A contender every year on both the provincial and national stage, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey team will be looking to once again challenge for major hardware in 2023.

Last season, the Blues went undefeated during the regular season with a 9-0-1 (W-L-T) record before falling in a tightly contested one-goal provincial championship final versus York. Ready to avenge the loss, Toronto will be aiming to claim their 34^th OUA banner in program history this season, already having earned a victory and tie against NCAA opponents in Bates College and Central Michigan this preseason.

FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"I see this team impress daily. Expectations are always lofty, but that is what excellence is all about. My staff and I believe that it will be tough, but we also believe we have what it takes and we will stick with our traditions to continue towards a positive outcome. I personally am looking forward to seeing this group of talented student-athletes perform."

• Cassius Mendonca, University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Rebecca Carvalho (D/MF), Deepi Gill (GK), McKinley Kennedy (MF/F), Mia Zurkovic (F)

Key Additions: Maggie Mullins (D), Elena Esposito (D/MF), Lindsey Hills (MF), Alicia Lung (MF)

LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals: Sam McCrory | 10 GP, 20 G

Wins: Deepi Gill | 10 GP, 9 W, 5 SO

FROM THE FIELD
"This year we have an enthusiastic group of first-year players and are fortunate to have a number of experienced senior players returning. I am already impressed by the level of intensity and work ethic the team has brought in our first two weeks of preseason. We are extremely excited for the upcoming season and are hungry to bring home another OUA banner." 

• McKinley Kennedy, 3^rd year, Midfield/Forward

MARQUEE GAMES
September 17 vs. Guelph
After opening the season on the road, the Varsity Blues return home to Back Campus Fields for their first outing of the 2023 regular season on home turf. Since 2021, Toronto have won both meetings between the Blues and Gryphons, with each contest ending in a 3-0 score line in favour of U of T.

October 7 vs. York
The second game in three-days between the two rivals, Toronto will be looking to take advantage of playing on home turf to knock off the Lions in this highly-anticipated regular season matchup. Despite dropping the OUA final match a season ago, U of T still holds a 27-4-4 (W-L-T) advantage over York dating back to 2008.

October 15 vs. McGill
The final regular season match versus the opponents from Montreal will mark the conclusion of a three-game home swing for the Blue and White. Toronto will be looking to build momentum heading into the OUA playoffs, while adding to their 10-game win streak versus McGill since 2017.