Tour Reflections – CAN AM Junior Indoor Series

Canada’s U19 Indoor Men’s Team Sweeps USA in four game set

Field Hockey Canada’s U19 Canadian Men’s Team made Canada proud by convincingly beating the USA in the 2024 CanAm Junior Indoor Series in Philadelphia in March. The team swept the four game series 4-0.

Although this tournament was not an officially sanctioned series, The event was well-organized and professional with both sides treating it like an official international tour, walking out on the field together, lining up for the respective national anthems with the national flags hanging for all to see. This sincerity and professionalism added fuel to the fire, and the Canadian boys rose to the occasion with phenomenal on-field performance.

This group of young athletes were passionate, eager and a quick learning team in the short turn around we had. It was great to see how quickly they gelled and joked off the field as well, sharing great camaraderie and sportsmanship. Navdip Chandi and Gurwinder Brar were the pick of the lot with stellar performances and were the team leading goal scorers. Nishan Dhaliwal was the rock and pillar of strength in defense. They were complimented well by Tom Weller & Josiah Campbell in midfield. Our young debutants were not far behind and made valiant efforts at every given opportunity. For many, this was their first international tour, and everyone learned a lot during the event.

The games were fast, thrilling and spectators were enjoying every bit of it, often cheering loud for their teams. The USA were sporting and gracious hosts and they eagerly look forward to the next U19 CanAM series.

A big shout out for the admirable work by the Team Canada staff in Kim Ewasechko, Jamie Dowhaniuk, Faheem Hack, Geoff Matthews and coach Sean Pereira. Indoor hockey no doubt makes you a better outdoor field hockey player due to the small spaces, ball speed, quick decision making and tight reaction times. Considering our Canadian winters, there is a nation-wide opportunity to build the indoor version of the game. Based on the performances of our U19 Canadian Men last month in Philadelphia, our Canadian future looks bright.

CAN AM MATCH RESULTS