NextGen National Squad – Player Bios

Squash Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the Next Gen and Junior National Squad programs; two critical pathways for top young athletes designed to lead Canada back to the forefront of global squash.

In collaboration with P/T’s and our high performance/junior coaching communities, the Next Gen and Junior squads will address the current gap in development for top junior, US College student athletes and aspiring young PSA players. The program will identify up to 24 female and 24 males and support them in all aspects of their journey to represent Canada at an international level. As always, all Canadian athletes interested in wearing the Maple Leaf are encouraged to reach out to Director of Athlete Development Jamie Nicholls at anytime.

Squash Canada and our partners are excited to usher in the next era of Canadian squash and look forward to building on the success of our national program both historically and in the present.

George CrowneMaximilien GodboutHannah GuthrieAmal IzharMitchell KahnertAmin KhanSara KhanAbbas NawazRyan PickenIman ShaheenNiki ShemiraniSyan SinghConnor Turk

Accomplishments

  • Silver medalist, 2023 Pan American Games Mixed Doubles
  • Bronze medalist, 2023 Pan American Games Team Event

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Birthday: 20 September 1999
Current club(s): Atwater Club, MAA
Current coach(es): Yvon Provencal, Louis Godbout
Current sponsor(s): Harrow
Racquet make and model: Harrow Vapor 115
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel-Blade 8
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8
What is your favourite shot? Backhand drop
Social media: @maximilien_godbout (Instagram)

Quote: “Being a part of the National Squad is a recognition I am proud and grateful of because it motivates me to achieve my full potential in the sport I am passionate about.”

Fun fact: “Aside from squash, I love playing golf, tennis, and all other racquet sports.”

Accomplishments

  • Team Canada, 2022 Pan American Squash Championship
  • Finalist, 2022 Classique de Gatineau PSA Satellite
  • Champion, 2022 Quebec University Championship

Hometown: Tecumseh, Ontario
Birthday: 27 March 2001
Current club(s): Windsor Squash and Fitness Club
Current coach(es): Graeme Williams
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Head
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel-Blade 8
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 11
What is your favourite shot? Backhand drop
Social media: @hannahguthrie27 (Instagram)

Quote: “It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged and be able to represent Canada while playing the sport I love.”

Fun fact: “Outside of squash, I love to explore the outdoors!”

Accomplishments

  • U23 Champion, 2023 Canadian Squash Championship

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Birthday: 11 December 2004
Current club(s): Columbia University, Ontario Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Chris Sachvie, Nadeem Izhar
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Oliver Apex 320
Shoe make and model: Asics Upcourt 5
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 12
What is your favourite shot? Volley drop
Social media: @amal_izhar (Instagram)

Quote: “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to represent Canada through something I love, and also to be part of such an amazing community.”

Fun fact: “I played tennis before squash.”

Accomplishments

  • Team Canada, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship
  • Bronze medalist, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship Team Event
  • Bronze medalist, 2023 European Junior Open
  • Champion, 2022 PSA Quebec Open
  • U19 Bronze medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
  • Bronze Medalist, 2022 German Junior Open
  • GU17 Gold medalist, 2019 Ontario Junior Open
  • GU17 Silver medalist, 2019 Scottish Junior Open
  • GU15 Silver medalist, 2019 European Junior Open
  • GU15 Silver medalist, 2019 Canadian Junior Open
  • GU15 Silver medalist, 2019 Canadian Junior Nationals

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Birthday: 17 September 2001
Current club(s): Jericho Tennis Club, Edgbaston Priory Club
Current coach(es): Jon Tate
Current sponsor(s): N/A
Racquet make and model: Tecnifibre Carboflex 125
Shoe make and model: Asics gel Blade
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 7
What is your favourite shot? Forehand kill
Social media: N/A

Quote: “I am very honoured to be named to the Next Gen Squad for the 2023-2024 squash season. I look forward to representing Canada on the international stage alongside teammates from this squad.”

Fun fact: “I am a recent graduate from Western University with a degree in Economics.”

Accomplishments

  • Team Canada, 2020 World Junior Squash Championship
  • OUA Champion, 2024 Western Mustangs Varsity Squash Team

Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Birthday: 3 February 2003
Current club(s): London Squash and Fitness, Windsor Squash and Fitness
Current coach(es): Chris Hanebury, Graeme Williams
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Dunlop Sonic Core  Revelation
Shoe make and model: Asics Blast
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 9
What is your favourite shot? Backhand cross court nick
Social media: @amin.__k66 (Instagram)

Quote: “Being named to the 2023-24 Squash Canada NextGen Squad further motivates me to continue playing and representing Canada at the international level with the ultimate goal of being a contender for the LA28 Olympics.”

Fun fact: “I used to play squash with a two-handed forehand and backhand up until U15 and won two junior provincial titles with the two-handed swing.”

Accomplishments

  • U23 Champion, 2022 Canadian Squash Championship
  • Recipient of the William Bannerman Spirit of the Game Award

Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Birthday: 27 May 2001
Current club(s): Racquet Up Detroit Caboto Club
Current coach(es): N/A
Current sponsor(s): N/A
Racquet make and model: Technifibre Carbroflex
Shoe make and model: Salming Viper
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 10
What is your favourite shot? Forehand kill
Social media: @_sarakhannn_ (Instagram)

Quote: “It’s an honour to be named on the Next Gen Squad for Squash Canada. Squash Canada has brought us endless opportunities to grow the game through this squad and we have been able to utilize them to the fullest.”

Fun fact: “I am a tax accountant during the day and a squash player by night :)”

Accomplishments

  • U23 Bronze medalist, 2023 Canadian Squash Championship

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Birthday: 4 May 2004
Current club(s): Club Atwater
Current coach(es): Yvon Provencal
Current sponsor(s): Oliver
Racquet make and model: Oliver APEX 5.0 PRO
Shoe make and model: ASICS tactics 12
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8
What is your favourite shot? Side wall nick
Social media: @_abbasnawaz_ (Instagram)

Quote: “Hey everyone! I’m Abbas Nawaz, a passionate squash player from Montreal, Canada. I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve been named to the prestigious Squash Canada National Squad for the 2023-24 season! 🇨🇦🎉 It’s an incredible honor and a dream come true for me.

Squash has been a part of my life ever since my dad introduced me to the sport at a young age. From that moment, I fell in love with the game and have been hooked ever since. I’ve dedicated countless hours to training, working on my technique, and pushing myself physically to become the best player I can be.

Participating in various tournaments has not only helped me gain valuable experience but has also fueled my determination to constantly improve. Being selected for the National Squad is a testament to all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made along the way.

My ultimate goal is to reach new heights in my squash journey and inspire others to pursue their dreams. I’m excited for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as I train alongside some of the top players in the country. With the support of my coaches, teammates, and loved ones, I’m confident that I can make a significant impact in the squash world.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and encouragement. I can’t wait to embark on this incredible journey and make my country proud. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to chase my squash dreams!”

Fun fact: “One thing that people should know about me is that I have a never-give-up attitude on the squash court. No matter how tough the match gets, I always give it my all and fight until the very end. I believe that determination and perseverance are key to achieving success in squash and in life.”

Accomplishments

  • Gold medalist, 2023 Canadian Men’s Team Championship
  • U23 Silver medalist, 2023 Canadian Squash Championship
  • U19 Silver medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Nationals
  • U19 Bronze medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
  • U23 Bronze medalist, 2022 Championnat Quebecois

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Birthday: 19 August 1999
Current club(s): Jericho Tennis Club
Current coach(es): N/A
Current sponsor(s): Dunlop
Racquet make and model: Dunlop Ultimate 132
Shoe make and model: Asics
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 7
What is your favourite shot? Backhand drop
Social media: N/A

Quote: “This is such a huge privilege and I can’t wait to showcase what I can do on the squash court representing Canada in the next wave of athletes.”

Fun fact: “Aside from squash, I love playing golf, tennis, and all other racquet sports.”

Squash Canada athlete Iman Shaheen poses for their headshot on May 12, 2023. Photo by Arianne Bergeron/COC *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Birthday: 18 March 2005
Current club(s): Greystone Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Jamie Hickox
Current sponsor(s): Dunlop, Control the T
Racquet make and model: Dunlop Hyperfiber XT
Shoe make and model: Salming
Left- or right-handed: Left
What age were you when you started playing squash? 9
What is your favourite shot? Backhand volley drop
Social media: @iman_shaheen_squash (Instagram)

Quote: “I’m really excited to be on the National Squad, especially as a lot of players that I look up to are a part of the team.”

Fun fact: “Even though it was initially to correct bad serving technique, I slap my elbow before I serve every time even though now I shouldn’t need to. It feels weird if I serve without doing it!”

Accomplishments

  • Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Squash Championship
  • Silver medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Event
  • Bronze medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Individual Event
  • U19 Bronze medalist, 2023 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
  • 2023 Alex Ducas Award recipient
  • Team Canada, 2022 World Junior Squash Championship
  • U19 Champion, 2022 Canadian Junior Open

Accomplishments

  • NextGen Silver medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Birthday: 28 February 2004
Current club(s): Kinetic Racket Club
Current coach(es): David Palmer, Wael El Hindi, Charlie Houlton
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Tecnifbre Carboflex 125
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel-Rocket 11
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 12
What is your favourite shot? Forehand cross court nick
Social media: @syan_singh (Instagram)

Quote: “I am truly honoured and excited to be named to the 2023-24 Squash Canada National squad. I look forward to representing Team Canada on the Next Gen stage!”

Fun fact: “I am a freshman at Cornell University and studying at the SC Johnson College of Business, Nolan School of Hotel Administration.”

Accomplishments

  • Team Canada, 2022 World Junior Squash
  • U19 Champion, 2022 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
  • 2022 All American Award recipient, US Squash
  • 2021-22 Scholar Athlete Award recipient, US Squash
  • U19 Champion, 2021 Canadian Junior Open
  • Ranked #1 Junior Squash Player in Canada from 2020-22

Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Birthday: 12 January 1994
Current club(s): Bow Valley Athletic Club
Current coach(es): Gene Turk, Hannah Craig
Current sponsor(s): Unsquashable (Optic Sports)
Racquet make and model: Unsquashable Tour Tec Pro
Shoe make and model: Yonex Aerus Z2
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 5
What is your favourite shot? Forehand drop
Social media: @turk717 (Instagram)

Quote: “Always exciting to represent Canada. Proud member of the “Eh” Team.”

Fun fact: “Squash is life! Always smiling.”

Accomplishments

  • Team Canada, 2022 Pan American Squash Championship
  • Finalist, 2022 Classique de Gatineau PSA Satellite
  • Champion, 2022 Quebec University Championship