Masters honour for Borders hockey ace Janet

The Fjordhus Reivers player-coach was one of 10 individuals honoured as Player of the Year from various age groups at the awards ceremony last weekend at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Accolades were also handed out to the country’s top male and female officials, while the senior women’s squad – which featured Selkirk’s Sarah Robertson – secured the coveted title of Team of the Year.

Janet, from Ancrum, is among Scotland’s most-capped hockey players, having represented her country on 170 occasions.

A travelling reserve for Team GB at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, she was also a pivotal force on Scotland’s 1998 Women’s Hockey World Cup squad.

Earlier this year, she helped lead Scotland’s Women’s Masters Over-55 team to a silver medal at the European Championships in Germany.

With four goals throughout the competition from her position as defender, she was one of the top three scorers in the tournament.

Scotland’s senior women secured the Team of the Year prize through a combination of public vote and expert panel.

Fending off competition from Scotland U21 Women, Scotland U21 Men and the Scotland O45 Men’s squads, the Senior Women rode to victory on their successful return to the top division of European competition during their first full year under new head coach Jen Wilson.

Sarah Robertson of Selkirk – coached earlier in her career by Janet Jack, among others – was a prominent member of the squad.

Scottish Hockey chief executive David Sweetman congratulated all of the winners and nominees, whose combined achievements reflect the game’s progress in Scotland.

“It was a great night at the awards and an excellent way to wrap up a season that has been successful on so many fronts for the national game,” he said.

“Hockey is a sport for life, and Janet is an excellent example of that. Not only is she still competing out on the pitch but she’s also heavily involved in coaching, mentoring and development. She is a fabulous asset to the game in Scotland.”

Janet added: “I feel incredibly honoured to win this prestigious award.

“Masters hockey, for me, is a time spent doing something for myself with some of the most fantastic inspirational ladies who are my best friends. Something I love and am passionate about.

“So to win an award for doing something I love, in the best of company, is like winning twice.

“The Scottish Hockey Family is second to none. From the youngest to the oldest, it is a truly inclusive system and one I am honoured to be part of.

“I am sure I will still be playing until I draw my last breath – it is in my blood!”