Ali Currimbhoy and Gabriel Ho-Garcia of Burnaby were named to the 18-player Canadian junior men's field hockey team for the upcoming Pan American championships in Mexico next month.

"It's a pretty good feeling to represent your country," said Currimbhoy, who was a late addition to the junior national team, earning his first junior appearance with Canada against Chile last year.

Currimbhoy, 21, and Ho-Garcia will attempt to help Canada secure one of two available berths at the Pan Ams at the Junior World Cup in India in 2013.

Also on Canada's national team are New Westminster brothers Brenden Bissett and older twin siblings, Matthew and Stephen.

"If we don't make that final match (at the Pan Ams), it's already a disappointment," said 19-yearold Ho-Garcia, who has already been capped six times for the senior national team.

The difference has been new head coach Mathias Ahrens and a new system that has Canada playing at an all-time high.

In 2008, Canada placed fourth at the Pan Ams.

But since then, Canada has proved equal to the continental opposition.

In a tour to Chile earlier this year, Canada defeated Chile in seven consecutive matches and also split a pair of international contests against Argentina, earning Canada's firstever win against the South American powerhouse.

Canada's junior team also won a recent tri-nation tournament against both Chile and the U.S. that was held in Vancouver last month, losing just one game to the Americans in six matches.

"A lot of players have stepped up of late and improved dramatically. We've definitely taken a step up in maturity, focus and self-motivation to improve," Ho-Garcia added.

The junior men's Pan Am championships will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico from Sept. 10 to 23.

tberridge@royalcityrecord.com