The Underwater Hockey Canadian National Championships are being held in Cornwall from May 25-27.
More than 100 athletes from up to 13 teams from across the country are expected to participate in the competition, which is organized by the Canadian Underwater Games Association, in association with the Cornwall Underwater Hockey Club. Players of all ages will be in attendance as the National Championships are open to all players: juniors, men, women, and masters.
The championships will be held at the Nav Centre, with additional games being held at the Cornwall Aquatic Centre.
“I am expecting a high level of competition from all across Canada for this tournament.” said Adam Jocksch, president of the Canadian Underwater Games Association. “The local organizers are doing an excellent job and everyone is looking forward to the championships.”
Many players from across Canada will also be attending the nationals to try and qualify for the Canadian national teams. The players who qualify for the national teams will move on to compete in the Americas Cup, an international event where teams from North and South American countries compete for the cup (August 2012 in Milwaukee, WI). Some of the players who make the official Canadian teams will go on to participate in the world championships which will be tentatively held in South Africa in 2013.
“I am pleased to welcome the athletes, coaches, officials and underwater hockey fans to Cornwall,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “Cornwall is developing a great reputation for hosting athletic events of the highest calibre and I hope everybody enjoys our world-class facilities.”
