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'I was screaming' - Feilding teen Olivia Shannon called-up to Black Sticks women's squad

November 14, 2018

The 17-year-old was named the MVP in the women’s National Hockey League in 2018.

Feilding teen Olivia Shannon is the youngest player named in the new Black Sticks women's squad for 2019.

The 17-year-old said she was emotional after receiving the news via email.

"Got the email and I scrolled down and then scrolled up, I was kinda screaming, shaking and crying on the couch," said Shannon.

It was a dream come true for Shannon, who initially hoped on making the national side after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Hockey New Zealand's athlete pathway manager Greg Nicol said Shannon's talent was hard to ignore.

"Every time she gets the ball something happens on the attacking side and definitely not afraid to have a go at goal."

The Feilding striker has a capped off a stunning year, where she won the secondary schools tournament with Iona College.

She also helped Central defend their national under-18 title, she was the top goal scorer and was named the player of the tournament.

Shannon then took out the MVP award in the country's elite tournament - the National Hockey League.

"You read the names on the trophy and my names alongside some amazing players that I've looked up when I was younger. It's just something that's out of the world," said Shannon.

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