POST FEBRUARY 16/2011:
2011 BC Provincial Head Coaches
appointed by WCMBHA of BC
Experience, integrity and the knowledge
to select competitive teams

It is with great pleasure after reviewing all applicants for the three BC Provincial Team Head Coach positions, that WCMBHA of BC has appointed the following three individuals to the positions. Appointed are Gary Slavin (U15 West Coast Wolverines), Dave Olafson (U17 BC Thunder) and Jim Armstrong (U19 West Coast Express). These positions are two year terms that will cover the 2011 Junior Nationals in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from July 28th to July 31st as well as 2012 when BC hosts the Junior Nationals in the Lower Mainland from August 2nd to August 5th, 2012. These coaches along with coaching staff and scouts will be looking not only players that can compete in the Junior Nationals but also players that will be scouted by the Junior Team Canada staff for a chance to make a JTC roster for the World tournament hosted by Pisek, Czech Republic in 2012. All three appointed coaches have extensive experience at Junior Nationals.

Gary Slavin, Head Coach - U15 West Coast Wolverines
(2011 will be sixth Junior National coaching)

For most, Gary is no stranger at the Junior Nationals. His first trip was in 2005 to Charlottetown, PEI where he assisted a team made up of half BC and half Alberta players in the U19 Division, with a strong round robin and eventually being knocked in to the B-pool side by eventual A-pool gold winners Edmonton Blues, the team won B-pool Gold. He then came on with the U17 BC Thunder in 2007 and 2008 where the team was up against the Belleville Predators in both A-pool finals and came home proud with two Silver medals. The strongest showing was when he became the Head Coach in 2009 of the inaugural U15 West Coast Wolverines. After regulation, overtime and a shoot out, the Wolverines won BC's first ever National title. The following year he served his second term with the Wolverines and travelled to Waterloo, Ontario and captured the A-pool Bronze. "It is with great pleasure to be appointed this position, I have had the opportunity to coach at all levels of the Nationals and the U15 is by far the most exciting, it is great to work at the foundation level of the National program and see these kids develop over the years." stated Gary. His high level staff participation doesn't stop there, he was Assistant Coach in 2008 with the U18 Junior Team Canada (Gold in Slovakia) and was Asst GM of U16 & U18 in 2010 with the JTC program (U16 Gold & U18 Silver on Czech Republic) He has now been appointed GM of U16 & U18 JTC for 2012. Gary has been involved as coach and Exec with RMMBHA for seven years and lives in Maple Ridge.

Dave Olafson, Head Coach - U17 BC Thunder
(2011 will be fifth Junior National coaching)

After successful WCC appearances with Ridge Meadows, Dave found himself as Head Coach in 2007 with the U16 BC Thunder. His first success was a Gold medal final appearance in Burnaby, BC at the Junior Nationals where his team came up short but went home with a Silver medal around their necks. In 2008 looking for revenge, he found his BC team up against the Belleville team again. Making the finals again but, would have to settle with a A-pool Silver again coming home from Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2009 he came on as assistant coach with the U15 West Coast Wolverines where he saw his first National title become a reality in his third straight gold medal appearance in Edmonton. In 2010 he was back with the U17 program and after a great pre tournament training camps and exhibition games, the team saw themselves in the A-pool Bronze game on championship Sunday, but fell short losing out on a medal placement, having to settle for 4th. Dave's style is to communicate one on one at the bench as well identify the players that have the skillets to be competitive at the Nationals. Dave recently completed his first tour of duty as a Assistant Coach with the U16 Junior Team Canada program in 2010 winning gold. "I look forward to once again travel with the most competitive players to the Nationals this year and see us get back to the Gold medal game," said Dave. Dave has been with RMMBHA for over 8 years and is from Maple Ridge.

POST MARCH 5:
WCMBHA of BC would like to welcome
Victoria Minor Ball Hockey Association

This past weekend (March 5) Executives from WCMBHA of BC were able to meet with the Victoria Minor Ball Hockey Association, it is with great pleasure that we welcome VMBHA to the great group of minor ball hockey associations in the province. President Brian Castle and his executive have secured two floors in the Victoria area and their registration numbers are climbing. WCMBHA of BC will be discussing with Lower Mainland Associations the possibilities of teams traveling to Victoria to help out with playing games against their teams. VMBHA is also looking for good used goaltending equipment to help out their association. Any further information please email vp@wcmbh.com

POST JANUARY 6/11:
Announcement of WCMBHA of BC AGM date
The WCMBHA of BC has set a date for the 2010 Annual General Meeting. The meeting will take place Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011 at 7:30pm. The Meeting will take place at the Willoughby Community Centre located at the Langley Events Centre - 7888 200 Street, Langley, BC. The AGM Agenda will be posted 15 days prior to the AGM date and sent to member Associations. All members within BC are encouraged to attend. For more information feel free to contact the WCMBHA of BC President at preseident@wcmbh.com and watch this site for additional information.

POST JANUARY 3/11:
Western Challenge Cup Dates announced for 2011 tournament - hosted in Edmonton,Alb.
Ball Hockey Edmonton has released the dates for the 2011 Western Challenge Cup tournament. WCC will be from Thursday, July 14th to Sunday, July 17th,2011. The tournament will continue to offer competition in the divisions of U10, U12, U14, U17 & U19. Tournament player birthdate eligibility date is July 19th. Any players turning older than "a division age noted above" on or before July 19th of the 2011 calendar year must play up a division. For more information, watch this website for more information. You can also go to www.wccballhockey.com and www.ballhockeyedmonton.com for additional information closer to the dates. All participating associations will be meeting to go over tournament information and rules in mid February.

POST NOVEMBER 18/10:
Check us out on Facebook!
As communication technology turns more and more to Facebook, Twitter, etc, we now have a Facebook page for the Provincial Teams Program updates, schedules, info, etc. Members interested in the U15, U17 & U19 BC Provincial Teams Program for 2011 can get quick up to date info. Connect as a friend today! Go to Facebook and search: "Wcmbh Provincial Teams Program"

POST NOVEMBER 18/10:
Congratulations to our BC Provincial Teams
As it only seems like yesterday, it was a few months ago that our three provincial teams traveled to Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario to participate in the 2010 Junior Nationals. As the majority of the competition was Ontario teams, BC came to play hard and come home with some medals! In the end, all three teams played in the Apool for medals, another great showing and placement for BC. In the U15 Division, the defending 2009 National Champions West Coast Wolverines had a tough battle semi-final with Belleville which saw the Ontario team advance to the Gold game with a 2-1 win. This sent the Wolverines in to the Bronze game against a very strong Penetang team. Penetang's starting goalie was World Gold medal Team Canada player Matt Hall. The Wolverines got out to an eary lead and in the end won 5-0 to bring home an Apool Bronze. In the U17 Division, the BC Thunder were up against the Penetang Blazers and lost the Bronze game 4-0. In the U19 Division, BC has in the past at best won a Apool Bronze over the past 6 years. This time around the West Coast Express found themselves after a great round robin series in the final against power house Belleville Predators. With the Bulls having 10 Team Canada players in the lineup and a solid OHL goaltender Kevin Bailie in net, it was too much for the Express in the gold medal game. But the U19 Express came home with the best showing ever at the Junior Nationals with a Apool Silver in the 4-1 loss. WCMBHA would like to thank the following coaches for their time, dedication and having a good run at the 2010 Nationals.

U15 West Coast Wolverines: Head Coach-Gary Slavin,
Assistant Coaches-Dave Weloy and Roy Shortridge.
U17 BC Thunder: Head Caoch-Dave Olafson, Assistant Coach-Loris Centis
U19 West Coast Express: Head Coach-Mike Lloyd, Assistant Coach-Brad Moore

POST JANUARY 6/11:
Welcome to 2011 Western Challenge Cup

Once again the Western Challenge Cup will have all up to date stats, scores and information through Pointstreak. For all the above information along with arena locations, sponsors and "things to do in host city Edmonton" go to www.wccballhockey.com Good luck to all participating teams at this year's WCC tournament taking place in Edmonton from July 14-17, 2011

NEW POST JUNE 15/10:
'Canada takes U16 Gold and U18 Silver at 2010 World Ball Hockey Championships

WCMBHA would like to congratulate all players & staff across the country that participated in the recent 2nd Annual U16 & U18 Street & Ball Hockey World Championships in Most, Czech Republic. We especially want to congratulate our BC players and staff that were a part of this. U16 gold medal winners: Colin Catchpole, Jas Kahlon, Deep Toor, Chris Ceraldi, Devan Suidy, Brett Abercrombie, Trevor Sidhu, Eric Czernick, Matt Lloyd along with staff members Dave Olafson, Gary Slavin & Dr. Carl Shearer. For the U18 Silver medal we applause Keenan Monkhouse. The U18 team also won the Most Sportsmanlike award for the tournament while in the U16 Colin Catchpole was named as the Tournament Top Forward while teammates Chris Ceraldi and Jas Kahlon were named to the U16 Tournament All Star Team. More info can be viewed at the websites listed below.

TOURNAMENT WEBSITE:
http://www.most2010.cz/en/

CANADIAN BALL HOCKEY WEBSITE:
www.cbha.com

TOURNAMENT FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mistrovstvi-sveta-v-hokejbalu-U18U16-MOST-2010/464015525017
(facebook group name is called: Mistrovstvi sveta v hokejbalu U18&U16 - MOST 2010

TOURNAMENT "JUNIOR TEAM CANADA" FACEBOOK GROUP:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113958988623899
(facebook group name is called: 2010 Junior Team Canada U16 and U18

POST NOVEMBER 26/09:
U16 & U18 Junior Team Canada Announces player and staff roster for 2010

It is with great pleasure that along with our team staff that the 2010 U16 & U18 Junior Team Canada rosters were announced this past week. The team rosters have been presented to Canadian Ball Hockey Association as well as the CBHA High Performance National Program Committee.

As it takes skill and endurance to reach this level of ball hockey play, off floor character and behavior play a factor in player selection. A big part of producing the right mix of players is the local association’s that they come from. As WCMBHA of BC and its Associations have been a strong supporter of the Junior Team Canada program through the past years, it is with great pride that we announce the BC players and staff that will be joining the Junior Team Canada program in our journey to defend and regain gold at the 2010 World Junior Street & Ball Hockey Championships in Most, Czech Republic.

Joining the U16 Team Canada:

Colin Catchpole (Delta) �One scout commented not just from his views but from a fan in the stands at one of the Western Challenge Cup games, “Catchpole is a naturally born scorer.�He was viewed as, if you need a goal, Catchpole better be on the floor. With this, along with his stats to back this up, scouts put Catchpole in the top three for Canadian forwards even before the Junior Nationals. At the WCC tournament, Catchpole playing in the U14 Division recorded 8 Goals, 9 Assists for a point total of 17 which gave him the U14 scoring title for the tournament. With the West Coast Wolverines in the U15 Junior Nationals, Catchpole was the tournament scoring leader and named Top Forward for the tournament during award night. He ended the tournament with 6 goals in 5 games. With his strong presence on the floor due to height, he easily picks the slots to unload accurate wrist shots. His hard accurate low slap shots on the point just confirmed to scouts of why he is utilized in this role during power play opportunities.

Trevor Sidhu (Metro) �One of the quickest back checkers for this age group was Sidhu’s trademark with scouts. He has a thin frame, but fast wheels. Along with this is his hands and sight for playmaking. On a large floor surface at the world’s, this is where Sidhu will stand out from the rest of the pack. Sidhu also played in both scouted tournaments, but playing in a division higher at the WCC. He didn’t miss a beat playing U17, in fact out hustled most of the 17 year olds at the tournament, he was 5th in scoring for his U17 team with 3 goals, 5 assists and 8 points in 6 games. As stamina plays an important part at the worlds, this is one player that won’t have a problem keeping up, if not, setting the pace of the game himself. Sidhu has played in 3 WCC tournaments, his dedication to the game has paid off for him. Hard work and determination on every shift earned Sidhu the rights to wear the red and white.

Christopher Ceraldi (Valley) �some nicknamed Ceraldi the ‘Rocky of Ball Hockey,� he is a solid built player that is hard to knock the ball from. Along with his build though comes soft hands and an eye for the offensive zone. One would look at Ceraldi off the floor and would wonder about his speed, but as his size was noticed so was his hustle on the back check. He is a great two way player, anyone coming down his wing would have to second guess their route if Ceraldi was forechecking. At the Junior Nationals, Ceraldi was 6th overall in U15 scoring with 4 points in 5 games. His personality off the floor is a gentle bear. If you want more than 100% put into every shift, Ceraldi is the one that will do that game in and game out.

Devan Suidy (Valley) �When it comes to determining what components are needed for play on international size rinks, obviously the main word you will here is speed, but grit and determination are key elements to support speed. Suidy unfortunately played the entire Junior Nationals with a foot injury, but this didn’t stop him from playing his style of game every shift he was called on. A solid two way player that along with his speed and floor smarts, can easily explode through the neutral area and support his line mates taking a zone. Suidy has participated in 2 WCC tournaments which had 8 goals in 12 games. While injured he was able to still put up two helpers in the stats column, as a healthy player for the upcoming world’s, his true skills and playmaking abilities on the floor will be seen.

Matt Lloyd (Metro) �Scouted as one of the best “heads up�players in his own end. His ability to anticipate the play at full speed in the defensive zone along with strength, will surely help the goals against down for Junior Team Canada. With this his transition game is quick and on the point he has a fierce shot with a high percentage on goal. He is a big player when it comes to ball battles and is always on the right side of the ball in all situations. Matt was also another BC player that traveled to Alberta twice for the WCC and the Junior Nationals. At 15 years old, he played in the U17 Division at the WCC in Calgary where he had limited floor time but still was able to get his game in shape playing at this level prior to the Junior Nationals. This paid off for Lloyd, as a defenseman, was second in overall scoring at the U15 Junior Nationals with 4 goals (1 power play and 1 short handed) and 4 assists in 5 games.

Eric Czernick (Metro) ï¿?Viewed as one of the best defenseman that rarely loses a board battle in his own end, Czernick has a stalky build but solid upper body strength, with great speed to and with the ball. Czernick battles hard in front of his own net making it easy for his keepers to see the shots come in. His tape to tape passes in his own zone for break outs are among the best and his neutral zone fore check is solid. He reads plays well as opponents take the zone and knows when to push on the ball without getting caught. Czernick was a part of the reason that the West Coast Wolverines goals against were the lowest in the Junior Nationals. As plus/minus is not recorded, scouts viewed him as a defenseman that was rarely on the floor when a goal was scored against his squad. Czernick finished the U15 Junior Nationals with 6 of his points being 5 helpers in 5 games.

Jas Kahlon (Richmond) ï¿?Kahlon is a speedy defenseman that knows when it is the right time to pinch in offensive zones. Kahlon traveled to the WCC in Calgary playing for Metro/Burnaby in the U14 Division. He contributed with 1 power play goal and finished off with 3 points in 4 games. His size and quick transition ability gives him an advantage in the defensive zone. His long reach on the ball is a benefit that will be noticed in the larger international rinks, while his quick snap shots are an offensive threat. Kahlon is not a sit back defenseman, he likes to force the play whether in neutral or defensive zone, which translates to the majority of the time a turn over and odd man rush for his line mates. Kahlon had two helpers for his team at the U15 Junior Nationals.

Deepkaran Toor (Surrey) �One word to describe Toor in net is “focus� with every shift in play whether in his end or in the opponents defensive end, he follows the play from the first face off to the last buzzer. Toor brings agility, flexibility and solid upper body coverage to the team as a goalie. Though he has a butterfly style, he is square to the ball and is not caught deep in his net on shots. Toor was solid through the round robin part of the U15 Junior Nationals helping his West Coast Wolverines to a 4-0 tournament start that put them directly into the finals. He was able to fend off multiple power play opportunities including a 5 minute power play in the OT frames in the championship game against Edmonton and in turn went 5 saves on 5 shots in the shootout to determine the national winner. Toor ended the tournament with a 2.67 goals against in his three games played.

U18 Junior Team Canada Players:

Keenan Monkhouse (Delta) �Monkhouse will be making his second trip overseas as one of the 8 returning 2008 U16 gold medal champions now competing in the U18 Division. Monkhouse was utilized as a role player in the 2008 World’s where he found himself on a strong checking line. With this experience his game has progressed into a solid two way player. Hard back checking along with his eye for the net has elevated his game to the next division. Monkhouse played in the WCC tournament for Delta in the U17 Division where he led his team in scoring with 4 goals, 5 assists and 9 points in 7 games which earned him 7th overall in U17 Division scoring. Monkhouse continued his point production at the Junior Nationals but not playing in the U17 Division, he played for the Canadian Rockies in the U19 Division, a team that was put together at the last moment to fill the tournament schedule. He ended 4th in team scoring with 3 helpers, 4 points total in 6 games. His experience with the first international trip will help with the foundation to be established with the U18 JTC when they arrive in Prague.

Junior Team Canada Staff:

Gary Slavin, U16 & U18 JTC Assistant General Manager (Maple Ridge) - Slavin has been looked upon in the ball hockey world as a builder, from local associations to provincial, CBHA officials new he was the right person for this program. His long list of achievements include coaching in 4 Nationals coming home with two silver’s and a gold, along with contributing as Assistant Coach with the U18 JTC at the 2008 World’s where the team captured the inaugural gold. He has coached teams in the WCC to two golds in four years. His coaching abilities and experience has transitioned to a management role with ease. Slavin was the Team Manager for the U17 BC Thunder, where tournament team itineraries, travel organizing and team outings came natural as he took the team to the Nationals in Halifax. As a JTC manager, his scouting abilities along with working with scouts in the various regions have helped piece together the two teams to hit the floor in Most, Czech Republic. His attention to detail will help ease the travel the players will be up against heading to the World’s.

Dr. Carl Shearer, U16 & U18 JTC Team Doctor (New Westminster) - A late addition to the staff, but the time waited was worth it in securing Shearer as JTC team doctor when the teams travel to the Czech Republic. Shearer is not new to international experience as he has been a team doctor for Soccer Canada for over 14 years. His career started as a soccer player with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the late 70’s. Shearer has over 21 years experience as a physician. He has had several different medical practices over these years including family practice, emergency physician for 9 years and15 years experience as a consulting sports medicine physician. To summarize, Shearer’s contribution to the team include many years of sports medicine experience and expertise, experience in arranging medical coverage at multi team sport games at the international level and the highest level of professionalism and common sense.

Dave Olafson, U16 Assistant Coach (Maple Ridge) - Olafson is no stranger to ball hockey in BC, he started playing the game at a high level in 1985. His natural talent in play lead him to coaching his men’s teams over a number of years, with this he found it natural to coach his son’s in ice hockey as well as minor ball hockey. Olafson has been a big contributor to the Provincial Minor Ball Hockey program as well. With his strategic zone plays he head coached the U17 BC Thunder to two back to back National finals (Burnaby & Halifax) that brought him and the team home the silver in both cases. In 2009 he teamed up as assistant coach with Gary Slavin and the U15 West Coast Wolverines (BC) where this time around coming out of the National finals with a gold medal and a first for BC as National Champions in ball hockey. Olafson’s open minded way of coaching, along with his years of experience in all sorts of game situations will be an asset to the U16 Coaching Staff.

On behalf of the team staff we would like to thank your association for your assistance and participation with the Junior Team Canada Program and look forward to scout future high level prospects from your region for the 2012 World Championships. The 2010 World Junior Street & Ball Hockey Championships wlll take place in Most, Czech Republic from June 1st ï¿?4th. Updates can be viewed through the Canadian Ball Hockey Association website at www.cbha.com

POST AUGUST 14/09:
U15 West Coast Wolverines bring home BC's first ever Junior National Championship trophy

West Coast Wolverines U15 provincial ball hockey club travelled to Edmonton, Alberta to take part in the Junior Canadian National Ball Hockey Championships in the U15 Division. The U15 Division is only in its second year for the National tournament (Penetang, Ontario winning the inaugural event in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2008) and the first time BC sent a team to the U15 Division. The Wolverines squad was made up of players from throughout the lower mainland ball hockey associations (See team list below). After the Wolverines went a perfect 4 wins and no losses, with only 6 goals against in the Round Robin, they received a direct route to the Championship finals on the Sunday, awaiting the semifinal winner between Edmonton Red Wings and the Penetang Blazers on the Saturday.

Wolverines got out to a great start going up 4-1 midway through the first, until Edmonton picked up on BC's defensive pressure and transitioned their breakouts which was damaging. The Edmonton Red Wings to everyones surprise took a 5-4 lead midway through the 3rd period until the Wolverines tied it up. With under a minute left in the final frame, an Edmonton disallowed goal was called by the refs which sent both teams into overtime. Wolverines found themselves killing a 2 minute power play in the early stages of the 10 minute sudden death overtime. All was even and went to a second 10 minute overtime which saw an unfortunate boarding call against Brodie Jackson put the Wolverines into a 5 minute penalty kill situation. Wolverines fought off the 5 minutes and got through the second overtime. National rules put bth teams into a five man shootout. Wolverines netminder, Deepkaran Toor (Surrey) after a five goal game turned his game around and came up with all five saves in the shootout including a down and out glove save on the third Edmonton shooter. Wolverines for the fifth and final shooter sent out Trevor Sidhu (Metro Burnaby) to try and win it all. Trevor came in with a fake shot and went left with a backhander to the net to win the Championship for the Wolverines.

This is the first ever Minor Ball Hockey A-Pool Championship win for a BC squad. Head Coach Gary Slavin along with Assistant Coach Dave Olafson (both Ridge Meadows) and Mike Lloyd, Assistant Coach (Metro Burnaby) put together this provincial club only three months ago. Coach Gary Slavin would like to thank all the local sponsors and supporters - Bill's Skate Shop, Maple Ridge Cycle and Lordco Auto Parts for their believes in the minor sport of ball hockey.

Next year's U15 National Ball Hockey Championship will be hosted in Waterloo, Ontario the August long weekend. Tryouts will begin in early April 2010.

2009 U15 National Champions:
Head Coach: Gary Slavin (RMMBHA)
Assistant Coach: Dave Olafson (RMMBHA)
Assistant Coach: Mike Lloyd (MMBHA)
Center: Colin Catchpole (DMBHA)
Center: Simran Dhaliwal (SMBHA)
Center: Christoper Ceraldi (VBHA)
Right Wing: Brett Abercrombie (VBHA)
Right Wing: Trevor Sidhu (MMBHA)
Right Wing: Brodie Jackson (RMMBHA)
Left Wing: Sean Olafson (RMMBHA)
Left Wing: Devan Suidy (VBHA)
Left Wing: Brad Lyons (RMMBHA)
Fwd/Def: Cole Aalton (RMMBHA)
Defense: Eric Czernick (MMBHA)
Defense: TJ Davis (VBHA)
Defense: Matt Lloyd (MMBHA)
Defense: Cameron Johnson (VBHA)
Defense: Jas Kahlon (RBHA)
Defense: Dylan Churchwell (VBHA)
Goalie: Lucas Zayonc (DMBHA)
Goalie: Deepkaran Toor (SMBHA)

REVISED POST SEPTEMBER 14/09:
U17 Thunder come home with B-Pool Silver

The U17 Provincial Program was in a rebuilding year for 2009 after the Thunder won A-Pool Silver at the last two Junior Nationals. With those players moving up to U19, it was a fresh start for Head Coach Wayne Van Geel. The Thunder went 2 & 2 in the round robin with 10 goals for. They beat newly added Saskatchewan All-Stars in quarter finals 5-3 to put them into the Sunday A-Pool Gold matchup against Toronto Selects. The East was too strong coming out with a 5-0 win over the Thunder.

2009 U17 BC Thunder:
Head Coach: Wayne VanGeel
Assistant Coach: Trent Plul
Assistant Coach: Nick Dhaliwal
Manager/Assistant Coach: Bruce Arthurs
William Arthurs (VBHA)
Dominic Centis (SMBHA)
Alanjit Cheema (SMBHA)
Zack Cummings (RMMBHA)
David Czernick (VBHA)
Indy Dhaliwal (FVBHL)
Corey Dubbledam (RMMBHA)
Kevin Fowler (DMBHA)
Jesse Hinchcliffe (RMMBHA)
Andrew Inglis (DMBHA)
Jordan Liem (SMBHA)
Spencer Marro (VBHA)
Ryan Muldoon (DMBHA)
Taylor Plul (RMMBHA)
Jared Thomas (VBHA)
Mitch VanGeel (VBHA)
Mathew Wereschuk (SMBHA)

NEW POST AUGUST 14/09:
Never too late to compete at Nationals, congratulations to U19 Canadian Rockies 4th place finish

With the late drop out of a maritime team at the U19 level this past month at the Nationals, CBHA asked for the assistance of putting together a team of players to play at this level. The Canadian Rockies was formed to fill this void with players from BC, Alberta and Nova Scotia. With this team thrown together at the last mintue by Liza Vendrasco and the help of Jim Armstrong (Vernon), Lance Parker (Surrey), Jeff Smith (NS) and Dave Olafson (Ridge Meadows) the kids came together and competed well. Thanks also goes to Bill Allen (RIdge Meadows) who came on as Team Manager.

NEW POST AUGUST 14/09:
Another Bronze for U19 West Coast Express,
but in the B-Pool for 2009

After a A-Pool Bronze performance in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the 2009 Junior Nationals, head coach Paul Hundal had his goals set higher for his squad at this years Nationals. After going 2 and 2 in the round robin with both losses being close games against Gold medal finalist Belleville and Penetang, Express went into quarter finals against Edmonton Mustangs. The Express lost 2-1 putting them into the B-Pool Bronze game. The Express beat Ottawa easily 7-0 to take home B-Pool Bronze.

2009 U19 West Coast Express:
Brad Anderson (VBHA)
Cameron Belansky
Christopher Busto
Danny Grewal (MMBHA)
David Bigley (MMBHA)
Harjit Purewal
Jagpal Sandhu (MMBHA)
Jeff Scheffel (MMBHA)
James Eisner (RMMBHA)
Jesse Churchwell (MMBHA)
Manuveer Mahil (MMBHA)
Mike Guertin (DMBHA)
Nathan Pangalia (MMBHA)
Nicholas Grewal
Paul Chima (MMBHA)
Steve Hudon
Tom Easly
Zac Lord (VBHA)
Paul Hundal, Coach

POST MARCH 30/09:
Western Challenge Cup Final Statistics

New Western Challenge Cup website now up and running! For all your Western Challenge Cup game stats, player stats and Cup winners go to www.wccballhockey.com Congratulations to all our BC teams that won medals at the WCC in Calgary!

WCMBHA of BC wants to see ball hockey in your community!
Over the past few years minor ball hockey has become one of the fastest growing sports in British Columbia. WCMBHA of BC is the governing body for minor ball hockey in the province of BC and is working hard to get more communities to offer the sport of ball hockey to their youths. If you are a recreational organization, community group or even a parent that would like to see ball hockey start up in your community, contact our association for support and direction. Feel free to view and download or "WCMBHAofBC Start Up Booklet", Welcome Letter For Potential New Leagues" and our "WCMBHAofBC recruit poster" on our Download Page of this website.

CBHA announces 2010 Team Canada staff
WCMBHA would like to congratulate the following individuals that have been chosen by CBHA officials and the Minor Council Committee that will be part of the 2010 World Ball Hockey Championships. Gary Slavin,Liza Vendrasco-Aere and Jim Armstrong have accepted positions within the Team Canada family. For more information and the other coaching position announcements go to "Rep Program" page of this website.

WCMBHA of BC looking for minor ball hockey photos.
One thing most sites don't seem to have much of is minor ball hockey photos showcased on their sites. WCMBHA of BC would like to start a photo gallery archive on this site. We encourage all associatiion's or individuals takin pictures of ball hockey games to send us your action photos. WCMBHA of BC also puts together information material in print and digital form and photos always give an added touch.

Sport For Life: Your Athlete needs a plan
Governments have been working on a developmental program that lays out the levels of an athletes physical and mental stages per age groups. Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) is the set procedures to achieve the proper training for an athlete. CBHA is n board to develop minor ball hockey athletes by using these guidelines. Please go to the Coaches Corner page of this website for more information on this.

Get in touch with your local association
For all your local information on registration and upcoming events in your area, go to the "HOW TO JOIN" page of our website and go to the association you are interested in or email directly to the President of the association.

Helpful Links for Minor Ball Hockey Association
Below are some useful website links for our member associations. From grants, programs and BC sports information, these links will benefit our associations and their members.