Evergreen Bowdon Hightown player Tina Cullen has been awarded the MBE for services to hockey in the Queen's New Year Honours List. Also recognised is David South, the Chairman of Holcombe Hockey Club.
Tina's friends and colleagues have been campaigning for some years to have the 42 year old player and coach recognised for her contribution to hockey, and we at TalkHockeyRadio are proud to have been part of that campaign. Cullen made several appearances for England and Great Britain, but is probably best known as being one of the most prolific scorers in the Women's Premier Division, topping the scoring charts for several seasons. She is a two times winner of the Hockey Writers' Club Player of the Year Award. She remains active, not only as a player in Bowdon Hightown's successful 1st Xl, but as a member of their indoor squad.
Although a very large number of honours were given to Olympic Athletes, none appears to have gone to the members of the bronze medal winning women's squad, or any other person connected with Olympic Hockey.
[Note: Christa Cullen, a member of the bronze medal winning GB Olympic squad is not related to Crista Cullen].
