The Legacy Lives On: Honouring WA’s Hockey Greats, one State Number at a time

In Western Australian hockey, wearing the state shirt is more than just a uniform—it’s a symbol of legacy, pride, and belonging. It represents a lineage that stretches back over a century, connecting generations of athletes who have proudly worn the black and gold.

To honour this rich heritage, Hockey WA has introduced a powerful initiative: assigning a unique state number to every athlete who has represented WA at the senior level. This number is more than a statistic—it’s a permanent mark of their place in WA hockey history.

The tradition begins with Albany Barrington, who first donned the state colours in 1921 and holds the prestigious number 1. For the men, Lou Beasley earned the number 1 in 1928. From these trailblazers to today’s rising stars, each number tells a story of dedication, excellence, and the enduring spirit of WA hockey.

Among these numbers are names that resonate across generations. The Capes family, for example, boasts a remarkable legacy: Michelle Capes (Hagar) (#238), Lee Capes (#240), and now Kaitlin Nobbs (#411) have all proudly represented WA. The Pearce dynasty is equally iconic, with Cecil (#121), Mel (#122), Gordon (#152), and Julian (#162) Pearce leaving an indelible mark on the sport. More recently, the Harvie brothers—Jake (#379) and Tom (#409)—continue the tradition with pride and passion.

This season, the legacy became even more visible. In a powerful gesture, Perth Thundersticks players now wear their state numbers on their playing shirts—a subtle yet profound reminder that every match is part of a much larger story.

Round One of the 2025 Hockey One season saw eight new debutants join the ranks, bringing the total to 415 women and 425 men who have represented WA or the Perth Thundersticks. Each new player receives a commemorative cap and key ring engraved with their unique number—a rite of passage that connects them to the generations who came before.

One of the most touching moments of Round One didn’t happen on the field, but in the changerooms of the Queensland State Hockey Centre. Craig Davies (#226), now residing in Queensland, was welcomed by the current Thundersticks squad. Craig first represented WA in 1977 and went on to captain both WA and Australia between 1988 and 1992. A three-time Olympian and veteran of 193 games for Australia, Craig is one of WA’s most distinguished sporting figures.

Hockey WA proudly presented Craig with his number 226 cap and key ring, surrounded by today’s Thundersticks players. It was a rare and special moment—past and present united. Thundersticks Head Coach Stephen “China” Davies and Captain Jake Harvie were on hand to honour Craig, whose presence served as a powerful reminder of the legacy these young athletes are now part of.

As Hockey WA continues to celebrate its storied history, the state number initiative stands as a testament to the pride, prestige, and passion of representing Western Australia. For every player—past, present, and future—it’s more than just a number. It’s a legacy.