Day 9 of the CAC Games brought forth a thrilling display of hockey, with both the men's and women's teams vying for glory and classification to the Panam Games 2023. The day commenced with the rescheduled men's semifinal between Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda. From the very start, Trinidad and Tobago exhibited dominance and control, outplaying their opponents in every quarter. Their unwavering belief in victory propelled them forward as they relentlessly pursued goals in each quarter of the game. The final score stood at an impressive 8-2 in favor of Trinidad and Tobago, securing their spot in the Panam Games 2023.
On the women's side, it was a day filled with intense matchups, with three out of the four games being decided through nail-biting shootouts. In the first game, Trinidad faced Jamaica in a closely contested battle. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Ultimately, it was Jamaica who emerged victorious in the shootout, prevailing with a score of 2-1. Notably, Jamaican goalkeeper Brean Blackwood showcased an outstanding performance, saving four out of five shootouts.
The second game of the day featured the bronze medal match between the Dominican Republic and Barbados. The locals managed to secure an early lead in the first quarter but struggled to extend their advantage until the final quarter, where they finally found the back of the net to make it 2-0. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Barbados earned a penalty corner and seized the opportunity to level the game. As the clock ticked down, Barbados displayed remarkable composure and scored, forcing the game into a shootout. In the shootout, Barbados excelled, converting four out of five shootouts to claim third place in the tournament.
The stage was set for the final game, a contest characterized by tension and control. The match remained goalless until the second half, when Cuba broke the deadlock by capitalizing on a penalty corner. Mexico, however, did not falter and responded in the fourth quarter, equalizing the score with just three minutes remaining. Once again, a shootout would determine the champion of the CAC Games 2023. The shootout was a tightly contested affair, but it was Mexico who emerged victorious, winning by a narrow margin of 3-2.
With this victory, Mexico was crowned the champions of the tournament, leaving behind a trail of thrilling moments and showcasing their prowess on the field. The CAC Games 2023 came to a close, leaving fans and participants with unforgettable memories and anticipation for the future of hockey in the region.
