Canada opens field hockey tour with win over Britain

The Canadian’s men’s national field hockey team won their first match of a 12-day European tour, downing Great Britain 1-0 in Dublin, Ireland.

A press release from Field Hockey Canada reported that Peter Short of Victoria scored on a field goal early in the second half and goalkeeper Michael Mahood of North Vancouver recorded a shutout.

Great Britain is ranked eighth in the world in field hockey.

The Canadians came out strong on defense, with Great Britain’s only offensive opportunity a missed short corner. In the second half, Canada continued its tough play, fighting off Britain’s strong offensive pressure in the last 10 minutes.

Team Canada is preparing for the Beijing Games by competing in various matches in Ireland and the Netherlands. It will meet Great Britain early on in China, as both teams are grouped in pool B and are scheduled to play each other on August 17.  

The Canadian men’s team is ranked 15th in the world and plays Ireland on Thursday and Pakistan on Saturday.