HISTORY

Although the BCBHA was officially incorporated in 1980, the first Men’s "A" Provincial Championship actually was held in 1979 which the Renfrew Flyers, from Vancouver, captured the inaugural title. This event has continued annually since then, with the top teams from each league qualifying through their respective league championships.

Over the years storied franchises have arisen, and many outstanding athletes have left their mark on the history of the sport. A detailed list of medal winning teams and a list of the game’s greatest players can be found under the Past Champions section of this website.

In order to promote provincial play at the less competitive levels, the BCBHA began hosting Men’s ‘B’ Provincial Championships in 1986, and expanded to Men's ‘C’ Provincial Championships in 1993. The Men's 'D' Provincial Championships is hosting its inaugural event in 2013. Together with the "A" provincial championships this annual event is designed to gather the league champions in the province, with the winners being promoted to the next higher level of play in the following year.

The first Women’s Provincial Championships were held in 1989, with the Richmond Vikings winning the championship. The women’s game has grown steadily since that time, and featured many B.C. athletes and teams at the elite level of the game. Most recently B.C. female athletes showed their talent winning Gold at the 2009 Women's World Championships in the Czech Republic, where 5 of the 24 players and 1 Coach representing Canada were from B.C.

The minor program in the province is currently expanding at an alarming rate. Leagues in Ridge Meadows, Tri-Cities, Burnaby/Metro, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley and Victoria. These leagues offer ball hockey for children as young as 6 years of age.

Provincial, Regional and National Championships take place annually while World Championships take place on even years for Men's and Women's Divisions while the youth levels of U-20, U-18 and U-16 and Men's & Women's Masters (35+) occur on odd years.