HIL: UP Wizards retains 5 players

New Delhi, 13 August 2015: Uttar Pradesh Wizards today informed the board of Hockey India League on its decision to retain 5 players, while releasing the rest of the squad. The decision was taken by the franchisee post a detailed analysis of the entire team and each one’s contribution in the last few seasons. The franchisee has decided to retain the flamboyant and strong Indian wall – PR Sreejesh, one of the most dreaded drag flickers in the arena of hockey – VR Ragthunath along with the fast and quick forward – Ramandeep Singh. Apart from the Indian trio, Uttar Pradesh Wizards decided to hold back the versatile midfielder – Eddie Ockenden as well as Jolie Wouter who with his penalty corner conversion abilities will be a huge boost to VR Raghunath and the team.

Uttar Pradesh Wizards proved to be a formidable team in the last three seasons as they gave a tough time to its opponents on the field. With PR Sreejesh joining the team last season, it proved to be a huge motivation for the entire squad as the defence got strengthened with him under the bar. He went on to be regarded as the big buy for the franchisee as he made crucial saves which left the opponents frustrated on many a occasion. He was equally supported by the strong defence line which included the names of VR Raghunath and Jolie Wouter, who on their part did not give easy access to the opponents when tried to enter their D.

VR Raghunath further strengthened Sreejesh’s efforts as he effortlessly cashed on the important penalty corners, which helped put the pressure on the opponents. Raghunath has to his credit 8 penalty corners last season, next only to Ashley Jackson and Sandeep Singh, featuring his name in the top goal scorers list. Jolie Wouter, on the other hand, with his defensive skills, was a name to reckon with last year as he knew how to push the opponents back by cleanly taking possession of the ball.

Ramandeep Singh who was bought by the franchisee ahead of the second season of Hockey India League has proved himself to be a vital member since. He is known for his ability to enter the D by breaking the defence chain and which helped his team create the important scoring opportunities. Last season itself apart from playing his role in the team with élan, Ramandeep even has 4 impressive field goals scored during important matches. Lastly, Eddie Ockenden who captained the team on few occasions last year, did a splendid job by leading from the front. He at his midfield position not only supported the strikers, thereby making the attack stronger he even was a key figure at defence line by giving equal support there.

Shri Abhijit Sarkar Director Sahara Adventure Sports Limited said “The choice of holding back Sreejesh and VR Raghunath was easy because while one is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world today, the other one of the best drag flickers. So retaining them was the easiest choice for us. Apart from them Ramandeep was the next choice keeping in mind his skills as an attacker and the manner in which he cleverly breaks the opponents defence is amazing. Within the foreigners Edward Ockenden and Jolie Wouter have been retained keeping in mind the value that they add to any team line-up on any given day”.

Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said “It will be my honour to continue representing Uttar Pradesh Wizards. I am happy to be retained and from here I am looking forward to the upcoming edition as the excitement will go a notch higher. With so much of shuffling in each team it will bring a fresh challenge which will be to know each other and deliver as a unit. But this will be an experience in itself as you will get to play with newer players and in a way learning newer skills from each other. With Raghunath and Jolie continuing to hold the defence with me will help, as we understand our style of play and which we will mould with the new members that are due to come in.”

Retained Players

1. INDIAN

Name                      Amount          Position
PR Sreejesh             USD 60,000     Goalkeeper
VR Raghunath          USD 53,000      Defender
Ramandeep Singh     USD 57,000      Forward

2. FOREIGN

Name                      Amount            Position                      Country
Jolie Wouter            USD 48,000     Defender            The Netherlands
Eddie Ockenden       USD 66,000     Midfielder                 Australia