TORONTO – December 1 –The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada (NBHAC) in conjunction with the High Performance Committee is pleased to announce the roster for Men’s Team Canada that will attempt to retain the gold they won in 2013. The 2015 World Ball Hockey Federation (WBHF) Championships will be hosted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in May 24-31, 2015.
For the 22 players named today, twenty-one are returning from the Junior World Championship teams in 2008, 2010, 2012 & 2014 along with the Men’s World Champion in 2013. These players with international experience know what it takes to play and compete at this level and there is a good blend of veterans and mix of youth from the junior ranks. Our team was selected, not just on high calibre skills, but for their personalities and community backgrounds as well.
High Performance Director, Steve Dockerty, who was heavily responsible for the restructuring which took place in the international program stated, “our strength in the junior program is beginning to show the years of success with the number of graduating players to the senior squad. We want players that will be part of the Team Canada family for years to come.’ The High Performance Program has been established to create continuity consisting of strong individuals across the country with involvement in the various national teams at the adult levels.
Dockerty continued about the coaching staff, we have such a strong group of coaches, with Nelson Lajeunesse, Barry Greer and Daniel Ranalli whom all have had success at the Provincial, National and International levels of play and all have the experience and strong technical backgrounds who will lead these men.
Commenting on the goal of the 2015 teams Dockerty adds, “we have a Mission Statement - To prepare and assemble a team of ball hockey players from Canada to compete for gold at the WBHC. To field a team that sets extraordinary standards for competitiveness, sportsmanship and team continuity. To create a ‘life experience’ for members of MTC and officials.” Dockerty added, “that truly is our goal, to compete for gold, but also to set exceptional standards for the players and team officials.
Ball Hockey is an amazing sport and these young men are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to compete with the best in the world and absorb the host city.” Dockerty concluded with “The ultimate goal is to ensure each player has a life experience that he can take with him for years to come.”
The association’s President, Steve Rumsey, was pleased with the scouting, selection and acceptance of the players chosen for the club.
Rumsey has been a part of ball hockey for over thirty years and attended the 2013 World Championship event as a fan. “It is not only what will take place on the floor for these men, as most have played for Canada and have become a family” said Rumsey. “As these men grow up and have families it won’t be the medals that they come home with that will be mostly remembered, it will be the experience of visiting this part of the world, and we as management, coaches and mentors want to make sure it truly is a trip of a lifetime for them” added Rumsey.
“On behalf of the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada, I would like to congratulate the players and staff named today, along with their provincial associations, leagues, club teams, families, coaches and officials who have helped them along the way,” said Steve Rumsey, NBHAC President. With that said, it is with great pride that we present you the 2015 Men’s Team Canada players:
Goalies: Kevin Bailie, Paul Zarnett ~ Defenseman: Victor Azevedo, Matt De Persiis, Hayden Cole, Frankie Edgecombe, Ryan Gieseler, Steven Head, Tyler Mac Pherson, Jonathan O’Hara ~ Forwards: Andrew Courtney, Josh Cousineau, Charlie Giffin, Darcy Greenaway, Denver Greer, Evan Greer, Shawn Hannon, Anthony Loveless, Justin Maiolino, Nathan Moon, Matthew Paul, Mike Porter, Jacob Robitaille and Robert Shilton
Your Passion…Your Dedication…Play Like A Champion…Play Like Team Canada…Commit To The Culture of Excellence….We Are Canada
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