The City ofYorkton will be one of four new cities to feature a newball hockey league this year and one of seven in the province. Through the efforts of the Saskatchewan Ball Hockey League, there is yet another face on the growing sports scene within the City.
Dean Crossland, president of Saskatchewan Ball Hockey, says he's excited to be able to bring a league into the city and hopes that it will turn out well. The league is currently taking applications for both teams and individuals and Crossland hopes that it will help cater to players/teams of all skill levels. Ball hockey is a non contact sport that is a combination of road hockey with the rules and guidelines of ice hockey. It is played, in local arena`s (ice removed) during the spring and summer months.
He said the game should appeal directly to anyone who has the ability to play hockey, but can't skate or afford the high costs associated with buying high-end gear required to play on ice.
"Due to the fact that it is played on foot (eliminating the skating barrier) and that it requires minimal equipment (eliminating a financial barrier) it is truly a game for anyone to enjoy."
Crossland adds that another benefit is that ball hockey offers ice hockey players a great way to stay in shape once the off season rolls around.
"However, it is a favourite of ice hockey players in the off season as it is a fun and excellent way to stay in shape."
If all goes well come the spring, the Saskatchewan Ball Hockey League will operate a league here in Yorkton, adds Crossland.
"This year`s league will feature youth and adult leagues, with divisions for all ages, skill sets and competitive interests."
Added bonus is that there will be provincial championships as well as opportunities to represent at the national championships.
All games feature certified officials, timekeepers and tracking of statistics which can be viewed via the league website. Players can register in following ways: individually, or as groups of friends or enter a whole team.
"Our focus is providing a well balanced league, while allowing friends to play together."Crossland said those interested can also register online or at Hometown Sports.
The season will include 16 games guaranteed (May 1 - June 30) and will play twice per week. Although, relatively new to Saskatchewan; The sport of ball hockey has more than 50,000 registered members nationally through the sport`s governing body, the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA).
As of 2008 there were only 22 players and one team in Saskatchewan registered through the CBHA. However, since the emergence of the SBHL in 2009 - they SBHL has grown to over 1000 members, 60 teams and leagues in three major cities (Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina).
"This year, we will be expanding from three cities to seven with the additions of: Moose Jaw, Lloydminster, Battleford and Yorkton. There will be youth and adult leagues in each city. With the newly-formed league comes even more incentive to join, says Crossland.
"In 2011, Saskatchewan will be the host province for the Canadian Junior National Ball Hockey Championships as the city of Saskatoon will feature the event.
At this event in 2009, Jetlan Houcher a member of Team Saskatchewan and product of Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association was scouted and invited to play for Team Canada at the World Ball Hockey Championships in Prague, Czech Republic."
Alexandre Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks is the one NHL player most associated with ball hockey. Luke Schenn , Toronto Maple leafs and Josh Harding Minnesota wild were both members of Saskatchewan Ball Hockey Leagues in 2010. Schenn played a game in the Saskatoon League, while Harding was regular player in Regina.
Due to its off- ice conditioning benefits it is a favourite summer sport for ice hockey players: Members of the PA Raiders, Saskatoon Blades, Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors currently play in SBHL leagues in the off season.
