WITH over 10,000 attendees, Canada Cup 2015 was a successful and enjoyable event. The tournament, which was hosted by the West Coast Kings Field Hockey Society and sponsored by Uppal Building Supplies, Thind Properties, Freight Link Express and Parminder Thind, was held on July 10, 11 and 12 at Surrey’s Tamanawis Field.
Canada Cup is the only tournament of its kind in British Columbia and is encouraged by the community, gurdwara associations and South Asian media outlets. “Canada Cup is the best tournament in North America where people come together and watch hockey,” said Udham Singh Hundal, General Secretary of West Coast Kings Field Hockey Society.
Premier Christy Clark, Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, Olympian Pargat Singh, Jaspreet Sidhu of the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Consul in Vancouver Amarjit Singh, MP Jinny Sims, MP Jasbir Sandhu, Education Minister Peter Fassbender, Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Minister Amrik Virk, MLA Marvin Hunt (Surrey-Panorama), and Surrey Councillor Mike Starchuk attended the event.
“The tournament was definitely a treat for hockey lovers as it showcased the best teams from all over North America and highlighted the skill and talent of the players. It was a like a hockey festival,” said Hundal.
Master of Ceremonies, Amarjit Dhillon, came all the way from Dallas, Texas, to be a part of the tournament. Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji and Dr. Gulzar Cheema provided medical services during the three days.
The event also included free food for all the teams, athletes and spectators, as well as entertainment through amazing performances. The food was sponsored by Gurdwara Dashmesh Sahib and Nijjar Trucking. “About 50 volunteers worked hard in the Langar to make it a success,” adds Hundal.
The entertainment part included a beautiful performance by famous Punjabi folk singer, Satwinder Bitti, and a bhangra performance by the Surrey India Arts Club.
Highlights:
U-15 Championship
Winner: Panthers Field Hockey Club
Runner-up: Gobind Sarvar Field Hockey Club
Social Division Championship
Winner: United Brothers Field Hockey Club
Runner-up: Burnaby Lake Field Hockey Club
Women’s Premier Division
Winner: Apricot Boyz from California (First time winners of this tournament)
Runner-up: India Field Hockey Club (Canada Cup 2014 winners)
Men’s Premier Open Championship
Winner: West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club
Runner-up: India Field Hockey Club
Best goalkeeper of the tournament:
Navi Deol (West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club)
Best defender of the tournament:
Bindi Kullar (India Field Hockey Club)
Best forward of the tournament:
Daniel (West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club)
Best scorer of the tournament:
Thijs Heddema (West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club)
MVP of the tournament:
Thijs Heddema (West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club)
