Canada continues busy October with 4 test matches against the USA

October 27, 2009

After only a brief rest since the conclusion of the 7 Test Super Series between Canada and India, the Canadian Men’s national team will assemble tonight at the University of British Columbia for the first of four test matches against the United States beginning at 6:30PM PST.  The USA is preparing for their World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Argentina where they are looking to continue their recent rise in performance and world rankings.  Canada is using the test series for further player exposure as well as for selection to the Champions Challenge in December, also to be played Argentina.

"We had a very valuable series with India," said head coach Alan Brahmst.  "Credit to India, they knew how to win. We did not. However, we dominated in a variety of key statistics and are able to take a number of positives with us as we continue preparation for the World Cup. All of the matches were closely contested."

"The USA series will be a lower key event at a different venue after 20,000 spectators came to support the India series, but I think we will have some very exciting matches and treat the spectators to some quality hockey.  These matches are critical for us as we continue to fine tune some tactical areas.  We improved upon a variety of areas after our Australia tour, and our objective is to now do the same after the India series.  The team already has clarity in what needs to get done."

The coaching staff will select 16 players for each of the games from their World Cup squad.  Although there is plenty of experience on the Canadian side, veteran players Ken Pereira, Rob Short, and Paul Wettlaufer, who continues to rehab from his recent surgery, will not participate.   All three men are expected to rejoin the team for December’s Champions Challenge.

Scott Tupper will captain the Canadian team for the USA series after his return yesterday from the first round of European Hockey League action in Paris with his club, Club an der Alster.

For match 1 on Wednesday at 6:30pm at the University of British Columbia, Wright Field, the following 16 players have been selected to the roster: