A successful fundraising effort has lifted the spirits of the Bentstix hockey players as they prepare to take on new players and new challenges in the lead-up to the Copenhagen Outgames.

Last year’s Vikings and Princesses cruise was a major fundraising success, raising $3000 towards sending the team to Europe to defend their title as the champions of gay and lesbian hockey.

Before heading overseas, the Bentstix will host the annual Pink Hockey Championships on February 28 at the Kyeemagh Hockey Field. The predominantly social day, aimed at promoting the sport in the GLBT community, will bring together competitive and social teams from around the city to play mixed hockey.

Players can register for the event either in a team or as individuals. In the latter case, organisers will place the player in a team. Players must supply their own equipment -” stick, boots, mouthguard. The event costs $40 a player.

Bentstix provides an opportunity for gay men and lesbians to play sport in an accepting and supportive environment, club secretary Charles Lowe said.

Many of our players came back to hockey after a long break. Many played at school and some had never played hockey before they came to Bentstix, he explained.

The group is keen to attract new members.

In 2007, Bentstix fielded Australia’s first gay team in a straight league winter competition. In 2008 we entered two teams in the first Asia-Pacific Outgames in Melbourne and subsequently entered two teams in the Sydney Hockey Association winter competition.

Now, in 2009, the club is keen to field a women’s team and would welcome anybody interested in playing with us, whether they be new to the sport or play for another team.

To attract new players, the Bentstix will hold a beginners day on March 22.

The annual Have a go @ Hockey Day will be held at the Kyeemagh Hockey Field. The day offers a great opportunity for anyone curious about hockey to have a go in a friendly environment and meet some of the longstanding players.

info: For more on the Bentstix and upcoming events go to www.bentstix.com.au