PAHF announces 2015 Pan American Elite Teams

The Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) has announced the 2015 Pan American Elite Teams.

The 2015 men's Pan American Elite Team is led by Argentinian Lucas Vila and Canadian defender Scott Tupper, who are both selected a record fourth time to the PAHF Elite Team, while eight players make their first appearance on the Elite roster, including Cuban veteran Yoandi Blanco (36 years old) and Chilean youngster Nicolas Renz (20 years old).

Pan American Games finalists Argentina and Canada have the strongest representation with four players each, including Canadian David Carter with the nod for the goal-keeping position.

The achievements of Brazil, semi-finalists in Toronto, winner of the Pan American Challenge and qualified for the Olympic Games in Rio, are rewarded with the nomination of two players Stephane Vehrle-Smith and Matheus Borges. 

Altogether, with the inclusion of Venezuelan José Oropeza, Player of the Tournament of the Pan American Challenge, the 2015 Men’s Pan American Elite Team is made up of players from eight different countries: Argentina (4), Canada (4), Brazil (2), Chile (2), USA (2), Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela (1). The average age is 26.3 years old.

The 2015 women's Pan American Elite Team is headed by USA Captain Lauren Crandall, who led her team to a second Pan American Games gold medal.

She is closely followed in the voting by Argentinian's Florencia Habif and Delfina Merino, both selected for the first time, and by impressive Canadian striker Brienne Stairs, making her second Elite appearance after 2011.

Pan American Games champions USA dominated the voting, with four players selected (Crandall, Kelsey Kolojejchick), Katie O'Donnell and Paige Selenski).

Silver medallists Argentina also have four players on the roster (Habif, Merino, Agustina Albertarrio and Pilar Romang), while Canada’s return to the Pan American Games podium for the first time since 1999 was rewarded with the selection of three players (Karli Johansen, Abigail Raye and Stairs).

Chilean Camilla Caram, the only player selected three times, is joined on the 2015 Elite roster by her sister Daniela, while Mexican goal-keeper Jesus Castillo regained the position she already earned in 2011.

Brazilian Tatiana Noronha Machado, Player of the Tournament of the Pan American Challenge, also earned a spot on the Elite roster.

Altogether, seven countries are represented on the 2015 Women’s Pan American Elite Team: USA (4), Argentina (4), Canada (3), Chile (2), Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay (1). The average age is just over 25. 

Since 2007, Pan American Elite Teams have been named every two years to recognize the top players in the Pan American competitions.

Hockey specialists present at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, and at the 2015 Pan American Challenge in Chiclayo, Peru, were consulted for the selection of this year’s Elite Teams.

For more information on the PAHF competitions and programmes, please visit the Pan American Hockey Federation web site at www.panamhockey.org or contact info@panamhockey.org.

Report & Photo: PAHF