Bermuda To Host ISBHF Masters Championship
[Written by Scott Steele]
The island will host the 2025 International Street and Ball Hockey Federation [ISBHF] Men’s Masters World Championship this November, welcoming teams and fans from around the world to Pembroke.
The tournament runs from November 11 to 16 at the Pembroke Community Club and will feature eight teams from seven countries. Canada will field two squads, one as the national team and one from Saskatchewan. Each roster will include around 20 players, along with coaches, staff, and family supporters.
What is Ball Hockey?
Ball hockey is a fast-paced cousin of ice hockey. It follows the same rules and strategies, but players wear trainers [running shoes] instead of skates, and a hard orange ball replaces the puck. Games are played on sport-court or concrete surfaces depending on the venue.
Unlike ice hockey, where players can glide across the ice, ball hockey athletes must be in constant motion. Every stride requires running or sharp directional changes, making it one of the most physically demanding versions of the sport.
Shots have been recorded at over 100 miles per hour using a radar gun. Because of its design, the ball can curve, dip, or rise off the stick blade in ways that resemble a baseball pitch. These quirks make the sport dynamic and unpredictable for players and fans alike.
The Masters division is for players aged 35 and older, many of whom bring decades of experience to the rink. It is now played in more than 60 countries and continues to expand in regions where ice hockey is less accessible.
A Return to Bermuda
This is the second time Bermuda has hosted the Masters, following a well-received event in 2018. Since then, the Bermuda Ball Hockey Association [BBHA] has invested in major upgrades at the Pembroke rink.
The venue now features a new playing surface, upgraded lighting, improved infrastructure, and a modern score clock, which will be used for the first time in an international tournament on the island.
“Hosting this event is a tremendous honor for Bermuda,” said BBHA president Jeremy Estey. “It is an opportunity to showcase our island, support our national team, and bring more people into the sport.”
Teams Competing
The eight teams competing in Bermuda are:
- Bermuda
- Canada
- Canada Saskatchewan
- United States
- Great Britain
- Italy
- Portugal
- Haiti
Canada enters as defending champion, while Bermuda’s national team will aim to capitalize on home support.
Schedule Highlights
Tuesday, November 11
- 10:00 Haiti vs USA
- 12:00 Canada Saskatchewan vs Bermuda
- 14:00 Portugal vs Great Britain
- 16:00 Canada vs Italy
- 18:00 Bermuda vs Haiti
- 20:00 USA vs Canada Saskatchewan
Wednesday, November 12
- 11:00 Italy vs Portugal
- 13:00 Great Britain vs Canada
- 15:00 Canada Saskatchewan vs Haiti
- 17:00 USA vs Bermuda
- 19:00 Canada vs Portugal
- 21:00 Italy vs Great Britain
From Thursday, November 13 through Sunday, November 16, the tournament shifts into playoff rounds, with medal games on the final day.
Bermuda’s Ball Hockey Record and Youth Pathways
Bermuda’s men’s national ball hockey team, separate from the Masters squad, has achieved success on the world stage. The team won B Pool gold in 2013 and 2022, and a bronze medal in 2011. This program also serves as a feeder for the Masters team.
At the grassroots level, Bermuda runs Kids Inline and Ball Hockey Leagues. These leagues are open to all children, regardless of skill level. Players can join whether they are brand new to the sport, just learning to skate, or developing existing skills. This inclusivity ensures the game remains accessible while building the next generation of athletes.
Women’s Masters Abroad
While Bermuda hosts the Men’s Masters, the 2025 ISBHF Women’s Masters World Championship will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia, from November 13 to 16. The parallel timing highlights the ISBHF’s global reach and the growth of both men’s and women’s programs.
Why It Matters
The championship will bring visiting athletes, staff, and fans, providing a boost to Bermuda’s tourism and hospitality industries. Just as important, it gives the island a rare chance to host a world championship in a team sport and to introduce ball hockey to new local audiences.
“Events like this give young athletes something to aspire to and create moments the community can share together,” Estey said.
Free for the Community
The event is free to attend, and no tickets are required. Organizers encourage families, sports fans, and the curious to stop by and watch international-level competition at home.
“The championship is not just for the players,” Estey said. “It is for the entire community. We encourage Bermudians to come out, support the team, and enjoy world-class hockey in their own backyard.”
Closing Note
From November 11 to 16, the Pembroke Community Club becomes the stage for six days of international ball hockey. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to the game, the Masters World Championship is a chance to cheer for Bermuda, welcome visiting nations, and enjoy high-level play right here in Hamilton.
