The York University Lion’s women’s field hockey team is competing in and hosting the inaugural 2024 Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship, taking place Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. The restructured competition will determine the champion of women’s university field hockey in Canada.
The 2024 Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship is the result of a partnership between U Sports, the national sport governing body for universities across the country, and Field Hockey Canada, the organization responsible the development and growth of the sport overall.
Previously called the U Sports Field Hockey Championship, this new iteration of the competition has expanded the number of participating teams from two to four, to offer more inclusive, national representation of all three university conferences.
Over the course of the tournament, teams will compete in a round-robin format to determine who will go on to medal matches. The two top teams after the round-robin matches will play for the gold medal, and the other two will play for bronze.
York being selected to host the inaugural iteration of the new championship format is a point of pride and excitement for those in the Department of Athletics & Recreation.
“We are proud to be partnering with Field Hockey Canada to host the 2024 Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship,” noted Steven Chuang, executive director of athletics and recreation, in a press release. “In hosting this event, Athletics & Recreation is reaffirming its commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience, contribution to the University’s reputation for excellence, and strengthening the bond between athletics, academics and community engagement at York University.”
Alex Dominato, director of athletics, expressed his enthusiasm too, believing hosting the tournament will raise the profile of the Lions’ field hockey program across the country.
“Hosting the inaugural Field Hockey Canada U Sports Invitational Championship is a significant milestone for our field hockey program, showcasing its continued prominence on a national stage,” Dominato said.
The York Lions field hockey team is entering the championship with some strong positive momentum, having recently earned an Ontario University Athletics bronze medal on Oct. 27.
The win builds on a strong 9-3 winning record this past season, and – thanks to York hosting the tournament – with home court advantage, hopes are higher for more success.
The York Lions play their first game today, Oct. 31 at 4:30 p.m. They play again on Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 12:30 p.m. If they advance, they’ll either compete in the bronze medal match on Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. or the gold medal match at 1 p.m.
With files from the Department of Athletics & Recreation