June 13, 2013 -The 2013 World Ball Hockey Federation Championships wrapped up on Sunday at the historic Maple Leaf Gardens as Canada captured double gold on home soil in both divisions of play, Women’s with a 5-2 victory over the Netherlands and Men’s a 7-1 win over team Team USA.

The Women’s bronze was won by Team USA in double overtime over Great Britain and the men’s Great Britain team would win the bronze with a 5-2 victory over Portugal.
In the 48 games played throughout the seven days and the players, staffs and friends and families in attendance had a wonderful time watching in the historic Maple Leaf Gardens. The atmosphere of being in the heart of one of the biggest cities in the world and in the downtown core allowed many to visit the wonderful sites of the city which included the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame as the community welcomed all the athletes to this world class city.

What a week it was with so many stories:

• the East Africa women’s teams scoring in the final game versus Team Slovakia with under 5 seconds to play
• the Slovakian and East Africa women’s teams gathered for a team picture at the conclusion of their game
• the Slovakian and Pakistan men’s teams gathering for a team picture and at the conclusion of their game
• Team USA women’s teams winning their first medal at an international competition
• Canada’s double gold on home soil in front of family and friends

The Host Committee in conjunction with the Ontario Ball Hockey Association and the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada would like to thank the World Ball Hockey Federation as well as its member countries for providing a first class event for the fans. Players enjoyed themselves around town, whether it was a day trip to Centre Island, the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls, Little Italy, Little Portugal or eating a meal at one of our fine local establishments along Queen Street. We would also like to thank NGR for hosting three nights at various nightclubs in Toronto for the teams. Who can forget the trips to Loblaws located in Maple Leaf Gardens as teams still continue to rave about the options of food provided and the ease to purchase groceries for the week.

Throughout the week and especially within the businesses within ten minutes of the downtown core the many stores commented on the amount of business they received from the tournament and this is yet another example of the benefits of hosting international events.

Our high definition online streaming of the games through Jenmark was indeed the highlight for many around the world and we are still receiving the positive comments for the coverage. The web site was updated immediately with the wonderful collection of staff on site which worked with all the teams throughout the week long proceedings.

The play by play tandem of Anthony Regan and Daniel Ranalli that helped bring the games into everyone’s homes and share the stories of the tournament.

Lastly, to the entire staff, game officials, teams, friends and family who made this the event, ‘Where The World United’, we thank you all.

If you wish to relive the games, they are available at www.hokejovedresystore.com

The 2014 World Junior Ball Hockey Championship will take place in Europe, June 22-29 with a formal announcement of the host city by June 30 of this year.

The 2014 Master’s World Ball Hockey Championships in two divisions O31 and O40 will be hosted in Bratislava, Slovakia bext fall.

The 2015 World Ball Hockey Championships will be hosted in Europe in June and host city to be announced in November.

Media Contacts:

Daniel Ranalli Host Committee Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Steve Rumsey President, National Ball Hockey Association of Canada This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Domeic Di Gironimo World Ball Hockey Federation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The beautiful historic venue of Mojmirovce castle in Nitra (www.kastielmojmirovce.sk) will be home to the players nominated to attend camp, which will be held from 1.18-1.20 2013. The three day event will feature intense training and in class strategizing, followed daily by leisure time in the pool and sauna.

The invited players include the top stars in Slovakia including:

Marek Kanich, Vladimír Kalis, Marián Mikulčík, Jozef Minárik, Branislav Thron, Róbert Kašša, Milan Ladiver /ospravedlnil sa z dôvodu pracovnej vyťaženosti/, Milan Beniač, Lukáš Lajčiak, Dušan Danko, Ján Rímsky, Michal Hrivnák, Libor Teplický, Martin Haring, Filip Titka, Ivan Káčer, Marían Kučerka, Michal Ecker, Erik Lvomský, Matúš Lipták, Michal Ľupták, Ondrej Hraško, Filip Cajchan

The impressive group looks to return the World Championship title to Slovakia by competing in the WBHF Men’s World Championship in Toronto, Canada, June 2013. Included in this collection of national all-stars is Branilsav (Riko) Thron, recently named the #1 player in Slovakia.

Fresh off his victory in the poll, we bring you an abridged version of this interview.
What was the deciding factor for your lead in the poll? "I do not have any information on how the vote actually took place. Certainly me, however the overall victory, I believe it was because the successful past season with the LG, where I became a champion of Slovakia and European Cup runner-up clubs, and some good results in Nitre. '

If you had a vote, who would you choose and why? "Slovakia has a lot of great players and it might be difficult to choose between them, but if I have to choose one, it would have been Jožko Minárik from LG TPS BA. I think this is probably the best defender in Slovakia and not only for sports but also character traits, but as I mentioned, we have a lot of good players. "
For many years you were an icon at Doprastav Bratislava. Before the season, you transferred to the rookie club of Nitra, which was for many a big shock. Why this change? "Yes, those years spent in Doprastav I will never forget, but sometimes life has change, and I got a good offer from Nitra. I decided to accept it and now I do not regret it at all because they are a good team and I met a number of great players and not only the most experienced, but also those who I have not seen play before. "
Finally, something of privacy, what is the difference between Branislav Thron ten years ago and today? "First of all, I have about ten years more (smile). Sure I am not so volatile and turbulent as it once before, but it's really about age. Especially since I now need more time for recovery, but I am still basically the same. There is also my taste for the sport and to win, and probably the most essential difference from ten years ago is that I no longer use hair gel (smile). "
Your jersey has always been adorned with number 18. What does this number mean to you? "It is true that I am eighteen basically from scratch. Yet when we played as juniors in L. Guerera league, I wore 21, when we changed the" old "jerseys I inherited number 18 when Vlad Franta went to seniors. When I then went to the seniors, it was free. Henceforth I wear it now and I quite like it. "
Recently, the family has been enriched by one member, daughter Tami. No plans in the near future for her to be a successor Hokejbalový Thronovcov clan? "Truly, the time is running fast and Taminka is already three years. I'm happy here. It seems she has a really decent stick technique already. Currently there is no plan for her to follow, but we'll see. Time will tell.“

What was your reaction to being nominated for the WBHF World Championship in Toronto?
“I was pleasantly surprised. I said that's not a problem. I am very happy.”

Are you looking forward to working with WBHF Referee-in-Chief Ken St. Amant?
“With Ken, I had no problems. He's a super guy and his work is meaningful.

What are your goals for WC 2013?
“I have to judge my work at the WC. I'd like to whistle the Final or even some kind of medal match. I always go with these objectives.”

How many WC have you already whistled?
“As a referee, who represented Slovakia, eight.”

Who do you think is the best referee in the world?
“The best are all the referees who participate in WC. Otherwise, they would not be there. It is hard to say but everyone at WC is among the best.

In recent days, came an awareness of the activity of a newly created World Ball Hockey Federation. A lot of questions hang in the air and that is why we contacted one of its founders.

The name Jaroslav Melíšek again swirls in the surface waters of the ball hockey. Former President of the Slovak Union Street & Ball Hockey not too happy with his office, resigned this post. After a few weeks, his name is heard everywhere again. He was in fact ending his time with the International Street & Ball Hockey Federation similarly as was its long-time president Domenico Di Gironimo, which later brought the birth of the new. This of course caused great resentment among ISBHF. However, we particularly interested in answers to questions about the organization of the World Cup in Toronto and Bratislava.

Recently causing a stir was the development of another World Federation, the WBHF. Why was it created?
"Turmoil? I think that only exists in the ISBHF, it really doesn't impact current ball hockey players. Quite the contrary, there will be more opportunities for competition at an international level. WBHF formed in the summer at Niagara Falls, Canada. It was a consequence of the USA not being satisfied with the ISBHF and its recent work, especially at the World Junior Championship, while in Canada there was a separation of the Ontario Ball Hockey Association, the strongest organization in the world, away from the Canadian Association, and my general dissatisfaction with the pace of development of the sport."

What is your response to the emergence of the ISBHF prohibition?
"It doesn’t matter that they have marked us as persona non grata and banned us go to ISBHF ball hockey events. I don’t think this is even worth commenting on. For me this announcement just provoked me to be even more active and do everything possible for the WBHF to become the world leader in the sport within three years. "

What is your relationship now with the Slovak Union hockey ball?
"Excellent (smile)!. SHbÚ body limits Slovak hockey and always will."

How do you feel about ISBHF banned you to participate in any events organized ISBHF?
"It's an honor. This step shows that we are winning the battle. Positive I see it. From Martin, Zilina Nitra, I have already been called (smile), and they share a curiosity of the ISBHF. I think ISBHF lost face and cast itself now as an unreliable and of little integrity on the world stage."

Are you not afraid that a similar step will be taken by the SHBÚ? Your "activity" in WBHF probably does not thrill them.
"No, I do not care. If it did, it would embarrass them even more than they already are. Conversations I have many friends from hockey ball, most members condemn their actions and find the ISBHF laughable. They cannot ban anyone from anything because they do not give anything to anyone. "

WBHF organizes World Ball Hockey in Toronto at the same time as ISBHF in St. Johns. It was the intention?
"No, it is the traditional time, and of no concern to us. For me, the ISBHF organization is dead. We'll go our own way and do not need someone to confront. We have a vision and goals and we focus on managing them. We are introducing a new World Championship for 3 +1 and change some of the rules, which are very necessary. We have also cancelled all annual fees for the National Federations because there is only a tremendous waste of money in the other organization, which we intend to avoid. "

Website WBHF states that the World Cup will participate with many countries, even India and Italy who were missing at the World Championships in Bratislava. Is it really true?
"I can confirm that the two countries are strong and will be in Toronto. In addition we expect new countries: Croatia, China, Korea, Japan and Serbia."

Many people have been asking about what choices as if they are not all just sort of B-choices?
"It's not. The very best will be in Toronto. Slovakia will be in Toronto also with a very strong team."

How then will work on the above-mentioned selection for Team Slovakia After all, it must still require some resources, focus, coach ... And it does not finance itself.
"Everything is prepared for the 30-member Slovak choice. Organizer also caters to us in terms of accommodation. Givova company even provides for all selections jerseys free. But there's more."

Who actually chooses Team Slovakia "an umbrella"? The Union will still have their choice in the St. John's.
"This is a moment in the solutions we are discussing. This question will therefore answer later."

Do you already have an idea of who will represent Slovakia in Toronto?
"He'll lead a professional coach and they will be choosing a very strong team."

WBHF also organizes the World Cup in a "small" Ball Hockey, ie 3 +1 system. Where was this idea born?
"Street Hockey 3 +1 has a great tradition in many countries, both played. Therefore also the way you say" small "deserves its hockey world championship. ISBHF this system has so far refused, we therefore decided to organize a World Cup debut in Bratislava with a tournament of 16 teams will participate in the senior category and 8 in the Masters category. Teams will come from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, Hungary, China, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Canada, United States, India, Pakistan, Portugal and others, even Mexico. "

Is there so much interest in this type of WC?
"Of course, the cost will be reduced compared to conventional WC by about 70percent. Indeed, the tournament will be just nine or ten players per team, which are the three cars for travel, for European countries."

After quitting as the president SHBÚ have declared that you have quit Ball Hockey, what convinced you to return?
"I convinced Domenic DiGironimo and Chris Housser that Street & Ball Hockey needs guarantee of quality work. Adding Dampy Brar from India inspired me. The WBHF had recent success introducing the teaching of ball hockey at high schools in the Chinese city of Tianjin that has 15 million people. This is our first such success. I trust that others will come.

How will you select your team for the World Championships in Toronto?
“Representation will be made up of the best female players which we cannot yet specify because the team has yet to be created. We have raised most of the funding required for the travel and now must select the team. We will search for players with heart to ensure success. We could add some young players but promising success depends on their hearts being tuned and fighting for success.”

How will they train?
“Preparation will be just before the World Cup, after consultation with our implementation team and their recommendations, we will decide on the length and details. I would like to add Meliska Alina to our staff. I believe that you should not impose so much on women players. It is more important to focus on power-play and rehearse break-out variations.”

What are your goals for the World Cup?
“No coach is on the World Cup team that does not strive for success, therefore I believe only in setting the top target as our goals. Each medal is a success but the defense of the Gold would be great and I believe that with our implementation team we will succeed.”

Who do you favour to win the title?
“Which coach would not believe in their own team, but Canada will be very strong at home. I hope our great Slovak hearts will favour Slovakia.”

Have you been to Canada before?
“I have not personally been in this wonderful country because of the salary in Eastern Slovakia we cannot afford, so it will be a great honor to be a member of the expedition which participates in the World Championships in Canada and to be a member of a successful team.”

Slovakia is the women’s world champion, what does it means to you?
“It's a huge challenge for me as a coach to repeat this success but we have to go from match to match and gradually reach the top where the title is the prize.”

What do you know about your opponents in WC?
“We cannot underestimate any opponent since at the World Cup everyone wants to achieve success and especially to defeat the reigning champion but I believe that the implementation team, along with their recommendations, the girls will do anything for ultimate success. It will be uncomfortable against the U.S. and the Canadians at home but I believe we can do it.”

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - The World Ball Hockey Federation released the ‘official’ logo of the 2013 World Ball Hockey Championships being hosted in Toronto, Canada the week of June 2-9.

Steve Rumsey, President of the National Ball Hockey Association of Canada, “we are proud to be hosting the 2013 event where ball hockey began in our country, Ontario and look forward to providing all participants, spectators and fans of this great game the best event that will ensure a lifetime of memories for everyone and build lasting friendships.”

The logo which incorporates the world class city of Toronto with the CN Tower and Rogers Centre silhouetted over the RED maple leaf.   An image on the lower left shows a player striking the ball and it opening up to the globe to the traditional orange ball.  The tournament slogan along the bottom, `WHERE THE WORLD UNITES’ gives us a perspective on the diversity and multicultural communities that make up this world class city and will welcome all of the players, their families and spectators.

For those interested in keeping up to date on things happening in the Canada’s largest metropolis and tips on all the exciting things to see and do while in the city, please visit Tourism Toronto http://www.seetorontonow.com/mobile-app/ to download the app which included easy-to-search comprehensive listings for events, dining, attractions and shopping.

To follow the information and updates leading up to the World Championship, you may now visit the www.hokejovedresystore.com

About the WBHF

The World Ball Hockey Federation primary objective is to promote the sport of ball hockey, also known as street hockey and dekhockey, and to foster its development on a global level in the various formats it is played in. Its focus will be more on the celebration of the sport through increased participation and its values of fairness, integrity and sportsmanship.

About the NBHAC

The National Ball Hockey Association of Canada is not-for-profit and is the official national governing body for ball hockey programs and organizations across Canada that are dedicated to the development of the sport from the grass roots level to the elite at its apex of competition.

 

The World Ball Hockey Federation has been recently founded in July, 2012. Its primary objectives are to promote the sport of ball hockey, also known as street hockey and dekhockey, and to foster its development on a global level in the various formats it is played in. Its focus will be more on the celebration of the sport through increased participation, with less regard to the politics of sport that sometimes hinders the values the WBHF holds dear: fairness, integrity and sportsmanship.