Field Hockey Canada > Field Hockey Canada announces women nominated to compete for Team Canada at the Pan American Games

 

Ottawa, August 19 – Field Hockey Canada is pleased to announce the Women’s National Team nominated to the Canadian Olympic Committee to compete at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, October 14 – 30.  This will be the first opportunity for Canada to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. 

“Our goal is simple: to reach the podium,” says Head Coach Louis Mendonca.  “We are well prepared in all areas to meet our objective.” 

After a year of targeted preparation, including multiple matches against opposing Pan American teams, the women are ready to compete at their best in Mexico.  Mendonca has high expectations of the team, a blend of rising young players and seasoned veterans. 

Only three team members competed at the last Pan American Games in 2007: Team Captain Katie Baker, Azelia Liu and Stephanie Jameson.  As Coach Mendonca continues with his renewal of the team, the experience and leadership of the three veterans provides a solid anchor for this young team.   Strong, new talented players have proven to be a significant asset and have worked hard to compete for a spot on this team.  This includes Hannah Haughn, the youngest player on the team at seventeen years old. 

“We have a young team,” says Team Captain Katie Baker.  “However, in the past three years, these young players have had a considerable amount of experience, often stepping into crucial roles on the field.” 

In addition to gaining experience on the pitch, the Women’s National Team has been preparing for Guadalajara by integrating a number of important sport science elements. 

“The results are evident in our health, fitness and team cohesion,” says Baker.  “The coaching staff provides the tactical training, then it is our job to put it all together on the field.  I feel confident that we can work our way into the finals.” 

The Canadian Women enter the tournament as the 4th ranked Pan American team and placed 5th at the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

 

Athletes Nominated to compete for Team Canada

#

Name

Hometown

1

Abigail Raye

Kelowna, BC

2

Azelia Liu

Scarborough, ON

3

Danielle Hennig

Kelowna, BC

4

Diana Roemer

Mill Bay, BC

5

Hannah Haughn

North Vancouver, BC

6

Jessalyn Walkey

Cheltenham, ON

7

Kate Gillis

Kingston, ON

8

Katie Baker

Argyle Shore, PEI

9

Kaitlyn Williams

White Rock, BC

10

Kristine Wishart

Hamilton, ON

11

Natalie Sourisseau

Kelowna, BC

12

Samantha Smith

North Vancouver, BC

13

Sara McManus

South Delta, BC

14

Stephanie Jameson

Vancouver, BC

15

Thea Culley

Rossland, BC

16

Tyla Flexman

Vancouver, BC

Reserves

1

Bea Francisco

Richmond, BC

2

Brienne Stairs

Kitchener, ON

3

Cailie O’Hara

Toronto, ON

4

Maddie Secco

Victoria, BC

5

Marian Dickinson

Calgary, AB

6

Poonam Sandhu

Vancouver, BC

Staff

1

Louis Mendonca, Head Coach

Thornhill, ON

2

Paul Bundy, Coach

Vancouver, BC

3

Sheena Scott, Manager

Vancouver, BC

4

Noreen Ortilla, Athletic Therapist

Nanaimo, BC

5

John DeSouza, Video Tech

Toronto, ON

 

The Canadian Men’s National Team will announce their nominated roster on September 18, following a test series against Australia ‘A’.  The Canadian Olympic Committee will confirm the men’s and women’s nominations in an official announcement in late September.