Hamburg 2018: Canada name teams

Canada have revealed their men’s and women’s teams for the 2018 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which tip off on Thursday (16 August) in Hamburg, Germany.

The teams feature 15 Paralympians, five Paralympic gold medallists and seven world champions between them. A total of nine players will also compete in their first major international competition.

Women

The women’s side will aim to defend their world title from 2014, when they won the gold medal on home court in Toronto. They have reached the podium at every Worlds since the inaugural event in 1990.

“As the defending world champions, we know we have to be at our best every game because the competition will be incredibly high,” veteran Cindy Ouellet said. “We have logged a lot of hours on court and in the gym to prepare for this event. We trust the process and in each other. We know that we are ready to take another shot at the podium in Hamburg.”

Full team

Sandrine Berube

Kady Dandeneau

Erica Gavel

Melanie Hawtin

Maude Jacques

Puisand Lai

Rosalie Lalonde

Tara Llanes

Cindy Ouellet

Tamara Steeves

Elodie Tessier

Arinn Young

Men

The men’s team are seeking a return to the podium days and have five experienced Paralympic champions on the 12-man team. After winning Paralympic gold at London 2012, the Canadians did not medal at the 2014 Worlds and 2016 Games.

David Eng and Bo Hedges serve as co-captains.

Patrick Anderson is returning to major international competition for the first time since London following a hiatus from the Canadian national team to pursue music and other interests.

“As a team, we have a tight-knit group of guys with a lot of experience and talent and I can’t wait to hit the court and show what this team can do,” Eng said.

Full team

Patrick Anderson

Vincent Dallaire

David Eng

Nikola Goncin

Bo Hedges

Colin Higgins

Chad Jassman

Lee Melymick

Tyler Miller

Ben Moronchuk

Garrett Ostepchuk

Jonathan Vermette