Gemma McCaw has the last laugh following hockey fan who 'ridiculed' her during her first game

Last week former Black Sticks star Gemma McCaw hit back at a hockey fan she says 'ridiculed' her during her return to the game at the national tournament in Tauranga.

McCaw – who came out of retirement to play for Midlands in the women's National Hockey League competition - lost to Central in a penalty shootout, which meant her team missed out on the semifinals.

The tournament marked the 29-year-old's return to the game after giving birth to her daughter Charlotte with Richie McCaw late last year.

Taking to social media following the game, McCaw wrote: "To the man who ridiculed me from the sideline tonight, I just want you to know I am a new mum coming back from having a baby 9 months ago."

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"I probably didn't think I would be lining up for NHL, nearly 15 years since playing my first ever tournament, but I'm here. And I'm giving it my absolute best. Sometimes sport doesn't believe in fairy tales.

"It didn't go our way tonight but I'm very proud of the way our team played with so much heart.

“A big thank you to everyone in my corner for helping me get back to play the game I love. It's because of you I get to do this."

Alongside her message, McCaw shared a picture of a quote from former US president Theodore Roosevelt titled 'The man in the arena'.

And now the young mum has had the last laugh after winning the tournament award for getting the most goals.

"I've loved playing this week and I'm happy to come away with top goal scorer which wouldn't have been possible without my amazing team," she wrote.

"It sure has been a busy week juggling mum life and playing again but I'm so very grateful for all the help I've had both on and off the field."

We couldn't be happier for Gemma!