British hockey heroes pick up global award hat-trick

Hinch's masterful goalkeeping saw her named female goalkeeper of the year, while England and Great Britain head coach Kerry won male coach of the year, and his assistant coach Brown picked up the female equivalent.

Hockey players, coaches and fans voted for the international governing body's annual awards, which were held in India in the early hours of Thursday morning, UK time.

Kerry had previously led Team GB to bronze at London 2012 and EuroHockey 2015 gold, before adding the ultimate prize to his coaching trophy cabinet, gold at Rio 2016.

Brown, now having stepped down from her role, was by Kerry's side all the way in Rio and the hockey world recognised her contributions by honouring her with the award.

Hinch's win was reward for an unblemished penalty shuffle record in the Olympic final against the Netherlands, keeping out allcomers to help Team GB to their famous win.

The goalkeeper was in India to pick up her award, and England Hockey chief executive Sally Munday said the honours were just reward for their efforts in 2016.

"It is fantastic to see our coaches and players recognised with awards," she said. "Maddie's heroics at the Olympic Games will be remembered by milllions who watched our women win gold.

"She is the goalkeeper no player wants to face when taking a penalty and I am thrilled to see her receive this award.

"Karen's contribution to the team's success over the last ten years has been invaluable. She has now stepped away from coaching our senior women and this is a well deserved tribute to her as she moves into our coach development team.

"It is totally justified that Danny should be awarded coach of the year. His meticulous planning, attention to detail and insight into what would create a gold medal winning team is phenomenal.

"This, coupled with his outstanding technical and tactical knowledge of the game gave our players the best possible chance of becoming Olympic champions and I am so delighted for him that he has been recognised in this way."

Sportsbeat 2017