lop-sided affair puts Canada into the elimination bracket on a high note
Hat tricks from Madison Thompson and Thora Rae led the way as Canada blows out Trinidad and Tobago in their final pool play game 13-0.
The attack started in the first minute as wave after wave of Canadian offense peppered the TTO goal. The balanced attack brought the pressure from the opening whistle to the final hooter. After a three-goal first quarter, Canada ramped up the attack, scoring six goals in the second half, taking a 9-0 lead into the half.
Thompson joined the national team this year as a transplant from the National Indoor Program. She bagged her first international goal against Peru in the Pan Am opener and tacked on three more in today’s game. She said she is typically more comfortable on the playmaking and passing side of the ball but was happy to contribute to the goal total today.
Canada defeats Trinidad and Tobago 13-0 to secure second place in Pool B. Photos/Oscar Munoz Badilla
“I think I’m still learning to control my nerves at this level,” she said. “But to be surrounded by great players; Brie, Elise, Maddie Secco, I am feeding off their energy and learning from them every game. It was nice to put a few goals away today.”
Canada has a significantly different roster from the last time they played a tournament. Dating back to 2019 Pan American Games, there has been considerable roster turnover, including the additions of Thompson, Audrey Sawyers, and both goalkeepers, among others. According to Thompson, the team has done a good job integrating the newcomers and developing chemistry on and off the field.
“This team is really special. The team culture is amazing and Rob has done a good job leading from the top down,” she said. “They have been so welcoming. We all get along really well off the field, which makes the on field even better.”
With the win, Canada finishes pool play with two wins, one loss, good for second in the group. Canada now turns its sights on the loser of Chile and Uruguay. The winner of that match will crossover with Argentina in the semifinals. According to Thompson, the team is going to reset and take each game one and a time moving forward, knowing that the focus is on their own process.
“The focus has always been on us and focusing on what we do well and what we can improve on,” Thompson said. “We’re taking the lessons learned from pool play and we’ll implement it moving forward.”
Our national teams are able to compete at the 2022 Pan American Cup thanks to the generous support from our sponsors. Thank you to our apparel partner, Indian Maharadja, our equipment supplier, Gryphon Hockey, and our club partners, West Vancouver FHC and Tamanawis Field Hockey Society, for supporting the Red Caribou and Wolf Pack!
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