June 18, 2018
Field Hockey Canada – Men’s National Team to host China and Pakistan June 21 – July 8, 2018
Field Hockey Canada – Vancouver, BC – Field Hockey Canada’s Men’s National Team is excited to announce a home summer Series featuring China, Pakistan and Canada. The games, taking place June 21-July 8, 2018, are split between Rutledge Field in West Vancouver, BC and Tamanawis Field in Surrey, BC.
Paul Bundy, head coach of the Men’s National Team, said hosting more international matches on home soil is a part of the program’s overarching strategy leading towards the World Cup in the fall and Olympic qualification. For him, these games will be good indicators of the gaps they’ve closed since spring and where they can continue to improve.
“This gives us a really good opportunity to train as a collective and get competitive international matches,” he said. “Rather than just training in our home environment and playing against each other, we can test where we are at against quality international sides.”
Men’s National Team midfielder Taylor Curran was 13 years old when he and his childhood teammates first watched the Canadian Men’s Field Hockey Team play on home soil against Chile. He described the experience as eye-opening, and 13 years later, Curran is hoping to open some eyes during the Men’s National Team’s upcoming home series with China and Pakistan. For Curran, the opportunities to play meaningful international matches on home soil come few and far between.
“I think we’re all super excited to play at home in front of our community. We don’t get this chance very often,” he said. “I know some of my friends and family will be out as well as some of the kids I coach in West Van.”
The Men’s National Team has had an unpredictable 2018 so far with positive results at a five-nations event in Malaga, Spain and somewhat disappointing results at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This home series offers the opportunity to improve and get valuable international competition for the Canadian men’s side.
“This is a rare opportunity to watch Team Canada in action against top international teams — right here at home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism. “I hope this series inspires young people to get involved in sport, and helps Team Canada prepare for the Hockey World Cup in India, later this year.”
For coach Bundy, these home matches can be of great value not only for the athletes competing, but also for the community as a whole.
“This sort of series reaches our primary goal of getting more international matches but also it’s played in our backyard,” he said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase our game and get the community behind us moving forward.”
Paul Bundy, head coach of the Men’s National Team, said hosting more international matches on home soil is a part of the program’s overarching strategy leading towards the World Cup in the fall and Olympic qualification. For him, these games will be good indicators of the gaps they’ve closed since spring and where they can continue to improve.
“This gives us a really good opportunity to train as a collective and get competitive international matches,” he said. “Rather than just training in our home environment and playing against each other, we can test where we are at against quality international sides.”
Men’s National Team midfielder Taylor Curran was 13 years old when he and his childhood teammates first watched the Canadian Men’s Field Hockey Team play on home soil against Chile. He described the experience as eye-opening, and 13 years later, Curran is hoping to open some eyes during the Men’s National Team’s upcoming home series with China and Pakistan. For Curran, the opportunities to play meaningful international matches on home soil come few and far between.
“I think we’re all super excited to play at home in front of our community. We don’t get this chance very often,” he said. “I know some of my friends and family will be out as well as some of the kids I coach in West Van.”
The Men’s National Team has had an unpredictable 2018 so far with positive results at a five-nations event in Malaga, Spain and somewhat disappointing results at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This home series offers the opportunity to improve and get valuable international competition for the Canadian men’s side.
“This is a rare opportunity to watch Team Canada in action against top international teams — right here at home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism. “I hope this series inspires young people to get involved in sport, and helps Team Canada prepare for the Hockey World Cup in India, later this year.”
For coach Bundy, these home matches can be of great value not only for the athletes competing, but also for the community as a whole.
“This sort of series reaches our primary goal of getting more international matches but also it’s played in our backyard,” he said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase our game and get the community behind us moving forward.”
For team Canada’s roster and more information regarding the summer home series, please click HERE.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kevin Underhill
Communications Manager | Gestionnaire des Communications
Field Hockey Canada | Hockey Sur Gazon Canada
Phone: 604.868.7189 | Email: kunderhill@fieldhockey.ca
3800 Wesbrook Mall | Vancouver BC | V6S 2L9