The competition, named after June Graham, who passed away in 2012, was created to encourage and promote children to get involved in hockey around the Orange region.

Roughly 250 schoolkids turned up to play in the gala day and Hockey NSW regional coaching coordinator Kate Pulbrook is hailing it as nothing but a success.

“The most successful June Graham Cup in memory,” she said.

Girls and boys ranging from years one to six from schools in the Orange region including Cumnock, Molong Central School, Anglican Grammar School, Kinross School, Bowen, Calare, Bletechington and Orange East took part in the 2016 Cup.

The teams were divided into two divisions with Kinross boys taking out division one and Molong girls winning division two.

Despite these teams winning, the theme of the day was to go out there and enjoy hockey, with the Anglican Grammar School’s representation epitomising the essence of the day, winning Hockey Australia play the whistle award, which the given to the team that played in the right spirit for the whole day.

“They came along and competed and the only thing they worried about was going out there and having fun,” Pulbrook added.

Pulbrook believes the standard of hockey is improving. “It wasn’t perfect hockey, but it was all about having fun,” she said.

“Bringing them to this day, where they can compete with a full game using shin pads and mouth guards, gives them that next level experience in the game.”

Pulbrook couldn’t speak any higher of the late June Graham, who’s name is on the cup after years helping foster the game in the city.

“When she passed away the legacy was to make this day a really big thing for her and her name,” Pulbrook said.

“She focused not only for her team but all of hockey, the goal keeper, the players, the whole package when it comes to playing sport.

“She was a big part of Orange’s development in hockey.”

However, since Graham’s death, her sister Julie has taken on June’s role and she maintains the same love towards hockey.

“Julie has stepped up in her sister’s place trying to continue her legacy, Julie is involved in junior hockey and coaching,” Pulbrook said.

“I’ve seen many kids having a lot of fun with lots of talent. looking forward to see as many of you next year,” Julie Graham said.