Field Hockey Canada is pleased to announce the athletes selected to compete for the Canadian Men’s Junior National Team at the 2012 Junior Pan American Championship, September 10 – 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Championship is Canada’s opportunity to qualify for the 2013 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Junior World Cup.
The Canadian Junior Men are hoping to secure one of two tickets to the Junior World Cup. Canada finished fourth at the 2008 Junior Pan American Championship behind Argentina, Chile and the USA. However, in the past year this Junior Squad has proven their ability to defeat formidable Pan Am opponents.
Argentina will be tough competition. Canada faced Argentina in two test matches in March, resulting in one win and one loss. In June the Junior Men made their first trek to Guadalajara, defeating Mexico in three straight wins. At the recent 3 Nations Tournament in Vancouver, Canada was victorious over Team Chile and Team USA. They were undefeated against Chile, conceding only one match to the Americans and winning the other two.
“We have had a competitive build up to Guadalajara, and we are focused on winning each match. We will do our best to qualify for the Junior World Cup,” says Head Coach Mathias Ahrens. “As we prepare, every player in the program has made significant steps forward in the performance. They have given their all, and selecting the final roster for the Junior Pan Ams was a very difficult task.”
Ahrens is confident the 18 athletes (all under the age of 21) selected to represent Team Canada have the right blend and balance to ensure success. The team has a solid base of international experience. Adam Froese (Abbotsford, BC) and Keegan Pereira (Ajax, ON) competed at the 2011 Pan American Games with the Senior National Team. Froese and Pereira each have 59 international caps for Canada. Gordon Johnston (Vancouver) and Taylor Curran (North Vancouver) also bring a variety of international experience at the senior level.
There are three sets of brothers on the Canadian roster. Taylor Curran is joined by his younger brother, Spencer Curran (North Vancouver). Brothers Keegan and Kevin Pereira will compete together in September. And the Bissett brothers of New Westminster, BC have claimed three spots on the Canadian roster. Brenden Bissett and his older twin brothers, Matthew and Stephen will all be in Guadalajara – vying for a berth to the Junior World Cup.
“We are now entering the final phase in our preparation, and we are focused on stabilizing some critical aspects of our game,” says Coach Ahrens. “We are focused and ready to win our matches against the tough opposition at the Junior Pan American Championship.”
TEAM CANADA ROSTER
Brenden Bissett (New Westminster, BC).. Matthew Bissett (New Westminster, BC).. Stephen Bissett (New Westminster, BC).. Tristan Burgoyne (Vancouver).. Spencer Curran (North Vancouver, BC).. Taylor Curran (North Vancouver, BC).. Ali Currimbhoy (Burnaby, BC).. Adrien d’Andrade (Coquitlam, BC).. Adam Froese (Abbotsford, BC).. Gabriel Ho-Garcia (Burnaby, BC).. Gordon Johnston (Vancouver).. Sam Jones (Vancouver).. Andrew Kanerva (Tsawwassen, BC).. James Kirkpatrick (Victoria, BC).. Kevin Pereira (Ajax, ON).. Kevin Pereira (Ajax, ON).. Matthew Sarmento (Vancouver).. Paul Wharton (Vancouver)
STAFF TEAM
Mathias Ahrens (Head Coach).. Aaron Guest (Assistant Coach).. Paul Mounter (Video Technician).. Alvin Bissett (Team Manager).. Elianne Tieleman (Physiotherapist)
The Canadian Women’s Junior National Team will announce their roster for the 2012 Junior Pan American Championship later in August.
