James “Chicky” Mentis Hired as the Head Coach of the USA Men’s National Team

USA Ball Hockey is proud to announce that James “Chicky” Mentis will be leading the charge in the Czech
Republic for Team USA next June as he is hired to fulfill the role of Head Coach for the U.S. Men’s
National Team.

“I’m excited to accept the Team USA Head Coaching position and eager to share my knowledge,
experience and skills in leading Team USA to a World Championship,” Mentis says. “I’m even more excited
to begin working with the team to help them reach their full potential,” he continued.
Mentis is an accomplished and dedicated ball hockey player and coach, with over 40-years of experience
leading teams to world and national championships while enhancing player performance. His resume
speaks volumes for itself with trophies and accolades most could only dream of such as a 5x time
International Street and Ball Hockey (ISBHF) World Champion as a player and captain for Team Canada,
reigning Club Champion with the Brampton Midnight Express hockey club, 15x National Champion and
24x Provincial Champion in Canada.

Former National Team Head Coach, and current Director of Hockey Operations at USA Ball Hockey, Cory
Herschk, had this to say about the selection process and about USABH’s vision with the program led by
Mentis: “He’s got it all! Chicky loves the talent and speed of the players in our system. It was the first thing
that he told me when we met in Switzerland in June of 2022 at the last ISBHF Senior World
Championships. Having a chance to coach against him at the Club Championships this spring was a
pleasure and an honor.”

Scouting is already underway for the U.S. Men’s Senior team. Players who have participated in this year’s
USABH Men’s ‘A’ Circuit, the 1st weekend of the NBHL Elite, and the U23 / U20 ISBHF World Junior
Championships, have been able to showcase their abilities. Coach Mentis, returning General Manager
Daniel Coldwell, and various team scouts will be keeping a keen eye on a few events this fall, including
New England Ball Hockey’s U.S. Outdoor Championships, the 2nd weekend of NBHL Elite, and ballhockey.com/Knapper’s Clash of Titans tournament.