By Belleville and Quinte Minor Ball Hockey League
NHL player and Belleville resident Andrews Shaw always credits the training he received playing ball hockey for improving not only his conditioning but his hand eye coordination and stick handling in the off season.
For existing hockey players it’s a great training tool.
For others, it is a gateway to hockey. A great way to see if you like hockey or just want a fun spring sport to try new things and make new friends.
The Belleville and Quinte area has become a hotbed for the sport of minor ball hockey with in the province and country As a whole.
This is the 35th year of minor ball hockey in the Belleville and Quinte area. On line registration is now open with limited space due to covid 19 protocols. The sport is available for boys and girls ages 3 to 18. House league programs start with a season from the later part of April until the end of June. Rep teams are then formed later in the season from the rosters of the house league programs. League information can be found on the website at www.bellevilleballhockey.ca.
“Over the years, we have won had more than 50 plus Ontario Championships in various age groups,” say Lynn Thibedeau of the organization. Over the years approximately 2500 players from the area have participated in Provincial Championships. The Belleville organization has 7 national Championships and 3 Finalist. Thirty-three area players have played for team Canada at the World Junior Championships in the past.
The timing of the season really is attractive to parents as it does not interfere with summer vacations but allows for a different activity and diversion outside of other “core” activities potentially.
Covid Protocols will be adapted from local health unit directions and the organization intends to provide a safe and fun environment for players of all skill types to enjoy the great sport of ball hockey. Volunteers and coaches are always welcome. Covid protocols will restrict numbers of players and volunteers but applications are always welcome.
