The Ontario Ball Hockey Association in 1974 gave the game legitimacy and thousands of male and female players from youth through adult, recreational and elite, take part at an arena near you
This past weekend, twelve elite ball and dek hockey teams competed in the 2012 Le Challenge Invitation Elite Tournament as over 200 of the best dek/ball hockey players competed and was testimony to the growth of the sport.
This event marked the first of many events between the sport of ball and dek hockey and this event will change the scope of the sports community forever.
The events of this past weekend and those that are sure to follow will have a resounding effect. This brought the ball/dek hockey communities closer together. Ontario, along with La Belle Province and USA Dek & Ball Hockey have become allies and formed partnerships for the betterment of the game.
The more collegial and resurgent ball hockey brain trust gathered to work together. As a result, the game will experience unbridled growth and development at the local, provincial, national and international level of competition. Participation in the minor, junior, mens and womens championship tournaments is at all time high. Players continue to play with their friends and on teams in their community leagues and beyond. They are now welcomed to compete abroad in provincial championships. More teams are representative at the nationals than ever before while, as a result of the communal efforts of the membership across the country, the opportunity to play for Canada is no longer a dream, but a reality for more and more ball hockey lovers.
The globalization of ball & dek hockey has finally arrived. There are no longer any boundaries between sports or borders. Its all for one and one for all. The game has indeed become a nation under one roof that caters to all walks of life. It has truly become a game that is open to everyone where anyone can play.
This was a great event for the sport and we look forward to working to grow the game.