By Rob Ross and BHi
Railton Wallf loved hockey, but the 13-year-old was a little intimidated about playing the game. His father’s solution was to join Ball Hockey International. Wallf has loved playing BHI so much that he is now in his fifth season with the organization.
A goalie, Wallf has improved immensely since he first joined BHI. But the teen knows there is always room for improvement.
“I need to improve on my five-hole, so I always ask my teammates to shoot there,” said Wallf, adding that his dad has been helping him improve his quickness.
Wallf is certainly doing something right, as his fall team — the Exterminator — won the 10-12-year-old division. The goaltender also plays on a tournament team, the Little Warriors, who have competed in the Walter Gretzky tournament.
“Its really exciting when someone makes a great save or scores a good goal,” the youngster said of BHI. “The players’ sticks are clapping, and the fans are cheering like wild.”
Riley Miszczyk is also a big fan of the league, in which he has been a player for a year. The 12-year-old, who started with Play ON and then continued with BHI because he wanted to keep playing, joined with his sister.
“Dan (Gilbert) makes it fun for everyone and balances out the teams if needed so that it’s always fair,” said Miszczyk, a right-winger whose favourite hockey player is Alexander Ovechkin. “And I like that the league teaches teamwork and other life skills.”
Last season, the youngster played for the Wolverines and won the spring finals. So far, winning that championship has been Miszczyk’s best memory. But, like most BHI players, he’s certain to create many more.
For more information about Ball Hockey International, please visit www.ballhockeyinternational.ca.
london.ballhockeyinternational.ca
