Previewing the 2015 Canada Cup

Eight teams from seven provinces enter day one of Canada Cup on Monday July 13 with the goal of securing a berth in the semi-finals. The first day is critical as a win guarantees at least a fourth place finish while a loss on opening day relegates teams to the consolation side of the draw.

Game 1 – Manitoba (5) vs. Alberta (4) @ 10:00 a.m. 

The 2015 edition of the Canada Cup opens with what appears to be a gem. Manitoba has spent the last few years on the losing side of their day 1 match-up. Could this be the year they break through? They return an experienced team led by second year bench boss Dan Washchuk.

The bad news for ‘Toba is they’ve drawn a tough opponent in Alberta, who prior to last year finished second to Quebec from 2011-2013. The wild rose province may have the most seasoned coaching staff in the tournament which is led by Brian Brandford who makes his fifth consecutive tournament appearance as head coach.

Game 2 – New Brunswick (7) vs. Saskatchewan (2) @ 1:00 p.m. 

This matchup features two teams on opposite paths which are set to collide. Tournament newcomer NB is still developing its U18 program which re-entered the Canada Cup in 2012 and are still seeking their first win.

Sask used home field to their advantage a year ago, placing second. They benefit from having two teams in 2014 as they return 15 players! With a year of Canada Cup experience under their belt, it will be interesting to see how the group comes together in St-Jean.

New Brunswick returns 6 players of their own and fared well in tune-up games against NS but the big question is how will they fair against Sask?

Game 3 – Nova Scotia (6) vs. Quebec Blue (3) @ 4:00 p.m. 

Home field advantage is huge in this tournament and Nova Scotia will be in tough against the host’s top team. Quebec-Blue returns two players (Samuel Makwanda and Cheike Sidy Sow) who played on Canada’s U18 National Team at the 2015 International Bowl. Former offensive coordinator Benoit Groulx also returns to the fold along with head coach Brad Collinson. Quebec must be careful not to look too far ahead and must stay discipline in order to secure their semi-final berth.

After spending the last few as OC, this year marks the first for Steve Snyder as NS head coach. Anything can happen in this tournament. His club must stick to their game plan as they cannot control their first round match-up.

Game 4 – Quebec White (8) vs. Ontario (1) @ 7:30 p.m. 

Last year, Saskatchewan’s second team surprised a lot of people. Pair hometown advantage with the rivalry of an Ontario-Quebec matchup and you have the making of a great game to cap-off the opening day. On route to their gold medal victory in 2014, Ontario upset then defending champion Quebec in their semi-final matchup. Look for Quebec-White to try to return the favour. Emotions must stay in check as this is a matchup where mental mistakes could prove costly to either side.

Watch webcast live on game day 

Watch all the action from the 2015 Football Canada Cup from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec by visiting www.footballcanada.com on game day.

This post is also available in: French