By Travis Seymour
The men’s national hockey squad of Guyana is set to make a comeback to the Indoor Pan American Cup after a hiatus of seven years with aspirations to secure a spot in the forthcoming World Cup.
The World Cup, slated to commence on March 19th, 2025, in Alberta, Canada, serves as the ultimate goal for the team.
Guyana’s last appearance in the Indoor Pan American Cup dates back to 2017, held in Georgetown, where they clinched the fourth position following a defeat to Canada in the bronze medal match-up.
Their most recent achievement in indoor hockey came in 2014 in Uruguay, where they secured a bronze medal.
Robert Fernandes, head coach of Guyana’s senior men’s program, acknowledges the significance of the indoor game in the country’s quest for World Cup qualification.
Despite the challenges posed by the lengthy absence from the cup, Fernandes remains optimistic about their chances.
The team, currently ranked 32nd in world indoor hockey, faces tough opponents in their campaign.
They commence their journey against the 10th-ranked Argentina and subsequently clash with the 8th-ranked USA.
The lineup also includes matches against host Canada (ranked 19th) and neighboring Trinidad and Tobago (ranked 17th) before heading into the semi-finals and finals scheduled for March 22.
Former national player and Level 2 FIH coach, Shane Samuels, will lead the team as coach, supported by Coach Robert Fernandes in a technical capacity.
The squad features overseas-based players such as Jamarj Assanah and Andrew Stewart from England, and Aroydy Branford from the USA.
Notable members of the shortlisted squad include veteran Captain Robert France, goalkeeper Medroy Scotland, and others.
With their eyes firmly set on the World Cup berth, Guyana’s national hockey squad gears up for an intense competition at the Indoor Pan American Hockey Cup.