Field Hockey Canada has officially unveiled a new national initiative for hockey players over the age of thirty-five. The newly minted “Canada Masters Hockey” property will see National Masters sides competing in major International events as early as the Fall of 2015.

The Canada Masters Hockey initiative supports Field Hockey Canada’s strategic objective of developing and strengthening field hockey across the country and fostering a robust Canadian hockey family. Engaging Master level athletes, the Canada Masters Hockey program will provide field hockey players of all ages the opportunity to continue participation in the sport at an international level.

“Canada Masters Hockey is a crucial link in engaging our field hockey community across the country,” says Field Hockey Canada President Ian Baggott. “This initiative will encourage this influential segment of our population to continue to support, play and enjoy this wonderful sport.”

The first competition in which the Masters team will represent Canada is planned for September 2015 in Tucumán, Argentina. Teams from around the world will gather to compete in the Pan American Masters event, created with support from the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

A steering committee of Baggott, longstanding contributor to Field Hockey Canada from Ontario Ed Fernandez, Field Hockey Canada Chief Executive Jeff Sauvé, Vancouver resident and former Olympian John McBryde, and two former Women’s National Team and FHC Hall of Fame inaugural inductees, Nancy Mollenhauer and Sharon Creelman, will oversee the initial development of Canada Masters Hockey.

For athletes who are interested in being involved with future tours and to be added to the distribution list, please email Ian Baggott (ian@baggott.ca).

Source: Field Hockey Canada (Shaheed Devji)