Four North Shore field hockey players helped Canada's national women's team claim bronze at the Pan American Cup held recently in Mendoza, Argentina.
Hannah Haughn, Jessica Barnett, Stephanie Norlander and Ashley Kristen all suited up as Canada made the bronze medal game where they topped Chile in a 2-1 thriller.
The Canadians finished second in their pool, losing only to the defending world champions from Argentina. That put the Canadians into the semifinals where they suffered their second loss of the tournament, this time to the powerful United States.
Canada jumped out to a 1-0 lead early in the bronze medal match but Chile equalized to make it 1-1 at halftime. In the second half Canada again scored early and then shut the door from there with some frantic defending that included Barnett making a stellar clearance from her team's goal line to prevent a sure goal.
The win gave Canada their first medal at the tournament since 2004.
North Vancouver's Russell Coffin suited up for Surrey United as the team earned the title of national champions in winning the Canadian Soccer Association's U-16 Cup last weekend in Kamloops.
United knocked off Ontario's Vaughan Azzurri in a thrilling championship final to win the Canadian club championship. Surrey's Liam McIlvenna broke a 0-0 tie in the 117th minute with just three minutes left before the end of the second overtime period to secure a dramatic victory. United scored 23 goals while allowing just one as they compiled a perfect 5-0 record in the tournament.
North Vancouver's Griffins Boxing & Fitness will once again mix black ties with black eyes when they host another Evening at Ringside Boxing Charity Gala Nov. 2 at the J.P. Fell Armoury.
The annual gala, now in its eighth year, will feature an Olympic-style boxing tournament paired with dinner and drinks from local establishments as well as live music and a dance floor.
Boxers at the event will by fighting for the Jimmy Filippone Belt, an award named after one of the leading amateur lightweights active in Vancouver in the late 1930s and early '40s whose family is now a major supporter of Evening at Ringside. The belt will go to the most exceptional fighter of the evening.
Proceeds from the gala will be donated to Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. According to Griffins, past galas have raised more than $50,000 for charity. Tickets range from $120 per seat up to $1,400 for a ringside table. Griffinsboxing. com 604-980-1900 - Compiled by Andy Prest Email information or results to [email protected].
