Wagga was allocated hosting rights for the past two years, only for the event to be scrapped after due to COVID restrictions.

The carnival will be held from July 29-31, and Wagga Hockey president expects up to 2500 people to descend on the city.

"We expect around 2000 to 2500 people made up of players, spectators and offficials," he said.

"With double vaccinations that will open up. This year we would have had restricted numbers but this year we hope to get about 60 to 65 teams," he said.

"We're hoping it's third time lucky, but what I like about it was Hockey NSW's commitment to make sure Wagga does get an opportunity to host an event this size. Hopefully with COVID restrictions easing next year we can actually complete it this time around.

"It should be a lot easier this time around and i think we'll find the number of teams will increase. Players haven't been able to travel for Masters and have a weekend away for two years."

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Larkin said the glass half full side of the delays is the association is across all the preparations required to host an event of this size.

"We've built a hosting model over two years which we think is pretty damn good, it will be easier to put it in place this time around," he said.

"We haven't had a masters championship for some time, but we've regularly had a state championship at junior level.

"Having the Masters is a very different gig with food and having a bar. It's a challenge and we got very well organised this year, but it different happen."

The majority of the state championship schedule released by Hockey NSW this week will be held in regional centres.

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