Profile: Felipe Casanova (Chile, Player)

Name: Felipe Casanova

Age: 28
Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
Residence: Belgium
Occupation: Agronomist engineer
First International Game: 1998, South-American Games, Chile
Main International Competitions: 3 Pan American Games, World Cup Qualifier, Pan American Cup, Olympic Qualifier

When did you start playing hockey, and why?
I stated at 4 years olds, in my club Sport Frances.

Who was the greatest influence on your hockey career, and why?
Nobody in particular, all coaches form the time I started.  Every coach added something special to my development; later perhaps Alfredo Castro helped me to improve my international level.

What was the highlight of your hockey career?
2007 Pan American Games in Rio, winning Bronze.

And the lowest point?
1999 And 2003 Pan American Games, losing the opportunity to medal.

Is there a team that you find especially hard to play against?
Spain, the speed and skill level is fantastic.

Who is the player you most admire?
Ryan Archibald from New Zealand.

What do you like most about hockey and what frustrates you the most?
I love playing together as a team feeling the synergy that occurs when all players are working collaboratively and effectively.  The most frustrating aspect of playing is when I feel down or there is a negative energy and we cannot find a way to overcome it and change it.

If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be?
I would make it to run more smoothly, fewer whistles breaks, making the game more attractive to the viewers.

What do you get out of competing at this high level?
Challenging myself, learning to make decisions. I know in the future I will be able to cope with many situations applying the skill set I have learn from playing.

What do you do during tournaments to relax?
I spend time with my teammates and I do activities with them.  I listen to music to focus on what I have to do.

What are your interests outside hockey, and what are your plans after you finish competing at this level?
To develop my professional career and spend time with my friends.

What is one piece of advice you would give to young players?
Work ethics and effort is essential in order to achieve anything.

If you had a chance to do anything you like, what would it be?
Climb a mountain with two friends.