National hockey stalwart Ulrica Sutherland says that the team will be utilizing their trip to the Canada International Championships to prepare for the difficult PAHF Cup in Argentina from September 21 – 28, 2013 and she said the game needs artificial turf for training.
The team which is coached by Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) President Philip Fernandes and managed by Rawl Davson comprises 17 players. They will depart these shores tomorrow and will return on June 17th. The competition runs from June 12th to June 16th.
Sutherland in an interview via telephone stated “We are hoping to do well and get a lot of practice to see if we need to improve on anything as there is always room for improvement.
According to the combative sweeper, the team is better prepared physically compared to their previous outings.
“We are hoping to win even though we will be competing against more experienced players. The team is much fitter compared to a few years back as we spend a lot of time working on endurance, speed and strength training. We know we have the skills to match them and winning this tournament would be a great boost before Argentina” added Sutherland.
Asked what more can be done to help develop the sport locally, Sutherland noted “Hockey needs an artificial turf to train on because when it rains it’s almost impossible to practice”.
Coach Fernandes in an invited comment stated the main goal of their trip is to expose the players to tough competition on an artificial surface before heading to Argentina.
“Experience is a big factor when it comes to international competition and the more genuine competition we can afford our team, the better our chances of success when it counts. Very importantly also is being able to train and play on the artificial grass on which our players have very limited playing time” said Fernandes.
Questioned about his expectations for the team, Fernandes stated that emphasis will not be placed on winning every match as the primary objective will be to test and expose the team to different situations, formations and tactics.
“We need to experiment a bit by putting players under pressure in different positions on the field to see how they respond and whether they are able to perform” said Fernandes.
According to Fernandes a selection committee made up of the Coach, Team Manager and three senior players was responsible for selecting the team.
“While it is an unusual method to include players in their own selection, our small pool of players means that a few of our top players cannot be denied unless they are absent from training or injured.
This selection panel is greatly responsible for the success of the team and is therefore motivated to ensure they make the best selection based on getting the best possible outcome in the international competition” added Fernandes.
