The excitement for the 2019 Ontario Ball Hockey Federation's National Championships (Nationals) ramped up as we entered Toronto's Pearson International Airport on July 22nd ready to board a plan to Vancouver, British Columbia.  All the preparation done to this point, the girls chatter, and the questions from strangers of 'where are you headed' and 'for what sport' had lead us to an exciting time in girls ball hockey.  It was also time to see how the U20 Ontario Team White would fair at this year's OBHF Nationals where they would go up against five other provincial teams. 

Once in Vancouver, we first geared up for a practice to work the jitters out.  We then headed to Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a little team bonding where we took the opportunity to adjust to the change in time zones (British Columbia is three hours behind Ontario) and evaluate the week ahead for us. 

Once at the rink, fierce competition was in the air and love for ball hockey was all around the arena.  When we took the floor for our first game, the girls worked hard to get control of the ball, get shots on net, and try to control the play.   However, Manitoba had the edge on us and took the game 1-0. 

The next two games the team found their grit, determination, and will to win the battles in the corners, along the boards and controlled the ball with confidence and enabled us to beat both British Columbia and Alberta with ease. 

Our fourth and final game of the preliminary round was against British Columbia's second team playing in the tournament.  This time, BC came out quick and took the lead in the first period.  But, the girls fought back hard to tie the game 1-1.  Unfortunately, the team couldn't manage to find the back of the net throughout the rest of the game and, with BC scoring a fluke goal off the back boards, we fell 2-1 which landed us on the B side of the tournament.  In B side playoff play, the team fought hard against Alberta and came home with a commanding win for the B Gold medal. 

On behalf of Tracy, Jen and Danielle as coaches, we are proud of the efforts each and every player put onto the floor.  Every player played hard from the sound of the first whistle to the buzzer at the end of each game.  We would also like to congratulate Kristin, Julia, Hannah, Dylann, Emily, Kayla, Camryn, Sandrine, Kennedy, Caitlyn, Serena, Ella, Tatyana, Jolissa, Kaylen, Samantha, and Emma for all of their hardwork, dedication, and love for the sport.  It is because of girls like these that the sport of ball hockey will only continue to grow.  Congratulations Ontario Team White!

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Find the OBHF in our Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Post your upcoming ball hockey tournament in our SWSCD Hub.  Find or start a ball hockey group in our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Ball Hockey activity page.  

Have your own ball hockey memory or moment you'd like to celebrate?  Share your highlights directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.