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UBC T-Birds dominate Commonwealth Games rosters
Files from Field Hockey Canada
OTTAWA – Field Hockey Canada and Commonwealth Games Canada
today announced the 32 athletes who will represent Canada at the
XIXth Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India this October.
The UBC Thunderbirds will be very well represented with 17 of the
Canadian players, seven women and 10 men, either current or former
'Birds. In addition to the on-field presence, four of the eight
staffers named to the squads are former UBC coaches or players
including the men's boss, Robin D'Abreo.
As always, the field hockey competition at the Commonwealth Games
is extremely strong. Twelve of the nations competing at the Games
have participated (men) or will participate (women) in their
respective 2010 World Cups.
Notable names on the women's squad include current T-Birds Robyn
Pendleton and Abigail Raye as well as newcomer Kate Gillis.
Unfortunately for the varsity squad, none of those three players
will be available as the T-Birds try to defend their CIS national
championship this fall.
Captaining the women's side is former T-Bird Stephanie Nesbitt who
began her international career eight years ago at the 2002
Commonwealth Games in Manchester and .
“I am looking forward the Commonwealth Games in Delhi with
great enthusiasm”, said Nesbitt. “Playing in the
Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne is a highlight in my
hockey career and I know that these Games will be as memorable as
the last two. The energy and support in the Athletes’
Village is always amazing and it gives us the opportunity to meet
and cheer on fellow Canadian athletes.”
The men's team features seven current UBC players who play on the
T-Birds club squad. The team, which has climbed into the top ten in
the recently released world rankings, will be led by two-time
Olympians Ken Pereira and Rob Short, both of whom are heading into
their forth Commonwealth Games.
They open their competition on October 5, against South Africa
before playing against England, Trinidad & Tobago, and New
Zealand to wrap up the pool round.
The women’s team open their competition on October 4 against
Malaysia, then will play pool games against England, Wales and New
Zealand.
For the full roster, go to the Field Hockey Canada website.
Source:
UBC Sports Info
