Legends take the lead in 2022 Hockey WA Premier League broadcast

Australia’s most respected and knowledgeable hockey commentators and analysts will lead new-look, free-to-air and online streaming coverage of Hockey WA’s Premier League in 2022. 

Arguably among the world’s strongest men’s and women’s club hockey competitions, the Premier League captures attention across the globe – and in 2022 the broadcast of Hockey WA’s premier open-age competition aims to match the quality delivered on the field. 

Legendary sports media identity David Christison will front the Hockey WA Premier League commentary team in 2022. A seven-time Olympic Games play-by-play caller across both men’s and women’s hockey, Christison has also held lead television commentary roles across four Commonwealth Games campaigns, five FIH World Cups and 13 Champions Trophies. 

A host of high-profile experts will join Christison for Hockey WA’s coverage across 2022, with former Australian representative and Channel 10 reporter Ashleigh Nelson, two-time Olympian Grant Schubert and current Hockeyroo Mariah Williams among a number of hockey heroes who will analyse the action across the season. 

“I’m really happy to be involved in this exciting new venture as part of the endeavour by Hockey WA to take the sport to a wider audience. It’s always been a source of frustration that hockey in Australia is often limited to exposure through the Olympic and Commonwealth Games events,” Christison said. 

“We have a truly elite competition here in Western Australia and it’s great to be able to showcase the talents of local clubs and their players, particularly as it involves so many of the players who are part of the Hockey Australia High Performance Program based in Perth. 

“Having worked on the presentation and production of international events around the world with FIH since the early 2000s, I’m confident the production standards we’re adopting, and the personnel involved, will deliver a genuinely enjoyable and engaging viewer experience.”  

Former Hockeyroo Ashleigh Nelson shared the anticipation. 

“It’s exciting for hockey and we have the best talent right here in Perth,” Nelson said. 

“We have got the National Program which is going to be on display, so what better chance to watch national players go head to head than watching the Premier League. 

“It means a lot to be a part of the commentary team, it’s a passion of mine to grow the game and for hockey to be broadcast into the homes of everyone is exciting – we’ve got the perfect opportunity to do that right here in our backyard.” 

Current Hockeyroo Mariah Williams says she’s excited to be able to play a role in the growth of the sport she loves most. 

“It’s definitely a first for me to commentate and it’s really exciting to do so in WA’s Premier League, a league I have played in for a number of years,” Williams said. 

“I’m also keen to play a part in the growth of the sport – hockey is ready to explode and is one of the only sports with equal participation for both men and women from a range of diverse backgrounds, so it’s thrilling to be able to celebrate that.” 

The star commentary team will also feature a range of local talent including budding play-by-play callers Nick Neary and Josh Duane. 

Hockey WA’s 2022 Premier League coverage, produced by partners Local Media Services Company (LMSC) for NITV, SBS On Demand and LIVEHockey.com.au, will feature three-plus cameras, action replays and a range of broadcast innovations that aim to entertain and educate viewers. 

“We’re really excited about broadcasting Hockey WA’s 2022 Premier League season and can’t wait to see what can be achieved across the year,” LMSC’s Managing Director David Macrae says. 

“We’re incredibly proud to be involved and we’re aiming to deliver a high-quality production.” 

Hockey WA’s Premier League broadcast schedule spans a total of 32 matches, plus an additional 10 finals series matches. (Please note broadcast schedules subject to change.)

Premier League hockey will be replayed on Saturdays on NITV at 1pm, with SBS On Demand also syndicating a number of matches throughout the season. 

LIVEHockey.com.au will live-stream Hockey WA Premier League matches, with all Hockey WA-controlled content on the platform completely free to view following user registration.