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Category Press Releases

The Youth Ball Hockey Future Stars Invitational
USA Ball Hockey and the Canadian Ball Hockey Association Team Up for a Youth Extravaganza

USA Ball Hockey (USABH) is excited to announce that it will partner with the Ontario Ball Hockey Federation and the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) to host its first ever youth event called “The Future Stars Invitational.”  This showcase will be held May 29-31, 2020 at the state-of-the-art Buffalo RiverWorks Sports and Entertainment Complex.  This complex is the city’s newest premier waterfront boating, sports, music and entertainment destination located along the banks of the Buffalo River.

“We are more than just a hockey rink,” says Sean Green, the Director of Athletics and Sponsorship for the complex.  “We have entertainment for all, such as rock climbing, zip lining, an escape room, and more.”

OBHF President Shelley Callaghan, and USABH’s Director of Hockey Operations Department Cory Herschk, are working together to provide an opportunity for U14 and U12 ball hockey players in Canada to match-up with the best players the United States has to offer in a USA vs Canada border ball hockey battle.  Four different states, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, plus a USA Elite team formed with the rest of the USA’s best and most talented players, will each produce state all-star teams led by General Managers Eddie Costa (Fall River, MA), Bob Keefe (Gloucester, NJ), Ben Dennis (Buffalo, NY), Nick Lupo (Long Island, NY), Mike Benkart (Cranberry, PA), and Mike DiLorenzo (Los Angeles, CA).

USA teams will be complete with 18-22 players, and a staff that will include coaches, trainers and equipment managers to give these prospects an experience similar in nature to that of being part of a USA Ball Hockey locker room.  Once staff is put in place, player evaluation and selections will begin in your region.

The event will follow the International Street and Ball Hockey Federation (ISBHF) rules and guidelines.  This will include player of the game awards along with champion and runner-up prizes.  USA coaches and players will also host a youth clinic for local players.  A Fan Zone will be open to the public with a live Disc Jockey, raffles, and auctioned memorabilia.

“Buffalo is a city that we are targeting on our ‘Grow the Game’ initiative,” says Herschk.  “We are working with Ben Dennis, and junior ice hockey programs in the Buffalo area to show coaches like Ben that the game of ball hockey translates to the ice very well, especially by way of off-season training.”

One of the goals of this event is to showcase our sport in a town that has high interest in developing youth programs.  Added Shelley Callaghan – “It is no secret that Canadian players take off the skates and lace-up their shoes to play ball hockey in the off-season. Even Sidney Crosby’s Canadian Olympic ice hockey team has taken their skills to the ball hockey rink to prepare for tournaments in the past.”

The CBHA has been known to produce great young talent throughout the years, with NHL players such as Taylor Hall of the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano.  Future NHL prospects in Canada will now be facing off against the finest America has to offer.  USA Ball Hockey aspires to one day help to mold NHL players as well.

Stay tuned for further details, and more information on how you can be a part of this premiere international event.

Follow us on Twitter @USAballhockey or on Facebook & Instagram by searching “USA Ball Hockey.”

 

USA Ball Hockey Unanimously Voted Official Member Status with ISBHF

International Street and Ball Hockey Federation Votes Unanimously Granting USA Ball Hockey Official Member Status

BOSTON — USA Ball Hockey (USABH) is honored and excited to announce that we have been granted full member status with the International Street and Ball Hockey Federation (ISBHF), the official worldwide governing body of the sport.  USABH will now have full authority to develop teams and send them to ISBHF World Championships for all divisions – Mens, Womens, Juniors, and Masters.  The vote took place last night on an ISBHF conference call, with the resulting vote being unanimous among the member countries to have USA Ball Hockey join the ISBHF family of nations.

“This is an honor and a privilege.” said USABH President Chris Banks.  “We are ecstatic to be able to join the ISBHF family with official member status.  I offer my sincerest thanks to all the USABH staff, volunteers, and their families that supported them as they dedicated numerous hours and overcame substantial challenges to help drive the organization towards this outcome.  Becoming an official member of the ISBHF has been the goal of this organization since USABH first formed.  We look forward to providing the United States with teams that will compete for Gold Medals at all future ISBHF World Championships.”

The ISBHF has been monitoring the progress of USABH and how the USABH leadership team has been developing the National Programs.  They also took a keen eye towards the work USABH has done in growing the sport by sponsoring clinics, holding camps, focusing on and teaching the youth of the sport, and even having players appear on NHL Network to help promote this great sport of Ball Hockey.  ISBHF President George Gortsos was more than satisfied with what the ISBHF board saw presented by USABH.

“The ISBHF is proud to formally welcome USA Ball Hockey to the ISBHF Family.  We all believe that USA Ball Hockey will work hard to bring the USA family together within that great hockey nation, and quickly become a leading National organization in our sport.  The ISBHF would like to wish all USA Ball Hockey players, referees, coaches, support staff, family, and executives a great future in the years ahead.  We look forward to this partnership having them in the ISBHF family as we all work together as one sport to reach the Olympic elevator.”

USABH Director of Media and Marketing Chris Bokuniewicz added “Having worked with Chris Banks for over 6 years, I knew that he was passionate about getting USABH to the world stage.  When he approached me to help USABH in their mission, I had no hesitations about joining.  This vote simply confirms what I had felt then and feel now, that USABH has the right leadership in place which will lead this organization to a Gold Medal in a future ISBHF World Championship while continuing to grow the game here in America.  I’m honored to be a part of it, and I look forward to working with the ISBHF from the Media & Marketing side to help continue advancing this incredible sport towards the future with an eye on the Olympics. USABH has world class talent in the right positions, both on and off the rink, and I fully expect us to be competitive at every future World Championship.

USABH Vice President Tom Ruiz added “We’re very proud that the ISBHF saw how committed we are to the sport, and that we have spent many hours preparing for this vote with the goal of joining the ISBHF.  I couldn’t be happier, and I know the team is excited to get to work.  This is a very proud day for all of us at USA Ball Hockey, and it wouldn’t have been possible without everyone here at USABH coming together to make this outcome a reality.”

The next ISBHF World Championship is scheduled for 2020, with both Juniors and Masters Championship tournaments taking place in Europe.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @USAballhockey or search: USA Ball Hockey

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States, possessing a comprehensive reach nationally at all levels of play thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH facilitates United States National teams for all official Divisions – Juniors, Mens, Womens and Masters.

Media inquiries:  Please contact Marketing and Media Director Chris Bokuniewicz at cbokuniewicz@usaballhockey.com

 

USA Ball Hockey Introduces Angelo Terrana as the New Women’s National Team General Manager

BOSTON — USA Ball Hockey (USABH) is excited to announce that Angelo Terrana of Washington, D.C. has accepted the offer to become General Manager of the Women’s U.S. National Team, effective immediately.  Terrana replaces Jason Kelly of Media, PA, who retired from his role as General Manager in October of 2019.

“I’ve known Angelo many years.  He is taking over a team that has won two straight Silver Medals.  With the process and foundation he is setting up, we know the players will be in a great position to execute on our goals.  We believe Angelo is the best fit to lead us to the Gold Medal we want for the program,” said Director of Hockey Operations Cory Herschk.

Terrana has a hockey history that dates back to his childhood and spans some four decades.  He has always had a passion for helping the Women’s Division, as he currently serves as the Women’s Masters Division General Manager.

Terrana was a member of the 2014 and 2016 Men’s Masters National Teams.  He was also an Assistant GM to Jason Kelly for the 2016 Women’s Masters National Team and the 2017 Women’s Nation Team. He continues to be an active participant in the hockey scene of the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Terrana said that it was during his preparations for next year’s ISBHF 2020 Masters World Championships that he was approached by USA Ball Hockey for the open position.  It was an easy yes for him to accept the task.

“I’m humbled, honored, and excited to get working.  Learning from Jason Kelly really prepared me to take the next step in helping our players execute at the highest levels. I am very focused on helping the Women’s Division by instituting a program that is focused on some key factors, such as ensuring preparations, logistics, and talent selection are handled with absolute professionalism.  This will help ensure that when the time comes for the team to take the rink at the 2021 ISBHF World Championships, the only thing they’ll have to focus on is executing,” said Terrana.

“The Masters Division has always held a special place in my heart, and I am determined to see them through towards their goal in 2020.  Simultaneously, I will be preparing for the 2021 World Championship and when the 2020 tournament is over, my full attention will be devoted towards this outstanding program.” he added.

Added USA Ball Hockey Vice President Tom Ruiz, “I’ve known Angelo to be a man of outstanding character with an exceptional level of attention to detail.  We couldn’t be happier that he said yes to help the Women in their quest.  We have every confidence he is the right man to lead this program.”

“We are excited Angelo will be joining the US Women’s National Team. We are at a pivotal point in setting the foundation and direction for the Women’s program and Angelo brings a new perspective and energy to the staff. I look forward to working with him.” said Alessandra Glista, Assistant Director of Hockey Operations who oversees the Women’s Division.

“I have always believed when it comes to leadership that you need to trust your talent and put them in a position to be successful, and enable them to succeed out on the floor.  Part of my job will be ensuring they only have to worry about execution on the rink and not all of the other items that go along with running a world class program that is competing against the best in the world,” added Terrana.

“I especially want to thank Jason Kelly for all his help in preparing me for this day.  And I also want to thank the USA Ball Hockey Board of Directors for affording me this tremendous opportunity.  I know how hard it is to win in this sport, and my commitment to the board, to the program, and to the players, is to give 100% of my ability to get us prepared to execute at the highest level,” said Terrana in closing.

“Angelo is a hockey guy through and through and has been around the Women’s program for many years.  He’s earned the respect of the community, and when we approached him, we knew quickly that he was absolutely the right choice.  I look forward to working with him to establish a program that really sets the table for USA Ball Hockey to win both on and off the rink,” said USA Ball Hockey President Chris Banks.

 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @USAballhockey or search: USA Ball Hockey.

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States and possesses a comprehensive reach nationally, at all levels of play, thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from the beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH’s intention is to facilitate national teams and unify all juniors, men’s, women’s and masters programs and events.

Media inquiries:  Please contact Marketing and Media Director Chris Bokuniewicz at cbokuniewicz@usaballhockey.com

USA Ball Hockey Women's General Manager Steps Down
USA Ball Hockey Women’s General Manager Steps Down

USA Ball Hockey regretfully announces the resignation of Jason Kelly from the program. Jason’s years of dedication and commitment to the sport has helped propel ball hockey in the United States to levels never before reached.

Throughout Jason’s tenure managing the Women’s teams, he has been the guiding light for hundreds of women players.  He has been a steadfast advocate for the Women’s game without equal. Jason leaves the program as a multi-medal winning General Manager across every division of Women’s Ball Hockey.  His contributions will be missed. Jason has elected to focus his time more on his local community and most importantly, his family. 

USA Ball Hockey’s President Chris Banks had this to say:  “On behalf of everyone in the ball hockey community, thank you for everything.  Your impact on the game will be felt for decades. It is upon the foundation you built which the Women’s National Program will grow and strive for more success.  Your spirit and and knowledge will continue to be there with us every step of the way.”

Pittsburgh Chipmunk All Stars Tournament

Pittsburgh area Chipmunk Dek Hockey All Stars.This past labor day weekend, the Pittsburgh chipmunk division, 4-7 year olds, had their last tournament of the summer in Brookline, PA.  Six teams competed so hard and left everything out there. Everyone involved went above and beyond. Every team had fun, every player had a smile on their face.
The first semi-final of the day had Team Pittsburgh Sharks knocking off the Murrysville Dragons. Then the second semi-final had the Cranberry Screaming Eagles beating the Murrysville Sharks.

In the the finals under the lights. Cranberry came out strong going up 2-0 in the first period. Team Pittsburgh answered with 2 goals of their own in the second to tie up the game, and then Cranberry went up 3-2 in the 3rd. Team Pittsburgh tied it up late in the 3rd forcing OT. They then finished the comeback winning it in OT with 35 seconds left.

Pittsburgh area Chipmunk Dek Hockey All Stars.This summer was awesome for this chipmunk division. 4 tournaments, 4 great finals and a bunch of nail biters along the way.
Thanks to Dan Cunningham and Stacy Rush from Brookline for running a great event over the weekend. Thanks to John Sylvestor for reffing all day. And lastly, thanks to the hockey families for joining us in these tournaments and making great memories with your kids.

Watch out for next summer, this chipmunk division is growing. Bigger and better things coming.  These kids are future USA Ball Hockey players in the making. Come get on board next summer!

Junior Division Women’s U20 News – Staff and Coaching Selections

USA Ball Hockey Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Announces U20 Women’s Staff and Coaching Selections

BOSTON — USA Ball Hockey Assistant Director of Hockey Operations, Alessandra Glista (Winthrop, MA) announces the management and coaching staffs for the USA Women’s National U20 Team that will compete at the 2020 Women’s Juniors World Championship in Slovakia.

Dorene Sheets (Grand Forks, BC) has been named the head coach of the 2020 team Kristi Kehoe (North Andover, MA) and Paul Paradine (Ithaca, NY) as assistant coaches. Thomas Bricklemyer (Philadelphia, PA), the goaltending coach for the US Women’s National Team, will also serve as the Goalie Consultant for the junior’s program.

Sheets comes with a wealth of coaching experience across all levels in ice hockey and ball hockey. The assistant coach for the 2019 USWNT that will compete at the ISBHF World Championship, Sheets was the assistant coach for the 2017 USWNT that won the program’s first-ever silver medal. She also served as the assistant coach in 2007.

Kehoe was a four-year member of Northeastern University’s women’s ice hockey team. She currently serves as the program director and head coach of the 19U Boston Jr Shamrocks girls ice hockey program and the director of girls player development for USA Hockey’s New England District. Previously she was the head coach of the Kunlun Red Star Women’s Jr ice hockey team, assistant coach for the Chinese National U18 team and head coach of New England College women’s ice hockey team.

Paradine has served as a coach with the University of Toronto’s women’s ice hockey and has served as a coach in the Toronto Women’s Ball Hockey League, the Northwestern Toronto Women’s Ice Hockey Association and the United Women’s Ball Hockey Foundation in Massachusetts. He was a member of the USA Men’s Old Glory Hockey Club for the World Masters Ball Hockey Championships in 2018.

Bricklemyer, or Mr. B, was the goaltending coach for the 2017 silver-medal winning USWNT and the 2018 silver-medal winning master’s team. An ice hockey coach who has coached all levels, he helped guide the 2017 women’s program to a 1.85 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @USAballhockey or search: USA Ball Hockey.

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States and possesses a comprehensive reach nationally, at all levels of play, thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from the beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH’s intention is to facilitate national teams and unify all juniors, men’s, women’s and masters programs and events.

Media inquiries:  Please contact Marketing and Communications Director Chris Bokuniewicz at cbokuniewicz@usabh.org.

Women’s Masters Division News – Staff and Coaching Selections

USA Ball Hockey Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Announces Women’s Staff and Coaching Selections

BOSTON — USA Ball Hockey Assistant Director of Hockey Operations,  Alessandra Glista (Winthrop, MA) announces the management and coaching staffs for the USA Women’s National Masters Team Blue and Team Red that will compete at the 2020 Women’s Masters Ball Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.

Angelo Terrana (West Islip, NY)  has been named general manager and Chris Thorp (Kelowna, B.C.) as assistant GM. Terrana comes to the program having served as the assistant general manager of the USA Women’s National Team that won silver at the 2017 ISBHF World Championship and a two-time player for the men’s Masters program. Thorp is currently an assistant coach under Terrana for the First Ladies Ball Hockey Team based in Washington, D.C.

Shawn Mulcahy (Lynn, MA) returns as the head coach of Team Blue, as well as his assistant coaches Jason Glista (Winthrop, MA) and Paul White (Lynnfield, MA). Team Red’s coaching staff comprised of head coach Jackie Spiegel (Brooklyn, NY) and assistants Jake Denne (McKeesport, PA) and Chris Howdeshell (Limestone, ME) return as well. Thomas Bricklemyer (Philadelphia, PA), the goaltending coach for the US Women’s National Team, will also serve as the goalie consultant for the master’s program.

Mulcahy, will be making his fourth appearance as the head coach for Team Blue. The three-time ISBHF Women’s Masters Championship silver medalist also served as an assistant coach for the US Women’s National Team in 2011.

Glista, who won a silver medal with the USWNT at the 2017 ISBHF World Ball Hockey Championship in Pardubice, Czech Republic, will be running Team Blue’s offense for the fourth consecutive year. A three-time masters silver medalist, he also served as an assistant coach for the USWNT in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

White, who served under Mulcahy in 2016 and 2018, returns as the defensive coach for Team Blue. A silver medalist at the ISBHF Women’s Masters Championship in 2016 and 2018, White has served as a player and coach with the Lynn (MA) Seahawks ice hockey program for many years.

Spiegel and her staff led Team Red to its first-ever bronze medal at the 2018 Women’s Masters Championship in Bermuda. In 2016, she served as an assistant coach for Team Red after playing on the inaugural team in 2014. In addition to her work with the master’s program, she was an assistant coach for the first-ever women’s U20 team that competed on the international stage in 2018 and is the assistant GM of the USWNT.

Denne will be returning for his third tournament as the offensive coach for Team Red. He has coached the Stanley Cupcakes (D.C.) women’s program for more than four years, with his focus on working with the forwards. An experienced coach, Denne spent a year as a graduate assistant football coach at Carnegie Mellon University.

Howdeshell is returning as the defensive coach for USA’s Team Red after holding the same position at the 2016 and 2018 tournament. An experienced ball hockey player at the tournament level, Howdeshell began coaching in 2015 with the Stanley Cupcakes (D.C.) women’s program.

Bricklemyer, or Mr. B, was the goaltending coach for the 2017 silver-medal winning USWNT and the 2018 silver-medal winning master’s team. An ice hockey coach who has coached all levels, he helped guide the 2017 women’s program to a 1.85 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @USAballhockey or search: USA Ball Hockey.

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States and possesses a comprehensive reach nationally, at all levels of play, thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from the beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH’s intention is to facilitate national teams and unify all juniors, men’s, women’s and masters programs and events.

Media inquiries:  Please contact Marketing and Communications Director Chris Bokuniewicz at cbokuniewicz@usabh.org.

Master’s Division News – Coaching Hires and Evaluation Camps

USA Ball Hockey Masters General Manager Announces Men’s Evaluation Camp Dates

BOSTON — USA Ball Hockey Board of Directors has announced the two open tryout evaluation mini camp dates and locations.  All persons considering attending this open tryout are strongly recommended to attend both camps, as more visibility is helpful in making selections.  These evaluation camps will be used for both Team USA and Masters Team 2.  The official name for Team 2 will be decided at a later date by the USA Ball Hockey staff.

Dates and Locations

  • June 14/15 – 422 Sportsplex, Pottstown PA
  • July 13/14 – Breakaway Hockey Dek & Sports Rink, Dracut MA

Anyone wishing to attend this open tryout must fill out the player registration form in order to attend:
https://usaballhockey.com/mens-masters-evaluation-registration//

Evaluation Format

  • Friday night – Hotel conference room (hotel location to be announced later) – 8-9 p.m.
  • Saturday – 8 a.m. arrival at the rink; start evaluations at 9 a.m.

Friday night will be used to provide attendees with an introduction to the program.  Additionally, the staff will cover expectations of the next year of camps, tournaments, and financial costs for travel to the tournament. Friday night is not mandatory but strongly recommended to ensure all the necessary information has been received.

Players will check in Saturday at 8 a.m., get dressed, and warm up to be ready to start by 9 a.m. Evaluations will finish up around 6 p.m. At that time players may leave to go home, or come to a social event, details of which will be announced at a later date.

Director of Hockey Operations Cory Herschk of Pittsburgh, PA, along with Masters Division Men’s General Manager Chris Caplan, lead the search for Head Coaches for both teams to find the best candidates.  The following gentleman have been named head coach for their respective teams:

  • Jeff Jordan – Team USA Head Coach

Jeff Jordan began playing ball hockey in North East Philadelphia, PA in the late 80s. In the early 90s, he joined Mayfair Hockey, one of the top teams in the region for many years.  Mr. Jordan continued playing “A” level hockey over the next two decades. Most recently he was player/coach with the PA Caspers club team who competed in “A” level tournaments for a number of years. Jordan was a member of the 2014 DC Masters and is a class of 2019 Mid-Atlantic Ball Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.

  • Rock Stefan – USA Masters Team 2 Head Coach

Rock has been involved in hockey since 1974. He is proud to have watched this game evolve and states, “As the game has changed, the biggest lesson I have learned as a coach, GM, player or even a referee is I have had to change.” As a coach, Mr. Stefan would take teams every summer to Canada and compete in tournaments to learn the international game. Thanks to YouTube and social media, he makes watching tournaments his hobby, and it has helped to prepare him during the last three World Championships. Rock served as the Head Coach in the Men’s Senior World Championships in 2000, Defensive Coach for Team USA Masters in 2014, and the GM/Head Coach in Bermuda last summer.

Notable USA Masters Division staff members include:
  • Mark O’Neill – Head Scout – Boston, MA
  • Scott Bokowski – Head Scout – Buffalo, NY

USA Ball Hockey scouts and Masters Division staff members are continually scouting the top players in this country who have the desire to compete at the World Championships in 2020.

 

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States and possesses a comprehensive reach nationally, at all levels of play, thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from the beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH’s intention is to facilitate national teams and unify all juniors, men’s, women’s and masters programs and events.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @USAballhockey or search: USA Ball Hockey

Junior’s Division National Teams Announcement – Coaching Staffs

USA Ball Hockey Junior’s program announces various selections for U18 and U16 Coaching Staffs and National Director

BOSTON — The USA Ball Hockey Board of Directors have selected the following personnel to represent the United States Junior National Ball Hockey program.  These personnel were selected based on their excellent qualifications along with their proven passion for helping grow and develop the sport of ball hockey here in the United States.  These outstanding leaders will be working on building winning rosters for their respective divisions as the United States continues their pursuit of Gold Medals.

Junior U18 Division Head Coach – Josh Barbas, St. Catharines, Ontario, CA

Josh Barbas has been traveling to United States and Canada to play dek & ball hockey since he was 13 years old. Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Josh comes from a long blood line of hockey players. He is the son of a hockey coach and has been playing the sport since he could walk. Barbas is a current member of the Niagara Rebels Ball Hockey Club, and has earned the respect of the American hockey community by also being a member of the Pittsburgh Gods and Leominster Americans. He has played in three ISBHF World Championships on the Greek National Team, serving as team captain on that roster. One thing has been common no matter where Josh is, he’s always instructing hockey. Not just when working with the youth, but as a player on the bench. Strategy, an eye for talent, the ability to place the right people on the rink at the right times are reasons we are excited to have Josh Barbas serve as our U-18 Head Coach.  In addition, it’s his mentorship and experience that add to why we are thrilled to have him working with our Junior players as he and the U18 staff lead us towards a Gold Medal.

Rounding out the U18 Management and Coaching Staff are the following personnel:

  • Assistant GM – Willie Rennebeck, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Assistant Coach – Jonny Ruiz, Williamstown, NJ
  • Assistant Coach – Mike Malloy Jr, Sewell, NJ

Junior U16 Division Head Coach – John Gallen, Somerdale, NJ

John Gallen is a proven winner, having lead teams that have won numerous tournaments over the years in countless ways. He’s coached many of the top U-16 players ever since they were playing at the U-10 age group, as well as when they were Beaver aged. His 81-4-1 record as head coach in major tournaments is impressive, but the way he’s gone about it is simple. Teach and preach fundamentals. The discipline of the game is what John attributes to much of his player’s good fortune, but most importantly the kids have poured their hearts and soles into playing for him. Despite the tournament wins achieved at each level, Gallen is loved by his players and respected among the entire ball hockey community. “Ball possession, finding lanes, patience, fast pace, but not a run and gun style of hockey, and disciplined defenses,” are what John says will be the team’s list priorities. “No priority is greater than giving every top rated player an opportunity to compete as this level. Myself, Vaccaro (GM) and our coaches, assistant GMs, and scouts have an obligation to be watching players who play in not just tournaments, but leagues on the dek and on the ice. We will be on the phone with club team coaches soliciting their opinions on players that they not only coach but play against to make sure we leave no stone unturned,” says Gallen. “We can’t wait to watch as these players emerge into the stars of hockey for our country headed to the World Championships wearing the red, white, and blue.”  USA Ball Hockey is excited to have Mr. Gallen lead our U16 team towards the Gold Medal.

Rounding out the U16 Management Staff is Angelo Fox from Pittsburgh, PA.

In addition, the USA Ball Hockey Board of Directors have selected the following personnel to complete the U20 Management and Coaching Staffs:

Junior U20 Final Management and Assistant Coaching Staff:

  • Assistant GM – Joe Washart, Bellmawr, NJ
  • Assistant Coach – Bill Sullivan, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Assistant Coach – Mike DeFazio, Lunenberg, MA
  • Assistant Coach – Nick Carter, Leominster, MA

Lastly, we are excited to announce that Don Gregory of Pittsburgh, PA has accepted the role of National Director of the Junior Divisions. He will be leading our Junior Division General Managers as they collaborate and coordinate the details for families and players participating in the 2020 games. Gregory will coordinate tryouts, camps, travel logistics, uniform and apparel details as well as assist in developing fundraisers to help players and families afford the travel expenses. He founded the Team Pittsburgh Dekhockey Organization in 1999, growing the program from a few dozen players to over several hundred.

 

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States and possesses a comprehensive reach nationally, at all levels of play, thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from the beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH’s intention is to facilitate national teams and unify all juniors, men’s, women’s and masters programs and events.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @USAballhockey or search: USA Ball Hockey

Master’s Division Leadership Announcement

USA Ball Hockey Master’s program announces selections for General Manager and National Director

BOSTON —The USA Ball Hockey Board of Directors have selected the following personnel to represent the United States Master’s National Ball Hockey program.  These personnel were selected based on their excellent qualifications along with their proven passion for helping grow and develop the sport of ball hockey here in the United States.  These outstanding leaders will be working on building winning rosters for their respective divisions as the United States continues their pursuit of Gold Medals.

Master’s Men’s Division General Manager – Chris Caplan, Maple Shade, NJ

Chris Caplan has been a part of the ball hockey community for many years.  Known by many simply as “Cappy”,  he previously managed the New Jersey Force, which was a team known for its talent for years. Chris has played on the Men’s Masters team and is currently the GM of two traveling over-50 teams. He assisted Rock Stefan in putting together the Old Glory team which competed at the 2018 ISBHF Masters Championships in Bermuda.  He implemented speed and agility training, a fore-checking, offensive, and defensive system of hockey, and most importantly creating a team first family atmosphere in the locker-room.  USA Ball Hockey is thrilled to have Chris Caplan manage our Masters division.  One player recently said, “Chris is the reason I tell my teammates ‘I love you’ even more than I tell my own family members. Call it what you will but we have grown to love each other as brothers because of his leadership.” Mr. Caplan and his soon to be announced staff will have the tall task of creating not one but two contenders for Gold in the Masters division. “We want to be more athletic and more driven than ever before. I plan to search the entire country for what it is we need, though I believe we have a lot of that ‘IT’ factor here within the current program. We just have to put it together.” said Caplan as he begins to plan for 2020.

Master’s Division – National Director – Terri Milby, Linwood, PA

Terri Milby’s full time occupation may be in Neurodiagnostics helping ill patients, but her passion leads her to ball hockey which is where she’s volunteered her time for over 20 years as a player, manager, employee, and in more recent years, photographer. Her love for the game and respect for the players are some of the reasons she’s dedicated countless hours of her personal time to capture special moments for the teams and their families, from the youth division to the Masters. In addition to playing and running teams for two decades, Terri has competed on the Women’s National Masters Red Team 2014 and 2016. Recently she served as Assistant GM to the 2018 USA Men’s Masters Team where she learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes and how much work goes into organizing and competing at an international level.  Terri will be working closely with both the Men’s and Women’s Masters GMs to ensure world class programs are put together with efficiency and timeliness.  USA Ball Hockey is thrilled to have her on board.

Ms. Milby and Mr. Caplan have coordinated with scouts to begin evaluating the Masters division as soon as this weekend at the North American Masters Ball Hockey Tournament.  “Our scouts will not only be watching the talent on the rink at events coming up this tournament season, but they’ll also be communicating with coaches, team managers, and rink owners all over the United States so that no stone goes unturned. Our job is to give the USA the best chance at winning gold,” says Caplan.

 

USABH is the premier ball hockey organization in the United States and possesses a comprehensive reach nationally, at all levels of play, thanks to strategic alliances with key organizations. We are focused on growing the game, from the beginner youth levels through international competition. USABH’s intention is to facilitate national teams and unify all juniors, men’s, women’s and masters programs and events.

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