The Black Sticks beat Japan 1-0 to qualify for the Summer of Hockey final this afternoon. PHOTO: HOCKEY NZIt might feel like winter, but the Summer of Hockey is set for a thrilling finish this afternoon. The first half was evenly contested but the Black Sticks created the better scoring chances. The Black Sticks continued to apply pressure, finishing with almost double the number of goal-scoring opportunities and earning seven penalty corners compared to Japan’s three. The goal gave the Black Sticks a crucial 1-0 lead and valuable breathing room, knowing even a late equaliser would still see them through.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 25, 2026 09:20 UTC