Argentina

WITH Argentina as the super-favorite, Cuba will be fighting for a medal at the Pan-American Youth Championship in men’s hockey taking place in the Cuban capital between February 16 and 27.

“We’re hoping that the tournament will encourage participation in this sport in our country, as well as serving as a gauge for the young players, the future talents and members of the national squad,” said José Manuel González, an official for the Cuban hockey commission, to Granma International.

González indicated that 12 teams will be taking part, of which the top three will win a place at the World Championships in Holland next June.

The teams are divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of defending Pan-American titleholders Argentina, as well as Barbados, Cuba, the United States, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

In Group B: Canada, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

González described Argentina as “the big favorite for its tradition in this sport,” but he added that “Cuba will put up a strong fight” despite the players’ lack of practice with international teams and the limited preparation they have had.

For his part, Argentine youth team coach Pablo Lombi, told the Télam agency that Cuba will be “the rival to beat” and that the objective of the competition is “to qualify for the world championships”, adding that a place is guaranteed for the winner.

Meanwhile, the Cuban official mentioned rivals to be respected such as Chile, Canada and the United States.

The Cuban youth team has taken part in the world championships on two previous occasions: in 1993 and in 1998, and finished eighth and eleventh respectively. The teams are to play a round robin tournament between February 16 and 22, the semi-finals will take place on February 24 and 25 and the final on February 27. (AMG)

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