THE Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has shortlisted a 32-man squad to begin preparations for Pan American Challenge Championship scheduled for Peru, from October 3 to 11 this year.The squad features a well-balanced mix of experience and youth, with long-serving national captain Devin Munroe leading the list of experienced players such as Devin Hooper, Anthony Cole and Aderemi Simon. Junior national captain Mark Sargeant, spearheads the list of 10 junior nationals named, including exceptional-talents such as Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford and Stefan King.

According to a GHB release, to ensure a high level of focus and intensity during the six- month training period, the players will have to complete monthly physical tests and assessment matches.
Players will have to meet minimum monthly targets or risk being replaced by players outside of the squad.
The coaching staff believes this competitive environment will bring out the best in the men’s programme, which has experienced some recent success.
In April of last year, the men’s team won their first medal at the Indoor Pan American Cup, in Uruguay by defeating regional powerhouse Argentina twice on their way to the historic accomplishment.
The junior men followed up this success by winning three out of their four matches on a development tour of Trinidad in December, where they played against that country’s national junior squad.
The squad may also be bolstered by the services of England-based Marvin Dannett and Matthew Taylor, as well as the possibility of former Canadian national Jonathan Roberts, who has also indicated an interest in being a part of the squad.
The 32-man squad identified are as followes: Steven Xavier, Orland Semple, Stuart Gonsalves, Devin Hooper, Kevin Spencer, Eric Hing, Andrew Xavier, Mark Sargeant, Medroy Scotland, Kareem McKenzie, Daniel Hooper, Robert France, Devin Munroe, Randy Hope, Colonel Heywood, Travon Younge, Jason Hoyte, Rayon Branford, Michael Harding, Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Jason DeSantos, Aderemi Simon, Anthony Cole, Timothy Baker, Stefan King, Joel Hunte, Kevin Edwards, Hilton Chester, Ato Greene and David Williams.