Ethan McConnell’s Trident High School hockey career has ended on a high.

Not only did he captain his school side to Mayhill Cup victory, but he has been selected for a New Zealand under-18 camp next week.

It’s the perfect end to his time in blue for the Trident team he has been part of since year 9.

He started playing in his final year at primary school, aged about 10.

“I got introduced to it because my mum wanted me to sign up because she played hockey,” he said.

“I was a bit reluctant in the beginning but ended up enjoying it more than football and now it is my main sport.”

McConnell said winning the Mayhill Cup was a special achievement and something he and the team had worked hard for during the year.

“It’s a very cool way to sign out for Trident,” he said.

McConnell, 17, has amassed more than 80 games for the school since arriving in 2021.

He was also part of the Bay of Plenty under-18s that finished 14th at the national championships in July.  “It was quite the result we wanted but it was a good tournament,” he said.

Mayhill Cup success means Trident can compete in the Rankin Cup next year but McConnell and a host of other year 13s in the team will miss out.

“I’m stoked but sad that I won’t be able to be there to compete in the Rankin Cup,” he said. “I will definitely be supporting the team and my brother, Riley, will also be playing in the team next year.”

He rates being selected for the national under-18 camp and winning the Mayhill Cup as his proudest hockey achievements.

“Winning the Mayhill Cup, I was very proud – over the moon,” he said. “And receiving the email that I was selected for the Black Sticks camp; I was very excited to have been selected but I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone for a few weeks.

His selection came following strong performances for Bay of Plenty. He is keen to learn as much as he can at national level.

“[I want to] learn the style of plays that NZ Hockey are looking for, to make new friends and play at the high level of hockey.”

McConnell said it’s awesome seeing former teammate Brad Rothwell live out his dream and he hopes to follow.

His goals are to make the Black Sticks and the U21 Future Black Sticks team.

“He is the person I have been looking up to since Year 9 and seeing him making his

debut for the Black Sticks is very cool.”

He is grateful to his coaches over recent years.

“My coaches Cameron Ogle and Dave Fraser as my school coaches for 2025 and Brad Pitman as my club coach for this year with the team name being Mcleod United/Tauranga

Old Boys United have been a huge help this year alongside Gavin Rothwell (coached the Trident boys team until last year) to improve my hockey.”

McConnell considers hockey an enjoyable sport to play at all levels.

“I just enjoy the community of hockey and enjoy the teams that I play in and the sport as a whole.”