Red Caribou Look to upgrade Silver into Gold at Santiago 2023
The stage is set for an exhilarating showcase of hockey as the Canadian Men’s National Team eagerly anticipates the upcoming Pan American Games tournament, taking place in Santiago, Chile, from October 25 to November 5.
The Canadian Red Caribou earned silver medals at the 2019, 2015 and 2011 Pan American Games. Their last gold-medal performance was in 2007. Returning 10 players from their Tokyo 2021 roster, this team is poised to shoot for the top of the podium again this year.
A veteran core including Gordon Johnston, Matt Sarmento, and Oliver Scholfield, bring a wealth of experience to the team. One player who’s expected to make a significant impact is the sharpshooter Keegan Pereira, whose goal-scoring abilities could prove to be a game-changer for Canada. Following in Pereira’s footsteps is the young Sean Davis, who, despite only having one event under his belt.
Backing up the group in net is Ethan McTavish’s. He is still relatively new on the senior stage but has big game experience at the 2018 Youth Olympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Using this experience and providing a steady goalkeeping presence will be instrumental in ensuring the team’s defensive stability.
Canada’s campaign kicks off with an encounter against Brazil on October 25, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. The team is looking to harness the energy of their opening match and carry it forward. The top two teams in each pool advance to the semifinals.
The coaching tandem of Patrick Tshutshani and Geoff Matthews will be pivotal in steering the Canadian side toward success. With their guidance, the team is well-prepared to tackle this major international tournament. According to Tshutshani, the team must play simple and play their game and they will find themselves in a position to succeed.
“It is a special group, that is hungry to learn, committed, coachable have a great fighting spirit and are comfortable in their own skins,” he said.“The key for us is to stay grounded, take the tournament one game at a time, making sure it is a process driven approach. We want to make sure we make it as simple and effective as possible.”
As the tournament draws near, fans and players alike are filled with anticipation and excitement, knowing that every game played could lead to an Olympic dream fulfilled. With their rich history, top-tier talent, and the determination to ascend to the pinnacle, the Canadian men are ready to take the field in Santiago and aim for the podium.
FOLLOW ALONG:
CBC is the official Canadian broadcaster of the 2023 Pan American Games. The Broadcast schedule is not released yet. Check Field Hockey Canada’s social media channels and website for information leading up to the event.
Pan American Games Hockey Competition: https://www.fih.hockey/events/pan-american-games-2023-chile
Pan American Games website: https://www.santiago2023.org/en
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