THE Illawarra's reputation as a hockey mecca has been reinforced after securing the national indoor championship for at least the next two years.
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Hockey Australia general manager Ben Hartung made the announcement last Wednesday, alongside Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh, and Illawarra hockey president Garry Bull.
A new three-week carnival will be held in January at the Illawarra Hockey Centre, in both 2016 and 2017.
It will comprise male and female championship tournaments in open, under-21, under-18, under-15, and under-13 divisions.
It is anticipated more than 1000 players, spectators and officials will flock to Wollongong for the 23-day carnival.
"It's a boon for Wollongong and is set to add $1 million to our visitor economy," Sleigh said.
Emma McLeish and Kurt Ogilvie are hoping to be fit to play for NSW in front of a home crowd in January.
"It's very exciting, to be able to see such a great tournament coming to Wollongong and all the people that it will bring in, it's exciting for us," McLeish said.
"I always love playing at home, Sydney or down here."
Ogilvie believes the carnival is just reward for the hard work of volunteers in the Illawarra.
"There's a lot of people who work hard, it's probably the hub of indoor hockey in Australia, so it's good to see that recognised, and see Hockey Australia investing with this event."
