The USA men's team to play a four-game series with Trinidad & Tobago this week has been announced.
Matches are scheduled for 13-17 July in Virginia Beach. All games are open to the public and there is no charge for admission.
A mix of veteran international players and bright new stars recently selected at USA Field Hockey's Men's National Championships, the team for the series features eight members 2003 Pan American Games team.
The series represents the debut of some of the men's squad's promising new additions. Goalkeeper Brett Dunn and defenders Mick Harner and Ryan Sherburne will look to earn their first international caps while Jen Cunningham, Jon Ginolfi, Malachi Mahon will look to gain additional international experience at the series.
'Results are always important,' said US coach Nick Conway on the USA's approach to the series.
'However in this series, we hope to develop in the internal workings of the team. Specifically, we want to develop the leadership and the ability to handle pressure that are essential for international success. If we can develop these elements of our professional behaviour, I have no doubt we will continue to grow and develop with our on-field structure.'
For Trinidad & Tobago, the matches represent a final tune-up before competing in the Central America and Caribbean Games. The top two teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2007 Pan American Games.
The CAC tournament is of special interest to the U.S. men in that it could determine the USA's opponent in a best-of-three series to determine the final berth in the Pan Am Games. The USA will play either a Central America/Caribbean team or a South American team in the qualifying series to be held in early 2007.
Trinidad & Tobago is currently ranked 23rd (tie) in the world standings while the USA ranks 27th.
USA Men
Pat Cota, Jen Cunningham, Brett Dunn, Pat Harris, Mick Harner, Shawn Hindy, Binh Hoang, Jon Ginolfi, Malachi Mahon, Jarred Martin, Shawn Nakamura, Arjan Reyatt, Ian Scally, Brian Schledorn, Ryan Sherburne, Jason Wellings
