Bevan and Ironside Laurier Represent Team Canada in Hockey

Wilfrid Laurier University's Andrea Ironside (Collingwood, Ont.), and Golden Hawk Captain Andrea Bevan(Collingwood, Ont.), will be traveling to China as members of Canada's first Women's Hockey Team to compete at the FISU 2009 Winter Universiade, to be held from February 18-28th. (Note to self make sure you don't use your blackberry to take photos) The two Andreas' along with their other CIS Teammates may have to wait 20 or 30 years to have the perspective of looking back into the past to appreciate their accomplishment of making Canada's first FISU Games Women's hockey team and their experience they are this about to embark on come this Sunday. This will be Ironside's first time to put on the Maple Leaf Red and White jersey while Bevan had the opportunity to play on the Canadian under 22 Gold medal winning team in 2008 held in Germany. For now packing, medical booster shots, school work, practice and one more league game at Queen's on Friday prior to the long flight to Beijing then finally to Harbin (population 9 million, Temperature average in February -21 Celcius). In Harbin, our Canadian Mission staff will welcome the weary travelers, prior to a welcome ceremony by our Canadian Ambassador to China in the Athlete's village. The excitement and anticipation is gaining momentum!

Team Canada 2009 Universiade, Harbin China Welcome

Message from Team Canada’s Chef de Mission

Earning the privilege to represent and compete for Team Canada and Canadian University Sport in Harbin, China at the 2009 Winter Universiade is indeed, an outstanding achievement. Congratulations! The opportunity to measure your skills, talents, and personal goals amongst the World’s best student-athletes will truly be a lifetime experience. Take full advantage, by getting to know your fellow team mates, celebrating their successes, as well as enjoying the multicultural life within the village and the culture of Harbin.

Investing in People is the goal that our Team Canada Mission staff of coaches, managers, therapists, doctors and administrators is focused on. They are a team of dedicated professionals chosen to support, assist, and care for you and your Canadian team mates to ensure performance excellence and a lifetime of memories.

Thank you to the Organizing Committee and the citizens of Harbin for extending such gracious hospitality to the Canadian Team during the 2009 Winter Universiade. We look forward to the many educational experiences you will support by hosting this premier international university sport competition. The role that many have played in this investment in youth around the world is to be celebrated. Thank you.

On behalf of our entire mission staff, we wish all of you the best in your pursuit of personal growth through excellence at Harbin 2009.

Sincerely,

Peter Baxter

Chef de Mission