TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) High Performance Program has named its leadership team for Women’s Team Canada in preparation for the World Championships in Bratislavia, Slovakia in 2011. A mix of new and seasoned staff, the leadership team’s priority will be to build an exceptional national women’s team capable of defending the country’s golden position on the world stage in 2011.

Paul Beale will take up the position of General Manager, Operations. Beale is a long time ball hockey coach and manager, having been involved in NBBHA competition for 21 years – first as player/manager of the Saint John Hornets Men’s team and later as manager and coach of the Saint John Storm Ladies’ Team. During his time with the Storm the team won three Provincials and four league Championships. They also competed in seven CBHA Nationals, winning one “B” and two “C” Division medals.   

For the past two years, Beale has managed and coached the Saint John Red Leaves, also a women’s team. In 2009 the young Red Leaves won “C” Division Gold at Eastern Canadians.

“Being part of this program is a dream come true for me,” said Beale. “Our opportunity as a new leadership team is twofold. We have an obligation to defend our title by putting together a national team comprised of the very best our country and our HP Program has to offer. But at the same time, we have an obligation to develop a core group of young, passionate players that will allow Canada to continue to dominate on the world stage beyond 2011.”

Joining the team in the newly created role of General Manager, Marketing and Promotion, is Kathy Barnett. No stranger to the team, Barnett conducted fundraising and promotional activities for Women’s Team Canada leading up to the 2009 World Games in Pilsen, Czech Republic. “I’m honoured to be a part of the team once more and to have my role sanctioned by the CBHA,” said Barnett. “Canadians need to recognize the calibre of athletes the High Performance Program produces. To that end, my goal is to help raise the profile of women’s ball hockey in Canada and showcase the achievements of Women’s Team Canada.”

Returning as Head Coach is two-time gold medal coach Christine Pellerin, who led the women’s national team to emphatic victories at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships. Involved with the CBHA since 1987 as a player, coach and official, Pellerin is a multiple gold medalist and team MVP and was named the OBHA Female Coach of the Year in 2001. She is also a certified Hockey Canada referee and has officiated at two World and several national championships. 

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the effectiveness of the CBHA’s High Performance Program, and it has led us to gold medals again and again,” says Pellerin. I’m excited to be able to once again have a hand in building a team that will represent Canada internationally. There is nothing that compares to the feeling of pride you experience when your national anthem plays, and I’m determined to take us to the top of the podium again.”

Also returning to the bench for Women’s Team Canada is Assistant Coach Lori Parker, who helped coach the team to gold in Germany 3 years ago. The first player to be named captain of the National Team at its inception, Parker’s on-floor credentials include MVP and All-Star team honours. Her ice and ball hockey experience both on and behind the bench will be a considerable asset to the team as she helps build the next evolution of Women’s Team Canada.

Rounding out the leadership team is Renee Sheldon, returning in the role of Team Therapist. Renee specializes in chronic pain, injuries and sports related conditions. She has 15 years’ experience as a Registered Massage Therapist, is a certified Sports Massage candidate and holds certifications in Acupuncture and Integrative Manual Therapy. 2011 will mark Renee’s third World Championship, having kept Women’s Team Canada in top physical form in both the 2007 and 2009 international tournaments. Renee is also a critical part of the Medical Team for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Whistler, British Columbia.

The team’s leadership will conduct scouting activities throughout 2010 before selecting its roster in early 2011.

For more information on Women’s Team Canada or ball hockey in Canada, visit www.cbha.com or contact Kathy Barnett at 416-277-7463.