Dabang Mumbai Ready for a Face-off Against Jaypee Punjab Warriors in their Opening Match of the Hero Hockey India League 2015

The excitement among the hockey lovers and enthusiasts is ascending at a rapid pace as the crowd eagerly awaits tomorrow’s game of the Hero Hockey India League 2015 where Dabang Mumbai will be taking-on Jaypee Punjab Warriors at their home-turf – the Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Mumbai.

Both the sides are ready with their best players and strategies to dish out a commendable performance as they look in no mood to give the initial opening points to the other team.  While the Jaypee Punjab Warriors have enjoyed a successful spell in the previous editions against the Mumbai HHIL team so far, nothing can be predicted about the third season of the Hero Hockey India league 2015. The Barry Dancer-coached team this time embraces the finest of the goalkeepers Jaap Stockman with Captain Jamie Dwyer leading from the front, furnishing full support to the team. Affan Yousuf, in his second outing with Jaypee Punjab Warriors, has a sturdy support of the experienced line up of defender Sandeep Singh, Australian player Mark Knowles, forward SV Sunil and mid-fielder Lucas Rey who will once again be seen stepping-out on to the field, high on confidence, to thump the opponents.
 
On the other side, with two top bided players- Belgian Forward Tom Boon and Australia’s mid-fielder Mathew Swann, the newly assembled Dabang Mumbai will be looking at playing their best hockey and win in order to be able to have a successful debut in the League. The squad is strengthened by mid-fielder Floris Evers and the very experienced goalkeeper Adrian D’ Souza. In the inaugural session of the HHIL, Mumbai’s Glenn Turner, with his stupendous performance managed to have his name in the list of ‘Hero Goal of the Match’. He was also named as the ‘Man of the Match’ in the second edition, hence, surely a player to look out for in the League this year.

Looking forward to giving their finest performance in the League ahead, the teams are buckled up and ready for a tough fight to get the better off each other and end the game by pocketing a win.
 
Speaking on the team structure and expectations for tomorrow’s match Barry Dancer, Coach of Jaypee Punjab Warriors said, “Our team’s groundwork in Mohali has been sound and we are looking forward to our opening match against Dabang Mumbai. Our objective this year is to go one step further than the preceding year’s performance. With a perfect combination of a fine pitch and favourable weather conditions, we wish to make a good start to the competition with a win in the opponent’s home-turf. We are focusing on our own game and strategies and make sure we come out as a strong team. As there are quite few inclusions in our team the boys look even more confident because of the new recruits.”
 
Speaking ahead of a high intensity clash against Dabang Mumbai, Jaypee Punjab Warrior’s Captain Jamie Dwyer said, “With just a day left for us to start the league, we are excited for our first encounter against the newly formed Dabang Mumbai. The entire team under Barry has been trained meticulously and is confident of tomorrow’s match. We endeavor to win every game and play some good hockey with extra energy and enthusiasm. Last year about 22 million people viewed the game and I hope it’s much bigger this year promising the crowd yet another exciting clash.”

Speaking on for tomorrow’s match, Head Coach of Dabang Mumbai, Valentin Altenburg said, “Our team is a mix of Indian and foreign recruits. Although our team is newly formed, we admire the fact that we have some of the best players from across the world. With a benefit of having Tom Boon in our squad, who is one of the most prominent striker in the international arena these days and who will be supported by Glenn Turner and Anup Amarpal Valmiki. We have observed the Punjab franchise very intensely and every step we make will be a well thought of not leaving any room for the Warriors to overshadow us in the coming match.

Dabang Mumbai and Jaypee Punjab Warriors will be seen battling it out on 23 January 2015 (tomorrow) at 1900 HRS (IST) and will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.