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Shawn Neary of Corner Brook is gunning for a second gold medal for Team Canada at the 2106 International Street and Ball Hockey Federation Masters Championship in Banff, Alta.
The 43-year-old Corner Brook native will be patrolling the blueline for Team Canada 2 this week at the 2016 International Street and Ball Hockey Federation Masters Championship in Banff, Alta. There are three Team Canadas competing in the tournament.
Neary helped a Canadian club win gold two years ago in Tampa, a solid contributor in both ends of the rink en route to being named to the tournament’s first all-star team as a defender.
“It’s a good feeling getting picked to represent your country and try to defend the title,” Neary said Wednesday before the team’s opening game.
Neary is among the 14 returnees from the 2014 squad so he’s expected to be one of the leaders in the quest for a repeat. He has always taken pride in being an athlete in great shape, but he only has a couple of games under his belt in the local men’s ball league so he’s a little worried about how he will hold up.
“I’m a bit nervous about how I’m going to play,” he said. “I’m not in the shape I’d like to be in.”
Canada has been a force on the world ball hockey scene for a couple of years so it’s safe to say they are among the favourites.
But, Neary knows it’s going to be a tough test when there’s a target on your back.
“It’s going to be tough because everybody is gunning for us,” he said.
In opening day action on Wednesday, Neary’s Team Canada 2 defeated Italy 2-0, though he was held without a point.
The team tangles with Greece today.
