Varsity Blues field hockey assistant coach Shankar Premakanthan and recent Faculty of Physical Education and Health graduate Adam Ali helped Canada to a gold medal finish at the 2010 men’s indoor Pan American field hockey championships, August 9-15, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.

Canada’s goalkeeper, Premakanthan allowed only 11 goals against and led Canada to a perfect 6-0 record en route to the gold medal. Ali scored four goals in six games, including the opening tally in the gold-medal match.

Canada handily won their pool with victories over Guyana, Peru, Argentina and Venezuela before defeating Trinidad & Tobago 5-1 in the semifinals.

The final showdown between Canada and the United States was a fast-pace affair, with Canada ultimately coming out on top 6-3. The win also guaranteed the Canadians a spot in the 2011 Indoor World Cup which is set to take place in February in Poznan, Poland.

Also at this tournament and playing for Canada’s national women’s team were Varsity Blues field hockey player Katy-Jo Williams and alumni Jenna Adleman, Kristen Shier and Malinda Hapuarachchi. The women’s team went 1-0-2 in pool play and defeated Venezuela 3-0 to finish fifth at the championships.

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