For many people in gym class, the floor hockey days were the most anticipated and most exciting. It was often the number one choice of games when given the option.
Now, instead of hoping the teacher picks floor hockey, that sport will be an option for nearly 10 weeks in the Battlefords. The games will be organized with officials and timekeepers and made available from early-May to mid-July.
For the first time an organized ball hockey league will take place during the summer in the Battlefords.
For three seasons, the Battlefords Ball Hockey League has been operating and playoffs for that league started this week, but now those interested in staying in shape for the hockey season can do so with a stick in their hands and a league to play in during the off-season.
There are youth age divisions as well as adult A and B division making ball hockey a sport everyone can get involved in.
In the previous summers in the Battlefords, two separate groups often rented the ice surface at the Agri Plex and played ball hockey. One consisted of many players who play in the BBHL and the other featured hockey players from the senior, junior and AAA ranks looking to stay in shape during the summer. The Saskatchewan Ball Hockey League provides more structure to those pickup games. The SBHL expanded into four new cities, as it operated in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert last season. Now the Battlefords, along with Lloydminster, Yorkton and Moose Jaw are joining what is said to be Saskatchewan's fastest growing sport.
In 2008, there was one registered provincial team in all of Saskatchewan. In 2010, there were 57 teams in the inaugural three cities. Players returning home from the NHL, WHL and other junior leagues have played in the Saskatoon League and the hope is that the trend catches on in Battlefords area as well.
It has been confirmed the games will be played at the Agri Plex and the commissioner is hoping to work the schedules around the soccer leagues to allow youth athletes to play both.
The early-bird registration date has passed, but the deadline to sign up as an individual, group or team of 16 is April 1. The required equipment is a stick, helmet and gloves and the goaltenders will wear full hockey goaltending gear.
For more information pick up one of the pamphlets at the sports stores or go to saskballhockey.com.
