On October 26, sixty players, both men and women, headed down to Baltimore for the 2023 Can-Am Cup to represent Canada, under the captaincy of Al Hunt and Ruth Castellino. Team members came from across the country to compete in their respective open and age categories.
The Maryland Athletic Club was host to over 120 players and their guests for the weekend. Postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the return of this event did not disappoint. The attention to detail, venue, hospitality, and seamless execution was truly world class, but perhaps most importantly, was the way the US organizers embraced the spirit of the event making for a unique and incredible energy from start to finish. Special thanks to Andrew Cordova, Mark Price, their committee, and the entire Maryland staff for making us all feel extremely welcomed.
We are especially thankful for the Canadian patrons for helping the team in their endeavour across the border; their support is invaluable. In addition, thank you to Pat Richardson, Mike McGorry and Dave Rosen, for their continued support and leadership prior to and during the event. It reminds us just how special our community is.
The Canadian captains are extremely proud of their players for leaving it all on the court in spite of the many, many five-game heartbreak losses. The total team scores were not indicative of the high level of play displayed throughout the weekend. Although Canada relinquished all three trophies (Bernheimer-Bell, Gillen-Pierce, and overall team) this year, they eagerly await to host the USA Team in 2025 with a different outcome!
The Can-Am Cup is a bi-annual doubles squash event between the two countries, taking turns with hosting duties, and is referred to as the “Ryder Cup of Squash”. The tournament is broken down into three divisions with the men competing for the Bernheimer-Bell Trophy, the women competing for the Gillen-Pierce Trophy, and the country winning the overall points total receiving the Can-Am Cup.
Teams compete in the following ages groups:
- Men: Open, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+
- Women: Open, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+
For more information, click here.
