IIn our usual Q&A, everything happens, we talk to players and coaches on topics ranging from temptations, influences, fashion sense and match teas. This week: Arjan Drayton Chana from Surbiton
At home
What was your first ambition?
My first ambition in life was to be a firefighter, my first ambition in hockey, however, was simply to play for Staffordshire and Cannock.
The event that changed the course of your life and your character …
The death of a person I loved dearly made me realize that life is too short not to enjoy it.
You wouldn’t know it, but I’m very good at …
Tell you what the James Bond movie is without looking at the screen but just listening to the voices on the television.
The movie you can watch over and over again (and why)
Not a movie series anymore but I love all James Bonds, from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. The reason 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 in a school as a professional hockey coach, but I also help with cricket and soccer which is always good to get away from hockey. I am also working in sports management for a football company as an assistant at the moment.
Social club
I wish I had never worn …
Tuxedo pants a little too tight, because a dance move too fancy and they split in the middle. The rest of the night was a bit tricky.
The biggest temptation you wish you could resist is …
Convince each other to buy too many sets of shots, only to regret it in the morning while looking at the bank account.
What’s the best assorted tea you’ve ever had?
If we played on a Sunday at Cannock we would get a roast meat roast after the game – it was an absolute delight.
Where did you dream of going the most during the pandemic?
Win the Euro Millions every Tuesday and Friday.
At hockey
Who has influenced you the most in hockey and why …
My dad – he took me to hockey games when he was coaching, so I was on the sidelines running just watching and playing, playing with guys much older than me.
What was your happiest moment?
When I win trophies and celebrate them. There aren’t many better sensations in playing hockey than winning trophies.
And the saddest part?
Being relegated with Cannock.
What’s the biggest hockey talking point we need to know?
I won’t call it the biggest talking point as I think there are a lot of them but one I believe needs to be addressed more and taken more seriously even on my own is the sub -representation of BAME players. That’s why what Rhys Smith is doing is amazing for hockey and should be showcased even more than it is now.
What’s your best coaching tip for aspiring players?
Take advantage of it and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to people because they’re doing what they think is right, but don’t let that change the way you play.
What is it that drives you?
Teammates and victory. I love the social life and the fun you can have with your friends 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 my playstyle and how I feel. Also, I have been using Kookaburra since I was 14/15 years old.
More in our Social Hockey series…
Tommy Alexander on knock backs and german domestic scene
Brendan Creed on Heath Ledger, yellow sneakers and kissing sport
Miriam Pritchard on illustrating, white pants regrets and influences