The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada (NBHAC) has been awarded the 3vs3 World Championships announced by WBHF Executive Vice-President, Jaroslav Melisek. The NBHAC will host the tournament in Quebec and under leaders of the 3vs3 version of the sport, Coupe Burrows Cup and their administrators, Simon LeBlanc and Patric Ducharme.
The World Ball Hockey Federation 3vs3 Championships will be hosted September 20-24, 2016.
Simon LeBlanc, ‘we are very proud of the selection as we knew the city of Moscow, Russia, was also a legitimate contender but in the end, our capability and experience to organise big ball hockey events (Coupe Burrows Cup and Burrows Cup Classics) as well as the quality of our venues in Quebec were decisive.’
In his interview, Mr. Melisek mentioned that he considers the Coupe Burrows Cup to be the best ball hockey organization in the world for the 3vs3 game. Patric Ducharme, ‘it is very flattering to be selected, but we have very high expectations of our own events and will make sure we meet all of the expectations. We feel like we have the leverage to make this event memorable for all its participants and fan base. This event will draw media attention and will be great step forward to promote ball hockey, especially in its 3vs3 format, not only here in the great Montreal area but everywhere in the world.’
Canada has hosted international events in 2001, 2008 and 2013 at the 5vs5 version for the sport and this will be the first time that Canada will host delegations from the Czech Republic, Russia, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, all participants from the first WBHF 3vs3 event in Bratislava, Slovakia. These nations will be joined by other nations such as Greece, India, Italy, Portugal, United States of America, Italy, Portugal and more should be well represented and will offer a great challenge to Team Canada, the defending 3vs3 champions.
The event is planning to host a total of 30 teams in both Men’s and Women’s divisions as well as Master’s O40 (born in 1976 or earlier) for both men and women. Therefore, it should be the biggest world ball hockey championship yet to be organized.
Domenic Di Gironimo, President of the WBHF, ‘to the players around the world who love this sport I encourage you to participate as this event will be spectacular with the Coupe Burrows Cup overseeing the tournament.’
A press conference will be organized shortly where all details surrounding the WC2016 will be revealed. A special thank you to Nolan and Shark media & sport for the development of the 3vs3 WC2016 logo.
We wish to thank all the players and partners that have supported the Coupe Burrows Cup since its inception in 2011. This promises to be a wonderful event for all involved and feel this is a historical nomination which belongs to everyone that is part of the 3vs3.
We look forward to welcoming the World to Montreal in 2016!
