THE women's Pan American Cup begins at the National Sports Centre tomorrow with Bermuda's hockey players facing the likes of Argentina and the USA.

It will be the first time since the CAC Games in 2006 that the national side have featured in an international tournament.

Bermuda are in Pool B alongside Argentina, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, with the USA, Chile, Jamaica and Mexico in Pool A.

The winners of the tournament earn an automatic spot at next year's World Cup in Argentina, and while expecting Bermuda to win is unrealistic, a top six finish would earn them a spot at one of three World Cup qualifiers.

"I definitely think that a top six finish is in our grasp as I believe that we have the ability to compete with Mexico and Jamaica," said Bermuda coach Gareth Tavares.

"We are expected to play either one of these teams in the cross-pool games on Friday, February 13, and it will be the result of this match that determines whether we finish in the top six or not, and qualify for one of the World Cup qualifying tournaments."

While the immediate focus is on the tournament itself, there are further implications for the game on the island.

A well organised event would boost Bermuda's standing in the hockey world and add credence to Tavares' wish to have the sport be part of the Island Games in 2013 when Bermuda host the sports extravaganza.

"This (hosting the event) is huge," said Tavares. "Firstly to be able to play these caliber of teams is a great opportunity and to do so at home is unprecedented.

Not only will the team playing be able to benefit from the experience but so will the Bermuda public who would not otherwise get this kind of exposure.

"Obviously the immediate focus is the Pan Am Cup in February. A favorable outcome will allow us the opportunity to be invited to play in one of three further World Cup qualifiers to be held next year.

"This would definitely put Bermuda hockey on the map as we would have the opportunity to play against European and Asian teams where the style of hockey is very different to what we have been exposed to.

"Regardless of the outcome we have the CAC Games in July 2010 in Puerto Rico to prepare for.

"I would like to see hockey get included in the Island Games in 2013 so we can again get the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd."

In the two previous tournaments, in 2001 and 2004, Argentina beat the US in the final, and there is little reason to suppose it won't come down to the same two sides again.

Argentina come into the tournament on the back of a bronze medal at last year's Olympic Games, while the US are ranked eighth in the world.

The US though will fancy their chances more this time around against an Argentina squad that includes several younger players. As hosts of next year 's World Cup, Argentina have already qualified for the event and their focus at the moment is the Champions Trophy Tournament later in the year.

Bermuda (from): R. Bardgett, J. Bielby, C. Da Costa, F. Doe, H. Ellison, M. Ford, E. Frith, K. Graham, L. Hartley, J. Hollis, K. Masters, J. McClure, Z .Phillip, S. Samuels, M. Troake, K. White, M. Durrant, J. Smith.

Schedule

Women's Pan American Cup (February 7-15)

Pool A: Argentina, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Bermuda

Pool B: USA, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico

Saturday February 7: USA v Jamaica (9.30 a.m.), Chile v Mexico (11.30 a.m.), Argentina v T&T (2 p.m.)

Sunday February 8: Jamaica v Mexico (10.30 a.m.), USA v Chile (12.30 p.m.), T&T v Bermuda (2.30 p.m.), Argentina v Canada (4.30 p.m.)

Monday February 9: Rest day

Tuesday February 10: Chile v Jamaica (4 p.m.), USA v Mexico (6 p.m.)

Wednesday February 11: Canada v T&T (4 p.m.), Argentina v Bermuda (6 p.m.)

Thursday February 12: Rest day

Friday February 13: Cup semi-finals, 3.30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Saturday February 14: Shield semi-finals, 12 p.m. and 2.30 p.m.

Sunday February 15: Finals day, games begin at 9 a.m.