The City of Yorkton will be one of four new cities to feature a ball hockey league this year and one of seven in the province.
Ball hockey is a noncontact sport that is a combination of road hockey with the rules and guidelines of ice hockey. It is played in local arenas (ice removed) during the spring and summer months.
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.
However, it is a favorite of ice hockey players in the off season as it is a fun and excellent way to stay in shape.
This year's league will feature youth and adult leagues, with divisions for all ages, skill sets and competitive interests.
There will also be provincial championships and opportunities to represent Saskatchewan at National Championships.
All games feature certified officials, timekeepers and tracking of statistics which can be viewed via the league website.
Players are insured through the Prairie Central Ball Hockey Association and the Canadian Ball Hockey Association.
One of the unique things about ball hockey leagues is they allow players to register in following ways, individually, with groups of friends or as a whole team.
The focus is providing a well balanced league, while allowing friends to play together.
Players can register online and at Topps Source for Sports.
The season will offer 16 games guaranteed between May 1 to June 30 (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).
This year the league will be expanding from three cities to seven. Moose Jaw, Lloydminster, Battleford and Yorkton have been invited to join the new league. There will be youth and adult leagues in each city.
2011 will also be the first ever year that Saskatchewan has sent a men's team to the Canadian National Championships. This year the event will take place in Toronto, Ontario.
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.
