The 2022 US Open Club National Championships concluded at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan on Sunday 15 May, with San Francisco CalHeat finishing as Elite Champions in the men’s competition, while Handball Quebec secured the title in the women’s competition after three action-packed days of handball.

The men’s tournament featured eight teams, divided into two groups of four teams each, with San Francisco CalHeat the big favourites after being the NACHC representatives in the previous edition of the IHF Men’s Super Globe.

However, after two wins in the first two games, the Californian side dropped a point against Chicago Inter, drawing 27:27 in the final match of the group phase, but qualified for the knockout part of the tournament.

CalHeat bounced back in the semi-final against New York City, 28:24, setting up a superb final against New York City Athletic Club, who surprised Chicago Inter, 25:19.

The superior experience of San Francisco CalHeat worked wonders in the final, as the New York City Athletic Club had little chances. The reigning champions added to their trophy tally with a clear 33:22 win.

Los Angeles THC’s Israel Bayardo was the top scorer of the men’s tournament, with 60 goals, while New York City Athletic Club’s Ty Reed was named the Dr. Peter Buehning Most Valuable Player.

The women’s tournament featured 12 teams at the start, with three teams – Handball Quebec, New York City and San Francisco CalHeat – each sending two different teams to Michigan, with four group of four teams each.

From the start of the group phase, Handball Quebec were the favourites to seal the title, after creating a +36 goal difference against Carolina Blue and New York City. Another clear win, 25:9, against fellow Canadian side HC Toronto, 25:9, in the quarter-finals confirmed their credentials.

A 26:11 win against Boston qualified Quebec for the final, where they met their fellow group opponent Carolina Blue, who took a 27:15 win against Chicago Inter in the semi-final.

There was little question about the winner, as Quebec sealed another clear 24:15 win against Carolina Blue to secure the trophy.

The Cindy Stinger MVP award was won by Carolina Blue’s Zion Krullars, while Mariia Rachiteleva from the Los Angeles THC team was the tournament’s top scorer with 45 goals.

The Men’s Open Division 1 was won by Carolina, with HC Toronto securing the title in the Men’s Open Division 2.

For more information visit the official USA Team Handball website.