Members of the Canadian National Women’s Polo Canoe Team at the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. (Photo credit: James Petryk)
WROCLAW, POLAND (July 30, 2017) – Despite a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Netherlands in their final match of the tournament, a Top 6 finish in Women’s Canoe Polo at the World Games is proof that Canada belongs amongst the top international teams.
Over 7 matches, Team Canada posted some encouraging results, including a win over host Poland and a tie with the eventual bronze medalists from Italy.
“It’s exciting to know that when you put together a team of our best athletes, and we prepare properly, then we can compete with the best teams in the world,” said James Petryk, Team Canada Manager. “And with Canada hosting the Canoe Polo World Championships next summer, it’s a great confidence builder.”
The 2018 Canoe Polo World Championships will be staged in Welland, Ontario next August and will include Canadian men’s and women’s teams at both the U21 and Senior levels.
Germany took gold in both the men’s and women’s events at this year’s World Games and are the early favourites for top prize at next year’s world championships in Canada.
“We had some real highlights, but wish we could have ended on a higher note,” said Team Canada Captain, Kristina O’Brien (Edmonton, AB). “But, overall, this was a great experience.”
“This was the highlight of my polo career,” added veteran Christie Siddle (Calgary, AB). “One of my favorite moments was the national pride I felt when the Canadian women’s lacrosse team came to cheer us on and lift us to a tie against Italy. That’s what these multi-sport games are all about.”
Canoe polo is a full-contact sport where teams of five paddlers (with three reserves) attempt to score a ball into the opponent’s goal, which is suspended above the water, while paddling in specially-made canoes. Players can pass to each other and shoot on goal by either throwing the ball or flicking it with their paddles.
Roster
Chaz Cheung (Edmonton, AB)
Mary Lukasik (St. Albert, AB)
Athena Hauck (Grande Prairie, AB)
Sarah Kerestes (Grande Prairie, AB)
Kristina O’Brien (Edmonton, AB)
Hannah Patrick (Calahoo, AB)
Kassandra Reaume (Morinville, AB)
Christie Siddle (Calgary, AB)
Coach – Brad Cameron (Grande Prairie, AB)
Coach – Stephen Gale (Radium, BC)
Team Manager – James Petryk (Edmonton, AB)
Team Sport Scientist – Scott Forbes (Penticton, BC)
About Canoe Kayak Canada
Canoe Kayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada, one of Canada’s top performing summer sports with a total of 24 Olympic medals, and a leader in the Paralympic movement. Canoe Kayak Canada is a member-based organization that includes an intricate network of clubs as well as provincial, territorial and divisional paddling associations. Elite National Team athletes proudly represent Canada at various competitions around the globe – most notably the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, ICF World Cups as well as Junior, Under 23 and Senior World Championships. Follow Canoe Kayak Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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For more information:
James Cartwright
High Performance Manager
613.715 0727