800 Games Milestone

Congratulations to Claire Barnes OAM who played her 800th game of hockey for Newtown City Hockey Club last weekend.

Claire is a Life Member of the Newtown City Hockey Club and of the Geelong Hockey Association, and has been active off field for many years in Geelong hockey circles as well as on the field.

Claire began her hockey career at Newtown in 1978, and has rarely missed a game since.  Much of her career has been spent as goalkeeper, having taken up this position in 1985 as there were no other volunteers stepping forward.  While it took a little while to settle in to this role, Claire came to enjoy this position, and enjoys the feeling of satisfaction which comes with a well made save or a game well played.

Claire is not averse to doubling up when needed in either division of the women’s competition. While Claire’s passion for hockey continues and she has no plans yet to retire from the field, she notes that the fact that she doesn’t have to run much is an advantage.

Claire often uses her record as an example for children at School Hockey Roadshows of the fact that hockey is a fantastic game, and one which everyone can play.  If you love the sport, you keep playing it until you can’t!