The IHF Trophy – North America & the Caribbean concluded on Tuesday in West Dundee, Illinois after four exciting days of competition. Canada won the title in the youth age category, while hosts USA celebrated the junior age trophy.

 

In the youth competition, Canada defeated Mexico 24:17 (11:5) in the final to claim the title. The teams qualified for the trophy match after three days of round-robin matches saw them rank as the best two sides in the competition. The bronze medal was contested between Guadeloupe and Martinique, with Martinique taking a narrow 18:16 (9:5) victory.

 

Canada opened their campaign with a two-goal victory over Guadeloupe, 24:22, while their final opponents Mexico won their first game, versus Martinique, 27:19. On day two, Canada recorded exactly the same result as their opening match, 24:22, this time against Mexico. Martinique and Guadeloupe played a thrilling draw, 23:23, after Guadeloupe fought back from a three-goal deficit at half-time (9:12).

 

On the final day of round-robin games, Martinique managed a surprise win over Canada, 26:17 – thereby becoming the only side to defeat the champions. Mexico collected their second win, 28:19, versus Guadeloupe.

 

In the junior tournament, the USA won the final versus Mexico 28:23 (12:11) following an exciting 60 minutes where the hosts hard to work hard to overcome their opponents. The bronze medal was decided with a commanding win for Guadeloupe, who beat Martinique 33:24 (17:9).

 

On day one of competition, the USA won a low-scoring game against Martinique 18:16, while Mexico defeated Guadeloupe 25:22. The preview of the final, on day two, saw Mexico and the USA draw 25:25, while Martinique beat Guadeloupe 27:18. The last day of round-robin matches in the junior tournament saw Martinique claim a narrow win, 22:21, versus Mexico. The USA also took a one-goal victory, beating Guadeloupe 24:23.

Photo: Tom Anson