A league of their own

The Greater Toronto Women's Ball Hockey League (GTWBHL) is truly a league of its own.  Centred out of Pine Point Arena in northwest Etobicoke, it's currently the only women's ball hockey league in the Greater Toronto Area that focuses on providing high-end players the chance to play more competitive ball hockey.  In addition, many of the league's players have also had the chance to represent the League while competing on teams in provincial, national and international tournaments.  Started in 2014 by Diana Brown and Flora Pannunzio with the idea to accomplish the following goals:

• To create a league focused on servicing competitive ball hockey players; in 2014 there weren't any in the GTA that provided opportunities to play at the national and international levels.
• To give back to their local community.

In their minds, the League's mission was simple; to create a league where players get to play a great quality of ball hockey at the lowest cost while ensuring everyone has fun playing.  Five years in, both Diana and Flora firmly believe the GTWBHL is delivering exactly what they set out to create. 

Certainly, the reputation of the GTWBHL as a competitive place to play is reflected in the numbers of players who not only have elite level experience playing ball hockey, but many of the League's rostered players are also current and/or former university, provincial, national, international and professional ice hockey players.  In fact, more than 35 of these players are either current or former Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) players as well as Canadian and American National ice hockey players.  An impressive statistic in its own right and certainly proof positive of the calibre of play available through the GTWBHL. 

Having fun is important too

With that said, it's also important to spotlight the high level of comraderie and community present between teammates and each of the six teams that make up the Women's League.  For the GTWBHL, nurturing a strong ethic of care and mutual respect amongst all who play is definitely a key to their success.  First and foremost, game nights are a chance to play, stay in shape and have fun with friends.  For Diana and Flora, ensuring that all the players enjoy a great experience from the time their league starts in mid-April (once the arena ice is removed) until its end in early August (when the ice is put back in for the start of ice hockey season) is their highest priority.  Whether it's about providing great prizes for winning teams at the end of the season or organizing social events throughout the summer, it's clear Diana and Flora operate the GTWBHL for the benefit of the players, not for themselves.  

Athlete Gallery - Wednesday night GTWBHL action.

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