The Canadian men’s national field hockey team defeated number eight-world ranked Great Britain 1-0 Wednesday afternoon in Dublin, Ireland. It was the first match of their twelve day European Tour.
Peter Short, of Victoria, British Columbia, scored on a field goal early in the second half to secure the victory. Michael Mahood of North Vancouver earned the shutout in net.
The Canadians played a very defensive first half only receiving one offensive opportunity on a missed short corner. After taking the lead in the second half the Canadian defense once again stepped up and withstood a strong British attack in the final ten minutes.
Canada is in Ireland and the Netherlands preparing for the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Canada and Great Britain are both in Pool B of the Olympic tournament and will face each other on 17 August.
The men’s national team is ranked number fifteen in the world by the International Hockey Federation.
Canada will continue their European tour Thursday afternoon against Team Ireland and Saturday against Olympic-rival Pakistan.
FHC Press Release