The 2022 Canadian Junior Closed Championships has concluded with 8 National Champions crowned. This annual event brought together the best junior players from across Canada. The four-day event with 200 athletes was held May 5-8 and hosted by the Cedar Hill Squash Club with the support of St. Michaels University School in beautiful Victoria, BC.
The event showcased many of Canada’s finest junior squash players as large crowds of family and friends came to watch these budding stars.
Squash Canada would like to thank Platinum Partners for their continued support: AirSprint Private Aviation, AMJ Campbell, Oxford Properties, Richardson Wealth, Slaight Music, Syra Holdings, Dunlop and the Government of Canada for supporting the “Power Court” and its trip to Victoria where our top juniors competed for a National title.
The event featured a Gold draw for the Top 16 athletes in the country in Boy’s and Girl’s U13, U15, U17 and U19. These athletes competed for the title of National Champion and displayed some of the highest levels of squash ever seen at a Junior Championship. In what is considered to be the ‘main event’ of the Junior Championships, the U19 category featured many athletes competing for their final opportunity to win a National Championship. Boys U19 Champion Syan Singh and Girls U19 Champion Jana Dweek had this to say about their victories.
“It is a dream to win a Canadian National event. This is definitely something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am eternally grateful to everyone that helped make this dream come true. Shoutout Team Kinetic.” – Syan Singh (ON), Boys U19 National Champion
“Definitely an awesome feeling closing out my junior career with a Nationals win. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this point. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support system and great people I have in my life, who’ve pushed me and held me accountable to my goals.” – Jana Dweek (AB), Girls U19 National Champion
In addition, the event featured for the first time ever a companion Silver draw for Boy’s and Girl’s U11, U13, U15, U17 and U19. This event was a great opportunity for athletes to gain valuable experience at a National Championship. One of the highlights of the event was Sofia Ardiles from the Northwest Territories capturing the Girls U13 Silver title. “I had a fun time in Victoria playing new people and I got to step onto the amazing glass court. I won my first medal after all my hard work, and I got to cheer on my teammates.” – Sofia Ardiles (NWT), Girls U13 Silver draw winner
Squash Canada would like to thank the local host committee led by Ben Uliana and Vicky Lust as well as their dedicated volunteers for their efforts. The first-class hospitality certainly set a high standard for future Canadian Junior Championships in the years to come. And to the Referee team led by Tournament Referee Christina Yap for their dedication and time.
“After three and half days of squash, where the nation’s best junior players competed in over 300 squash matches, I am proud to have been able to facilitate bringing the event to Victoria once again,” stated Tournament Chair Ben Uliana. “We were lucky to have the support of our volunteers and sponsors to bring a glass squash court as part of the event. Our community has grown and bonded after experiencing the best juniors in Canada at play.”
Final Results and Winners via Club Locker Draws: Click Here
Alex Doucas Award recipient: Alexandra Brown of Victoria, BC
This award is presented to the competitor in the Canadian Junior Squash Championships who best exemplifies the spirit of fair play, enjoyment of life and commitment to excellence, as exhibited by Alex Doucas during his lifetime. In particular:
- Fair Play – includes having respect for the rules of the game and having respect for referees and opponents.
- Enjoyment of life – includes actions off the court that demonstrate openness, honesty, friendliness, and support for fellow competitors.
- Commitment to excellence – includes a willingness to sacrifice, exhibiting a high degree of discipline and dedication, in order to achieve the highest possible standard of play.
- Candidates will be restricted to one of the top 8 finishers in the Women’s or Men’s U19 category.
Note: The winner is selected by coaches, officials, etc.
Photo album available: HERE
