Field hockey in Canada
Encyclopedia
In Canada, field hockey is generally restricted to spring, summer and early autumn seasons, except in southwestern British Columbia
, where it can be played year-round. It is principally a girls' sport in schools, but is played by both men and women in adult leagues across the country. In the late 1990s, registered membership was just over 10.000 (8.200 women and 1.200 men) and the estimated total playing population, including school players, was 30.000.
The modern form of field hockey was first played in Canada in British Columbia. In 1896, the first recorded match in Canada was played by Vancouver girls, and the Vancouver Ladies Club was formed. Men were also playing at the turn of the century in Vancouver
and Victoria
, and a Vancouver League came into existence in 1902. The first women's organization in Canada was formed in Vancouver in 1927.
After World War II
, the immigration of players to Canada from all parts of the Commonwealth of Nations
influenced the establishment of field hockey across the country, and by 1959 the game was being played in the Maritimes, Ontario and Alberta. The Canadian (men's) Field Hockey Association was founded in 1961; the Canadian Women's FHA a year later. In 1992 the CFHA and the CWFHA merged to form Field Hockey Canada
.
International contests have increased markedly since the 1950s. The Canadian women's team
participated in the women's international tournament for the first time in 1956. In 1979 Canada hosted 18 countries in Vancouver for that world event; Canada placed 8th. The 1978 Canadian team was the first to enter the Women's World Cup, placing 5th.
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, where it can be played year-round. It is principally a girls' sport in schools, but is played by both men and women in adult leagues across the country. In the late 1990s, registered membership was just over 10.000 (8.200 women and 1.200 men) and the estimated total playing population, including school players, was 30.000.
The modern form of field hockey was first played in Canada in British Columbia. In 1896, the first recorded match in Canada was played by Vancouver girls, and the Vancouver Ladies Club was formed. Men were also playing at the turn of the century in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
and Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
, and a Vancouver League came into existence in 1902. The first women's organization in Canada was formed in Vancouver in 1927.
After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the immigration of players to Canada from all parts of the Commonwealth of Nations
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
influenced the establishment of field hockey across the country, and by 1959 the game was being played in the Maritimes, Ontario and Alberta. The Canadian (men's) Field Hockey Association was founded in 1961; the Canadian Women's FHA a year later. In 1992 the CFHA and the CWFHA merged to form Field Hockey Canada
Field Hockey Canada
Field Hockey Canada is the National Sports Organization responsible for the development and growth of field hockey in Canada. In collaboration with provincial and club members, FHC provides programs and resources to support the field hockey community from the pitch to the podium. FHC is...
.
International contests have increased markedly since the 1950s. The Canadian women's team
Canada women's national field hockey team
The Canada women's national field hockey team represents Canada in international field hockey competitions. The women's team made its first international appearance at the 1978 Women's Hockey World Cup in Madrid, Spain, finishing in fifth place....
participated in the women's international tournament for the first time in 1956. In 1979 Canada hosted 18 countries in Vancouver for that world event; Canada placed 8th. The 1978 Canadian team was the first to enter the Women's World Cup, placing 5th.
See also
- Canada men's national field hockey team
- Canada women's national field hockey teamCanada women's national field hockey teamThe Canada women's national field hockey team represents Canada in international field hockey competitions. The women's team made its first international appearance at the 1978 Women's Hockey World Cup in Madrid, Spain, finishing in fifth place....