For some of these players the experience of a ball hockey world event had only been seen through their sons eyes, for others their own provincial championships had been the closest to this type of high calibre event in their ball hockey careers. The Beeton Xtreme Mens Ball Hockey Club recently returned from what all said was the best ball hockey experience they have ever had. What they are all referring to is the 2010 Masters World Ball Hockey Championship that took place in Bratislava, Slovakia from November 11th to 14th.
As much as we had pre-travel arrangements set by staff and management along with physical training by players, there is nothing that can prepare you mentally when you walk on the floor for the first time playing for your country, said team captain, Bill Houston. I am sure as the entire team approached the arena the first day, butterflies were circling in all our stomachs added Houston. The Beeton Xtreme that were named Team Xtreme Canada for the event were made up (majority) Beeton players along with pickups from Penetang, Oshawa, Withrow Park (Toronto) and rounding out the team with a second goaltender from Edmonton, Alberta. We had set goals in place prior to this trip, the first to compete, the second to finish as high as we could, and third, to medal...we reached all three goals, commented defenseman Steve Dockerty. Some of the players who took part in this 40 yr old+ Masters event have a certain level of ice hockey background, while others have picked up the sport of ball hockey through their local associations through their years, but overall this was a team of heart and desire that raised their level of play as soon as they put the jersey on.
The Xtreme showed that to be a team on the floor, you need to be one off the floor as well. Prior to departing Canada, the team practiced in the weeks leading up to the event along with taking part in an October tournament. These guys all came together really quick and saw how much they could rely on each other, said Head Coach Greg St.Amant. Team General Manager, Gary Slavin agreed with St.Amant, we planned some sightseeing in Prague and Vienna prior to the tournament, from team outings to team dinners, I was very impressed with how these guys came together in such a short time, it made the experience that much more enjoyable and my job easier.
From high skilled stick-handlers, and players who still had speed like a 20 year old to sore muscles, bloody noses and a rain delay in one of the games, yes a rain delay... every Xtreme player played through these obstacles and came home with memories that will last forever! Oh by the way, as Dockerty mentioned we did come home with a medal, a World bronze medal. Will the bronze medal be remembered by these players in the future? Of course, but it will be the stories, experiences, friendships and new overseas ball hockey relations that will be remembered the most, because that is what ball hockey is all about!
For a complete summary of games, please visit the International Street and Ball Hockey Association web site at www.isbhf.com