2019 Summer Preview
The 2019 Ball Hockey Edmonton Summer season is set to kick off Monday night with 48 of the 66 teams hitting the floor. The teams, which include 12 new teams since last summer, are split between 8 different divisions, including 1/2 and 4/5 joint divisions. Read on for a preview of this season's divisions, including blind power-rankings.
DIVISION 1 | |||
1 |  | SAVAGES | 1st (D1)Div 1 Champs (2-0 vs Nighthawks) |
| Back-to-back National Championships is a pretty good reason to be ranked #1 heading into this season. Until someone can knock them off their throne, the Savages are the cream of the crop. | |||
2 | | TOP WHALE BHC | 2nd (D1)Lost SEMI-FINALS (1-2 vs Nighthawks) |
| The rivalry continues between two of the top teams, not only in Edmonton, but in Canada. | |||
3 | | NIGHTHAWKS | 3rd (D1)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs Savages) |
| The Nighthawks proved last year that they are right there with the top two teams in Edmonton. | |||
4 | | X-TREME | 1st (D3)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs Team Pending) |
| After a year hiatus from division 1, the X-treme are back and looking to capture their second city championship 2018 Leading Scorer: Tanner Press 26gp 20-28-48 2018 Top Goaltender: Dan Bosch 24gp 19w 3.08 0.880 | |||
DIVISION 2 | |||
1 |  | TEAM PENDING13-11-0 | 2nd (D3)Div 3 Champs (2-0 vs X-Treme) |
| After being relegated from division 2 to division 3, Team Pending went to work, finishing up the regular season in 2nd place, before taking care of business in the playoffs and capturing the Division 3 Championship. 2018 Leading Scorer: Blake Grainger 26gp 49-36-85 2018 Top Goaltender: Corey Webb 22gp 14w 4.40 0.840 | |||
2 |  | BAR SOUTH | 1st (D2)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Cobras) |
| It was a whirlwind year for Bar South. They started the season in division 4, jumped two divisions to division 3 after the re-tier...which also meant they found themselves facing off against the teams from division 1. They finished the regular season atop div 2...but dropped two straight to the eventually champs, the Cobras. They then took off to Windsor to compete in the C-Nationals, where they earned themselves a National Bronze medal. | |||
3 | | RAGING BULLS | 4th (D1)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Savages) |
| It was a bit of a tough year last year for the Raging Bulls, as the big three in division 1 were just too powerful. Dropping down a division should put the Bulls right in their comfort zone. This team has a lot of experience, and has won a lot of games over the years. | |||
4 | | REDLINE | 2nd (D2)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs Cobras) |
| It was a solid year for Redline in 2018. They wrapped up the regular season in 2nd place and then proceeded to knock off the 3rd place Gators in three games. But the run would end there, as the Cobras needed just two games to capture the div 2 championship. | |||
5 |  | COBRAS | 4th (D2)Div 2 Champs (2-0 vs Redline) |
| Its been proven over and over, winning championships are about getting hot at the right time. After finishing at the bottom of division 4, the Cobras tore up the playoffs, going a perfect 4-0 to capture the division 2 crown. There's been some changes for the Cobras this season, as their top scorer from last year has moved on, and their goaltender, Marcus Johnson has left the net to try and help the out offensively. | |||
6 | | THE WALRUSES | NA |
| A merging of the Blackhawks (formerly of div 1) and the Edmonton Mighty Ducks (lost div 5 finals last season). | |||
DIVISION 4/5 | |||
1 | | DIRTY BIRDS13-10-1 | 3rd (D3)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Team Pending) |
| The grizzled veterans continue to add more years onto their ball hockey careers, and more players onto their bench. The formula seems to work, as they are always in the conversation when the playoffs come around. 2018 Leading Scorer: Shaun Pettigrew 24gp 14-32-46 2018 Top Goaltender: Curtis Comeau 17gp 10w 3.75 0.860 | |||
2 | | SHARKS16-7-1 | 1st (D4)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Reapers) |
| A fantastic season, which including taking the division 4 regular season title, came crashing to a halt in the playoffs. The Reapers needed just two games to dispose of the Sharks on their way to to the division 4 championship. 2018 Leading Scorer: Paul Ruvio 21gp 13-28-41 2018 Top Goaltender: Kalvin Kazakewich 20gp 11w 3.20 0.880 | |||
3 | | KILLER BEES8-15-0 | 5th (D3)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| Probably a year the legendary Killer Bees would probably sooner forget, but its in the past. Reinforcements have arrived, and the Bees will look to work their way back into respectability. 2018 Leading Scorer: Dennis Davison 17gp 6-28-34 2018 Top Goaltender: Blake Blouin 11gp 5w 5.90 0.820 | |||
4 |  | REAPERS12-12-0 | 4th (D4)Div 4 Champs (2-0 vs Silver Tips) |
| The Reapers finished the season at .500 (12-12) and then proceeded to flip the tables on the rest of division 4, going 6-0 and outscoring their opponents 27-9 on their way to the division 4 Championship. 2018 Leading Scorer: Scott Marples 29gp 21-24-45 2018 Top Goaltender: Brad Hennessey 29gp 16w 3.15 0.870 | |||
5 |  | HAGGARD21-3-0 | 1st (D5)Div 5 Champs (2-1 vs Edm Mighty Ducks) |
| After amassing a 21-3 regular season record, Haggard continued their dominance of division 5 capturing the championship in 3 games over the Edmonton Mighty Ducks. 2018 Leading Scorer: Marc Dubeau 24gp 26-22-48 2018 Top Goaltender: Nick Lischlea 22gp 19w 2.28 0.900 | |||
6 |  | RUSH10-14-0 | 6th (D4)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (2-0 vs Silvertips) |
| The Rush finished last season in 6th place out of division 4. They dropped their opening round series to the Silvertips in two straight. 2018 Leading Scorer: Alex Semchuk 21gp 9-7-16 2018 Top Goaltender: Gerrit Spang 19gp 6w 3.42 0.880 | |||
7 |  | SMASHVILLE9-13-2 | 7th (D4)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| It was a tough season for Smashville, as they failed to qualify for the post-season. They will look to rebound this year...but face a tough division. 2018 Leading Scorer: Mahmoud Mahfouz 22gp 15-13-28 2018 Top Goaltender: Trevor Savage 21gp 8w 3.17 0.870 | |||
8 |  | LIBERTY TAXLIONS5-18-1 | 1st (D5)Div 5 Champs (2-1 vs Edm Mighty Ducks) |
| After amassing a 21-3 regular season record, Haggard continued their dominance of division 5 capturing the championship in 3 games over the Edmonton Mighty Ducks. 2018 Leading Scorer: Darren Graff 13gp 17-4-21 2018 Top Goaltender: Safeer Chatoor 11gp 1w 3.82 0.830 | |||
NR | | BLOBFISH | NA |
| A new team to BHE, spear-headed by a handful of former Penguins (D1). | |||
NR |  | RANGERS | NA |
| The Rangers are back in BHE after an extended hiatus. Feels a bit like an Alumni-Charity tour...but we'll see what they can do. | |||
DIVISION 6 | |||
1 |  | THE FARM TEAM15-8 | 2nd (D5)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Edm Mighty Ducks) |
| Their name and logo leads you to believe they are a steady-as-she-goes, honest, hardworking team. But they've put together a handful of electrifying seasons. They finished 2nd last season, and despite a disappointing playoff showing, had a fantastic season when all was said and done. 2018 Leading Scorer: Ryan Hrycun 23gp 12-15-27 2018 Top Goaltender: Dylan Lynch 19gp 13w 2.92 0.890 | |||
2 | | SOLDIERS20-4-1 | 3rd (D5)Div 7 Champs (2-0 vs YDP) |
| A veteran-laden team that has won a lot of hockey games over the years. Expect them to be in the mix right to the very end. 2018 Leading Scorer: Fabia Sousa 26gp 28-26-54 2018 Top Goaltender: Derek Swyrpia 21gp 14w 3.27 0.880 | |||
3 | | McMUFFINS14-9-1 | 1st (D7)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Reapers) |
| The McMuffins are jumping up a division a year after winning the division 7 title. It was a fantastic year for the golden arches, as the won both the regular season title, and the division championship. 2018 Leading Scorer: James Osbourne 14gp 26-20-46 2018 Top Goaltender: Jamil Vachon 24gp 16w 3.85 0.870 | |||
4 | | ROCKETS13-9-2 | 4th (D5)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (0-2 vs Edm Mighty Ducks) |
| Another veteran team, the Rockets are gonna give you a solid effort each and every night. 2018 Leading Scorer: Carl Monkman 18gp 16-15-31 2018 Top Goaltender: Adam Naboulsi 9gp 3w 3.10 0.880 | |||
5 | | HUMAN CENTIPEDES12-11-1 | 6th (D5)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Haggard) |
| The Centipedes basically played .500 hockey last season. In the opening round of the playoffs, they upset the 3rd-ranked Soldiers...before bowing out to the eventually division 5 champion Haggard. 2018 Leading Scorer: Tanner Cimino 19gp 34-23-57 2018 Top Goaltender: Bradley Stewart 24gp 13w 3.07 0.890 | |||
6 | | 7C's14-9-1 | 3rd (D8)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (0-2 vs Southside BHC) |
| Led by Borhat's 50-point season, the 7C's finished in 3rd place in last year's division 8. This year they've jumped two divisions, which would indicate that they've possibly acquired some talent. 2018 Leading Scorer: Sammer Borhat 24gp 21-29-50 2018 Top Goaltender: Jimmy Herrington 13gp 9w 3.07 0.890 | |||
NR | | CROWN ROYALS | NA |
| There was a Crown Royals team in years past...but this isn't them. | |||
NR | | NIGHTMARES | 7th (D4)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| The Nightmares will be making their BHE Summer season debut, fresh off a division 6 winter championship. | |||
DIVISION 7 | |||
1 |  | THE SNIPERS15-8-1 | 2nd (D4)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Silvertips) |
| I know I've use "veteran-laden" already in this preview...but not like this. This team has been around since before most of the league was born... 2018 Leading Scorer: Dave Musey 23gp 11-23-34 2018 Top Goaltender: Kevin Gullekson 21gp 11w 3.91 0.850 | |||
2 | | SILVER KINGS15-7-2 | 2nd (D6)Div 6 Champs (2-0 vs Warriors) |
| Last year's division 6 champs were led by Brad James and his remarkable 62-point season. The Silver Kings are the longest-running ball hockey team in Western Canada...at this point it might actually be the longest-running team in the world. Ever. 2018 Leading Scorer: Brad James 27gp 28-34-62 2018 Top Goaltender: Sean McFaul 23gp 15w 3.01 0.870 | |||
3 | | UKRAINE ATHLETIC7-15-2 | 9th (D5)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| It's a new year. Two divisions down, the Ukraine Athletic are hoping for better results. 2018 Leading Scorer: Edigio Chiarello 22gp 11-13-24 2018 Top Goaltender: Adam Lavalle 10gp 4w 3.82 0.860 | |||
4 | | SPARTANS18-5-1 | 1st (D8)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs Burger Kings) |
| First place in division 8 last year, led by a goal-scorer named Ace...things are looking up for Kowerchuk and the Spartans. 2018 Leading Scorer: Ace Kowerchuk 25gp 31-15-46 2018 Top Goaltender: David Nguyen 20gp 13w 3.44 0.86 | |||
5 | | AFTERBURNERS12-7-5 | 4th (D7)Lost SEMI-FINALS (1-2 vs McMuffins) |
| The Centipedes basically played .500 hockey last season. In the opening round of the playoffs, they upset the 3rd-ranked Soldiers...before bowing out to the eventually division 5 champion Haggard. 2018 Leading Scorer: Sam Kassian 16gp 16-17-33 2018 Top Goaltender: Mark Trembley 21gp 11w 3.79 0.810 | |||
NR | | BLACK ICE | NA |
| A team made up primarily of former Warriors (1st-D6, 2018). | |||
NR | | TEAM FREDA | NA |
| Brand new to Ball Hockey Edmonton. | |||
NR | | THE LARRY'S | 7th (D4)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| A team made up mainly of players from the Cedar's who play wrapped up this past winter season in 3rd place (Div6). | |||
DIVISION 8 | |||
1 |  | BURGER KINGS14-9-1 | 2nd (D8)Div 8 Champs (2-0 vs Spartans) |
| The Burger Kings ruled division 8 a year ago, riding a 2nd place finish to a playoff championship. They will look to repeat this year. 2018 Leading Scorer: Anton Shepelevin 25gp 10-14-24 2018 Top Goaltender: Nick Zubick 20gp 13w 3.32 0.870 | |||
2 | | YDP9-13-2 | 3rd (D7)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs McMUFFINS) |
| With more wins than losses, it probably couldn't be categorized as a successful season, but the playoffs provided something positive, as YDP got to the division 7 finals. They would fall to the McMuffins in two-straight and as a result have decided to fall a division for the 2019 season. 2018 Leading Scorer: Albert Ma 27gp 13-25-38 2018 Top Goaltender: Terry Wong 29gp 11w 4.59 0.820 | |||
3 | | GWOPS20-3-1 | 1st (D9)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs Blitz) |
| After a disappointing end to an otherwise spectacular season, the GWOPS have decided to challenge themselves and move up a division for this year. 2018 Leading Scorer: Kole Bryks 24gp 48-29-77 2018 Top Goaltender: Johnny Tisi 24gp 17w 4.09 0.810 | |||
4 | | RINK RATS9-10-3 | 4th (D6)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Silver Kings) |
| A solid year for the Rink Rats in division 6 last year, but they've opted to drop two divisions in search of greater success. 2018 Leading Scorer: Chad Watson 21gp 13-12-25 2018 Top Goaltender: Shaun Pope 20gp 6w 3.69 0.830 | |||
5 | | GD BULLDOGS13-7-4 | 2nd (D9)Lost SEMI-FINALS (1-2 vs Blitz) |
| A staple in BHE's lower-tier, the GD Bulldogs enjoyed a successful season a year ago. Racking up 13 wins to just 7 losses. 2018 Leading Scorer: Rick Kelly 22gp 14-31-45 2018 Top Goaltender: Patrick Terriss 14gp 8w 4.00 0.850 | |||
6 | | SOUTHSIDE BHC9-13-2 | 3rd (D7)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Spartans) |
| Looking to rebound from last years 9-win season, Southside BHC has dropped a division looking for success. 2018 Leading Scorer: Sean Cheffins 21gp 18-19-37 2018 Top Goaltender: Ryon Forbes 15gp 5w 4.77 0.810 | |||
7 | | WOLFPAC11-8-5 | 5th (D9)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Snipes) |
| It's looking like a pretty competitive division, and a team like the Wolfpac, who finished 3-games above .500, could surprise. 2018 Leading Scorer: Matt Walsh 25gp 22-15-37 2018 Top Goaltender: Andrew Kulscar 12gp 4w 3.03 0.860 | |||
NR | | PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE | NA |
| A bunch of kids who just reached the drinking-age...could be dangerous. | |||
DIVISION 10 | |||
1 | | TIGERS10-12-2 | 3rd (D10)Div 10 Champs (2-0 vs Thunder Buddies) |
| The division 10 champions from a year ago come in as the top-seed to start this season. 2018 Leading Scorer: Manu Khasa 27gp 18-14-32 2018 Top Goaltender: Karmjit Mann 16gp 7w 4.84 0.830 | |||
2 | | PREDATORS16-5-3 | 1st (D10)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Thunder Buddies) |
| An impressive regular season quickly turned sour in the post-season, as the Preds dropped two-straight to the Thunder Buddies in the semi-final round. 2018 Leading Scorer: Mano Derose 26gp 16-15-31 2018 Top Goaltender: Jeff Howe 24gp 14w 3.44 0.880 | |||
3 | | HUSKIES14-8-2 | 3rd (D11)Div 11 Champs (2-0 vs Slightly Above Avg) |
| The Huskies were the #3 seed going into the playoffs. They didn't let that effect them, as the rolled to a perfect 6-0 record, outscoring their opponents 37-16 along the way. 2018 Leading Scorer: Nick Kolber 25gp 19-29-48 2018 Top Goaltender: Ryan Calihoo 22gp 13w 5.29 0.780 | |||
4 | | KINGS10-10-4 | 5th (D8)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Burger Kings) |
| A solid .500 season from the Kings last year. They will be looking to improve on that this season. 2018 Leading Scorer: Rod Tes 25gp 11-24-35 2018 Top Goaltender: Jas Dhaliwal 26gp 11w 3.08 0.880 | |||
5 | | PIRANHAS16-5-3 | 2nd (D11)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs HUSKIES) |
| Tied for the best record from last season of all the teams entering division 10 this year...it's just it took place in division 11. The Piranhas slipped up in the playoffs a year ago, and will be looking to rectify that for this season. 2018 Leading Scorer: Mike Reiter 25gp 17-22-39 2018 Top Goaltender: Richard Arsenault 17gp 11w 3.13 0.870 | |||
6 |  | COBRA KAI16-5-3 | 2nd (D12)Div 12 Champs (2-1 vs Edm Reapers) |
| The third team in division 10 who is coming in hot...as division champs from a year ago. The Cobra Kai are led by top-scorer Bijhan Chaglani and his 70-points! 2018 Leading Scorer: Bijhan Chaglani 29gp 32-38-70 2018 Top Goaltender: Albert Hancock 15gp 8w 4.80 0.790 | |||
7 | | RAMPAGE10-14-0 | 7th (D9)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| The Rampage failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, getting perennial top-scorer, Cody Wasik, out for more than 14-games would help. 2018 Leading Scorer: Cody Wasik 14gp 29-11-40 2018 Top Goaltender: Mike Kennedy 20gp 10w 4.26 0.800 | |||
8 | | TIN BASHERS6-18-0 | 7th (D10)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| The Tin Bashers will be looking to improve on last years, last place finish in this very division. 2018 Leading Scorer: Darcy Carroll 21gp 9-24-33 2018 Top Goaltender: Mike Jackson 21gp 8w 4.52 0.870 | |||
DIVISION 11 | |||
1 | | THE SQUIDS18-5-1 | 1st (D11)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Slightly Above Avg) |
| In a division that saw no one win a playoff title last year, the Squids appear to be top-seed going in. Led by Kruhlak and his 62-points, they are a threat to put a lot of goals up on the board. 2018 Leading Scorer: Lukian Kruhlak 22gp 29-33-62 2018 Top Goaltender: Mekenzie Erickson 25gp 17w 2.61 0.870 | |||
2 | | MAD DOGS12-11-1 | 6th (D9)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (1-2 vs BLITZ) |
| The team making the biggest drop in the division, falling from div 9. The Mad Dogs are looking to get their bite back. 2018 Leading Scorer: Andrew Swanson 21gp 21-15-36 2018 Top Goaltender: Philip Pereira 11gp 6w 4.24 0.820 | |||
3 | | CANADIANS9-12-3 | 5th (D10)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (0-2 vs Thunder Buddies) |
| Formerly known as Jay & the Canadians, this team runs a balanced offense. Last year not a single player broke the 20-point mark, but 13 different players reached 10 or more. 2018 Leading Scorer: Quinn Dutton 24gp 9-10-19 2018 Top Goaltender: Jordan Simnovec 25gp 8w 4.48 0.820 | |||
4 | | SHOCKERS9-15-0 | 6th (D11)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (0-2 vs Huskies) |
| The Shockers failed to pick up a win in the playoffs...making for a long off-season. Hopefully that will change this year. 2018 Leading Scorer: Cory Orchad 24gp 17-16-33 2018 Top Goaltender: Curtis Allaby 24gp 7w 4.61 0.810 | |||
5 | | REGULATORS9-13-2 | 6th (D10)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (0-2 vs Outcasts) |
| Another team that struck out in the playoff win column. Only three teams in division 11 had a winning record last season...the Regulators will be looking to join that group this year. 2018 Leading Scorer: Trevor Nicolai 21gp 8-17-25 2018 Top Goaltender: John O'Dell 11gp 5w 3.45 0.86 | |||
6 |  | SNAKEARM14-10-0 | 3rd (D12)Lost SEMI-FINALS (0-2 vs Cobra Kai) |
| The only team that is moving "up" into division 11, Snakearm brings with them the second highest-scorer from a year ago as well in Thurston Kesteris. 2018 Leading Scorer: Thurston Kesteris 25gp 29-20-49 2018 Top Goaltender: Jay Henson 23gp 13w 3.59 0.850 | |||
7 |  | GREMLINS | 8th (D11)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| The Gremlins return to division 11 hoping to improve on last years 8th place finish. One plus for the Gremlins was Bo Cornell leading the division with 29 goals last year. 2018 Leading Scorer: Bo Cornell 22gp 29-18-47 2018 Top Goaltender: Eric Hinz 13gp 5w 3.86 0.850 | |||
NR | | NO DEKES | NA |
| No Dekes will be making their BHE summer season debut fresh off a 6th place finish in the winter season's division 12. | |||
DIVISION 12 | |||
1 |  | THUNDER BUDDIES15-9-0 | 4th (D10)Lost FINALS (0-2 vs Tigers) |
| A year ago, the Thunder Buddies took a 4th place finish to the division 10 finals. Unfortunately they dropped two-straight tight contests to the Tigers, but it was a good run. 2018 Leading Scorer: Cody Scheck 23gp 19-26-45 2018 Top Goaltender: Gavin Mackay 22gp 13w 3.84 0.860 | |||
2 | | EDM REAPERS12-10-2 | 4th (D12)Lost FINALS (1-2 vs Cobra Kai) |
| Like the Thunder Buddies, the Edm Reapers also took a 4th place finish all the way to the division finals. They fell 4-3 in the deciding game, ending a remarkable run. Leading the way for the Reapers is the reigning division 12 top-scorer, Dave Shaw, who amassed 81 points a year ago! 2018 Leading Scorer: Dave Shaw 32gp 33-48-81 2018 Top Goaltender: Tyler Talbot 26gp 13w 3.71 0.860 | |||
3 | | FALCONS8-14-2 | 6th (D12)Lost QUARTER-FINALS (0-2 vs Snakearm) |
| It was tough sledding for the Falcons a year ago. Just 8 wins during the regular season landed them in 6th place. They failed to earn a W in the playoffs, as they were swept two-straight by the 3rd-ranked Snakearm. 2018 Leading Scorer: Asher Adnan 23gp 17-22-39 2018 Top Goaltender: Vishal Pareek 24gp 9w 4.35 0.810 | |||
4 | | BLAZERS7-15-2 | 8th (D12)DNQ FOR PLAYOFFS |
| The Blazers have the unenviable distinction of being the reigning last place team in the leagues lowest division. You can't go any lower from there. Time to start the long road up. 2018 Leading Scorer: Adrian Twizzle 24gp 9-13-22 2018 Top Goaltender: Mark Barge 13gp 5w 3.59 0.840 | |||
NR | | BACARDI OIL | NA |
| No to the league this year. It sounds like a few Blazer players have splintered off. | |||
NR | | EDMONTON CUBS | NA |
| Another brand new team to the league. Hopefully their championship drought isn't as extensive as their MLB namesakes was. | |||
