The world of hockey is mourning the loss of one of the great contributors to the sport, both on and off the field. Dennis Hay, former Scotland and Great Britain player, GB women’s coach was an inspiration to many.
Hailing from the east coast of Scotland, Hay was first introduced to hockey at Aberdeen Grammar school, before moving to Jordanhill Training College, where he joined Western Wildcats. Hay developed while playing in Glasgow and earned his first international caps in 1964.
He later traversed the country to play for Edinburgh-based, Inverleith Hockey Club, where he played the majority of his premier hockey. The Aberdonian was a lynchpin in the Scotland midfield from the age of 24 to 34, only missing one game during this period and earning 73 caps.
Not only was Hay renowned for his fierce competitiveness, innate ability, and outstanding discipline, but also his fabulous understanding of the game. Hay recorded several impressive feats, including representing Scotland in their debut indoor fixture in Paris, 1973. However, the zenith of his playing career came in his selection for the Great Britain side that travelled to Munich for the Olympics in 1972.
Despite this on-field success, it was from the sidelines where Hay would have the biggest impact. His unquestionable knowledge and analytical approach led to his appointment as coach of Scotland Women’s team in 1982, followed by taking the Great Britain women team to the Olympics in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992.
Seoul saw the Olympic debut of a GB women’s side, and they performed admirably, progressing through to the semi-finals, including a victory over Argentina.
However, the hosts put an end to Britain’s run, and they lost out on a medal to the Dutch. In Barcelona, Hay once again guided his side to the semis, where the Germans narrowly bested them.
That set the stage for a repeat of the semi-final from four years prior, and with the unflappable Scotsman at the helm, GB earned their first ever Olympic hockey medal, due to a Jane Sixsmith winner in extra time. This bronze medal victory contributed to Hay being deservedly awarded ‘Scottish Sports Coach of the Year’ in 1992.
The great man’s influence would then spread far beyond the world of international hockey. He co-authored a coaching book, ‘101 youth hockey drills’, and took up a range of roles at Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club, culminating in his position as Honorary President until 2015.
It was here that Dennis disseminated his vast pool of knowledge to so many. He was famed for his sagacity, patience and calmness, typified by having a whisper that could travel the width of the pitch. So that a student 40 metres away would somehow hear the instruction to move a yard wider.
Even in his latter years the former international was able to demonstrate drills, deflecting balls into the top corner with consummate ease, no matter the quality of delivery.
He would dedicate vast amounts of time to the players, regardless of their level. He was often seen in deep conversation with the 6th XI, creating a side whose off-the-ball movement was second to none, even if the first touch didn’t quite match up to it.
As the club set up their coaching scheme, this allowed the phenomenal teacher to pass on his boundless wisdom and mentor to the next generation of aspiring coaches.
He would selflessly give up his time for the betterment of others, which has resulted in his distinctive style of play being replicated across the leagues of the UK. His contribution to the sport in every facet has been extraordinary, and remarkable individuals like Dennis must be remembered for the peerless work that they have done.
His family has lost a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. The hockey community has lost an inimitable player, coach, mentor, and friend. He shall be sorely missed.
Dennis died at his home in Edinburgh in June, aged 84.
