Bermuda Hockey League To Kick Off
With the BHF 2011/2012 season finally kicking off this weekend, there are some new teams vying for position throughout the leagues. As with most sports played on the Island, hockey is not immune to the loss of members through players furthering their education abroad, increased family commitments and the loss of players who have left Bermuda.
Unfortunately, Rebels, who have been a part of the hockey community for many years, have been unable to field a team this season, however, some of their players have joined the remaining mens teams which should aid in maintaining a very competitive league.
Polecats have found themselves able to field a second team called Spartans which is mainly comprised of younger members with some veteran players providing guidance and experience alongside them. The remaining teams competing for the Men’s league title are Panthers, Chameleons and Upstarts.
As for the ladies league, the A league team numbers have diminished by one with Swallows A taking a season hiatus this year due to decreased numbers. This leaves Ravens A defending their title against rivals Canaries A, Wildcats A and Budgies A with each of these teams more than capable of winning the league. Each team has a healthy mix of experience and youth which will make every match competitive and very interesting to watch.
The B league has seen an increase in numbers to eight teams with Swallows, Longtails, Ravens, Wildcats, Bluebirds, Cardinals, Canaries and Budgies each seeking to enhance the level of their game, improve the skill level of their players and ultimately compete for the B league title.
The ‘off season’ for hockey was by no means quiet: 5 teams competed in various international tournaments throughout the summer with the National Senior Ladies team competing in the Pan Am Challenge Cup in Brazil; the Men’s and Women’s Federation teams competing in the Islands Tournament in Guernsey; the Flashy 40’s participated in the Golden Oldies Tournament in Scotland and Polecats successfully defended their 2010 title in the Atlanta Cup and were once again crowned 2011 Atlanta Cup Champions.
In addition, two Bermudian umpires, Emma Simmons and Donovan Simmons represented Bermuda at the Pan Am Challenge Cup in Brazil and, as a result of his success and continued mentoring from Emma, Donovan officially received his FIH Umpiring badge which is an incredible achievement for this young man.
There will be a Junior league starting in January, 2012 which will be held on Saturday afternoons – details will be made available shortly. Please visit the Bermuda Hockey Federation website at www.bhf.bm for information on the playing schedule and any of the clubs within the BHF.
Cant wait to get playing! Let the season begin…..