VANCOUVER – Four members of the UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey team are currently in China taking part in an evaluation camp for the Chinese national program.

Shiayli Toni, Emily Costales, Jenna Fletcher, and Tiffany Chiu are all in Shenzen, China for the week-long evaluation camp which is intended to identify players of Chinese descent that may potentially join their national program in the lead up to the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

"I've never been to China and I know none of the others have been either so the chance to go together is a pretty unique experience," said Costales who led the entire Canada West in rookie scoring last season with 13 points. "I'm looking forward to meeting other players and to see how their program is developing."

Chinese head coach Digit Murphy had previously seen all four Thunderbirds in action last fall when team China played UBC in an exhibition game. Murphy is also the head coach of HC Kunlun Red Star competing in the Canadian Women's Hockey League.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for these players," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "From talking to the coaches they all have a shot at cracking a spot on the Chinese national team and maybe playing in the Olympics one day. It's pretty neat the relationship we're building with them and they'll be coming back again for a third year in a row to play us in exhibition in Vancouver. It says a lot to what we're building as a program."

The Beijing Games may be a ways down the road, but the four Thunderbirds will also be gunning for a chance to join the Chinese World Championship squad.

"Two years ago I didn't even think this was an option," added Costales. "To have this be a possibility down the road, it's awesome and something to look forward to and train extra hard for."