Former NBL chief operating officer and ANZ Championship CEO, Andy Crook, has been named the general manager of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League.

Crook is set to replace former Sultana Bran Hockey One League general manager, Tony Dodemaide, who resigned in October last year to become a national cricket selector.

Crook will lead the competition in the lead up to its second season beginning in October 2022 after the competition was unable to run in the previous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sultana Bran Hockey One League chair, Colin Richardson, said Crook will be a great fit to help the competition grow in its second season.

“Andy [Crook] has extensive knowledge and experience in leading and growing competitions that share similarities with the Sultana Bran Hockey One League,” Richardson said.

“As an elite sport competition with a compelling spectator offering, Hockey One has immense potential and is the integral piece to bring hocket into the mainstream of Australian sport and the minds of all sport enthusiasts.

“Building hockey’s recognition in Australia following the Kookaburras’ successful Olympic campaign is a key goal for Andy and Hockey One.

“Andy is an ideal fit to take the league into this next exciting phase as we gear up to launch the second season later this year,” he said.

Discussing his new role, Crook said: “I have been fortunate in the roles I have had over the last 10-15 years and see a lot of similarities in the leagues I have led and Hockey One.”

“Looking at the league from a marketing, media and commercial lens is something I bring with the intent of continuing to make it entertaining for the fans.

“I see hockey as a really big sport in Australia.

“The product and brand that has been created around Hockey One is really exciting, fresh and innovative.

“Building the fan base is going to be a key focus.

“The potential to grow and expand into the broader sporting landscape through Hockey One is huge,” Crook said.