USA Field Hockey and Head Coach Nick Conway today announced the names of the players who will represent the USA in a four-game test series against Canada, scheduled from 28 October-1 November in Vancouver, British Columbia.
'We're looking forward to preparing and training effectively for the World Cup Qualifier,' said Conway. 'We're in a good position to take on the challenge. We're looking forward to the opportunity.'
The test series is the final piece of preparation for Men's National Team before heading to Quilmes, Argentina for the BDO Men's World Cup Qualifier, scheduled from 14-22 November 2009.
The Men's National Team returns a strong core that earned the silver medal at the 2009 Pan American Cup in March. Led by Sean Harris and Jon Ginolfi, the U.S. sparked a competitive run through the tournament, including a 2-1 upset of Chile in the semifinals, before falling to Canada in sudden-death extra time, 2-1, in the Gold Medal match.
The USA roster also features talented young players. Fresh from action at the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup, Ajai Dhadwhal and Derk Pelle look to make their debut on the senior side. Kevin Segeren, named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2008 Pan Am Junior Championship, looks to continue to challenge Tom Sheridan in goal.
The athletes selected for the four-game test series are: Kevin Barber, Nate Coolidge, Pat Cota, Remco Couwenbergh, Ajai Dhadwal, Jon Ginolfi, Sean Harris, Will Holt, Gurpal Kundi, Steve Mann, Shawn Nakamura, Derk Pelle, Arjan Reyatt, Rob Schilling, Ian Scally, Kevin Segeren , Andy Sheridan and Tom Sheridan.
The games will be played 28, 29, 31 October and 1 November. Following the test series, the roster for the BDO World Cup Qualifier will be selected.
The Canadian National Team, 2009 Pan American Cup champion and 2008 Olympic Games participant, is currently hosting a seven-game test series against India.
The Men's National Team currently has several players on site at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.
'The rest come in on Monday,' said Conway. 'We have a week to train together before we head up to Vancouver. Our guys have made a commitment to come in and prepare well.'
Source: USA Field Hockey
