Changes coming for the Adelaide Fire
Published Mon 01 May 2023
With the Hockey SA 2023 Season now up and running, the attention has turned to the upcoming Hockey One Season.
The wheels are well and truly in motion behind the scenes, as we work towards the Adelaide Fire coming back for their 2023 campaign in October.
Movement has also been occurring in the coaching space. After his recent appointment as interim CEO at Hockey NT, we wish to advise that Jason Butcher will not continue as Adelaide Fire Women’s coach into the 2023 Hockey One Season. Butch, as he is known to the hockey community, was an integral part of the Adelaide Fire coming into 2022 after a two-year hiatus from competition.
Since assuming the interim CEO role, as well as maintaining his role as the HNT Technical Director and Head Coach of the Territory Stingers Men and NT Under 18 Women’s team, Butch is managing a heavy workload across multiple roles. His ongoing commitments in the Northern Territory will limit his ability to travel and commit to the Adelaide Fire program, as he continues to lead Hockey NT for the foreseeable future.
A character in the hockey world, Butch’s unique coaching style and hockey knowledge was on display with the Adelaide Fire Women’s team throughout the 2022 Hockey One series. He encouraged his young team to play aggressively, back themselves and play to their strengths, and worked hard to make the team’s heritage a key part of the team’s culture and their conversation about building a foundation for the future.
On behalf of the Adelaide Fire and Hockey SA, we thank Butch for his tireless work, vision and passion for the Adelaide Fire in season 2022. He helped re-establish a strong framework for the Adelaide Fire in a year of rebuilding and rebranding following the 2-year absence of the Fire in SA. A framework that gives us a healthy lead in for the season ahead.
With Jason Butcher’s departure, attention now turns to recruiting for a coaching replacement. Expressions of Interest will open shortly. Further information on the Adelaide Fire’s 2023 season, including player announcements and matchday details, will also follow in the coming weeks.
