ISBHF Presents Top Venue in Switzerland For Canadian High Performance Players in 2015

Delegates from around the World, which included CBHA President Shelley Callaghan were treated to a tour of the World Championship venue for the 2015 World Men's and Women's in Zug, Switzerland. It became quickly apparent that this tour was going to be spectacular.

Delegates from around the World, which included CBHA President Shelley Callaghan were treated to a tour of the World Championship venue for the 2015 World Men's and Women's in Zug, Switzerland.  It became quickly apparent that this tour was going to be spectacular. Mainly from the fact that the 8000 seat arena which is home to legendary euro team EVZug, and the splendour of the city with the alps nearby pose a great backdrop for the best Men`s and Women`s players of the World to congregate.

For the CBHA and its High Performance program at both the Men`s and Women`s level this is a championship that will provide them a opportunity to play the game in a great setting, in great arenas and also to experience Zug the capital city of this region of Switzerland.  The CBHA National Team programs must start preparing for what promises to be a intense event as this area of Switzerland has a ball hockey tradition with the Oberwil Rebels 7 time champion of the Swiss league which will provide a strong fan base along with the 30 National Teams coming.  To prepare the organizing committee is building a rink for the Women``s right next door to the Main rink.  In addition the B Pool will be using the practice rink of EVZug and that is also right next door to Bossard.  Each rink having its own level, with all finals ending in Brossard.  Finally the Swiss organizing committee will be building a huge tent with a stage that will have nightly music and create a festival atmosphere for Players, Coaches, Staff, Delegates and Family.

If you are a top Canadian player, this event is one to strive to make the respective National Team that will be representing Canada in 2015.  Obviously the CBHA is in the process of naming GMs in a competitive process and once named they will begin to work on plans on how to find the right players.  And we all await news of these leaders.

For players this makes the 2014 Nationals in Saskatchewan very important.  Not only for the CBHA from the historical context that this will be the first ever Nationals held in our member province.  But more importantly that this 2014 Nationals will be thoroughly scouted as the Women and Men National team staff watch the players do their stuff.  Simply put if you want to reach Zug, that road goes through Saskatoon for CBHA top players.

One thing for sure.  The CBHA is proud to offer this link to its players through our family at the ISBHF, and we thank the Swiss Ball Hockey Association and Zug organizing team for their efforts.  For the players, coaches and staff who aspire to represent the CBHA and Canada.  The work to get to Zug for those who earn those sweaters has begun.

ISBHF President and Board Members Elected in 2014

From the Alps to our Ball Hockey Family

The large meetings brought many worthwhile discussions. And we went over all our events. We see that our World Juniors in Bratislava will have more countries and teams than at any time in our history and the Slovaks are ready to put a great show on for our ISBHF youth. U-20 will have 8-10 teams, and U-16, U18 will have 6-8.  This is just a great occurrence for our event and the World Juniors. We also had a presentation from Nitra, Slovakia, home of President Jozef Stumpel and World Champion Stanislav Petrik.

They came to Zug to show us that they want to have a World leading tournament for the 2014 World Cup in late August.  We have many club teams that will be attending from many nations.  And this also promises to be are largest event ever with 9-10 nations indicating they will send club teams.

Finally to the warm sun, and our more experienced players.  We look to have a field of 18 Men's and Women's teams attending our Master's in the USA.  This is our biggest Masters ever, and also the first World Championship for our Women members.  Tampa Bay will be the place for our Masters festival in September 2014.  And European and North American teams are already booking in and getting ready.

For even more heat in June we are working closely with our Caribbean members and look to moving close to filling that event in June in the Air-conditioned arena in Cayman Islands.  Another great event that will feature great ball hockey and sun and warm water for our ISBHF family.

All these events are on the ISBHF webpage and players, parents, coaches and refs can see all the information on our ISBHF webpage.  Our ISBHF family is keen to deliver top ball hockey events to our members, along with well run and organized events.  Everything is all up on our website as our Organizers are proud to welcome players from the family to these events. No surprises just the truth of what they can expect and enjoy.

In closing our ISBHF board and ISBHF Presidents work for you our players, coaches and referees.  We will work hard to make our 2014 ISBHF events the best we can for you as you enjoy the sport we love.  We wish you all best of success in your training and preparation for the 2014 season.

My Best Regards,

George Gortsos

ISBHF President