Frequently Asked Questions
What is ball hockey?
Ball hockey is an organized non-contact sport for youth between the ages of 4-20. It is similar to street hockey or floor hockey but we play inside arenas once the ice has been removed.
No experience is necessary to join our league – all skill levels are welcome!
Please check out the 2024 rulebook for more details.
What equipment is required?
At the beginning of the season, each player will be issued a jerseys upon receipt of a damage deposit. Damage deposits will be returned when the jerseys are handed in. Jerseys are to be worn for games only.
Mandatory equipment:
- CSA approved helmet with full cage
- Shin guards (we recommend D-Gels or soccer guards which should be covered by soccer socks)
- Hockey gloves
- Hockey stick (wood or composite, no plastic blades)
- Non-marking running shoes
- Protective cup
- Waterbottle (must be able to drink without removing helmet – long straw)
Highly Recommended Equipment:
- Elbow Pads
- Knee Pads – like Volleyball
All of these items can be purchased at places such as Canadian Tire, SportChek, The Hockey Shop, or Cyclone Taylor Sports.
For questions regarding equipment, please contact our Equipment Manager at admin@ibha.ca.
Hard ice hockey style shin pads must be fully covered by socks if you opt to use those. However they are not recommended and players who do not have them covered will not be permitted to play.
Where will games be played?
Game location varies for each league, and can sometimes be different due to availability. This is sent to you in your game schedule and communicated to you by your team captains.
However! The most frequent rinks by location are:
Nanaimo: Frank Crane Arena
2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 3K7, Canada
Get Directions
Nanaimo: Nanaimo Ice Centre
750 Third Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5, Canada
Get Directions
Comox Valley: Comox Valley Sports Centre
3001 Vanier Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 5Y2, Canada
Get Directions
Cowichan Valley: Cowichan Community Centre
2687 James St, Duncan, BC V9L 2X5
Get Directions
Kerry Park: Kerry Park Recreation Centre
1035 Shawnigan/Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay, BC, V8H 1A8, Canada
Get Directions
Port Alberni: Alberni Valley Multiplex
3737 Roger Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y8J4, Canada
Get Directions
Victoria: To be determined
What days are games held?
This varies for each league and season depending on arena availability. The first games are usually at 5:45 in the evening on game days and then go from there for each game.
This year in 2022, the NBHL Nanaimo Ball Hockey League plays mostly on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
How long is registration open?
Registration opens on December 1 and closes February 28 or until the division is full.
How do I register?
Please refer to our Registration page.
All registrations must be completed through TeamSnap.
If you do not have a credit card, please contact admin@ibha.ca to discuss payment alternatives.
Is financial assistance available?
If you are applying for financial assistance, please contact the Registrar for assistance registering. A copy of the financial assistance application must be sent to the Registrar to ensure registration is confirmed.
Financial assistance can be obtained from the following agencies:
Can we request children be placed on the same team?
In certain circumstances, such as siblings in the same division, we will make every effort to ensure the children are placed on the same team.
Requests relating to things such as carpooling will be noted for consideration during the drafting process but ultimately, placement of players is at the coach’s discretion.