JETS MEN SCRIMMAGE ARGENTINA

The Golden Jets senior men capped an eventful year by training and scrimmaging with the Argentina men's national team. The Argentinians stayed in Toronto for 6 days after the Pan Ams rather than fly home and then back to Russia for the World Championships next week. This gave the Jets a couple of opportunities to scrimmage and do man-up/man-down drills.

In addition, Alan Chung, Paul Spooner, Tuna Tali, Mike Chapman and Trevor Robinson attended the other Argentina practices to give the visitors enough players to practice.

The Jets men have now scrimmaged against the men's national teams of Argentina, Brazil and Mexico!!

JETS HOST BRAZILIAN U16 BOYS

The Toronto Golden Jets hosted a team of U16 boys from Brazil for several practices during the Pan Am Games.  The Brazilians came to Toronto to watch the Pan Ams water polo tournaments (men and women).    Coach Gross led the Brazilians through an entire workout as did Coach Chung.  For three of the practices, the Jets and the Brazilians scrimmaged.  Thanks to Brazil coach Paulo Coutinho for bringing the team to Toronto.  After the final practice, the players form both sides jumped in the pool for a photo...

JETS PRESIDENT FINISHES UP MAJOR ROLE AT PAN AMS

Golden Jets president, Jacqui Romandel, finished up her major role at the Pan Am Games water polo tournament.  She was the Venue Results Manager which meant she was responsible for all the timing, scoring, results transmission and reporting.  She had 20 volunteers for the administrative side of things working under her control as well as 3 paid technical contractors.  She is pictured here with her two walkie talkies, two ear buds, microphone and cell phone which often all went off at the same time!  Great work Jacqui!!

JETS SENIOR WOMAN KEY TABLE WORKER AT PAN AMS

Golden Jets senior woman, Emily Bidinosti, has been working mornings and nights at the Pan Am Games pool.  Emily has been a key member of the scorer's table.  So good has she been that they called her in for extra shifts so she would be available to do the men's and women's medal games.  Nice job, Emily!

CANADA MEN FALL JUST SHORT OF OLYMPICS

The Canadian National Men's team fell just short of qualifying for the Olympics tonight.  The Pan Am Games semi-final match against the USA was a winner-take-all trip to the Olympics in Rio next year (dependent on the expected Brazil win over Argentina in the other semi-final).

Canada fell behind 3-1 in the first quarter, closed to 4-3 at the half and tied it 4-4 early in the third quarter.  However, the U.S. went up by 3 with just under 2 minutes to go in the game.  Canada scored twice in a row to close to within one and had a chance to tie on its last possession.

Canada will play Argentina for the bronze medal on Wednesday night.  Now the team
has to get ready for the last chance Olympic Qualification Tournament next year.

JETS YOUTH PLAYER A BALL BOY AT PAN AMS

Golden Jets youth player, Stanko Oparnica, has spent the last week shagging balls during warm-ups and games at the Pan Am Games pool.  According to the site coordinator, Stanko has been very professional and a great help.  Not only that, it's a great way to see all the international water polo games for free!

JETS MEN ENTERTAIN MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM

The Golden Jets senior men hosted the Mexican National Team for a scrimmage practice on the weekend. Seven members of the Jets played together as one team while the Mexicans split into two teams of seven to create rest for all players. Though the Jets players were out of shape since serious practices ended at the end of March, they did very well. Everyone got to know each other and share the sport they love. The Mexicans now turn their attention to the games they will play in the Pan Ams.
The Jets players were Vlad Tasevski, Alan Chung, Tuna Tali, Mike Chapman, Joey Postma, Bill Gorin and Eytan Cerasi.

COACH GROSS AT BC DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Club Head Coach, George Gross, Jr., just returned from the 4-day BC Development Camp for girls from across Canada.  55 girls born between 1998 and 2002 participated.  George worked alongside 6 other coaches from all over North America providing instruction on various elements of the game.