By David Dudzic
The London Ball Hockey Association has changed dramatically over the years, improving every season, especially since Dick Price took over as league convenor in 2008. Price has refreshed and added stability to a rejuvenated league that currently has over 40 Men’s teams and more than 15 Ladies’ teams, as well as Masters and Youth divisions.
Norstar entered a Men’s team in the London League in 1994. The team was originally sponsored by Jerry Dudzic (my father) through his Computer Consulting company called Norstar Consulting. The jerseys were laundered and mended before every game by my grandparents, Regina and Alfred Reder, and my mom, Judy Dudzic. Norstar has been lucky and proud to have had players like Chris Mizzi, Chris Wilsie, Jeff Wilsie, Jack Genaro, Steve Forster, Kyle Piwowarczyk, Brandon Prust, and many, many others. Winners of eight London championships, Norstar finally won a provincial title in 2014, the team’s 21st year in the league.
(Women’s provincial champs): Norstar – 2014 Women’s Provincial champions
Back Row (L to R): David Dudzic – General Manager and Head Coach, Andrea Walters, Ashley McManus, Natalie Roby, Carly Mario, Danielle Lapierre, Brittany Mulligan, Alisha Beach, Samantha Smith, Tanya Companion – Associate Manager, Kim Gatto – Associate Coach
Second Row: Kristen Miles, Keelan McGoey, Annalise Roby, Katie Turner, Sarah Kennedy, Courtney Simpson
Front Row: Holly Scott
The Ladies division in the LBHA began in 2011. At the end of that season, the Ladies asked for help in organizing a team to play at the Provincials, as London was hosting the event. I responded to their request and organized a casual tryout. A group of approximately 30 players attended – with many having never played ball hockey before that season. The Ladies wore the Norstar Men’s jerseys during the tournament. They were a little big, but the ladies looked good. With much determination, we won the 2011 Provincial championship.
Norstar entered a Ladies team in the London League in 2012. The team didn’t win the London Championship, but they did play at the Provincials in 2012 in Brampton (because of their 2011 victory). Norstar London then defied the odds and won the 2012 Provincial Championship. The back-to-back titles was a first in Provincial Ladies’ history. In 2012, Norstar London advanced to the North American Eastern Ball Hockey Championships and won that title, which was an even more remarkable accomplishment. And in 2013, Norstar won its first London championship.
This year, though Norstar did not win the London championship, the team did enter the Provincials as a wild card and took advantage of the opportunity. After defeating #1 seeded Mississauga (1-0) on Friday, London beat Toronto and Midland before downing Belleville, 2-0, in the tournament semi final. The Norstar women then defeated Simcoe County 3-0 to earn the Provincial B title. Captain Andrea Walters scored a pair of goals in the final. Norstar goalkeeper Holly Scott stopped an impressive 98 of 99 shots during the tournament and had four shutouts and a perfect 5-0 record en route to Team and Tournament MVP honours.
