About Us
The sport of hockey is a significant aspect of Canada’s cultural heritage. Memorable events such as Paul Henderson’s victorious goal during the ’72 Summit. Series, Mario Lemieux’s brilliant capper to close out the ’87 Canada Cup, and Sidney Crosby’s glorious overtime winner during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics have all contributed to our nation’s identity.
Simply put – Canadians love hockey! Despite our passion for the game, unfortunately many Canadian families do not possess the financial means to match the high costs associated with ice hockey. In view of this, organized ball hockey as become an increasingly popular alternative due to the sport’s affordability and relatively easy accessibility. Throughout Canada, ball hockey can be observed in community hockey arenas (dry floor surface), outdoor lacrosse boxes, community centers, parking lots, and streets. Organized ball hockey is British Columbia’s fastest growing sport. The sport’s non-profit governing bodies, the BC Ball Hockey Association and West Coast Minor Ball Hockey Association, continue to develop the men’s, women’s and youth leagues throughout the province, along with hosting numerous successful provincial and national championships.
Currently there are over 6000 children and youth who are enrolled with the provincial minor system, and membership is expected to rise in the coming years. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2010) reports that British Columbia receives over 40,000 new immigrants each year - many of whom are low income families seeking affordable sport and extracurricular activities for their children. Research supports the vast benefits of sports and recreational after school programming for students such as the development of critical life skills, enhancing social responsibility and preventing youth criminality. Therefore, the implementation of high school ball hockey represents a tremendous opportunity for encouraging active student participation, cross-age mentorship, and leadership development.
The Vision
To provide fair, safe, and equal participation for all secondary ball hockey members that includes: boys, girls, and students with physical, intellectual, and sensorial challenges.
- To host an annual invitational High School Ball Hockey BC championship.
- To build strong and supportive school/community partnerships with a variety of municipalities and throughout British Columbia.
- To provide rich opportunities for student leadership and community service with the aspects of coaching, managing, officiating, scorekeeping, statistics, website administration, and tournament volunteering.
- To provide opportunities for students to earn academic credits for their community service with the sport of ball hockey.
- To foster the growth and development of the sport in urban, rural, and geographically isolated school districts throughout the province of British Columbia.
- To develop a comprehensive ball hockey unit as part of the Ministry of Education's Physical Education curriculum.
- To support other Canadian provinces with the development of their own school/municipality ball hockey programs.
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