Club treasurer and registrar Pam Shuttle said the men’s Wednesday night would be modified in a different way, in a new nine-a-side game.

“The A and B-grade players have already started, with the C-grades ready to start soon,” she said.

“Wednesday nights will be modified in a different way, with the nine-a-side rule which originated from the Lanco Cup in January this year,” she said.

She explained the nine-a-side rule went along with 15 minute halves, wider goals of up to three metres, although the Dubbo teams would continue to play at two metres.

“Hockey 9s would mean a much faster game and a higher goal scoring method.

“Ric Charlesworth was involved in the Lanco Cup, and was the moving force behind it.”

She explained the different format didn’t apply to the Saturday games, with Men’s Month having kicked off on March 17.

Shuttle also said the club had dropped the Western from the Premier League Hockey title, saying it confused people with a similar title in soccer.

“It’s a shame we don’t have enough men coming to play hockey, my son Michael used to always be in the Premier Leagues but because of the lack of interest with other players, hasn’t been able to play at that level for some time ... but he’s been playing since he was 13 years old, and he was the reason I got involved in the club 10 years ago.”

She said the junior competition, which begins at the end of March, still needed under-7 to 15 boys to join the team.

“Registration to join the junior team is still open and we’re asking anyone interested in playing hockey to register with the club... anybody at any age is more than welcome to try out,” she said.

Shuttle said the club has re-elected President Craig Thompson, who headed the club last year.