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Vancouver, British Columbia is home to the majority of Team Canada players, most of whom play for the club team Furious George. Furious George was founded in 1995 but came to international prominence by winning the 1998 World Club Championships. They have only gotten stronger in recent years.

The UPA Championships, home to the top North American competition, is considered by many to be a more competitive tournament than Worlds and Furious won the UPAs in 2002 and 2003. In October 2003, Furious took the UPA title from the rival Santa Barbara Condors, who are seeded ahead of Furious at 2004 Worlds representing Team USA.

Furious George features a team with tall veterans and speedy young stars. They are known for playing a wide-open offense with frequent looks deep. At the same time, they can be patient, as evident from their record-setting 17-16 semifinal win over Death or Glory in the 2002 semifinals of the UPAs. In that game Furious committed only two turnovers total; none coming after the game was tied at 4-4.

One of Canada's primary weapons has been Mike Grant, a wire-thin 6 footer with arguably the best game in recent memory. Grant dislocated his elbow recently at Canada's only warm-up tournament and may not be a strong thrower at Worlds. However, he is healthy otherwise and will be playing.

"Very simply," says team co-captain Andrew Lugsdin, "We're going to Finland to win Gold. The same goal, I'm sure, as every other team attending."

Canada on Offense

Furious will run a lot of horizontal stacks with the flats in the backfield, but occasionally will slip in a sequence (string play), vertical spacing stacks, or lane cutters as primary receivers.

They play with confidence, which can explain the prevalence of upside-down throws on this team. Two of their main handlers, Jeff Cruickshank and Kirk Savage, have been well-known in North America as terrifically effective hammer and scoober throwers. But don't expect a barrage, Kirk cut down on his scoobers and only throws 3-4 a game rather than 20-25 like before.

Canada in general plays a fearless game that uses its tall men to go deep or come under and throw deep. This in-out combination off the horizontal stack has been very effective with the arsenal of speed and height this team carries.

Look for these players when Canada receives the disc: 

Jeff Cruickshank, #19 nicknamed "Shank." A big lefty with range and power, he's the quarterback for Canada. Throws have speed and range and can be sent deep from almost anywhere on the field. Left-handed release is tough for markers to effectively stop.

Kirk Savage, #91 Top handler along with Shank who plays mad video games after tournaments. Scoober thrower who has also expanded his game recently from a reset handler to one with more range.

Marc Roberts, #69 nicknamed "Dread Pirate", springy with big hops, Roberts makes his 5'8" frame play big. Exciting receiver who goes up fast and is sometimes overlooked by the competition.

Jonathon "Span" Wooldridge, #22 veteran handler with height has been around Vancouver  before Furious. The glue between teammates.

Mike Grant, #7 one of the most exciting players in the world. Look for him to go deep due to his injured throwing hand. Has been working on a lefty flick which teammates say is remarkably effective.

Canada on Defense

"It's something we've always done well," says one of the defensive leaders John Frame, "When our backs are to the wall, like most top teams right now, we’re going to play man defense."

Traditionally, Furious has been known as a gritty and gangly man to man defensive team. Of course they do also like to adjust depending on the other team. They will clog cutting lanes with poachers, run switches and mix up and junk zone defenses.

Additionally, Canada does have a number of different defensive sets to play against the horizontal stacks that teams like Sweden will seek to exploit. Like other trams, they find success in bringing controlled poachers into the horizontal throwing lanes.

Canada will have a lot of veteran offensive player son their D line as well. Look for these players when Canada pulls the disc.

Al Nichols, #12 solid player and handler of the defensive line. Going to be 40 years old this year, but doesn't look like he’s lost anything. An amazing thrower.

Oscar Pottinger, #25 Young but accomplished, and fairly creative. Known for making catch-blocks.

Mike Enns, #10 the defensive giant killer will match up with opponent's height. Super fast with ups, plays tough D and makes layouts.

Evan Wood, #54  plays O and D. Plays both sides because he's a reliable guy that will get open. Has a good defensive mind and is smart and aggressive on defense.

John Frame, #11 D captain, who usually calls out the team's defensive sets on the lines and will make sure the team is on the same page after they cause a turnover.

Team Colors:
Red, White and Black

Roster:
24 players 

Captain:
Andrew Lugsdin

Co-Captains:
Al Nichols - D captain
John Frame  - D captain
Jeff Cruickshank - O captain
Kirk Savage - O captain
Mike Grant - Monkey Captain 

Website
http://www.furiousultimate.com/