Girls Division gets off to a great start

The inaugural weekend of the Girls Division got off to a great start at the Jimmie Simpson Arena. With fabulous weather and plenty of enthusiasm in the air all games were played. League president, Dan Jenkins, kicked off the ceremony followed by Division Convener, Karen Decker and Councillor Paula Fletcher dropping of the first ball. Thanks to all parents and friends who came out to watch and show their support. Pictures of the event are posted in the gallery.

Girls Division for the 2012 season

For the upcoming 2012 ball hockey season, the WPBHL is pleased to announce our intention to expand beyond Withrow Park and to offer, for the first time ever, a Girls division. The Girls division will play at the Jimmie Simpson Rink (Queen St. East and Booth Ave.), which is part of the Jimmie Simpson Community Centre facility.

To answer questions you may have regarding this new initiative, we’ve prepared the FAQ below.

• Why a Girls Division?
Every year we see a significant drop off in girls’ registrations as the players get older. Last year, 34 girls registered in our youngest division (4, 5, 6 year olds). That number dropped to only 17 in our Atom division (10 & 11 years). Responding to feedback from parents and players, the Board would like to ensure that there is a place for more girls in our community to continue to have fun playing ball hockey.

• Who is eligible to register for the Girls division?
Girls between the ages of 7 (YOB 2005) and 12 (YOB 2000) are eligible to register for this new Girls division.

• Will there be any changes to the current youth divisions playing at Withrow Park Rink?
No, these youth divisions will remain co-ed and eligible for registration by all interested returning and new players.

• How many age groups/teams will there be?
There will be two age groups; ages 7 – 9 (Girls Novice) and ages 10 – 12 (Girls Atom). In this inaugural season, we plan to have 4 teams per age group. MORE

All Star teams give a great showing at the Ontario 2011 Championships

Withrow Park's All Star program is for Players and Coaches who have the desire to play in a more competitive atmosphere. This year we had ten teams participating in the Ontario Ball Hockey Provincial Tournament. This was the first year we sent an under 12 girls team.  Out of the 10 teams, 5 came home with tournament medals. MORE....

Pictured right is the Novice B Team

Withrow Rink Fieldhouse Now Has Permanent Defibrillator

The WPBHL is pleased to announce that Toronto EMS, as part of their Cardiac Safe City program, have recently installed a permanent Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the fieldhouse of the Withrow Rink. This defibrillator will be available year-round for users of the rink and adjacent soccer field and will supplement the WPBHL’s own defibrillator during the ball hockey season.

The WPBHL wishes to thank Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth) and Toronto EMS Deputy Chief Cindy Nicholson for their efforts in ensuring that the Withrow Rink was provided with an AED. This included a recent visit to the Withrow rink by Councillor Fletcher and Deputy Chief Nicholson, along with representatives of Toronto Parks and Rec and the WPBHL, to review our operation and to discuss how best to serve the many visitors and users of Withrow Park.

We applaud the efforts of all involved in this initiative and appreciate the safety enhancement made to this neighbourhood facility out of which we operate the WPBHL.

Meeting Update - Withrow at the Worlds

Withrow at the Worlds – Meeting, May 9th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Frankland Community Center, 816 Logan Avenue .... more