LONDON, Ont. - Western Mustangs assistant field hockey coaches Joe Cendrowski and Nick Hignell were members of Canada's championship team at the Men's Indoor Pan American in Venezuela this past summer.

Hignell, who contributed a goal in the championship game against the United States, played center and was one of the youngest members on Team Canada.

"My job was to come onto the pitch and bring a new level of energy and play solid aggressive defense," says Hignell. "Creating pressure was a big part of our gameplan from the beginning and was something that the whole team excelled at."

As a result of the 6-3 win against the United States, Canada will now compete in the 2011 Indoor World Cup in Poznan, Poland.

"The Pan Am gold is undoubtedly what we had set our sights on; however, while we celebrate for the moment, we are ever aware that our task is not yet complete as the Indoor World Cup in Poland approaches," says Hignell.

Cendrowski, a rookie defender, looks to continue improving as a member of Canada's team.

"Personally my goals are to continue improving and to become a key part of the team by the time the world cup comes round," says Cendrowski.

With the win at the Indoor Pan American Championship both assistant coaches will return for a second season coaching the Mustang women's field hockey squad with new experiences and advice to offer the team.

"Joe will have some new defensive techniques, that will help us cover certain situations before they happen," says Mustangs head coach Jeff Pacheco. "As for Nick, his stamina and technical ability makes us such a well-rounded squad. With his technical ability he's quick to diagnose other teams weak points where we can then exploit."

Cendrowski and Hignell will continue to prepare for the World Cup throughout the Mustangs regular season, which begins on Sept. 18 against Toronto Blues at 10 a.m. at TD Waterhouse Stadium.