Canadian Men in final stages of World Cup preparation

February 1, 2010

Photo: Kate Ybarra

The National Team concluded the second of two domestic training camps this weekend at their training facility at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.  Since returning from the Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina this past December, Canada has used the month of January to address a number of performance gaps to optimize the team’s potential when they open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on March 1st.

In combination with intense training modules and competitive inter-squad matches, a specialized physiology program has been implemented for the World Cup Squad to ensure peak performance in Delhi, India.

“The group has worked hard with extreme focus during the camps and the players have progressed solidly in some key areas,” stated head coach Alan Brahmst of Toronto.  “We have adjusted some of our training to address the gaps that we identified during the Champions Challenge late last year and the team has responded well.  I have a growing confidence that we are on the right track to do well in India.”

Captain Ken Pereira, who will play his 300th international game for Canada during the World Cup, also had a positive outlook on his team’s final preparation.

“All things are pointing in the right direction but we need to remain focused.  We made good progress but still have work ahead of us to tune the execution of our tactics,” said the native of Unionville, Ontario.  There is always room for improvement, but I think the players are becoming very clear in what it is that needs their attention right now.  We know what to work on.”

The Pan American Champions will depart for a 10 day training camp at the USA Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista, California to play four test matches against the United States.  The coaching staff has trimmed Canada’s WC Squad to 21 players with 20 players selected to travel to the USA.  It is expected that Canada will name its final World Cup Team from California.

World Cup Squad