This year the Canadian Ball Hockey Association sent two minor teams of players from across Canada to compete at the first world ball hockey championships for the U16 and U18 in Zvolen Slovakia.

With six countries competing for the gold medal and to become the first world champions in their respective divisions, the week of ball hockey was very competitive. From the very beginning everybody new that Slovakia, Czech Republic and Canada were going to be the strongest teams at the competition. When the week was over and all the games were played the Czech Republic was to face Canada in the U16 final, and Slovakia was to face Canada in the U18 final.

The U16 final saw Canada handle the Czech’s quite easily to win the gold medal with the score of 8 to 1. The U18 game was a little different with Canada defeating the Host team 5 to 2 scoring the 5^th goal into an empty net.

At this time I would like to congratulate all the players that were selected to Team Canada for winning the Gold medals in their respected divisions, also the coaching staff U16 Norm and Carlo, and the U18 coaches Doug and Gary. The mentors Tyrel and Matt, and the parent liaisons Liza and Jamie, who were able to keep the kids in line from the first time we got together in Toronto till we got back. Also a thank you to go out to Chris Kontos, who joined the team as a European consultant showing us what to expect well in Europe.

At this time I would like to thank Stephen Dockerty, the General Manager for both teams for his time spent on setting up all the travel arrangements and hotel accommodations in Austria and in Slovakia, and keeping things running smoothly, and also giving myself the opportunity to experience the world championships by taking myself on as the Asst. General Manager too Team Canada, and what a great experience it was.

All the scouts that put in a lot of hours travelling to provincials, westerns and national events across Canada to look for the right players to play for Team Canada. I would also like to thank our medical staff Roy Fox and his wife Margaret team nurse for attending the worlds and making sure our boys had the medical help that was needed.

And last but not least I would like to thank all the parents that attended the worlds to cheer on the boys in their first world championships and to bring home the gold, great job.

Steve Rumsey Minors Council Chair
Asst. General Manager U16 and U18
World Champions 2008.