Photo Karen Graham.
Ball hockey moves to the CMCC this spring.
While hockey playoffs may be top of mind, it is also time for young local athletes to look ahead to warmer temperatures and plan their activities for the spring and summer season.
One of the growing clubs in the area is the Peterborough Minor Ball Hockey League (PMBHL) based in Millbrook. Registration has begun. Sign up by March 13th to ensure you have a jersey for the first practice on April 11th. Games begin the following week after Easter.
Now in its fourth year, the club is operated by Guye Vondette, who is a one-man show when it comes to ball hockey in the area. He not only manages the local league, but is on the floor every night, refereeing every game. This fall his dedication to the sport was recognized provincially. In November, Vondette received the Ontario Ball Hockey Association Executive of the year. The provincial associated noted that the Peterborough club is the fastest growing and best organized of the 47 clubs in the league due to the dedication of this committed volunteer. Last year the club has 16 teams, and this year they are hoping to have at least 20 and hopes to create a Bantam division next year.
The sport was officially launched in 1974 and now boasts more than 50,000 players on 1,700 teams across the province. One of the factors contributing to the game’s increasing popularity is its relatively low cost. Equipment includes a CSA approved hockey helmet with full facial protection and approved hockey gloves, soccer-style shin guards, and hockey stick. Soft elbow pads, soft knee pads and athletic supporter are recommended.
The sport develops skills used in many sports, including ice hockey, basketball and soccer. The local co-ed club has teams from Tyke to Peewee, competing in 13 games Tuesday to Friday from 6 to 9pm at the new Community Centre. Action takes place during two, 16 minute periods supervised by two certified referees over the course of one hour. Vondette is one of the referees on the floor, overseeing the action. The league is fully insured and is certified by the Ontario Ball Hockey Association (OBHA) with all games monitored by certified referees. New this year is training for coaches and assistance in Rowan’s Law: legislation to protect athletes from concussion injuries sustained during play.
The league encourages fair play, respect and sportsmanship, ensuring all players participate fully in the action, regardless of skill level.
This year, the club will host the Tyke and Novice Provincial competition in July. The three-day event attracts approximately 40 teams, with games in the Evinrude and Kinsman arenas. Vondette hopes to field six teams from the local club in this tournament.
For more information about this league and to register, visit their website at www.peterboroughballhockey.com. KG
