Indoor USMNT Wrap Up Big Apple International Championship

SPRING City, Pa. – This past weekend, members of the Junior and Senior U.S. Men’s National Indoor Teams competed at the 2023 Big Apple International Indoor Championship held at The Training Center in Spring City, Pa. An International Hockey Federation (FIH) Sanctioned Event, the competition was tough, but good preparation, as the squads look forward to the second-annual CanAm Indoor Series in less than two weeks.

The USA Eagles (juniors) team played well and learned a lot as they went up against experienced adult teams, with two from Canada.

“Our team made strong gains this year at Big Apple,” said Erik Enters, Junior Indoor USMNT Head Coach. “Their focus on executing core skills (tight receptions, faster ball speed, passing accuracy and down low defending) allowed them to be competitive in a strong pool against older and more experienced opponents.”

“The guys continue to improve in their understanding of our presses and attacking structures. We are looking forward to seeing how they compete at CanAm’s against players in their age group.”

The USA Wolves (seniors) team finished at the top of their pool before falling in the semifinals to the Toronto Titans. During pool play, they defeated the Lions FHC, 4-3, a record win as it is the first-time that the team defeated this club.

“It was great being a part of the Big Apple tournament – an event that we love to support as a program as it provides much needed opportunities for our boys and men to play,” said Jason Mulder, Indoor USMNT Head Coach. “As a group the focus was on building connections and confidence in our systems of play. I feel that we made huge steps in the right direction by exposing more players to the performance standards.”

“I’m happy with where we are as a group as well as a program. We now look to finish strong at the CanAm Indoor Series in Toronto in two weeks.”

The CanAm Indoor Series will take place March 18 to 19 at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. This series will feature squads from the Junior and Senior Indoor USMNT, and the Junior U.S. Women’s National Team.

After a 5-year hiatus, the CanAm Indoor Series resumed in 2022 and will take place annually featuring the junior and senior teams from both the men and women. The host location will alternate per year between Canada and the United States.

For more information on the Big Apple International Indoor Championship, click here.

For more information on the CanAm Indoor Series, click here.

All photographs appearing on this site are property of the U.S. Men's National Indoor Team program. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded, reproduced or used in any way without the written permission of U.S. Men's National Indoor Team program.

If you are club coach, high school coach or media outlet, email communications@usafieldhockey.com.