14 Wing men heading to regionals July 8
14 Wing Greenwood men’s ball hockey team has been hard at work preparing for the Canadian Armed Forces Atlantic regional tournament, coming up at 12 Wing Shearwater July 8 to 12.
“I think we always look forward to team activities, and I think regionals is a big event for building camaraderie, sportsmanship and work relationships,” says team coach Warrant Officer Jimmy Rose, excited to see the tournament return to Atlantic Canada for the first time since COVID-19.
Making their way to the tournament are teams from 14 Wing, the host 12 Wing Shearwater, CFB Halifax and 5 Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.
Rose began coaching the Greenwood team when he first arrived at the wing in 2017. During his tenure, the team won regionals and progressed to nationals in both 2017 and 2018. And, while Rose is happy to be back in the arena, he is also excited to see new faces joining the sport.
“There are some new to ball hockey, some new to the base, some play ice hockey and just transitioned to ball hockey as well.”
The 2024 14 Wing ball hockey roster includes Corporal Dylon Thrussell, Sergeant Dave Jenkins, Aviator Ethan Howie, Warrant Officer Jimmy Rose, Corporal Dave Brent, Sergeant Evan Burchell, 405 Squadron; Corporal Dylan Ventresca, Master Corporal Adam Foley, Warrant Officer Pier-Olivier Poulin, Master Corporal Luke Verran, 404 Squadron; Sergeant Andrew Amos, Sergeant Matt Pittman, Corporal Stephen Best, 413 Squadron; Corporal Simon Landry, Corporal Riley Allen, Corporal Tyler Currie, Sergeant Kyle O’Keefe, 14 Air Maintenance Squadron; Corporal Wyatt Magarvey, Sailor Second Class Ryan Hoskins, 14 Mission Support Squadron; Corporal Tyler Williams, 5th Canadian Division Support Base Detachment Aldershot.
While the ice and ball hockey may seem like similar sports, Rose says the transition from the frozen surface to rink pavement can be a tough – but rewarding – change for players.
“It’s not the same sport at all; it’s a lot more physical effort.”
Magarvey, who started playing ball hockey this season, agrees with Rose’s comparison.
“It’s a lot more hard work than you think. I also play for the 14 Wing Greenwood ice hockey team, and it’s a little bit more different strategy, a little bit more physical and a little bit more running around.”
Howie, who also transitioned from intersection ice hockey, likes the intensity of the exercise ball hockey provides.
“It’s fun and it’s more tiring for sure because, in ice hockey, you can just glide, and this one you’ve always got to be running.”
Howie invites anyone interested in ball hockey to “come out and try it out,” and Magarvey encourages all those interested to come meet the team.
“We’re a very open group here,” says Magarvey, who also playfully recommends the game as an opportunity to “try and get your cardio in when you can.”
