The best Canadian university and college squash players will arrive at the University of Toronto’s Athletic Centre this weekend, March 5-7, to compete in the 2010 Black Knight Canadian University and Colleges squash championships, hosted by the University of Toronto.

The open championships will showcase the top men’s and women’s squash players in the country with the winners of both events to represent Canada at the FISU world university squash championships, July 10-18, in Melbourne, Australia.

Two-time defending champion Graeme Schnell of the University of Calgary will be looking for a third consecutive win on the men’s side of the draw. while the 2010 OUA rookie of the year Brian Hong of the Western Mustangs looks to keep his undefeated streak alive and challenge Schnell for the gold medal.

The Mustangs Stephanie Edmison will not be back to defend her title this year, which leaves the women’s competition wide open. Ranked No.21 in Squash Canada’s most recent listing, Manitoba’s Nikole Todd is the highest ranked player and will face some strong competition from Erin Roberts. OUA’s rookie of the year, Roberts led the Queen’s Gaels to their second conference championship title in two years. The 2009 women’s open silver medallist, Micaala Seth, from the University of Waterloo will also be competing for the top spot this weekend.

Varsity Blues No. 1 Adrian Pond will lead a strong Toronto men’s team across all the divisions, while Megan Northey heads a strong Blues contingent. The women will be looking to follow up their recent OUA bronze medal success with wins in other divisional categories.

The championships kick off on Friday at 4 p.m. and wrap up on Sunday with the women’s open final is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. with the men’s final to follow at 3 p.m. The event is free and all spectators are welcome.