The green and golds came from the clouds in 2020 to qualify for the post-season and now, the youthful side looks to become a staple in the competition's top four, but won't get there without hard work.

Not only does the coach want to put the side through its paces come training time, he wants to instil a certain mentality and culture within the club, something he finds crucial to not only player enjoyment and satisfaction, but success.

"We're an inclusive team and we value the people within the team," Shea said.

"Everyone in our team has an equally important role to play... each contribution is as important as the next one.

"We have a positive culture, a positive work ethic and we're always encouraging. Those are the cultural aspects we'd like to bring."

CYMS might have been the youngest side in the competition last year and while that can be tough to deal with at the time, it bodes well for the future as the bulk of the kids who ran around for Shea in 2020 are expected to return to the fold this season.

That means the likes of Karlee Bell and Libby Smith will pick up the stick again, adding to what's already an extremely capable outfit.

"I haven't heard of anyone who's not playing from last year," he said.

"A few people have indicated interest in coming over from other teams but there's nothing official yet."

As for now, Shea is working on putting together a leadership group for the upcoming campaign, as well as planning the way in which training will look.

CYMS players - as well as the rest of the PLH sides at Orange - are now looking forward to the pre-season gala day as the league's best players will make up a Central West All-Stars side, set to clash with a Sydney rival at Bathurst.

Clubs have been asked to nominate players who are interested in being an All-Star then a selection panel will work out the squads.

Just which Sydney club the All Stars end up playing will depend on if any COVID-19 travel advisories are in place. Pulbrook said that if Sydney-based outfits are not an option, she has contacts in the Wollongong, Newcastle and Central Coast regions as well as in the ACT.

The All Stars will play on March 13, while the traditional Premier League Hockey gala day is set for March 14. The league is also hopeful for the return of a top-tier men's competition.