VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds will be incredibly well represented at the upcoming Women's Field Hockey World Cup as eight alumnae have been named to Team Canada's Roster for the 2022 event which kicks off Canada Day in Spain.

Competing at the FIH Hockey World Cup for the first time in 28 years, the Canadian Women's National Team opens up pool-stage play against the co-host Spaniards (the Netherlands are also hosting competition) in the city of Terrassa, on the outskirts of Barcelona.

"This is an amazing moment for our program and for our community members," said UBC Women's Field Hockey Head Coach Poonam Sandhu. "Anytime one of our athletes is chosen to represent Canada we are proud. At UBC, we hope to provide our athletes with a space where they can continue to work on their craft and build on skills that will help them create a strong foundation in any arena. To see so many of our alumni on this roster, goes to show the importance of building skills both on and off the field."

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Headlining the eight T-Birds alumnae is Team Canada captain Natalie Sourisseau who leads the red and white into their first World Cup competition since 1994 in Dublin, Ireland.

Fellow Thunderbirds and National Team veterans headed to Spain include Hannah Haughn, Sara McManus, and Shanlee Johnston.

Rowan Harris heads to the biggest stage as one of two Canadian goalkeepers while recent UBC graduates Jordyn Faiczak and Sara Goodman have also been named to the squad.

UBC graduating forward Thora Rae is also Spain bound as one of two travelling reserve roster members.

In addition to the eight Thunderbird athletes named to Team Canada, UBC video analyst Paul Mounter is part of the coaching staff, acting in the same capacity.

30 DAYS TO GO UNTIL #HWC2022!

We're just a month away from the kickoff of the world's biggest hockey stage... stay tuned to @fieldhockeycan and @canwolfpack as we count down to Spain! ?? pic.twitter.com/uPwdv4w52L

— Field Hockey Canada (@FieldHockeyCan) June 1, 2022

"The resilience and dedication that our senior and junior national athletes here at UBC have shown has been nothing but amazing," added Poonam, referencing the many challenges the pandemic placed on athletes and competitions both here at UBC and across the globe. "This is an amazing time for our sport in Canada and is a true example of the power of will. From the current thunderbirds, I want to thank the alumni for their resilience, dedication and hard work."

Grouped in a pool with Spain, Argentina, and Korea, the Canadians will face the co-hosts in the tournament opening match on July 1^st at Terrassa's Olympic Stadium.

Canada will then face Korea two days later and wrap up the group stage July 7^th when they face the Argentinians.

The 2022 FIH Hockey World Cup wraps up with the medal matches on Sunday, July 17^th.