Riley and Abbey Miszczyk, brother and sister, both play competitive hockey – Riley with the Major Bantam AA Junior Knights, and Abbey with the Minor Bantam A London Devilettes. But they also play ball hockey with Ball Hockey International. In fact, they play all three seasons with BHi, where they not only enjoy a fun experience, but also improve their skills used in ice hockey.
“It’s fun because it’s different [than ice hockey], and I get to work on different skills,” said Abbey, who has played ball hockey for three years, mostly on defense. “Tournaments are fun, and it’s fun spending time with some of my friends on the team. And I’ve met new friends.”
Abbey, whose favourite hockey player is Braedon Holtby of the Washington Capitals and favourite team is the Montreal Canadiens, plays goalie in ice hockey. In other words, by playing ball hockey she’s able to learn new skills and gain new perspectives on the rink. The same is true for her brother, Riley, who is also a goaltender in ice hockey. In ball hockey, he plays right wing.
“Ball hockey is really fun, and it’s nice playing a different position,” said Riley, who has also played ball hockey for three years, currently playing for the London Junior Warriors. “And I’ve met new friends at BHi.”
Riley’s favourite hockey player is Alex Ovechkin, and his favourite team is the Washington Capitals. Both Miszczyk siblings started playing hockey when they were four years old, and they’ve come a long way since. Like Riley and Abbey, their mother, Amberlyn, also thinks that their experience playing ball hockey has further enhanced their skills on the ice and provided a different experience in which to grow as players and people.
“[Ball hockey] is a different environment than ice hockey, a very family-friendly atmosphere,” said Amberlyn. “The kids have a ton of fun, and we really look forward to the tournaments – especially the camping tournament in St. Catharines. As a hockey mom, the schedule is a little tighter in the fall, but the schedules work really well in the spring and summer. BHi does a great job accommodating ice hockey schedules and getting family members on the same team.”
In other words, BHi can be a great compliment to any ice hockey player. Interested in playing ball hockey? The Spring season registration deadline is Feb 28, 2017, and you can register now at www.london.ballhockeyinternational.ca.
www.london.ballhockeyinternational.ca
Story by SportsXpress Team and photos by Bruised Camera
