Field Hockey Canada is proud to spotlight a few of many, Community Masters Champions for their excellence on and/or off the field of play. Their passion to play field hockey for life has encouraged them to remain involved in our sport as a player, coach, manager or administrator, while simultaneously inspiring and building this programming for others.
>>Stayed tuned for a daily post on one of these Champions!<<<
What motivates you to keep playing?
Amazing group of women on our touring team and wonderful friends all over the world.
What has been your most memorable moment playing Masters Hockey?
Our first major tour to Fiji was amazing. The hosts were wonderful and the play and camaraderie of all teams and players was unparalleled.
What has been your greatest achievement playing Masters Hockey?
Convincing all the amazing Calgary ladies to join me in participating in the Golden Oldies.
Why did you want to get involved in Masters Hockey?
I have been playing field hockey for over 40 years and a great opportunity came up with the Maters World Cup. I played on the National team with my cousin Ken Pereira when he was just getting onto the National scene and then I got to train and play with him again. I was coached by my mentor and long time friend Louis Mendonca and then you add in the venue in Hong Kong and it was the perfect storm. I think this game can be played forever and this event really proved the point.
What motivates you to keep playing?
I love the game that has given my the opportunity to travel the world and attend the Olympics. I have four boys and I think and believe this sport will provide them the same world exposure and fun that I had playing and coaching this great game.
What has been your most memorable moment playing Masters Hockey?
Playing in the Masters tournament in Hong Kong was unbelievable and I am looking forward to playing in the Indoor tournament next year in Virginia Beach USA.
What has been your greatest achievement playing Masters Hockey?
The greatest achievement is creating a program that continues here in Ontario. We have plans to host teams from Europe and the Caribbean as we lead into the World Cup in 2022, The fact that we have so many Masters indoor players playing because of a vision Lou started is something we all can be proud of.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a Masters player?
Getting old is the hardest thing. Trying to do the things you used to be able to do and failing is hard but being able to laugh about it and keep going helps me cope. Finding opportunities to play as a team or group is also a challenge but with the networking we have been doing we should be able to have something to look forward to every year.
Why did you want to get involved in Masters Hockey?
I really believe in the concept of sport for life. I wanted to continue playing at a high level and encourage others to keep participating in hockey at whatever level they are capable.
What motivates you to keep playing?
I love Field Hockey and like the motivation it provides to stay fit and healthy. Most of all I enjoy being part of the greater hockey community and forming friendships with other Masters players across the country.
What has been your most memorable moment playing Masters Hockey?
It was really 2 weeks of moments playing in the World Cup in Barcelona in 2018. The whole experience was fantastic. It was the largest field hockey tournament ever held. To see it in person and be part of it was really a thrill.
What has been your greatest achievement playing Masters Hockey?
Playing on the first Canadian Masters Men’s team to record wins at the World Cup and realizing that we could still compete with the best countries (Netherlands, New Zealand, etc). Scoring goals for Canada was personally satisfying.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a Masters player?
As you age you get injured more easily which is frustrating. Fighting off the aches and pains you never had when you were younger is always a challenge!
Why did you want to get involved in Masters Hockey?
What motivates you to keep playing?
My passion for hockey, the new challenges it brings and playing with old friends. Every time I step on the pitch it allows me to perform at the highest level.
What has been your most memorable moment playing Masters Hockey?
Playing and re-connecting with old friends at the Outdoor World Cup in Spain and Indoor World Cup in Hong Kong. I haven’t seen some of these guys in many years and it was definitely a memorable moment that I would not have experienced if it wasn’t for the Masters Hockey program.
What has been your greatest achievement playing Masters Hockey?
Being recognized as the ‘Man of the Match’ in a game against New Zealand at the 2018 Spain Outdoor World Cup. This was special to me because I have won this award at past competitive tournaments but this time it brought back a lot of great memories from my younger days.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome as a Masters player?
Why did you want to get involved in Masters Hockey?
What has been your most memorable moment playing Masters Hockey?
What has been your greatest achievement playing Masters Hockey?
