The Toronto Women's Ball Hockey Association is celebrating a special anniversary.  An anniversary that marks the 35th year the TWBHA has offered women of all ages living in Toronto and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area (GTA) the chance to play organized ball hockey. 

From its initial launch as the university business plan assignment of long-time player and executive member Judy Ilcio, to its current two division (East and West) fourteen team houseleague format, its success has relied on the dedicated and determined efforts of both past and present TWBHA players, volunteers and supporters.  Much of these efforts have focused on growing women's ball hockey to a point where today, players have the ability to play not only on a recreational level, but also have the chance to play competitively at the provincial, national and international levels through the League's association with the Ontario Ball Hockey Association (OBHA).

Two of the most remarkable ball hockey players to come out of the TWBHA are Irene Kiratzis and Vicki Ruth.  Both Irene and Vicki started playing in the 1980’s and continue to play today at the highest levels of the game even though both are in their mid-fifties.  In fact, these two players still play at the national and international levels representing Canada in B and Masters Division competitions.  Certainly, a testament to their athleticism, skill and passion for ball hockey.

As part of the TWBHA's year-long efforts to celebrate their 35th anniversary, the Association chose to host an alumni game as an opportunity to bring together past and present players.  It seemed only fitting to include their alumni game as part of the TWBHA's annual Joan Padmore Memorial Ball Hockey Tournament held in May.  Over twenty-five players and supporters laced up their ball hockey shoes and hit the arena floor to have the chance once more to set up a play or two with their old linemates.  In the end, lots of good fun, warm hugs and old memories were shared amongst everyone who showed up to play.  

Head to  Photo Highlights from the 2018 TWBHA Joan Padmore Memorial Ball Hockey Tournament to take in some of the tournament's ball hockey moments and to learn a little bit more about an extraordinary community volunteer and ardent supporter of women's sports.

Congratulations to TWBHA on your momentous milestone of 35 years serving the ball hockey communities of Toronto and the GTA.  SeeWhatSheCanDo is excited to see where the next thirty-five years take the Association and to have the chance to showcase some great moments during the 35th anniversary TWBHA Alumni game. 

Athlete Gallery - TWBHA Alumni Game - Joan Padmore Memorial Ball Hockey Tournament

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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