GrampianHockey

1.30pm  InveRoss v AIC Inverurie 2nds (@ Bught Park Inverness)

Brian Anderson (Scottish Hockey North District Women's Correspondent)

Great Britain Hockey  named goalkeeper, and Scot, Alistair McGregor Athlete of the Year for 2008.

Only the third recipient, and the first male winner, McGregor commented: “It is a massive honour to be named GB Athlete of the Year.  It’s a great privilege but I certainly don’t play for individual rewards.  This is a credit to the entire team and the way we have played this year.”

The 27-year-old helped GB secure Olympic Qualification in Chile in March and his world class performances in Beijing pushed Great Britain to their best Olympic finish since winning Gold in 1988, with only Germany, Spain and the Netherlands conceding fewer goals in the pool stages.

Great Britain men’s coach Jason Lee said: “The team certainly played above the expectations of most of the world this year, and to my mind that was predominantly because of good ability and exceptional commitment from the group.  None of the players exemplified this more than Ali McGregor.  Having watched him closely over the last few years, he has made numerous match changing saves for Scotland and Great Britain.”

 McGregor added: “I think the fact that I’m the first male recipient just goes to show how well the guys performed in Beijing and is testament to the success we achieved in finishing fifth.”

After an intense year, McGregor is taking time away from club commitments but not from the pitch. He is passing along his Beijing experience to others: “I’ve been doing a lot of coaching since I got back.  When I was younger I would have loved to have been able to receive coaching from a current international.  I’m keen to give something back.”

In just a year, McGregor has been capped 29 times for Great Britain and will be hoping to add to his tally with London 2012 on the horizon.

The Scotsman explained how his work is cut out for him: “Moving forward, hockey has received a massive boost from the men and women’s accomplishments at the Olympics.  The medal success of Team GB has provided a massive lift for the nation but it will be a tough next four years for athletes with dreams of competing in London.

“People don’t see the effort that goes into preparing for a tournament like the Olympics; the early mornings and the gruelling training commitments.  It is every athlete’s dream to compete at an Olympic Games in their own country but it will be a long road to reach that destination.”
The PE teacher first appeared for Great Britain as a half time substitute against the Netherlands on 23rd October 2007 as GB went down 3-1 in Eindhoven.  

McGregor began his goalkeeping career at home in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, after initially beginning life out field.  After he refused to pass to teammates his coach gave him a choice: sit out of practice or put on the pads.  Thankfully, the young McGregor chose the pads and has not looked back since, working his way up through Scotland’s ranks at all age groups before making his senior debut against India in 2001.  He currently has 82 caps for Scotland.

McGregor will return to domestic action with his club, Loughborough Students, after Christmas in preparation for Scotland’s EuroHockey Nations Trophy campaign next summer.

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