The OUA defending champion University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey team will be looking to have another contending season in 2024.
 
The Blues finished the 2023 regular season with an 8-2-0 (W-L-T) record and defeated Waterloo and York to claim the OUA crown before falling to the Victoria Vikes in a best-of-three series for the U SPORTS championship. Toronto will look to add to their 35 OUA banners in program history this season. The Blues made a pre-season trip to the United Kingdom in August and won two out of three games, coming out on top against Wycombe Hockey Club and Amersham & Chalfront Hockey Club in the friendly matches.
 
FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"As we head into training camp and the beginning of the season, I'm feeling optimistic about this team. We've got a good mix of leaders and talented newcomers who are all eager to put in the hard work. Our goals are clear: build a solid foundation, create a cohesive unit, and push ourselves to be the best we can be. The expectations will always be high, and rightfully so, but what excites me most is the energy and enthusiasm I'm seeing from every player. They're coming into camp with a strong mindset and a commitment to improvement. There's not more a coach can ask"

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

 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returnees: Deepi Gill (GK), Harnoor Malhi (D), Maggie Mullins (D), McKinley Kennedy (MF), Alicia Lung (MF)
  
Key Additions: Hannah Rohrer (D), Jada Mendonça (MF/D), Charlotte (Lottie) Pennell (GK), Clara Leduc (F), Emily Rodgerson-Oakes (GK)
 
LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals: Molly Koop | 10 GP, 7 G
Wins: Deepi Gill | 10 GP, 8 W
 
FROM THE FIELD
"Pre-season in the UK was an amazing opportunity for our team to bond and unite. We took great strides forward each game and left England having checked many boxes preparing us for season. It's exciting to see moments of magic on the field and feel such a high level of connection and cohesion amongst the team already. After a disappointing end to last season at U SPORTS, we have worked hard this off season and are even more driven and determined to achieve our goal of winning a U SPORTS banner. We are incredibly excited for our season opener against Guelph and are ready to set the tone for this season and show this league what we are capable of."

• McKinley Kennedy, 4^th year, Midfield/Forward

 
MARQUEE GAMES
September 22 vs. Waterloo
The Blues open their home schedule when they play host to the Warriors on Back Campus Fields. Toronto ended Waterloo's 2023 season by ousting them from the OUA semifinal with a 1-0 win that was decided in a shootout. The Blues had previously won 15 consecutive regular season meetings against the Warriors, but dropped a 1-0 decision to Waterloo early last season before regaining the upper hand in the playoffs.
 
October 9 vs. York
The first half of a home-and-home rivalry series sees another playoff rematch for Toronto. The Blues and Lions split their two games last season before Toronto proved victorious in the OUA Final, taking down York 4-1 in a shootout after a scoreless regulation frame.
 
October 20 vs. McGill
The Blues final regular season game takes place at home on Back Campus Fields, where they will look to continue their current 12-game winning streak against the Martlets that dates back to 2017. Toronto will look to give themselves momentum in a final tune-up before what hopes to be another lengthy playoff run.