The Canadian National Women's team will travel to Dublin, Ireland 9-19 January for a series of test matches versus the Irish squad. The tour is in preparation for the 2009 Pan American Cup taking place in Bermuda in early February.
ÔÇ£It is a new beginning. With all the retirements, we have seven new faces with a cap (international game) average of 25. The players and staff are looking forward to competing after many months of training,ÔÇØ says head coach Louis Mendonca.
ÔÇ£I am confident the team will bring grit, heart, and passion to every match they compete in. It is very important we retain the lessons learnt, to ensure our preparation for the Pan Am Cup in on track.ÔÇØ
The last competition for the Canadian women was a fourth-place finish at May's Olympic Qualifying tournament held on home soil in Victoria, British Columbia. The Irish edged Canada 2-1 in the bronze medal game.
Following that event several veteran athletes chose to retire leaving behind a much younger squad.
Veteran returning player Stephanie Nesbitt recognizes the importance of competition in team building. ÔÇ£Training is never as good as playing international games; therefore this tour is important for both new and old players.ÔÇØ
Team Canada will play two matches versus the Irish reserves on 12 and 13 January followed by three matches against the senior team 16-18 January. Ireland is ranked 15th in the world while Canada is 20th.
Team Canada: Abigail Raye, Azelia Liu, Amanda Stone, Anna Kozniuk, Cailie O'Hara, Diana Roemer, Jessalyn Kay Walkey, Katie Baker, Katie Rushton, Meggan Oliver, Natalie Wise, Sarah MacAulay, Shannon Elmitt, Stephanie Jameson, Stephanie Nesbitt, Thea Culley, Tiffany Michaluk, Tyla Flexman.
Source : Field Hockey Canada
