Faceoff at a ball hockey game/via Kamloops Ball Hockey League
Kamloops is set to be a provincial ball hockey mecca over the next couple of weekends.
This weekend will see Kamloops host the BC Ball Hockey provincials for the “B”, “C” and “D” divisions.
The following weekend will include the “A” division tournaments for both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Mac Island will be the main venue, with games also set for the Valleyview Arena and the Sandman Centre.
“We just decided this was the year to host again,” said Kamloops Ball Hockey registrar Jesse Phillips.
“We hosted in 2019, and there wasn’t much fanfare around ball hockey,” noted Phillips. “Now it’s really grown so we’re hoping to have a good event.”
Kamloops will have a team represented in every division and are expected to be a presence.
“I think in all divisions we are going to have a really good shot to make Championship Sunday as we’re calling it,” said Phillips. “I think every division will have a Kamloops team playing on Sunday,” stated Phillips.
Team photo of Kamloops Rivershore Kings, who won the “B” division ball hockey provincial title in 2024/via BC Ball Hockey
Kamloops teams taking part include the Bohnefide Blackjacks and the Rivershore Kings in the “A” division.
Rivershore took last year’s provincial “B” title, which The Junkyard Dogs will hope to retain for Kamloops in the “B” division this time.
The Cool Connection Nordiques will represent in the “C” division.
The Kamloops Painting Pros Flyers will play in the “D” grouping, while the Kamloops Vibe will compete in the Women’s division.
Phillips says organizers want to make it a festival-like atmosphere for ball hockey enthusiasts over the next two weekends.
The event is free of charge and will also provide some incentives for families to show up as well.
“We’ll have raffles and prizes and some Logan Stankoven merchandise at Mac Island,” said Phillips. “For the first 50 kids attending Championship Sunday they will receive a prize from our sponsors.”
Once considered a street game for kids, Ball Hockey has exploded in popularity here in Canada and other parts of the world.
The sport now has its own international federation, with Team Canada competing right now at the U20 World Championships in Poprad, Slovakia from July 2nd to 6th.
