Mark Pearson has received international recognition for his outstanding play with Canada's senior men's field hockey team.
The 26-year-old from Tsawwassen was named to the 2013 Pan American Elite Team, along with Canadian teammates Scott Tupper and Matthew Guest.
Since 2007, Pan American Elite Teams have been named every two years to identify the top players in the Pan American region. Hockey specialists present at the 2013 Pan American Cups were consulted for the selection of this year's Elite Teams.
This is the first time Pearson has been recognized in his career. The Delta Falcon product has 138 senior caps to his credit and played for Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2010 World Cup. He has also played professionally in Germany.
Field hockey has always been a big part of his family. His youngest sister Vanessa
helped the South Delta Sun Devils place second at last month's provincial "AAA" high school championships.
Pearson is expected to have a leading role as Canada tries to get back to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. The hosts were second at this summer's Pan American Cup in Brampton, ON.
"This is fantastic recognition for Scott, Mark and Matt and underlines all the hard work and preparation that goes into playing at a consistently high level throughout a major tournament," said Anthony Farry, head coach, of the men's national team. "All three have demonstrated a high level of leadership within the program, each in a different capacity."
