January 31, 2018
Field Hockey Canada – Women’s National Team goes undefeated in Chile Test Series
Field Hockey Canada – Jan 31, 2018. Vancouver, BC – The Women’s National Team started 2018 off on the right foot, boasting an undefeated record (2-0-3) in Santiago, Chile in their first test series of the year. The team returned yesterday from a two-week training tour featuring five test matches against the host-nation, Chile.
According to newly appointed head coach, Giles Bonnet, the team adapted very well to new coaching style, a challenge that could have been a hindrance but wound up being a positive step for the team.
“What stood out for me was the receptiveness of the group for new ideas and changes,” Bonnet said. “They are extremely motivated and applied themselves in a very professional way.”
The team had a rigorous training schedule featuring multiple training sessions per day as well as the five test games against Chile. Bonnet planned the tour to be a challenge and was very impressed with how the team handled the schedule and requirements. He was also pleased with how well the team applied new strategies directly into the test matches.
“The reaction from the team was very positive,” he said. “The cycle of training and matches allowed good feedback and enabled the players to take ownership of the changes.”
QUICK FACTS:
– Izzy Fraser and Sara Goodman record their first international senior matches
– Goalkeeper, Kaitlyn Williams, played in her 100th career match while on tour in Chile
– She’s became the third Canadian goalkeeper to reach the milestone and at only 28-years-old, she becomes the youngest to crack the 100-cap mark.
– Striker, Jordyn Faiczak led the team in scoring with 3 goals in five games
– Chile is world-ranked six spots higher than Canada currently
The team will take these positive results and continue to push forward into the next phase of their year. Bonnet said he’s excited to continue working with the group on applying new strategies and changes. He expects the positive results to continue as the team will face some top competition in the next few months.
“We are on a sharp learning curve and have selected an accelerated program for this team. We will attempt to close the competitive gap with the top teams and we are looking forward to the upcoming events,” Bonnet said.
Although the team just arrived back at YVR yesterday, they will be back on tour in the middle of February. The team heads down south to Chula Vista, California for 10 days of training and test matches against USA. Following that, Team Canada will participate in the Commonwealth Games in Australia and Hawkes Bay tournament in New Zealand.
–Media Contact–
Kevin Underhill
Communications Manager | Gestionnaire des Communications
Field Hockey Canada | Hockey Sur Gazon Canada
Phone: 604.868.7189 | Email: kunderhill@fieldhockey.ca