The Wagter-Barnum family’s involvement in Ball Hockey International (BHi) began with a simple conversation with their neighbours, who had a child enrolled in BHi. They had good things to say about the organization, and so Mark and Laurie took the idea to their kids, Gavin and Kierin. Before they knew it, the Wagter-Barnum family was heading down to the rink for some exciting ball hockey action.
That was in the spring of 2014, and the siblings have already played a combined six seasons of BHi ball hockey.
“I like playing hockey because it makes me feel more active, and it’s better than sitting on the couch just playing video games,” says Kierin, 11, who has shown quite the knack for playing defense. “I’ve also made some good friends along the way.”
“I like playing at the rink because it makes me feel really great to get a goal, and I like working together as a team and winning,” says 11-year-old Gavin, who, like his sister, experienced his first league hockey action when he started BHi. “I like being active, and I guess playing ball hockey just makes me feel good.”
All-around, BHi ball hockey has been a positive experience for the Wagter-Barnum family.
“We knew they could benefit from a structured league environment where they could learn and improve skills, feel a sense of belonging and teamwork and also get a good workout and get off the couch,” said Mark and Laurie.
They’ve certainly received all that and more through BHi, and the parents are glad they made the decision to enroll their kids.
“It’s clear that everyone associated with BHi London loves being there, and they are well organized. Every coach they’ve had in six seasons have been ‘stand-up’ people. They are always encouraging the kids with positive feedback and reinforcing good sportsmanship and team play.”
So what have been the kids’ highlights of playing in the league so far?
“My favourite moment was in my second season with the ‘Blue Dynomites,’” said Kierin. “I scored a goal against the goalie that no one could score on from the blue line, and it barely passed his pads and went in! That was cool because I always play defence so I don’t usually get up towards the goalie.”
“So far the best moment for me was scoring a hat-trick in my second season playing in the 7-to-9 league,” said Gavin. “So far it’s the only hat-trick I got. The 10-to-15 age league is a lot harder and faster, but I’ve had some good chances to score so we’ll see! I’m hoping to score a hat-trick this season.”
www.london.ballhockeyinternational.ca
Story written by SportsXpress Team
