‘Voice of Hockey’ Nick Irvine was awarded the prestigious Graham Wilson Award for Services to Hockey Media at the 41st annual awards lunch held last week.
Irvine’s life in hockey began when he applied for a volunteer role ahead of the 1986 World Cup in London. He then put his name forward as a regional TV commentator for a domestic league game following Team GB’s 1988 gold in Seoul and he hasn’t looked back.
He has since covered Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and World Cups and, with his love of the game, the 72-year-old has shown no signs of putting down the microphone with his continued work at the Euro Hockey League and EuroHockey events
Accepting the award remotely while commentating at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, Irvine said: “I can’t even begin to tell you what an honour I feel here, for two reasons. Firstly, because the accolade comes from my peers in the media industry in our sport.
“And secondly, because it bears the name of Graham Wilson. He was a really good guy, a great journalist, but an even better man. I know we all miss him terribly.”
Born and raised in Kenilworth and Leamington Spa, Nick attended Leamington College for Boys. He also played hockey at Warwick HC then Coventry and North Warwickshire. He retired from his job as director of Marketing and PR at Bloxham School and currently lives in Bloxham near Banbury.
Josh Pinard, co-founder of Hockey Focus, demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in promoting field hockey to win the inaugural Digital and Social Media Award.
Through the Hockey Focus Instagram account @hockeyfocus_, Pinard delivered high-quality content that, said the judges, resonated with the hockey community, showcasing match highlights, player interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.
“It feels quite surreal to pick up an award when we are so used to filming the athletes picking them up,” said Josh.
“It is great to receive the recognition of all the hard work of the team at Hockey Focus and I’d like to thank all our photographers who have collaborated with us. In particular, I’d like to commend Chris Tagg for all his contributions to help grow and change the game as well as Jas Ghata-Aura.
Meanwhile, the HWC also recognised Simon Parker, of Southgate HC, with the photographer of the year award.
Parker grew up in Faversham, Kent and attended Borden Grammar School where hockey coach Jason Lee was one of his best friends.
The two are now working together at Southgate HC, where Simon continues to capture the sport.
Simon said of his award: “The format of the competition means you have to maintain a high level of images through the year, and the fact that it’s judged by your peers rather than a random panel makes winning this award all the more special.”
The Volunteer of the Year award for his selfless work in the midlands area went to Dave O’Brien.
