GENERAL (101)
ONTARIO GOLDEN IN BRAMPTON
Ontario teams went three for three as it swept the gold podium on Sunday in Brampton. Ontario hasn’t lost at the U15 or U17 divisions of play since the inception of those divisions and continued its dominance at the U19 division.
On Sunday, August 4 before a capacity crowd at Century Gardens the sweep was complete. In the first championship game, the powerfully offensive Brampton Jr Express played the defensively sound Penetang Blazers. The Blazers defensive game plan to out number the opposition in every zone on the floor would prove to frustrate and keep the high flying offense of the Express at bay. The game would not be decided until the three minutes of play on a goal by Brandon Neumann as he would cross the blue line and let a wrist shot go at the top of the slot. The Blazers would put pressure on the Express net in the final minute, but Brandon Landry held the team off and captured the championship 1-0.
The U17 championship was decided between the Belleville Bulls and New Tecumeth Xtreme and what a show these two teams put on. It was end to end action throughout and decided in overtime. The Xtreme would lead after the first on goals by two defenceman, Danny Fillatre and Maurizio Colella only to have the Bulls storm back in the second on goals by Quinn Syrydiuk and Brody Morris.
The game would remain tied until midway into the first overtime as Keegan Leal would let a wrist shot go from the left face off circle which would find the back of the net ending the highly entertaining game ending 3-2 in overtime.
The U19 championship would see two familiar foes battle for the championship as the New Tecumseth Xtreme would face the Penetang Blazers in the final.
This was an exciting game with both goaltenders thwarted the opposition keeping the game close and the second overtime game for the afternoon would end twenty seconds in and the Blazers would capture the championship with a 2-1 victory.
The Xtreme would score first in the initial period and carry that lead until half way through the second and then the goalies put on a show as the teams would not be able to capitalize for the reminder of the game as both goaltenders would make some incredible saves keeping the game tied and into overtime.
For a complete list of game results and statistics visit www.nationalballhockeyassociation.com or www.ballhockey.net.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year and more great ball hockey action.
FITNESS DIRECTOR APPOINTED
Toronto, Ontario - The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada today announced the appointment of Dr. Rene Vandenboom, PhD to the High Performance Program as the High Performance Fitness Director and will work with the HP Director, Stephen Dockerty and the five Team Canada staffs and players to prepare our athletes for competition at the World Championships.
“The NBHAC has made a strong commitment to sharing the knowledge and experience of trained professionals with our players through the High Performance Program.” stated President Steve Rumsey.
This is the second year in working to develop a program that will help educate not only the 66 junior aged players that are directly involved, but also parents and adult players across the country,” said Stephen Dockerty, High Performance Director. The NBHAC see’s these professionals as ambassadors for the sport and true professionals that offer an enormous amount of experience to share through the program.”
Players will receive information five months out in preparation for the World Championships and will learn the necessary steps to support ball hockey skills through fundamental factors including appropriate nutrition, fitness, on-floor training and mental skills – the four pillars of ball hockey development identified by the NBHAC’s High Performance Program.
Throughout the months, practices, exhibition games and training camp, the team members and their families will have the opportunity to learn from our professionals and will be able to reach out for questions throughout the process.
“Each year I look forward to sharing my story and experiences throughout ball hockey career and the role that fitness played in my success,” said Rene Vandenboom. “I feel strongly about the importance of educating young players and their families about developing skill sets that will improve performance both on and off the floor and advance them to the next level in their careers and I look forward to continuing this tradition.”
“We’re proud to support and give our athletes the opportunity to work alongside industry experts to learn valuable on-floor skills in addition to off-floor life lessons – including leadership, teamwork and perseverance,” said Dockerty. “Learning from professionals early in their careers will better position these players to be successful and achieve their goals.”
About Dr. Rene Vandenboom, PhD
He began playing in the Ontario Ball Hockey Association (OBHA) in 1981 when he started in the Toronto Ball Hockey Association (TBHA). This experience included several teams in all tiers through most of the 80s. In addition to playing, however, he was always keenly interested in the fitness and exercise training side of the sport. Not coincidentally, he was a Physical Education student at the University of Western Ontario in the 80s (1984 - 1989) before moving on to do a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo (1989 - 1996). Upon graduation from Waterloo he retired from competitive ball hockey and moved to the states where he worked as a research scientist at Harvard University (1996-1998), Mayo Clinic and Foundation (1998-2001) and the University of Michigan (2001-2004).
In 2004 I was hired as a Professor by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University (St. Catharines) and moved back to Canada. The year 2004 was also the year he unretired when he discovered that he had landed in a ball hockey hotspot. After a few years of playing outdoor ball hockey he was fortunate enough to become involved with the Team Canada (2007 – 2011). These experiences motivated him, along with a few others, to start the OBHA Niagara league (2008). A league he is currently the President of. In its short time, this league has been the launching point for several international careers as well as being the home league for the players of the Niagara Ironmen (2010-2011) and the Niagara Generals (2012 -2013).
Currently he is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University where he teaches exercise physiology and exercise training in the Department of Kinesiology. In addition to his teaching duties he has a laboratory that studies biophysical aspects of muscle function including potentiation and fatigue. In his spare time he runs the Brock Bombers Ball Hockey Club, a team that plays in both indoor and outdoor leagues locally.
Rene will be available for questions after October 1 and contact information will be sent to all the players and parents.
2014 WJBHC in Hungary
Toronto, Canada: The World Ball Hockey Federation in collaboration with the Hungary Ball Hockey Association announced today that Budapest, Hungary will host the 2014 WBHF World Junior Championships the week of June 22nd to June 29th.
This will mark the first time in the sports history that the U16, U18 & U20 divisions will be hosted in the same city at the Ujpest Ice Hall and will see the largest tournament ever as it is expected that each division will have 8 teams at minimum competing.
The schedule for each World Junior Championship will consist of round robin games followed by relegation and elimination games leading up to the medal games and will be set forth by the WBHF and competing nations. The game schedule for the 2014 World Junior Championship will not be finalized until March of 2014.
Information on public ticket availability for the event will be finalized by April. To register for front-of-the-line ticket information, fans must register prior to March 31 by email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
“This is an exciting day and opportunity for ball hockey fans in Hungary and around the world,” said World Ball Hockey Federation Vice President, Jaroslav Melisek. “Budapest is a beautiful city and Hungary is a growing nation in the sport of ball hockey. The host and the WBHF look forward to welcoming the ball hockey world in June 2014.”
“The World Junior Championships are one of the great bi-annual traditions in our game, and it is only fitting that we attend this event in the growing nation of Hungary and they have the opportunity to host this prestigious event,” said National Ball Hockey Association of Canada President, Steve Rumsey. “We feel Canada has the top junior-age development program in the world and we look forward to showcasing our world class players before the passionate hockey fans in Budapest in 2014.”
“The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada High Performance Director, Stephen Dockerty, “it will be a great opportunity to attend this event in Budapest as we will not only be competing for gold, but assisting in growing the sport in Hungary and leaving a legacy from this event for the many children to play ball hockey in Hungary and across Europe.”
He continued, "we are extremely proud to represent our country, but also understand we will be participating and contributing to the development of grassroots ball hockey in Budapest and the economic and cultural growth in Hungary."
Dockerty went on to say, "we have been committed to playing an active role in our communities and hosting important league, provincial, national and international events in Canada .”
“This popular event has always united and captivated ball hockey fans and as such will produce important benefits to be used towards supporting and developing ball hockey programs across our country” said Zoltan Pavelka, President of the Hungary Ball Hockey Association.
“Budapest is a major sports city and is centrally located for all european cities and visitors and we will also welcome Canada and the United States of America and are sure that all the fans and visitors will be thrilled to attend these championships and will definitely show up in large numbers,” said Pavelka.
For more information on the World Ball Hockey Federation, please visit www.worldballhockey.com or follow as on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WBHF-World-Junior-Championship-2014-Budapest-Hungary/622333947797751 or via Twitter @WJBHC2014
Flames Too Hot To Handle
The Flames fresh off their qualification tournament win in Ontario were well aware of the odds against them playing against eastern province teams who travelled a lot less to Halifax in hopes of capturing gold.
THE FLYERS SOAR TO VICTORY
The Tier II Tournament was one of the most competitive tournaments in many years with any of the six teams being able to win the championship as most of the games were decided by one or two goals.
TIER II & III NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2013 National Ball Hockey Association of Canada Tier II and Tier III Canada Cup of Ball Hockey National Championships begin today in Halifax, Nova Scotia and run through Sunday when the Tier II and III National Champions will be crowned.
The tournament will take place at Shannon Arena.
The winners of the Tier II and Tier III National Championship will receive an invitation to attend the 2014 World Ball Hockey Federation Champions League tournament which will see club teams from around the world meet in Bratislava, Slovakia in September of next year.
To keep up to date with the scores in the Tier II division, please visit http://www.ballhockey.net/divisions/402-tier-ii.html
To keep up to date with the scores in the Tier III division, please visit http://www.ballhockey.net/divisions/403-tier-iii.html
Good luck to the competing teams.
HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR
The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada (NBHAC) is pleased to announce Stephen Dockerty from Beeton, ON as the NBHAC High Performance Director.
Stephen brings an incredible expertise to this position through his dedication to the sport as a player, official, volunteer, executive and leader. The NBHAC is very excited at the passion and leadership he brings for advancing the game and his incredible vision for the sport.
Stephen was one of the first executive members of the Beeton Ball Hockey League and is a father to four kids of which three maintain his passion at the local and provincial level of play. His leadership shines with every player he comes across as evident with his successes as a player winning the Master’s Provincial Championship, but his greatest strengths are in relating to people from as young as Learn To Play through to Junior at the local, provincial, national and international levels of competition.
Over the twelve years he has coached at the house league in addition to coaching competitively in eight Provincials winning gold at six of them, a Summer Games Championship at the Girls U18, three junior National events and as General Manager of the Junior Team Canada program winning seven gold, one silver and one bronze since 2008. He is a wonderful sounding board for his players and staff ensuring he assists in providing the extra time to keep the players and staff focused and always maintaining his leadership.
He is very passionate about the sport and about giving opportunities while creating safe and supportive environments for growth at the men’s, women’s and minor’s level of play. He will work with the five General Managers and Staffs to share his vision of the sport and will work with all members across the country to continue growing the game nationally and internationally.
Leadership comes from the top and there is no finer leader within the sport and we all look forwards to working with Mr. Stephen Dockerty
2013 WBHF CHAMPIONSHIPS
June 13, 2013 -The 2013 World Ball Hockey Federation Championships wrapped up on Sunday at the historic Maple Leaf Gardens as Canada captured double gold on home soil in both divisions of play, Women’s with a 5-2 victory over the Netherlands and Men’s a 7-1 win over team Team USA.
The Women’s bronze was won by Team USA in double overtime over Great Britain and the men’s Great Britain team would win the bronze with a 5-2 victory over Portugal.
In the 48 games played throughout the seven days and the players, staffs and friends and families in attendance had a wonderful time watching in the historic Maple Leaf Gardens. The atmosphere of being in the heart of one of the biggest cities in the world and in the downtown core allowed many to visit the wonderful sites of the city which included the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame as the community welcomed all the athletes to this world class city.
What a week it was with so many stories:
- the East Africa women’s teams scoring in the final game versus Team Slovakia with under 5 seconds to play
- the Slovakian and East Africa women’s teams gathered for a team picture at the conclusion of their game
- the Slovakian and Pakistan men’s teams gathering for a team picture and at the conclusion of their game
- Team USA women’s teams winning their first medal at an international competition
- Canada’s double gold on home soil in front of family and friends
The Host Committee in conjunction with the Ontario Ball Hockey Association and the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada would like to thank the World Ball Hockey Federation as well as its member countries for providing a first class event for the fans. Players enjoyed themselves around town, whether it was a day trip to Centre Island, the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls, Little Italy, Little Portugal or eating a meal at one of our fine local establishments along Queen Street. We would also like to thank NGR for hosting three nights at various nightclubs in Toronto for the teams. Who can forget the trips to Loblaws located in Maple Leaf Gardens as teams still continue to rave about the options of food provided and the ease to purchase groceries for the week.
Throughout the week and especially within the businesses within ten minutes of the downtown core the many stores commented on the amount of business they received from the tournament and this is yet another example of the benefits of hosting international events.
Our high definition online streaming of the games through Jenmark was indeed the highlight for many around the world and we are still receiving the positive comments for the coverage. The web site was updated immediately with the wonderful collection of staff on site which worked with all the teams throughout the week long proceedings.
The play by play tandem of Anthony Regan and Daniel Ranalli that helped bring the games into everyone’s homes and share the stories of the tournament.
Lastly, to the entire staff, game officials, teams, friends and family who made this the event, ‘Where The World United’, we thank you all.
If you wish to relive the games, they are available at www.worldcupofballhockey.com
The 2014 World Junior Ball Hockey Championship will take place in Europe, June 22-29 with a formal announcement of the host city by June 30 of this year.
The 2014 Master’s World Ball Hockey Championships in two divisions O31 and O40 will be hosted in Bratislava, Slovakia bext fall.
The 2015 World Ball Hockey Championships will be hosted in Europe in June and host city to be announced in November.
Media Contacts:
Daniel Ranalli Host Committee Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steve Rumsey President, National Ball Hockey Association of Canada This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Domeic Di Gironimo World Ball Hockey Federation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
REMEMBER AK94 FOREVER
When tragedy strikes any Family, one never knows how it truly takes its toll on others, regardless of where your travels take you.
Such was the case on Saturday, April 20 when Brendan Wilson and Austin Kingsborough were involved in a canoe accident on Nicola Lake (near Merritt BC) and both played for the Langley Minor Ball Hockey Association.
The pair had been camping at a family property at the north end of Nicola Lake, but were reported missing after they failed to return for dinner Sunday.
Austin Kingsborough (17) and Brendan Wilson (one day shy of his 18th birthday) were well like and admired by everyone that met them. In addition to Ball Hockey both played for the Langley Minor Hockey Association.
Both players were not only admired but displayed a sincere dedication of what sportsmanship is and should be about.
While sport was a huge part of their lives, they showed sincerity toward their Family and simply loved life. A love and devotion that was unsurpassed in all areas. They not only showed respect, they admired those who also displayed it towards everyone.
The RCMP dive team did everything they could to recover the two bodies and once they had concluded their investigation a specialized team was involved from Idaho offered to help out with the search.
The search by the RCMP was clearly hampered by poor visibility and debris in the lake. Players and Coaches in various areas of the lower mainland held a moment of silence for both young men at a recent game, and it’s fair to say the emotions ran extremely sombre.
Rest in Peace and our thoughts go out to the Families of Austin and Brendan.
The bodies have since been recovered by the rescue searchers.
A Facebook page has been created in memory of the boys, it can be found on Facebook as “Prayfortheboys”.
Once on this page, you will see several events are being added to help raise funds for the families.
The poster is one designed by players from Ridge Meadows
2013 WORLD BALL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Pre-Sale For The World Ball Hockey Championships Starts This Coming Monday!
For 2 Days You Are Front-Of-The-Line!
Everyone loves to be first in line. Here's your chance to buy the very best tickets to the 2013 World Ball Hockey Championships in Toronto this June.
Canadian Men and Women Go For World Gold!
16 national Men's and Women's teams including powerhouses Canada, the United States, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Hosted By The Home Of Hockey - The Maple Leaf Gardens
Legends Johnny Bower, Frank Mahovlich, Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark, and Darryl Sittler have played to win in the Gardens (recently renamed the Mattamy Athletic Centre). Now 500 national team players from around the globe hope to follow in their footsteps.
Tickets Will Sell Out. But You Can Beat The Lines!
With thousands of ball hockey players in the GTA tickets for the key games are expected to sell in days. You love ball hockey. We want to make sure that you don’t miss out. So we’ve secured a two-day pre-sell exclusively for Ontario Ball Hockey players, their friends and family. Monday April 15 and Tuesday April 16 are your days to buy. After that tickets go on sale to the public. And when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Tickets Are Priced So That All Fans Can Attend
Tickets to the best games are just $15 to $20 for sets of 2 to 3 games. And there are discounts for children, students, and seniors.
How To Order Tickets
Starting Monday April 15 at 10:00 am purchase tickets through Ticketmaster by phone (toll free: 1-855-985-5000), online (www.ticketmaster.ca), or at the Mattamy Box Office (50 Carlton Street, Toronto).
Schedule For The Key Games
◾Monday June 3: Your ticket gets you 3 games. Canadian Women at 6:30 pm. Canadian Men at 8:00 pm. Late night Men's game at 9:30 pm. $15 Adults; $12 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
◾Tuesday June 4: Your ticket gets you 3 games. Canadian Women at 6:30 pm. Canadian Men at 8:00 pm. Late night Men's game at 9:30 pm. $15 Adults; $12 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
◾Wednesday June 5: Your ticket gets you 3 games. Canadian Women at 6:30 pm. Canadian Men at 8:00 pm. Late night Men's game at 9:30 pm. $15 Adults; $12 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
◾Thursday June 6: Your ticket gets you 3 games. Canadian Women at 6:30 pm. Canadian Men at 8:00 pm. Late night Men's game at 9:30 pm. $15 Adults; $12 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
◾Friday June 7: Your ticket gets you 3 games. Canadian Women at 6:30 pm. Men's Quarter Finals at 8:00 pm followed by another Men's Quarter Finals at 9:30 pm. $20 Adults; $18 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
◾Saturday June 8: Your ticket gets you 2 games. Afternoon Ticket: Men's Semi-Final at 2:30 pm followed by Women's Semi-Final at 4:00 pm. Evening Ticket: Men's Semi-Final at 7:00 pm followed by Women's Semi-Final at 8:30 pm. $20 Adults; $18 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
◾Sunday June 9: Your ticket gets you 2 games. Morning Ticket: Women's Bronze at 9:00 am followed by Men's Bronze at 10:30 am. Afternoon Ticket: Women's Gold at 1:30 pm followed by Men's Gold at 3:00 pm. $20 Adults; $18 children under 12, students, seniors 65+.
Note: Ticket prices include taxes and credit card fees but exclude Ticketmaster service charges.
