The New Westminster Minor Ball Hockey Association (NWMBA) is marking its 40th anniversary this year, with a special celebration planned for June. The association, which was founded in 1983, is one of the oldest and largest ball hockey organizations in British Columbia, with more than 600 players and 100 volunteers.
The NWMBA was established by a group of parents who wanted to provide an affordable and fun sport for their children. The association started with four teams playing at the Moody Park Arena, and soon expanded to other venues and divisions. The association joined the West Coast Minor Ball Hockey Association (WCMBA) in 1985, and became a member of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) in 1987.
The NWMBA has grown over the years, offering various programs and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. The association runs a spring season from April to June, and a fall season from September to November, with games and practices held at the Queen’s Park and Moody Park Arenas. The association also hosts tournaments, clinics, camps, and special events throughout the year.
The NWMBA has also produced many talented and successful players, who have represented the association, the city, the province, and the country at various levels of competition. Some of the notable alumni of the NWMBA include:
- Matt Pettinger, a former NHL player who played for the Washington Capitals, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Kevin Sundher, a professional hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Reading Royals.
- Tyler Benson, a professional hockey player who plays for the Edmonton Oilers and the Bakersfield Condors.
- Jordyn Huitema, a professional soccer player who plays for the Paris Saint-Germain and the Canadian national team.
The celebration and the future of the association
The NWMBA is planning to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala event on June 18, 2023, at the Anvil Centre. The event will feature a dinner, a silent auction, a live band, and a presentation of awards and recognition to the past and present members of the association. The event will also raise funds for the association’s programs and initiatives, such as scholarships, equipment, and facility upgrades.
The NWMBA is looking forward to the future, with a vision to continue to provide a safe, fun, and competitive environment for its players and volunteers. The association is also committed to promoting the sport of ball hockey, and to developing the skills and character of its participants.
The NWMBA invites anyone who is interested in joining or supporting the association to visit its website, or to contact its president, Mike Pettinger, at president@nwmbha.com.
