Canada’s men are defending champions of the Oct. 14-30 Pan Am Games tournament, the top-ranked Pan American team after its first-place finish at the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro. Canada is ranked 10th among men’s teams in the world.

More valuable than the gold medal is a place in the 12-team men’s field in London. It will be the fifth Pan Am Games for both Short and team captain Pereira, who was Canada’s flag bearer at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi last fall.

“The team is looking forward to it, especially since this will be our first opportunity to qualify for London 2012,” Pereira said. “Those of us who have been to the Olympics want to go back – and we are excited for the new guys to experience what it’s like to compete in an Olympic qualifier. The summer has been great preparation... There is a good mix of young players and veterans.”

Men's Schedule & Information for 2011 Pan American Games Field Hockey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_hockey_at_the_2011_Pan_American_Games_%E2%80%93_Men%27s_tournament

Argentina's Women are defending champions, and the Top Ranked Women's Team in the world. They have already secured a spot at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Women's Schedule & Information for 2011 Pan American Games Field Hockey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_hockey_at_the_2011_Pan_American_Games_%E2%80%93_Women%27s_tournament