In our regular anything goes Q&A, we speak to players and coaches on topics ranging from temptations, influences, fashion sense and match teas. This week: Surbiton’s Arjan Drayton Chana
At home
What was your earliest ambition?
My earliest ambition in life was to be a fireman, earliest ambition in hockey, however, was just to play for Staffordshire and Cannock.
The event that altered the course of your life and character…
The passing of someone who I deeply cared about made me see that life is too short to not enjoy.
You wouldn’t know it, but I’m very good at …
Telling you what James Bond movie is on without looking at the screen but just by listening to the voices on the TV.
The film you can watch time and time again (and why)
More a series of films but I love all James Bonds, from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. The reason for this was that I loved playing a spy.
What do you do to relax or get away from hockey?
Play PS4, Football Manager and golf.
Do you have a job outside of hockey – tell us about it…
I work at a school as a professional hockey coach but also help out with cricket and football, which is always good to get away from hockey. I also work in sports management for a football company as a side hustle for now.
Club social
I wish I had never worn…
A pair of tuxedo trousers that were a bit too tight, as one dance move too fancy and they split down the middle. The rest of the night was a bit tricky.
The biggest temptation you wish you could resist is…
Convincing each other to buy way too many rounds of shots, to then regret it in the morning when you look at the bank account.
What is the best match tea you’ve had?
If we played on a Sunday at Cannock we would get a carvery roast after the game – it was an absolute delight.
Where did you dream about going to most during the pandemic?
Winning the Euro Millions every Tuesday and Friday.
In hockey
The person who has influenced you most in hockey and why…
My Dad – he used to take me to hockey games when he was coaching so I would be on the sideline running around just watching and playing, messing about with lads much older than me.
What has been your happiest moment?
When I am winning trophies and getting to celebrate them. There are not many better feelings playing hockey than winning trophies.
And the saddest?
Being relegated with Cannock.
What is the biggest talking point in hockey we need to know about?
I won’t call it the biggest talking point as I believe there are many but one, I do believe, does need to be spoken about more and taken more seriously even by myself is the under representation of BAME players. That’s why what Rhys Smith is doing is incredible for hockey and should be hyped up even more than it is now.
What is your best coaching tip for aspiring players?
Enjoy it and don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something. However that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to people because they are doing what they believe is correct, but don’t let that change the way you should play.
What drives you on?
Team-mates and winning. I love the social and fun you can have with your mates in and out of hockey and winning is like an addiction, something I will never lose in anything I do.
What stick do you use and why?
Kookaburra Team Forge because it suits the style of my play and the way it feels. Plus, I have been using Kookaburra since I was aged 14/15.
More in our Hockey Social series…
Tommy Alexander on knock backs and German domestic scene
Brendan Creed on Heath Ledger, yellow trainers and embracing sport
Miriam Pritchard on illustrating, white trouser regrets and influences
