The Canadian Ball Hockey Association is pleased to announce the players and staff representing Mens Team Canada at the 2019 World Ball Hockey Championships...

The Nationals are back in Quebec in 2019.

Thursday February 14

(6)SBS Trashers vs Underdogs(4)

SBS Trashers hot streak continues with 6-4 win over Underdogs

Any worries about the SBS Trashers missing out in the playoffs is nothing more than a distant memory. The SBS Trashers scored early and thoroughly dominated the Underdogs up until A.Farina made it 4-0.Then, things started to shift and the Underdogs fought back with three straight just prior to the second period ending. In hopes of riding the momentum, the next goal unfortunately went the other way for the Underdogs with F.Gentile and Joe Scalia clicking for a third time. Both players showed clearly they had the Underdogs number in this particular game as they made plenty of cute plays that resulted in half of their teams goals. This contest hits the mid way point of the season for the SBS Trashers, who have yet to drop a game. It was only a few weeks ago that they failed to make the playoffs. Perhaps a change of attitude set them back on the right track.

(5)Smooth Sailors vs United Arms Jr(4)

Captain J.Palmitano rescues Smooth Sailors on huge third period

In a game where penalties seem to come every minute, the Smooth Sailors barely edged out the United Arms Jr. The game looked to be one sided with the Smooth Sailors building a 3-0 lead. However their lack of discipline nearly costed them the match as the United Arms Jr did much of their scoring on the power play. Part of the comeback was led by K.Kavan and M.Yeramian as both players each scored twice. After tying it up in the final frame, the Smooth Sailors captain came to rescue his club. J.Palmitano also benefited with the man advantage fairly late in the game for his second of the period. M.Testolina set up Palmitano both times while opening the scoring early in the first period.

(9)Legends vs Job on Demand (4)

Legends playing it smart to making it two in a row

Even if it's only two straight games, the Legends are very satisfied with their performance of late. From-rolling three lines, to bearing down defensively while getting exceptional goaltending, teams will have a difficult time with the veteran hockey team. The Job on Demand realised this as they barely had any room-from the slot area. Most of their goals came-from the centre, through a screen of players where S.Morante simply couldn't see the ball. However, the same couldn't be said for the Legends as they took advantage of a player in net. And even though S.Fraga let in nine, most of them came in the latter part of the match. This contest was way closer than what the score indicates. S.Koulieris ,E.Capalbo and M.Chenier all had two goals each while the rest of the line up saw most of their players chip away with at least a point.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Joey Palmitano of the Smooth Sailors. The captain is no stranger to the big goals. His two third period markers including the winner ultimately made the difference in a dreaded 4-4 tie.

Wednesday February 13

(3)Knights vs Scorpions (7)

Knights get hat trick-from new addition S.Ruggiero

The Knights got off to a slow start trailing 2-1 after one period but that all changed in the second period as they ignited with four goals. S.Ruggiero was particularly responsible for the onslaught as the new addition did not disappoint scoring twice while setting up a power play goal. From-there, the Knights kept pushing the pace not enabling the Scorpions to get any sort of life. H.Merone went on to add his second, and S.Ruggiero completed his very productive night on a hat trick.

(7)Horsemen vs Buckshots(10)

M.Destounis and P.Abbiasini tear it up combining for 13 points

It took only seven minutes for M.Destounis to post three straight goals. By the time the second period ended, M.Destounis had already collected five points and the Buckshots felt comfortable heading into the third period up 5-2. Considering how things played out till that point, neither side expected what occurred in the final fifteen minutes of play. Both teams put down their guard leaving only the net minders to pay the price after trading five goals apiece. And despite playing fire wagon hockey, the Buckshots never put themselves in any sort of trouble. P.Abbiasini went on a tear bagging three goals as part of a six point night. M.Destounis did finish with one extra point over Abbiasini. As for the Horsemen, T.Zermalias and V.Pandza each scored twice.

(4)Carnage vs Mighty Drunks(2) S.O

Carnage edge out Mighty Drunks with 2 shootout goals

Twice the Mighty Drunks led, and twice Carnage responded to level leaving all but a shootout to decide matters. This contest couldn't get any closer as neither team found themselves up after four periods. Y.Dube did put the Mighty Drunks up on both occasions but an eventual response-from J.Bourlakos and S.Musacchio kept the game idle. After a scoreless third period and a sudden death frame, a shootout was the only hope for a potential winner. This was the one area that Carnage got the better of the Mighty Drunks. With P.Stroubakis and D.Xiarchos each finding the back of the net, B.Madonis denied both attempts to collect the extra points.

(8)Fat Cats vs Fat Roy(2)

Special teams doom Fat Roy early

By surrendering a shorthanded goal along with the inability to kill off a pair of power plays, the Fat Roy found themselves playing behind the eight ball. They still had half a game remaining trailing only 3-1 but that didn't seem to matter as the Fat Cats weren't slowing down. S.Hrivnak's late second period goal perhaps convinced both sides that this game was pretty much wrapped up. However, that didn't slow down G.DeMarinis, who went on to add three straight markers as part of a four goal night. It's not often that Joe Scalia won't get at least one on eight goals, but the sniper decided to be nice setting up five tallies instead.

(7)Bramabulls vs UD Reddz(3)

A.Mirolla involved in all 7 goals for Bramabulls

A.Mirolla and the Bramabulls had all their fire power on full display on Wednesday night. While many players chipped away with points, A.Mirolla was definitely in a league of his own. Every time Mirolla would touch the ball something was bound to happen. The highly skilled forward participated in all seven goals that included five helpers, in which A.Moffa and Marco Diaco each benefited twice. At no point did the UD Redz find themselves close in this match. Their only bright moment came in the third period where they won the frame 2-1 on goals-from A.Kenafa and A.Sayed.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Marino Destounis of the Buckshots. In what was a thrilling high scoring game versus the Horsemen, M.Destounis kept piling on the points finishing his night with three goals and four assists.

Monday February 11

(7)Black Knights vs United Armenians (2)

Black Knights romp over United Armenians behind J.Gagne hat trick

Headlined by J.Gagne's hat trick, the Black Knights exploded for three second and third period goals to defeat the United Armenians in their season debut. Two of Gagne's goals came at the right time. The crafty forward notched his second to put the Black Knights in front 2-1. It was from-that point on that the game slowly shifted to one side. J.Velenosi tallied once while setting up three different teammates. Out of their twelve players dressed, K.Kavan was the only United Armenian to successfully beat S.Sauk.

Tuesday February 12

(8)Punishers vs AREZ(1)

Punishers erupt to score six in second period

The Punishers played a feisty game against the AREZ , exploding for six second period goals en route to a convincing victory. J.Chiropoulos netted a pair during that span as did A.Laramee who went on to complete a hat trick by the third period. The AREZ entered the night with a difficult task ahead of them. Due to the weather conditions, many of their elements-from Ottawa weren't able to attend.Still, they did manage a full roster but couldn't compete enough against a very highly skilled opponent. A.Haddad was the only player to get the better of A.Bitsakis, who had a fairly easy night to earn the win in net.

(8)Capitals vs AREZ(4)

Close while it lasted, fatigue hits AREZ in third period

For most of the match, the AREZ found themselves in a close battle with the Capitals. But once the third period hit, the compete level just wasn't good enough. It didn't help that they had to play their sixth straight period without any breaks in between games. The Capitals entered the final stretch up 5-3 and widened the margin early on thanks to C.Bezeau's fourth marker of the game. To his credit, he did get plenty of help-from M-A Morin, who assisted on all four of Bezeau's goals.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Cedryck Bezeau of the Capitals. There was no doubt that C.Bezeau was on top of his game on Tuesday night. The Capitals took the match in large part due to Bezeau's incredible four goals and two assists.

Monday February 11

Dragons catch break to even the score with Les Yables

To their credit, the Dragons made a valiant effort to overcome a 3-0 deficit only to fall short in the end. Perhaps Les Yables figured they had it in the bag but clearly it wasn't the case. Already with a goal, A.Gervais came to rescue his club fairly late in the game. D.Marcotte scored shortly after for his third point and Les Yables were glad to escape with the victory. The second contest appeared to have a similar effect going on with Les Yables grabbing a 2-0 lead after one period. But after taking an unfortunate high sticking penalty, the Dragons smelled blood knowing that they had five long minutes to score as many as they can. Surely, they would have been satisfied with at least two but the Dragons went for the kill when B.Barile snapped a 2-2 tie. All three goals came on the power play for the Dragons, who took advantage of the situation.

(5)Les Yables vs Dragons (3)

(3)Dragons vs Les Yables(2)

Les Immigrants hard work pays off

There's no mystery on what Les Immigrants will do to any opponent on any given night. Tonight, was a clear case on how hard work will often make a difference. By frustrating the Yellow T-Shirts with their incredible work Ethic, Les Immigrants put themselves in the driver's seat in both games. The first one had them up 3-0 before taking it 4-3, and the second contest was comparable as they never once trailed before taking it in the shootout. A.Zeinalian notched two goals in the opening contest while the captain H.Garabedian got credited the winner. As for the second match, three different players found the back of the net that set the stage for A.Addante to riffle the lone shootout marker. Both wins can also be attributed to R.Ricaurte, who was sound between the pipes.

(4)Les Immigrant vs Yellow T-Shirts(3)

(3)Yellow T-Shirts vs Les Immigrant(4) S.O

Captain J.Kontitsis hasn't forgotten how to score

J.Kontitsis and his hat trick in the opening game handed the LG HC a 4-0 loss. This was an overall great start to the night as everything seemed to go right from-the get go. C.Stavriadis wasn't broken once as the net minder stopped some highly skilled players to earn a shutout. In hopes of responding for a better fate, the LG HC still couldn't score until entering the second period. By then, the Armadillos had built a 2-0 lead before finally giving up not one but two quick goals in a row. The problem was that the Armadillos immediately responded in a big way. P.Lapointe and G.Bouchard each scored their second followed with P.Legatos and Bouchard's hat trick in an empty cage. That sequence took place in the short span of only three and a half minutes.

(0)LG HC vs Armadillos(4)

(6)Armadillos vs LG HC(3)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Robert Ricaurte of Les Immigrant. The net minder was definitely hot posting back to back wins that included him denying three straight shootout attempts.

Sunday February 10

(6)Lynx vs Fatal Demons (3)

Lynx cash in late for win over Fatal Demons

J.Mason clearly did a number on the Fatal Demons on Sunday night. After getting his club on board, J.Mason scored a late second period shorthanded goal before adding his third late in the game to complete his hat trick. The Fatal Demons hoped to go at least into overtime with the game tied 3-3. But with only three minutes remaining, P.Stroubakis put the Lynx in front for good. J.Lang collected three straight points at crucial times during the match. In hopes of a better outcome, the Fatal Demons won't let this one bother them knowing that it could have easily gone either way.

(6)Icons vs Butchers (2)

Butchers stuck searching for identity

A few off season changes have the Butchers stuck in a bind, at least for now. The problem is that they don't have enough regularity, and up until that is addressed, the results will need to wait. Tonight, they had their hands full versus the Icons, especially in the second period they gave up four straight goals. The only thing that worked well was the five man unit. The Butchers scored both their goals on the power play thanks to S.Fabrici and J.DeSua. As for the Icons, J.Mckenzie and C.Gingras each scored twice with Cingras leading the way with four points.

(5)Slayers vs Shockers (1)

Slayers use 4 special teams' goals in rout of Shockers

There was little the Slayers didn't do right throughout most of the match. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the Shockers, who just weren't good enough during the special teams. The Slayers used two power play goals along with a pair of shorthanded markers to get most of their scoring done. Even though they found themselves trailing 3-1, the Shockers had a chance to bounce back only to give up two on their very own power play. That sequence clearly deflated the Shockers despite plenty of time left over. M.Blackman did eventually solve C.Confuorti late in the second period. The win for the Slayers came with a collective effort involving five different goal scores.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Jonathan Mason of the Lynx. His three goals and one assist simply put, was too much for the Fatal Demons to handle.

Friday February 8

(7)Brewers vs The Family (1)

Brewers get 7 different goal scores in 7-1 rout of Family

The Brewers got offense-from just about everyone on Friday night. With the help of seven different players finding the back of the net coupled with G.Platanitis securing the pipes, the Brewers had no issues collecting three points to the standings. The Family didn't help their cause due to a short bench. They did show some good looks here and there but not nearly enough to keeping it close. M.Sasso was the only player to score in the loss. After netting the winner late in the first period,A.Lanni helped set up three different teammates to lead all players with four points.

(1)Devil Dawgz vs Killer Wolves(11)

Killer Wolves use massive first period to down Devil Dawgz

It took the Killer Wolves only one period to send this game out of reach. By the time the frame ended, the Killer Wolves built enough of a cushion to play without any sort of urgency. The easy win came effortless with many players chipping in one way or another. What added to the frustrating loss for the Devil Dawgz was that every time they had some decent chances to score, D.Laurie would stand in the way. K.Dauphin led in the goal scoring department posting three goals while A.Beaulieu was very productive collecting five points. E.Medrano was the only player to figure out Laurie, who stopped nearly 20 shots for the win.

(5)Excalibur vs HBHA(12)

Close while it lasted, HBHA pull away in third

Considering how many players the Excalibur had dressed, this contest was much closer than what the final score indicates. P.Karigiannis had to score a late second period goal in order to provide a two goal cushion heading into the final frame. Then, the barrage began and the HBHA made sure to bury their chances. Half of their goals came in the final fifteen minutes alone that saw L.Williams begin the madness on a hat trick. J.Kontitsis, P.Karigiannis, S.Nicholson and P.Lapointe each scored twice in the win while S.Ruggiero was the Excalibur's best player bagging a hat trick.

(4)National vs Killer Wolves(3)

National make character statement in win over Killer Wolves

Despite learning how easy the Killer Wolves ousted the Devil Dawgz earlier on, National showed plenty of character in their close victory. It wasn't going to be easy but when you have a bunch of players sticking up for one another good things tend to often happen. M.Pinheiro was only one piece to a larger puzzle required in order to get the job done. The Captain led the way with three points but perhaps the bigger story was the goaltending. F.Lamarche stepped up with a fantastic performance that unless it was a very high quality chance, nothing was going by the net minder. The same could also be said for D.Laurie, who had to be just as good in order to keep the game close. Both sides displayed some incredible hockey that kept going back and forth needing a full 45 minute game in order to declare a winner.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Frederic Lamarche of National. For how good he was on Friday night, if Lamarche continues-from where he left off, not many teams will earn wins against National.