Exciting news for hockey enthusiasts as Field Hockey Canada proudly announces Surrey, BC, as the official host city for the much-anticipated 2024 Junior Pan American Championship! Set to unfold at Tamanawis Park in June, this event promises to be a celebration of top-tier junior women’s and men’s hockey talent over eight action-packed days.
This announcement marks the second time Canada will host the Junior Pan American Championship, following the successful hosting in Toronto in 2016. The tournament has since traveled to Chile and Barbados, making its return to Canadian soil a momentous occasion.
Field Hockey Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Susan Ahrens, expressed her excitement about regularly hosting international hockey events, emphasizing the thrill for athletes and officials to compete on home turf in front of family and friends. She highlighted the benefits of showcasing hockey at its highest levels to the community, stating that hosting such events is integral to Field Hockey Canada’s strategic plan.
The Canadian teams, poised as favorites in the tournament alongside Argentina, Chile, and the USA, enter the competition with strong performances in recent years. The Junior Women’s Team clinched gold in 2021 and secured a commendable fourth-place finish in 2023, earning back-to-back qualifications for the Junior World Cups. Meanwhile, the Canadian Junior Men’s side has consistently impressed, earning silver in three of the last four Junior Pan American Championships.
Alberto “coco” Budeisky, President of the Pan American Hockey Federation, expressed his delight in bringing the best of the Pan Americas to Surrey, BC, for an unforgettable week of hockey. He praised Canada’s rich history of supporting and promoting field hockey, expressing confidence in the country’s ability to deliver an exceptional experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.
The tournament, hosted at Tamanawis Park with the support of the City of Surrey, India Hockey Club, and Dashmesh Field Hockey Club, promises to be a memorable event. Ahrens highlighted the fantastic venue and the support of the local community, ensuring the championship is delivered to the highest standards.
Field Hockey Canada, in collaboration with provincial organizations and partners across the BC mainland, will work tirelessly to create a festival-like atmosphere around the tournament. The celebration of hockey in June 2024 will include a Hall of Fame and other celebratory events, promising an unforgettable experience for the entire community.
In an exciting development, Matchvue has been announced as the official streaming partner for the event, ensuring that all games will be live-streamed at matchvue.com in Canada. Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer, and let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of hockey in Surrey, BC!