Post the Hockey India League (HIL) Players Closed Bid 2014, where the selection of the players for the six different franchise was set in stone, Hockey India (HI) on Tuesday announced the match schedule for the third edition of the Hero Hockey India League. The league is a month-long thrilling event which is scheduled to take place from 22nd January to 22nd February 2015 featuring six franchisee-based city teams consisting of star players from India and the rest of the world.
The rousing action is set to begin on 22nd January in Bhubaneswar where Kalinga Lancers will be seen playing the opening match against Ranchi Rays. Dabang Mumbai will be seen making their tournament debut against Jaypee Punjab Warriors on Friday, 23rd January in Mumbai, post which Uttar Pradesh Wizards will take on the defending champions Delhi Waveriders on the same day in Lucknow.
Compiling a fresh team for the tournament with big names, which includes star players like Tom Boon of Belgium and Australia's Matthew Swann, being the highest and the second highest paid players of the League respectively, Mumbai is expected to be one of the strongest contenders in the tournament.
Commenting on the schedule of HIL, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh of the Uttar Pradesh Wizards said, "I am happy that I will be playing for Uttar Pradesh Wizards this season onwards. HIL has given us a platform where we get to interact with different players and help us to grow our game. I will aim to give my best and also excited to join the team."
Delhi Waveriders skipper Sardar Singh said his side is in fine form to defend its title. "We are the defending Champions and will be looking at retaining the title. While all teams are geared up and I am sure no team will leave any stone unturned to win and aim for the semi-final spot. We are aware of the challenge which is immense but we are ready to take on the teams."
Excited on the scheduled onset of the HIL, forward Jamie Dwyer of the Punjab Warriors said, "We were the runners-up for the last edition just missing the title by a whisker. This year the target is clear to win and get the trophy home."
The semi-finals and finals of the third edition of the HIL are slotted to be played in Delhi on 21st February and 22nd February respectively. The League will be aired live on Star Sports.
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