GENERAL (101)
Sarah Butterworth ‘We Will Always Remember’
On Sunday, October 28th there will be a short walk starting at 11 am from Sarah’s Bench at the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. Sarah would have been 50 years young on October 24 and 2018 marks the 15th year of her passing….below is an article written by Mauro Cugini in 2003 in memory of Butter.
The Vikings Women’s Ball Hockey team was established in 1988 when Harry Dion, a long time player with the Astros Men’s Ball Hockey team, founded the Vancouver Women’s Ball Hockey League (the VWBHL). The Vikings, who originally consisted of a converted group of soccer players who played in the western ball hockey league, quickly grew to prominence and became a very successful team that consequently managed to out run and hence outscore most of their opponents.
The team, which lost and gained different players over the first couple of years, eventually settled down with a core group of participants that included Sarah Butterworth, affectionately known as ‘Butter’. She had played soccer, ice hockey, and ringette (and was an accomplished athlete in all of those sports), and worked out, so we knew we had our ace in the hole. She could out run and out hustle anyone, but she was constantly trying to master the stick handling and shooting parts of ball hockey … she was always willing to try and learn and often laughed at herself when she lost control of the ball or fumbled a weak shot away. They would often hear their coach yelling “Butter, two hands on the stick, and keep your stick on the floor” … she remembered for a couple of shifts, but then she reverted back to her own style, and that was just perfect, because they had other players who could shoot, stick handle, score goals, and get assists. Butter thrived on shutting down the other teams players, and she valued her role on a grinding line. Her attributes were displayed best in the National finals in 1994, when she played an important role after coming back from a serious knee injury that kept her out of the Nationals finals in 1993. She was part of a gold medal winning team, but not just any team, it was the Vikings, the team that meant the most to her through her storied sports career.
The unique nature of this team … they were friends, and really had fun together away from the game, everyone was accepting, and they were all at the age and a point in our lives where they gave lots of time to each other. The Vikings kept on playing after 1994, and ended up in a couple more Nationals finals, but never winning anything more than Silver medals. The team disbanded in 2001 because now the players had other priorities, family, careers, and new interests, and the “hey days” were over.
Unfortunately, Butter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The woman, who so reveled in her ability to run freely, was now saddled with the biggest challenge of her life. She fought valiantly, and was able to have one last memory involving ball hockey. The Sharks ball hockey team signed her as Coach/Manager for the 2003 season. Butter was on the bench in Montreal for the Sharks championship run. Her presence, both physically, and emotionally, was a big boost for the team … and her endless stories about the Vikings told with smiles and laughter, really set the mood for the Sharks to bond.
We will always cherish her, and although she left us on October 30, 2003, at the precious age of 35, we know that her spirit will be with us in Ontario as we hope to smile and laugh again in her memory.
In 2004 we introduced the Sarah Joanna Bostock Butterworth Memorial Award, which honors a female athlete who displays her qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, dedication and most importantly, love for the sport.
RUSSIA HOSTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Ball Hockey Federation is an interregional public organization established to promote and popularize the Russian hockey league as a sport, and to stimulate interest and increase the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle among the population, paying special attention to children and youth. FBH is a member of the World Ball Hockey Federation (WBHF) and represents the interests of Russian hockey in international ball hockey organizations.
President of the Federation of Ball Hockey of Russia - Sergei Viktorovich Gerasimov. Born in the city of Moscow, in a family of athletes. Pupil of the CSKA sports school for ice hockey. During the last 15 years she has been actively involved in Russian and international ice hockey tournaments. Multiple participant and two-time bronze medalist of the world championships in ball hockey in the national team of Russia and the European team. Since 2017, actively engaged in the popularization and development of hockey in Russia.
The main purpose of creating this sport is to attract children, teenagers and adult athletes to participate in the training and competition process in this sport, as close as possible to classical hockey with a puck. Anyone can participate in the game. Skating skills are not required, specialized equipment is not needed. This is what makes ball hockey easier for the child's perception and allows you to quickly improve your skills, thereby increasing self-esteem and giving confidence to your sports forces.
This will entail the development of players as athletes not only in this sport, but will also allow in the future as players from ball hockey to go to hockey with a puck or in hockey on rollers, and hockey players to continue their careers already in ball hockey. All this will enable athletes to improve their sports skills. Thanks to the use of a ball hockey, it is possible to play games on lawn covers, rubber coatings and concrete pads. Main principle remains - play anywhere and anytime. People like to play hockey, and ball hockey is the easiest way to get started!
In the plans of the Federation for 2018-2019: to recognize in Russia ball hockey as a sport, to open a network of schools and sections across Russia, to hold the European Championship, to hold annual All-Russian championships among children's, youth and adult teams, to open courses on training of coaching and refereeing staff,
ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP
In Russia for the first time will host the World Championship on ball hockey. An unprecedented event, organized by the IPO Federation of Ball Hockey Federation, will be held June 12-17, 2018 in the Moscow Region, in the Ice Palace of the city of Dmitrov.
The holding of the World Hockey Championship was agreed and approved for holding in the territory of the Russian Federation with the International Bolling Hockey Federation (WBHF). The championship will be held in two categories (men and women) with 6 teams each.
According to the most conservative estimates, about 400 foreign athletes - participants and guests from Canada, the USA, Great Britain, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Europe and Belarus will come to the World Hockey Championship. During the competition, the total number of fans of the Championship will be about 10,000 people, according to organizers' forecasts.
The list of invited guests is impressive no less: the governor of the MO Vorobyov A.Yu., First Deputy. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Titov VG, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Kolobkov PA, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Medinsky VR, State Duma Deputy and President of the Russian Hockey Federation Tretiak VA, Head of the Federal Agency for Tourism Safonov O.P. ., Minister of Culture MO Kosareva O. V., Head of the Department of Tourism MO Zhilkina NM, Director General of FSUE Russian Post Strashnov DE.
Also stars of theater, cinema and show business are expected at the World Championship: Alexey Yashin, Sergey Svetlov, Larisa Verbitskaya, Irina Lachina, Liza Arzamasova, Alisa Tolkacheva, Natalia Lesnikovskaya, Anna Churina, Lesya Yaroslavskaya, Irina Sashina, Elena Ksenofontova, Olga Zhuk and many more
#wbhf2018moscow
Canada’s U20 Girls Team Will Participate at the Women’s Pre Season Showcase
Canada U20 Girls will compete in the Women’s B division at the Ontario Ball Hockey Association Showcase Tournament which has become the best Pre Season Tournament in North America for the Women’s division which will take place in Mississauga the weekend of April 27-29.
Canada will be in group B and may play teams from Alliston, Barrie, Mississauga, St. Catherines and Toronto as it is anticipated that there will be 8 teams in the division.
Canada U20 Girls will be participating at the inaugural World Ball Hockey Federation Championships in Nitra, Slovakia, June 25 to July 1.
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Stephen Dockerty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Your Passion…Your Dedication…Play Like A Champion…Play Like Team Canada…Commit To The Culture of Excellence
#wbhf2018nitra #JTC_NBHAC #WeReady #WeAreTeamCanada #BeGreat #BeTheStandard
Canadian Women’s Hockey League Championship Weekend
If you are in the Toronto area the weekend of March 23-25 the Canadian Women's Hockey League is hosting the Clarkson Cup and event information is below.
The Canadian Woman’s Hockey League (CWHL) would like to extend an invitation and offer a promo code to be used by the members of the OBHA.
Promo Code:
OBHA2018
We invite you to come celebrate and watch as the top two teams compete for the highly sought after, Clarkson Cup
Details: March 23 – 25
March 23, 2018 – The CWHL Awards Show
Brought to your by the NHLPA
Where: Toronto Centre for the Arts
When: Doors open at 7:00 PM
Show begins at 8:00 PM
Address: 5040 Yonge Street, North York
March 24, 2018 – The CWHL Community Day
In Partnership with MLSE LaunchPad
Where: MLSE LaunchPad
When: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: 259 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON
This event will be FREE to all who pre-register | please see www.thecwhl.com/clarksoncup
March 25, 2018 – The Clarkson Cup
In Partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs, brought to you by Scotiabank
Where: Ricoh Coliseum
When: 12:00 PM Puck Drop
Address: 45 Manitoba Drive, Toronto, ON
(Toronto Marlies Game to follow)
We are excited to bring the highest level of Woman’s Hockey to the City of Toronto. This is a great opportunity to meet your 2018 Olympic Athletes as they come home from PyeongChang
Join us as we celebrate together because, together, WE ARE THE GAME
Please email
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for ticket purchase and questions
2018 TIER 2, 3, 4 & 5 NATIONALS
The 2018 National Ball Hockey Association of Canada Men’s Tier II, Tier III, Tier IV Canada Cup of Ball Hockey National Championships will be played in Ottawa, Ontario the weekend of July 19-22, 2018.
The event is open to Ball and Dek Hockey teams in North America.
The tournament will take place at venues in Ottawa and updates on competing teams will be provided as teams and the event will guarantee four games for all the teams at a cost of $900. The deadline to register is May 31, 2018
The schedule of games will be posted by June 15, but anticipate to play one game Thursday evening, two games Friday and the last round robin game Saturday morning. The elimination round will commence Saturday evening.
Tournament Format
Thursday afternoon/evening – Game #1 (around 3 pm)
Friday morning – Game #2
Friday afternoon – Game #3
Saturday morning – Game 4
Saturday afternoon – Game #5 (Elimination, Quarter or Semi Final)
Sunday morning/afternoon – Semi Final & Championship (around 3 pm)
For more information, please contact the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and host hotel information after March 15 to the competing teams.
Click here for the Championships registration form and the deadline to register is May 31st
Thank you
Burrows Cup Dates Announced
The 2018 Official Calendar for the Coupe Burrows Cup have been announced
- 7 Burrows
- 6 Classics
- 1 Cup
Seven events you can’t miss…..
#Quebec #Trois-Rivières #Granby #Tremblant #Victoriaville #Lévis
#Coupe Burrows #Trois-Rivières
Book your dates for the best 3v3 dek hockey of the year!
Who is the Best Teams in North America
The 2018 CanAm Ball Hockey Championships will be hosted at Century Garden’s in Brampton. The Championship begins Wednesday, August 8 (based on 16 teams).
The entry fee for the cash tournament is $2000 with a guaranteed 4 games and based a 16 team format 12 will advance to the BIG 12 round followed by the ELTE EIGHT (Quarters), FINAL FOUR (Semis) and CANAM Championship games.
The schedule of games will be posted by June 1, but anticipate to play one game Wednesday evening, two games Thursday or Friday and BIG 12 elimination games begin on Saturday morning.
The event is open to the first 12 Canadian (4 Ontario, 4 Quebec and 4 rest of Canada) and 4 USA teams for both Men and Women. If after the deadline we need to change the number of teams permitted to enter from a region we will do so, but only after December 1. The registration form can be found on the tournament site. Return the form via email to this email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your teams spot.
The prize pool will be as follows based on the number of teams entered:
16 team format
1st - $15000
2nd - $ 4000
3rd - $ 1000
Please complete the registration form attached before March 15, 2018 to reserve your teams spot which MUST include a tentative roster and entry fee must be paid in full by March 31, 2018.
For more information, please contact the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit http://www.weareballhockey.com/leagues/99-2018-bauer-canam-ball-hockey-championship.html for all the tournament information, roster eligibility and updates. The host hotel information will be released on February 1, 2018 to the competing teams.
WBHF CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MOSCOW-DMITROV
The 2017 WBHF Annual Congress in June (LOVOSICE) assigned the World Men’s and Women’s Championships to Russia and event is set up for 16-team format which will take place June 12-17, 2018 in Moscow-Dmitrov.
The city of 67,000 inhabitants in the Moscow Region is about 80 kilometres north from downtown Moscow and 54 kilometres away from Moscow’s busiest airport Sheremetyevo.
Dmitrov is one of the centres of women’s hockey in the country. The local club Tornado Moscow Region won four European Women’s Champions Cups and nine national championships. Earlier this year it won its third consecutive title.
The Sport Complex Dmitrov opened in 2003 and includes a 2,500-seat ice rink, a second community rink, a complex for figure skating and curling, an Olympic swimming pool and other sporting facilities.
The arena has hosted European Women’s Champions Cup events and Four Nations tournaments before as well as the 2011 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship Division where Russia earned promotion back to the top division. The U18 women’s national team has stayed there ever since and won bronze medals in 2015 and 2017.
For information or to register This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
#wbhf2018moscow
Team Canada Support Staff
Our goal is to build a program that is recognized as the best in world. We have a reputation for excellence in our sport coupled with a strong sense of community, which fosters growth. We will prepare and assemble a Team of Ball Hockey Players from Canada to compete for Gold Medal at the World Championships.
The goal is to field teams that set extra-ordinary standards for competitiveness, sportsmanship and team continuity. To create a “life experience” for members of Team Canada.
Athletic activities are an important part of our youth’s life experiences and this is reflected in our achievement in inter-provincial competition. We are seeking an outstanding individuals including, General Manager, Head Coach, Team Doctor, Therapist and Equipment Manager to be a part of our Team Canada program for each of our Men’s and Women’s teams.
The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada strives for excellence - in the quality of its players and community leaders and in the long tradition of athletic achievement. We are currently seeking a qualified candidate for the following contracts in preparation for the 2018 World Men’s and Women’s Championships in Moscow, Russia.
Team Doctor – Deadline – November 17, 2017
- Collect and review medical history and consent form for players
- Provide coach with health status of players before & during the event
- Procure medical supplies
Therapist – Deadline – November 17, 2017
- Work with coach and doctor during the tournament
- Procure therapy supplies
- Deal with player needs during the event
Equipment Manager – Deadline – November 17, 2017
- Procure team supplies
- Manage team uniforms and equipment before, during, and after games
- Provide water and tend to player equipment needs during the mini-camp and WC
- All resumes must be submitted via e-mail no later than the specified deadline
to the attention of Stephen Dockerty
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our story continues in 2018 be a Part of History and Our Family
Team Canada Coaches
Our goal is to build a program that is recognized as the best in world. We have a reputation for excellence in our sport coupled with a strong sense of community, which fosters growth. We will prepare and assemble a Team of Ball Hockey Players from Canada to compete for Gold Medal at the World Championships.
The goal is to field teams that set extra-ordinary standards for competitiveness, sportsmanship and team continuity. To create a “life experience” for members of Team Canada.
Athletic activities are an important part of our youth’s life experiences and this is reflected in our achievement in inter-provincial competition. We are seeking an outstanding individuals including, General Manager, Head Coach, Team Doctor, Therapist and Equipment Manager to be a part of our Team Canada program for each of our Men’s and Women’s teams.
The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada strives for excellence - in the quality of its players and community leaders and in the long tradition of athletic achievement. We are currently seeking a qualified candidate for the following contracts in preparation for the 2018 World Men’s and Women’s Championships in Moscow, Russia.
Head Coach – Deadline – November 10, 2017
- Provide Leadership in action and word to all team and staff members
- To create a strong team based culture with inclusion of all Team staff including
o Assistant Coach, Team Mentors, Team Doctor, Team Therapist, Equipment Trainer.
One of the objectives of the TC program is to create an environment of mentorship and training for all staff members, particularly the team mentors
- Responsible for the coaching staff and related officials during all games
o Responsible for clearly defining roles of the Assistants pre tournament and providing meaningful roles to assistants
o Work towards positive inclusion (not necessarily floor time) of all team members
- Responsible for the development of practices, game strategy and execution
- Working in conjunction with the GM’s in the selection of TC players.
- To assist in the mentoring of the assistant coach and the team mentors in international competition.
- To assist with team during off floor times / dates
Active participation in the High Performance program
Assistant Coach – to be appointed in consultation with the High Performance Director
- To report to the Head Coach
- To assist the head coach with the development of practices, game strategy and execution
- Provide Leadership in action and word to all team and staff members
- To assist with team during off floor times / dates
- Active participation in the High Performance program
- All resumes must be submitted via e-mail no later than the specified deadline
to the attention of Stephen Dockerty
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our story continues in 2018 be a Part of History and Our Family
