Canada’s Stephanie Jameson remains focused as milestone looms

Ritu Sejwal, TNN

NEW DELHI: Stephanie Jameson, who learnt hockey from her mother Sue, will add another memento to the family’s credentials bag when she becomes the most capped player from Canada. Sue played for the national team in the 70s, and following in her footsteps are Stephanie, her brother David who plays for the men’s national team and sister Katie plays for UBC Thunderbirds.

Stephanie, who has represented Canada 162 times, will overtake Laurelee Kopeck (163 caps) when she plays the second match in the Olympic qualifiers — against India. “It’s kind of cool, but I don’t feel much right now as the focus is on the tournament. May be once the qualifiers are over the feeling might sink in,” Stephanie said after a gruelling practice session on Sunday.

Canada open their campaign against Italy. The last time the Canadian women’s team qualified for Olympics was in 1992 and the 30-year-old defender from Canada feels the team is improving with time. “We are building up, it’s a junior team and positive changes are happening,” Stephanie said.

Stephanie last visited India during the Commonwealth Games and plans to visit some places if time permits. “We don’t have any special plans, let’s see if we get some time… we may go visiting a few places,” she said.

For Canada’s chief coach Louis Mendonca, a visit to hometown in Goa is not on the cards. His priority after the qualifiers will be his wife Cheryl’s birthday. On the qualifiers, Mendonca said it will be a test of the team’s progress.

“Every team is tough. They have come here to do what we have. India is a different team from the one we hosted in Canada, they are more refined. So it’s going to be very interesting,” Mendonca said. “Indian coaches and players are blessed with skills. We have to work hard to polish our technical skills. But we have a lot of speed in our game,” he added.

The sport may not have gained much in popularity back home but the national body has invested in the game and the results are likely to show by 2016 and beyond, the coach said. “The organisation has invested heavily and gives full support in terms of nutritionist, physiotherapist and other support staff. We now have everything that the men’s team has. We have build for the future now,” he said.