Canada: Junior Pan American Championships Reflections

Junior Pan American Success in Surrey 

The Junior Pan American Field Hockey Championships, held in Surrey, BC, showcased the top young talent from the Pan American region. The tournament featured six teams each in the junior men’s and women’s divisions, including the host nation, Canada. The tournament ran at Tamanawis Park, from July 3-12, 2024.

In the women’s division, Canada demonstrated resilience and growth. Although they finished fifth overall, their journey included two victories over Mexico. Despite losses to the top four teams, which qualified for the Junior World Cup scheduled for fall 2025, the Canadian team showed significant improvement throughout the tournament. Notable performances came from Ajax’s Nicole Poulakis, North Vancouver’s Brooke McCusker, and Ottawa’s Kenzie Girgis. The team’s future looks bright, with at least ten athletes eligible for the next Junior Pan American Championships. 

The Canadian men’s team had a stellar performance, finishing pool play with a 3-1-1 record. Their highlight was a dramatic semifinal win over Chile, secured in the last minutes of play, which propelled them to the finals and earned them an automatic berth to the Junior World Cup. With only four athletes graduating from the junior division after this tournament, the core of the team remains intact, promising a strong showing in 2025. 

The tournament provided an invaluable experience for the young Canadian athletes, giving them a chance to compete in a major international competition on home soil. The community’s support was overwhelming, with thousands of fans attending the matches over seven competition days at Tamanawis Park in Surrey. The enthusiastic crowds created an electric atmosphere, underscoring the tight-knit and community feeling of the sport in Canada. 

Field Hockey Canada takes pride in having hosted such a prestigious event, following the successful Indoor Pan Am tournament in March. The Junior Pan American Championships in July marks another significant step in Canada’s rich hosting legacy, showcasing the country’s commitment to developing field hockey and providing its athletes with world-class competition opportunities.