is a very attractive place for touring teams to come to play.'

Robilliard sees that one way of attracting more teams is by putting in place a comprehensive website for all things hockey in the island for potential opponents to see what is on offer.

It is planned that www.guernseyhockey.com will be up and running before the start of the season in September and will not only be of use to visitors but to local players as well.

The website will contain a full results and fixtures service among other things. Robilliard wants to make the most of his three-year tenure.

'I've got things that I want to do, but it will take time.

'I'm looking to make the most of my three years. I'll make a difference and I'll leave my mark.'