Ballhockey.com is pleased to announce a series of new tournament’s to be launched in 2016 that will continue in our tradition of offering first class International events to the sport. We are pleased to announce that the Niagara Region has won the bid to host this inaugural Championship that will become a regular bi-annual event for the top players in the world. Brian Broley, President of Ballhockey.com indicated, “we have had such a tremendous response from the players and teams that participate in our events and this will become another opportunity to be part of a great celebration of the game at an International level”. The Niagara Ball Hockey Club will be playing host this year and is excited to once again host an International level of event.
Early indications are that we will limit the event to 12 Men’s Open teams, 12 Men’s Over 35 teams and 6 Women’s teams. Teams’ will be seeded into groups of six and will play five preliminary games within their group Thursday through Saturday. The top eight teams in each Men’s division will qualify for the Quarter Finals beginning on Sunday and the top four Women’s teams will qualify for Semi Final games as well. Teams will play a minimum of five games and as many as eight. We expect two Canadian and USA teams to be approved for the event in each category.
Ballhockey.com is searching for General Managers to pull together Heritage based teams for this event. GM’s approved to participate will be expected to make a commitment to organize and operate the teams for this event in 2016 and for the 2018 event to be held in the U.S.A. The General Managers of each group will be responsible for the selection of players and coaching staff. They will also be part of a General Managers Advisory Group that will assist in the development of this event. We are excited to provide an opportunity for the pioneers of the sport to join us in building new opportunities to compete. To get involved, fill out the General manager’s Application on the website, or contact Brian Broley directly at brianb@ballhockey.com.
Heritage rules will be based on the Heritage of the player, a Parent or Grand Parent. Rosters will be due by May 31, 2016 and all player approvals will be done in advance of the event. American Italians could play for Team Italy or Team USA. This will be an adult tournament and all participating players must be 18 years of age at the time of the tournament. Playing Rosters will be limited to a maximum of 22 players, but each team can declare up to 25 players on the roster.
The cost of the event will be $ 1,750 per team, but the winners in the Men’s divisions will play for a first place prize of $ 5,000 plus a championship banner and individual gold medals. The top Women’s team will be playing for a prize of $ 3,500 as well as the championship banner and individual gold medals. Silver Medals will be awarded to the Finalist.
The Niagara Ball Hockey Club will be reaching out for volunteers to assist with the operation of an event of this size. Anyone interest in getting involved should contact Brian Broley directly at brianb@ballhockey.com.