(Sherwood Park) - The Sherwood Park “Sharks” Junior Court Handball Club is sending seven players to the Canadian National Championships in Calgary May 14 to 18, 2008. All Shark team players who entered the qualifying tournament held April 26 at the Mayfield Sports Centre, secured a spot on the Alberta team.

Practice makes perfect

“It was our best showing yet,” said Coach Mark Broverman. “We’re very excited about the results. Everyone in the club has worked very hard this year and it really showed.”

The coaches focused on individual skills and technique this year and it has paid off. “Every player on our team has upped their level of play,” Coach Broverman said proudly. “Throughout the tournament we heard comments about how much the team has improved and how much each individual has grown in their ability to play this game.”

In the Under 15 category Sherwood Park Shark and reigning Canadian Champion David Doucette, was seeded first in the province edging out his doubles partner, Tanner Rakochey of Calgary. In the Under 17 division Ben Lavin and Elliot Chan were seeded second and third. Despite his great showing in the tournament, Elliot will not be able to attend the Nationals due to other commitments.

All four Sharks that entered the Under 13 category qualified, with Josh Lavin seeded first in the province, Parker Dorothy second, Dawson Forester third and Jeremy Tripp securing the fourth spot. In the girls Two Bounce division, Danika Forester, the only girl on the Shark’s team, finished second.

The club will be able to send all seven to the National championships. “Last year the Nationals were held in Montreal so we couldn’t afford to send all of the Sharks who qualified,” explained the coach. “This year we’ll be able to send them all and we know that some of them have it in them to become National champions.”

The competition from across the country will be tough but the Sharks are ready to take them on. “Win, lose or draw we’re very proud of the achievements of our team and their conduct both on and off the court,” said Broverman. “We expect a solid Shark attack at the Nationals.”