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.

Wednesday December 12(Semi finals)

(7)Knights vs Mighty Drunks(6) Game 2

Desperation kicks in third period for Knights to level the series

An average two periods of hockey kept the Knights scrambling for answers. Knowing that it was now or never, a massive third period push ultimately put them over the top to extend the series with the Mighty Drunks. Y.St-Georges single handily carried much of the load as he's been doing for most of the season. In tonight's case, the highly skilled forward struck four times while setting up two teammates. Most of his damage occurred when it counted the most by the third period where he riffled three goals along with a helper. A.Jalilvand contributed as well with five points that included two goals. The Mighty Drunks felt that they let this one slip away but still had a shot at redeeming themselves in a third and deciding game.

(4)Mighty Drunks vs Knights (2) Game 3

V.Mancini powers Mighty Drunks to punch ticket for the final

In the short span of fifteen minutes, V.Mancini did a whole lot to help send his club through to the final. The slick forward scored twice, set up a goal and added some grit visiting the penalty box for at least four minutes. Both sides' traded early goals up until Mancini created a gap helping provide a significant 3-1 lead. A.Jalilvand did narrow the margin to only one with his second but that was as close as it got. The Mighty Drunks made it a point to shadow Y.St-Georges a little closer and did a perfect job keeping him off the score sheet. He didn't receive many shots but O.Caillet gave his club a chance to play with the lead which made a big difference.

(5)Decepticons vs Carnage (6) Game 2

Carnage sticks to last week's game plan

By simply applying hard work and keeping it simple, Carnage would once again edge out the Decepticons with an identical score as last week's game. Another consistency that played into the win was the constant threat of M.Pace. The Carnage forward never takes a night off as it's the only way he knows how to play. Pace scored two goals while setting up J.Bourlakos and D.DiGiacomo Jr's game winning goal. Considering how dominant he was only a week ago by netting a hat trick, the Decepticons were stuck playing without N.Delia. They did get some balanced scoring-from M.Deninno and Y.Leroux but it just wasn't enough in the end.

(1)Left Wings vs Underdogs (5) Game 2

Never say die Underdogs bring it to the limit

Whether it was complacency-from the Left Wings end or that the Underdogs were that much hungrier, this game wasn't close at all for what was on the line. The Underdogs clearly showed that they wanted it more. J.Eid benefited with a late first period power play goal and the snow ball effect was in motion for the duration of the game. The Left Wings, no matter how hard they tried just weren't able to keep up with a quicker side. The win came with scoring efforts-from five different players along with stellar goaltending by M.St-Laurent. Since game three was only moments away, the Left Wings already had the thought on how to approach their biggest match of the season.

(3)Underdogs vs Left Wings(1) S.O Game 3

Down to the wire, Underdogs survive wild finish

They would have loved nothing more than to end it in regulation but the Underdogs couldn't hold off a devastating buzzer beater-from J.Tzanetakos. With that tally, each side were stuck playing a five minute sudden death period and possibly a shootout to decide who would further their season or end it earlier than hoped for. But it wasn't in the overtime period that a winner would prevail. After sending some of their highly skilled players to take the breakaways, the Underdogs would eventually win the shootout and advance to the final. E.Salhany barely beat B.Verducci as the ball slowly tricked behind the net minder while M-A Haber used a sneaky move at the last second to fake out Verducci securing the victory. On the other end of the court, M.St-Laurent had the difficult challenge of going up against players such as J.Adamou and G.Gaitanis but still managed to deny both attempts.

(3)Horsemen vs Fat Cats(13) Game 2

Fat Cats pull away in second half of the game

For about half the game, this contest was still very up for grabs. Each side traded three first period goals and the Fat Cats only led 4-3 till the ten minute mark of the second period. Then, the Horsemen fell off a cliff and the Fat Cats kept whaling away with goal after goal. S.Hrivnak led the way with four markers followed with G.DeMarinis and J.Mancini as both players each tallied twice. The turning point perhaps occurred late in the second period when the Fat Cats strung two late goals for a four goal cushion. It was evident by then that the Horsemen lost motivation as they saw their season slowly bleed away giving up six more in a row.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Val Mancini of the Mighty Drunks. In his clubs most important game of the season, V.Mancini went on a tear, scoring two goals while adding an assist en route to a 4-2 win over the Knights.

The F1 & F2 divisions are now down to its final two teams. The F1 will feature the top two teams going at it with the Underdogs taking on the Fat Cats. This series will be determined on if the Fat Cats can match the intensity and work etiquette of the Underdogs. If they can, than look for the Fat Cats game breakers to make the difference, if not, the Underdogs will grind it out with their resilient style. As for the other final, Carnage will take on the Mighty Drunks for the big prize. Both teams are similar in many respects except for one key component. The Mighty Drunks have to make it a point on how to slow down M.Pace. If they figure that out than they'll have a chance, if not, look for Carnage to prevail.

Tuesday December 11(Semi finals)

(5)Punishers vs Bramabulls(7) S.O Game 1

A.Moffa's late goal saves game 1 for Bramabulls

A.Moffa was able to force a shootout when bagging his second goal very late in the game. In the shootout, G.Follano excelled denying two breakaways while A.Mirolla and M.Maggiore made sure to bury their chances. Both sides knew the importance of winning the this encounter, especially how tight this series would be. The Bramabulls did plenty of good things except for containing a key player-from the other side. And although they understood his threat, C.Gingras still got his way riffling four out of the five Punishers goals. With game one going in the Bramabulls favour, the Punishers had an hour to patiently wait and regroup to try and extend the series.

(2)Bramabulls vs Punishers(5) Game 2

Punishers clearly ready in bounce back game

Challenged by their captain J.Fidrilis to compete harder and raise their level of play, the Punishers stormed back with authority in order to force a third and deciding game. This contest was completely dominated-from the Punishers riding a 4-0 lead heading into the third period. The only time the Bramabulls got on board came fairly late in the game, and twice with power play goals-from the every same A.Moffa. Apart-from that, nothing went well for the Bramabulls. After setting up A.Laramee to get the ball rolling, C.Gingras eventually reminded his opposition that he wasn't done just yet. Gingras went on to add the Punishers last two tallies to secure a must win game.

(3)Punishers vs Bramabulls(1) Game 3

Game three hero A.Laramee sends Punishers to big dance

There was no doubt that A.Laramee was the key component of this important game. By providing his clubs first two goals, the Punishers would never look back completing a well earned accomplishment. The Bramabulls didn't address their foes-from game two and that was to get the better start. Only six minutes had gone by when Laramee spread his magic. Still not out of it yet, A.Mirolla kept the Bramabulls playoff hopes alive by cutting the lead in half. Unfortunately, one of the major problems that kept the scoring low for the Bramabulls was the play of A.Bitsakis. The young net minder remained cool and collective, and unless it was a grade A scoring chance, Bitsakis would not falter. Looking back, the Bramabulls had to figure out a way to try and capture the lead in their last two games in order to have a chance. The Punishers did their part and showed why they are deserving of reaching the final.

(8)Capitals vs AREZ(1) Game 1

Capitals continue onslaught into playoffs

Whether its the regular season or the post season, the Capitals had nothing changed-from their game. AREZ realised this despite formulating a disciplined game plan to limit the damage. C.Bezeau hit the net twice for a 2-0 lead and eventually added his third early in the final frame to complete a hat trick. By going down as early as they did, AREZ had no choice but to open up the game. And by doing so like struggling to get out of quick sand, the desperate side just kept sinking deeper. S.Morello took advantage collecting four consecutive points that included two goals. The only bright spot for the AREZ came in the third period when A.Zarzour finally got the better of C.Fortin. This loss would give J.Constantin one hour on how to dissect a very difficult opponent that barely has flaws in their game.

(2)AREZ vs Capitals(5) Game 2

AREZ couldn't put themselves in comfort zone

The one area that the AREZ have that is effective is their play with the lead. However, for a second straight game, they just couldn't get that first goal to try and make life difficult for the Capitals. Instead, the reverse happened and a duplicate scenario-from game one translated into this contest. The Capitals did all of their scoring in the first two periods that saw M-A Morin and his captain M.Champagne notch two goals each. AREZ did continue to fight winning the final stretch courtesy of P.Kawkab and J.Hassan but it just wasn't nearly enough. Even though the Capitals played this one with only eight players, it just didn't matter for how skilled they are. Perhaps, it would have been more difficult if they trailed but it wasn't the case largely thanks to C.Fortin, who was absolutely brilliant throughout the entire series.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to A.Bitsakis of the Punishers. With goaltending so important at this stage of the season, Bitsakis did not disappoint winning back to back games where he limited the Bramabulls to only three goals.

With both series coming to an end, the league leading Capitals will take on a very resilient Punishers team. Even though the Capitals won the season series 2-1, the Punishers did take the last one to hand the Capitals their only loss. There is no doubt that both these clubs are loaded with talent in all areas of their game. With that being said, the small details will come into play between winning and losing. Look for staying out of the penalty box as perhaps the most important thing to avoid for how well both sides move the ball.

4x4 Monday

Monday December 10

Chic Choc get shocked in first game come back in style to take the series.

After two disappointing losses last week for the Black Eagles, the team decided to show up in game 1 and surprises everyone by playing a hard fought battle and making the first place teams life difficult. S. Bois-Chasse did the majority of the damage scoring three for his club. The first place team decided in the next two games to play more to their style and demonstrate why they finished first by routing the Black Eagles. From goalie F. Gaudet-Peloquin playing solid in between the pipes to the multiple offensive weapons finding the back of the net. The Chic Choc used their entire bench to reach the finals.

(2) Chic Choc vs Black Eagles (4) Semi Finals Game 1

(4) Chic Choc vs Black Eagles (0) Semi Finals Game 2

(2) Chic Choc vs Black Eagles (1) Semi Finals Game 3

Two long time rivals exchange wins and need a mini game to come out with a winner.

Both teams have come accustomed to playing against each other as both teams have been in the division for a while. The Degenerates came out punching in this one making sure their opponent would be feared the whole night long. That game style worked during the first game as the Degenerates took a commanding five goal lead and P. Assadi made sure to turn every shot he faced away. But it was the 1 Timers goal to demonstrate that they were push over on this night and fought back into the series taking the game to the shoot out as P-A. Surprenant and T. Daigneault were the only contributors each notching a pair of goals. J. Courteau on his own decided that the Degenerates would win the series and made sure the momentum switch would not last as he individually scored another two goals in the last mini game.

(0) 1 Timer vs Degenerates (5) Semi Finals Game 1

(4) 1 Timer vs Degenerates (3) S.O. Semi Finals Game 2

(0) 1 Timer vs Degenerates (3) Semi Finals Game 3

Carmoni upset in quarters as The Corporation reaches the semis.

The Corporation showed up in fashion tonight making sure they reach the semis. The Corporation are well aware of what the individuals on their roster can provide them and will be expecting a lot more from them to make sure the remainder of the playoffs go just as well. F. Gentile and Y. Derohannessian were the main contributors for The Corporation as they each scored a hat trick in game 1 and 3 respectively. L. Dias also played three solid games pushing away as many shots as he faced being at the top of his game.

(3) Carmoni vs The Corporation (4) Quarter Finals Game 1

(6) Carmoni vs The Corporation (5) S.O. Quarter Finals Game 2

(1) Carmoni vs The Corporation (4) Quarter Finals Game 3

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Frederick Gaudet-Peloquin of the Chic Choc. After a bad first game the net minder turned up his game and only allowed one goal the remainder of the series to ensure his club makes it tto the finals.

The 4X4 Division 1 semi finals match ups are as follows:

Division 1

(1) Armadillos vs The Corporation (5) The Corporation are a top confidence level having upset their opponent to make the semis, the Armadillos are no strangers to busting bubbles and they will try just that in that series.

(2) Legacy vs Punishers (Mon) (3) Two very evenly talented teams match up in this series with a lot of playoff and hockey experience. Only time will tell who comes out on top, but the most talented players will need to shine.

The 4X4 Division 2 finals match ups are as follows:

Division 2

(1) Chic Choc vs Degenerates (3) The Chic Choc will need to play a similar style of game to come out on top on this one while the Degenerates will be expecting everyone on the bench to help out and contribute somehow.

E Thursday + Sunday

Sunday December 9

(6) Lynx vs Brew Crew (7) Semi Finals Game 1

Brew Crew stun Lynx with unexpected second period. Late push not enough to capture game 1.

Lynx start off game in the best fashion by taking a two goal lead thanks in part J. Lang. But you can never count out the Brew Crew you got right back into the game and put the Lynx on the ropes and kept on punching taking a commanding four goal lead into the third period. Unfortunately for the Brew Crew the Lynx started fighting back and slowly cut down the lead. Until M. Rheaume scored his second of the game with less than two minutes to go. J. Lang was able to score two more goals in the final two minutes but the time ran out on the Lynx chances of tying up the game.

(3) Shockers vs Butchers (4) O.T. Semi Finals Game 1

Tight game between two teams gets decided in overtime.

Both teams are aware of how important the playoffs are and it seemed like both teams brought their A game. As each team went back and forth exchanging the lead until the final buzzer of regulation. With six different players finding the back of the net. With the extra frame starting up it was anyone's game. With C. Chirola notching the game winning goal with his shot finding the back of the net as M. Harrison had no chance on that one.

(5) Lynx vs Brew Crew (4) Semi Finals Game 2

Lynx don't make same mistake twice, make sure to control the lead until the final buzzer.

With over an hour to think about what went wrong with the first game the Lynx needed to make sure to keep the game close this time around and not dig themselves a huge hole. But D. Colatosti was going to make sure to not make life easy for the Lynx as the veteran forward scored the first three goals for his club. As the game was all tied up in the third, the Lynx finally got in front and S. Catalano shut the door the remainder of the way to secure the win.

(3) Lynx vs Brew Crew (2) O.T. Semi Finals Game 3

Game goes the entire distance with an extra frame needed to decide a winner.

It only takes one extremely talented player to switch on the light switch when the game is on the line to take the game to overtime. The Brew Crew had an extremely great start with N. Harvey and M. Rheaume each finding the back of the net and taking a two goal lead. But R. Beaver could not watch his season come to an end on this night, and the extremely talented forward single handedly scored two goals to take the game to overtime. Where J. Labadie was able to solve and find a way to beat C. Muccino to take his team to the finals.

(5) Shockers vs Butchers (4) O.T. Semi Finals Game 2

Butchers come so close to end the game on so many occasions but Shockers end game early in overtime to ensure a mini game.

The Butchers demonstrated that every time the Shockers were going to take a lead that they would retaliate and score a goal to tie it all up. As this happened on four different occasions where the Butchers were not going their first game victory go to a waste. The butchers tried so hard to overcome that hump in the third but M. Harrison shut the door until J. Blunt was finally able to score in overtime to send this game to a mini game.

 (4) Shockers vs Butchers (1) Semi Finals Game 3

With the momentum shift in full swing and the Butchers feeling tired Shockers take over.

With an important game three on the line and everyone's season on the line it all came to the last fifteen minutes. It seemed like the Butchers were all gazed out as they did not have enough juice left in the tank to play any longer. The Shockers being fully aware of the situation took control of the game and continued to hammer the nail in the coffin by mounting an three goal lead to make sure the Butchers could not get back into it.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Joel Labadie of the Lynx. With a final push needed and a final goal to send his team to the finals Joel came out big for his club ensuring that his team has a chance for the final.

The E Thursday + Sunday finals match ups are as follows:

E Thursday + Sunday

(1) Shockers vs Lynx (2) The top two teams of the regular season will go head to head in the finals. Both young teams are accustomed to playing on a high stage as each team has made it to the finals in recent seasons. Each team will need to play to their strength and shut down the opposing teams forwards to have a chance to win.

Masters (35+)

Friday December 7

(6) Bramabulls vs HBHA (3) Semi Finals Game 1

Bramabulls get thing started on the right foot with a dominating performance.

From the initial ball drop the Bramabulls seemed like they were playing at a higher level. The team decided to bring their gameplay to a whole other level. Defenceman F. Dominianni made sure his blistering slap shot was feared all night scoring two goals for his club. While M. Pololos was the sole player from HBHA to seem to have an answer for C. Muccino.

(6) The Peters vs Stones (4) Semi Finals Game 1

The Peters too much to handle in the first game of the semis.

The Stones knew they would need to limit their opponents’ chances and play a defensively responsible game and let the few opportunities make the difference in this game. Unfortunately, once the game started the game plan was out the window and the tones were trying to play an offensive minded game. R. Placentino the talented forward came out big for his club solving R. Ricaurte on multiple occasions and completing his natural hat trick in the third period. The Stones used a team effort having four different players find the back of the net.

(3) Bramabulls vs HBHA (4) Semi Finals Game 2

After an hour-long break, HBHA comes up with a new game plan to come up with the win.

With over an hour to think about what went wrong with the first game the HBHA needed a better start and a better team effort to come up with the win. With the starting the same way as the last one the Bramabulls coming out strong and taking a one goal lead into the second. C. Stavriadis came out strong stopping every ball he faced and allowed his team to come out strong and slowly gain momentum. As the third period started the tides shifted as M. Pololos and G. Vouloumanos finally got their team a lead they could control and come out with the win. The Bramabulls tried firing with all cylinders but it was to late we needed a game 3 to decide this series out.

(1) Bramabulls vs HBHA (2) Semi Finals Game 3

With the momentum on their side the HBHA continue their strong play and come out with the win.

With the momentum on their side it all came down to a decisive game three to decide the winner and the one moving forward to the finals. With every player on both benches knowing how important this game was for their club played to the top of their talents. J. Kontitsis came out big scoring both goals for his club and making sure the captain lead by example. While on the other side M. Diaco was the sole player to solve C. Stavriadis.

(9) The Peters vs Stones (4) Semi Finals Game 2

Game 2 not much different from Stones as The Peters continue to roll on all cylinders.

With an hour break and enough time to calm the troops and to come up with a new game plan, it did not seem like it did much help as the results were very similar. It seems like as the game wore on the Stones did not have the legs or the man power to run after The Peters as they controlled the second and third period. M. Denino who just showed up for the second game made his mark scoring two goals and R. Placentino continued to be explosive scoring another four goals.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to John Kontitsis of the HBHA. The captain lead by eample in the most important game of the playoffs and found the back of the net twice ensuring his club made it past the semis and into the finals.

The Masters (35+) finals match ups are as follows:

Masters (35+)

(1) The Peters vs HBHA (3) Both teams play a very similar style of play. A hard nose style where each player will pay the price to go into the boards and in front of the net. THE Peters have a bit more firepower that HBHA will need to be aware of and make sure those players are always accounted for.

E Thursday + Sunday

Thursday December 6

(3) Shockers vs Smooth Sailors (5) Inter Division

In an impressive battle of both teams Smooth Sailors come up on top at the end.

Two evenly matched up teams went up against each other tonight and the entertainment value of the game did not give out. With the game tied up at three goals a piece in the third, both teams started to play an undisciplined game and got into a penalty issue. Until L. Pennimpede scored with two minutes to go on the game. As the Smooth Sailors continued the undisciplined game, they gave all the necessary chances to the Shockers to get back into it, but J. Palmitano scored an empty netter to put the game away.

(2) Raging Rhinos vs Legends (3)

With entire standings left to be decided with the last game of the season, both teams had to bring their A game.

With the standings and the season coming down to the most crucial game of the season everything needed to be laid out and left on the playing field. Everything got decided in the second quarter as the Legends seemed to have the upper hand. With J. Courteau, A. Zarzour and E. Gabrielli were each able to solve N. Mauro. R. Ranieri did just enough stopping 28 shots and containing the high-powered offense of the Raging Rhinos to only two goals.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Rino Ranieri of the Legends. With the most important game of the season on line deciding important playoff matchups. The veteran netminder stood on his head and limit the high-power offensive power of the Raging Rhinos to only two goals on 30 shots.

The E Thursday semi finals match ups are as follows:

E Thursday

(1) Raging Rhinos vs Smooth Sailors (4) Both teams have a talented and deep offensive lineup, as this series seems like a high scoring affair. Both teams will need their goaltenders to step up and make those important saves when it all comes down.

(2) JLR Brossard vs Legends (3) JLR will need a full bench in this series as the Legends will never stop running and going after the ball. With the high-powered offense going up against a more defensive minded team it will be entertaining to see who prevails.

The E Sunday semi finals match ups are as follows:

E Sunday

(1) Shockers vs Butchers (4) The Shockers have demonstrating their willingness all season long and this series will be no different, but you can never count the Butchers out as they always have a few tricks up their sleeves.

(2) Lynx vs Brew Crew (3) Experience vs the young guns who will prevail? Only time will tell as both sides play an extremely different game style both games in series should be entertaining to watch and should have multiple storylines.

Premier League

Monday December 3

(9) Black Knights vs United Armenians (2)

Black Knights too much to handle tonight as they convert the majority of their chances.

The United Armenians try on a nightly basis to perform and play a strong defensive game. Unfortunately for them, the Black Knights took advantage of their chances and scored multiple goals on G. Follano. S. Musacchio and G. Gelinas were the sole players to score multiple goals as J. Gagne continues to produce on a nightly basis producing another five points. G. Jerjian and R. Vartazarmian were the sole players to produce and show some sort of life for the United Armenians.

Tuesday December 4

(6)GK vs Black Knights (4)

First place goes to GK after defeating Black Knights in final show down.

This game was the last game of the regular season in the Premier division before playoffs begin next week.  The outcome of the game was important to both teams as the winner of the game would clinch 1rst place and home field advantage.

The first team to score was GK P. Genereux with 1:30 gone in the 1^st  period giving GK a 1-0 lead.  Black Knights strike back quickly with J. Gagne slap shot from center ice tying game UP 1-1.  As the 2^nd  period began we could see the intensity and skill.  Black Knights had a few defensive break downs allowing GK to score 2 goals taking a 3-1 lead.  Black Knights struck back O. Wahid gets the goals making it 3-2 at this point.  GK answered back with a goal from K. Vincent making the score 4-2.  The intensity of the Black Knights showed as they were able to tie the game with 2 goals from S. Rodrigue and a beautiful power play goal by Y. Tifu.  Both teams walked into the 3^rd  period tied.  The final minute of the 3^rd period decided the game, J. Gagne was sprung on a breakaway only to be turned aside by the GK netminder.  On the transition play J. Bradley was able to put a shot passed G. Vermette  giving GK a 5-4 lead with 1 minute left.  With everything on the line for Black Knights they pull there goalie, but only to have GK score in the empty net securing the win 6-4. 

Defensemen C. Mackenzie said after the game that he has not seen great hockey like this in a while. 

Playoffs begin next week with the semi match ups as follows

• GK  vs  (4)  United Armenians
• Black Knights  vs  (3)  River Rats