Tsawwassen's Mark Pearson sees the Four Nation Classic field hockey tournament as a good gauge for the Canadian men's team as it prepares for the upcoming Pan American Games.
"This is a chance to test ourselves and get a leg up on the opposition as we head into that tournament," Pearson, 24, said Tuesday.
So far, so good.
Canada was 3-0 heading into yesterday's game against Chile (the team was scheduled to play after the Optimist's press deadline), having outscored their opposition 8-2 in the process.
Canada's men's team is playing against Chile and Trinidad and Tobago at the Four Nation Classic, which wraps up on Sunday at UBC, while the national women's team plays those same two countries as well as Japan.
Pearson, who scored a goal last Friday against Trinidad and Tobago, said October's Pan Am Games in Guadalajara is a "huge tournament" for Canada and notes there's a qualifying spot for next year's London Olympics at stake.
"I feel really confident. We've got a young team. We're all working hard," said Pearson, who's listed as a forward/midfielder on Field Hockey Canada's website.
Chile and Trinidad and Tobago will be at the tournament as well.
"Hopefully in the next four games we can show these guys we are a superior team and give them less confidence if we have to face them in a semifinal at the Pan Am Games."
Pearson was a member of the Canadian field hockey team that finished 10th at the Beijing Games in 2008 and wants to return to the Olympics sooner than later.
"Obviously the ultimate goal is London."
The Tsawwassen native has played the last two seasons on a club team in Germany. His team won the league championship in June.
"This year we had a great run in the second half," he said.
His experience in Europe was a fun one, he said, noting that in addition to picking up a new language, he adapted to a more defensive and structured style of play.
"I think that my game has improved a lot over the last two years."
Tsawwassen's Rob Short, another member of the national field hockey team, enjoyed success on the club level in Europe as well.
His team, HGC, which is based in the Netherlands, won this year's Euro Hockey League tournament, a competition between the top field hockey clubs in Europe.
Short was also named the tournament's most valuable player.
Tsawwassen product Sara McManus is a playing for the Canadian development team at the Four Nation Classic.
