The ISBHF Hall of Fame was established in 2010 with the inaugural class of inductees. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor the sport can bestow on a member of the ball hockey community.
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The ISBHF Hall of Fame was established in 2010 with the inaugural class of inductees. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor the sport can bestow on a member of the ball hockey community.
Builders are those persons whose contributions to the sport have
helped enable the sport to achieve levels of excellence above and
beyond that which regular contributors demonstrate. Their passion
for the sport is demonstrated through their continued pursuit
growing and developing the sport on national and international levels.
Referees are those persons whose officiating careers have been
consistently performed at a level of excellence where they are
regarded as models for all officials to emulate. They are the best
the sport has seen when it comes to ensuring fair competition and
correct interpretation and execution of the rules of ball hockey.
Players are those persons whose play at the international level is
recognized as among the best of their generation. They are the
talented individuals who have shown their ability to perform successfully
at the highest levels of international competition over their career.
Coaches are those persons whose knowledge of the game
has proven to be among the elite of the sport. Their leadership has been
proven to be immeasurable in helping their teams achieve success. They are the masters of the game in terms of strategy, tactics, and execution.
George Gortsos is a true legend of ball hockey. He was the captain of the winning team at the first ball hockey World Championship in 1996 in Bratislava, scoring one goal and adding 12 assists as a defenseman. He later became the Head Coach of Team Canada that won four Gold Medals in a row (2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007). He also served as the ISBHF president for ten years from 2012 to 2022. He is the only person in the Hall of Fame as a member of three separate categories.
His playing career as a defenceman was described by his teammates as a combination of Ray Borque and Larry Robinson – smart, physical, and simply dominant in the defensive zone with a hockey IQ as high as any player. “When the ball went into the corner with George and you were on offense, you knew he was going to win that battle and get the ball out of the zone. He gave us such confidence on the floor and allowed us to take chances you normally wouldn’t take in tournaments. But knowing we had George back there made it different – he was that good.” said his former teammate Frank Magno.
As a Coach, George’s 4 Gold Medals are the most of any Head Coach in ISBHF History. As a Builder, George served as the President of the ISBHF for 10 years from 2012 to 2022. You can read about his Coaching and Building history in this interview he gave in 2023 (click here to read) in Liberec, Czechia at the World Junior Ball Hockey Championships.
Peter Babák is forever immortalized in Slovakian Ball Hockey history as the person who captained their first ever Gold Medal team in 1996, scoring the game winning shootout goal to give his team the victory over Canada (click here to watch).
He was selected to the Tournament All Star team in 1999. Later that year Peter also won the award for Ball Hockey Player of the Year in Slovakia. During his entire hockey career, he was loyal to ŠK Exposervice Ružinov (formerly ASA Sibírska Bratislava), with which he won seven Slovak championship titles. He later put his experience to good use as Slovakia’s National team coach, leading his team to 2nd place at the 2000 European Championships and the Bronze Medal at the 2001 World Ball Hockey Championships.
Throughout his ball hockey career, Peter was known as a leader in the locker room and one of the best all around defencemen Slovakia ever produced. He was a premier passer as well as one of the best penalty killers of his era. His leadership is credited with helping Slovakia develop into the powerhouse they are today. His passion for the game and love for competition was described as second to none by his peers on the Slovakian National team.
“Peter was one of the best leaders we have ever had in Slovakia.” said former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Mojmír Hojer. “When Peter was on the floor, we knew our defense was going to hold the opponent down and give our forwards opportunities. He was truly a fantastic all around defencemen.”
Christoph began his career as a member of Sahligut-Biel, and quickly became one of the best defencemen in the country. He won his first National Championship in 1990 and went on to win five more national Swiss titles, along with numerous awards for MVP and MVD.
He was selected for the Swiss National team in 1997 and became the Captain in 1999. He won All Tournament awards in 1999 and 2003 and finished his international playing career in 2005. He was known as one of the best locker room leaders in Swiss Ball Hockey history, and was always the last person to leave the locker room while playing for his country.
His teammates described him as the perfect defenceman on the floor, never out of position and always able to read plays and break up offensive strategy of the opposing teams. He was also one of the best outlet passers in ball hockey of his era, giving his offensive line mates many clean opportunities to start a rush into the offensive zone.
He later became involved in Coaching with SHC Grenchen, a top Swiss club team.
Mr. Hojer wore the Slovakian National uniform from 1990 to 2005, and from 2000-2005 he proudly wore the captain’s “crest” on his chest.
“Mojo” collected numerous medals in International ball hockey competition. He won the Gold Medal with Slovakia at the 1999 ISBHF World Championship, and two Silver Medals in 1998, 2005. He also won three Bronze Medals (1996, 2001 and 2003), bringing his total Medal count to six, making him one of the most decorated Defencemen in the ISBHF Hall of Fame.
“Mojo was a beast for us. You could always rely on him to make the play. His heart and dedication to winning and the team were second to none.” said former teammate and fellow ISBHF Hall of Famer Martin Lohnicky.
Mojmír Hojer also has two Gold Medals (1995 and 1997) and Silver Medals (1996, 2000) from the European Championship. In the SK Exposervice Ružinov jersey, he lifted the trophy for the champion of Slovakia over his head thirteen times.
He continued his career as a member of the Slovakian National Team, and was Head Coach for their Gold Medal winning team in 2019, as well as their 2022 National team.
Mr. Pavlik‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a three time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 1998.
Mr. Mentis‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a four time medalist for Canada, winning Gold in 1996 and 2001.
Peter Figura joined the Slovakian National League as a 17-year-old and in his first league season won awards for Rookie of the Year, Best Forward, Top Scorer, and Best Sportsmanship. It was the start of great things to come.
“Figi” first appeared in the Slovakian National team at the 1995 European Championships, where he won his first major title. After that, he appeared at the EC three more times with one Gold Medal (1997) and two Silver Medals (1996, 2000). He achieved his greatest success in 1999, when he helped lead Slovakia to their first ever Gold Medal. He also won the Silver Medal in 1998 and 2005, and won the Bronze Medal four times (1996, 2001, 2003 and 2007). This makes Peter Figura the most decorated Forward in the ISBHF Hall of Fame.
“Peter is arguably the greatest forward Slovakia has ever seen. A phenomenal player with great speed, an accurate shot, and a heart that never quits.” said fellow ISBHF Hall of Famer Mojmir Hojer. “He is one of the most respected players to ever come out of Slovakia, and he was instrumental in helping to lead the National team to success.
In the “Sibirská” jersey, he won several domestic titles, as well as victory in the 2002 Club World Cup and four championships in the European Club Cup (1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002).
Mr. Figura continues to represent Slovakia in the Masters category. He is a two time World Masters Gold Medalist (2012 and 2022). In 2016, he was the ISBHF Masters Ball Hockey Championship Leading Scorer and an All Star team selection.
He continues to play ball hockey and is anticipating a return to the International scene at the 2024 Legends World Ball Hockey Championship.
Robert Kašša started his national team career at the 1998 ISBHF World Ball Hockey Championships, where he helped the Slovaks to the Silver Medal. A year later, he was part of the Slovakian team that won their first ever Gold Medal at home in Bratislava
At the 2000 European Championships, in addition to winning the Silver medal, he was also a member of the tournament All Stars Team. Later that year he was also named the best player of the European Club Cup.
At the 2001 ISBHF World Championships, he was again part of the Slovakian team that took home the Bronze Medal. He was named Best Forward of the tournament. In his home country of Slovakia, he won the MVP Award for Slovakia.
“Robert was one of our top forwards for many years, and scored many big goals for us.” said former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Stanislav Petrik. “He has amazing hands and great vision on the floor. He was a true all around forward who made everyone around him better.”
Mr. Kašša would go on capturing medals with the Silver Medal in 2005, and Bronze Medals in 2003, 2007, 2009, and 2011. In 2013, he helped lead Slovakia to their first Gold Medal since 1999 with a win over the Czech Republic.
He continued his career in 2015 as Assistant Coach of the Slovakian National Team, and his debut on the Slovak bench was again key to the Slovaks defending their title and winning the Gold Medal. In 2022, he extended his collection of World Champion titles to the Masters category when he scored the winning final goal against Canada.
Mr. Burrows‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a two time medalist for Canada, winning Gold in 2001 and 2003.
Mr. Kaňkovský‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a three time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 1998.
Mr. Kormunda‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a three time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 1998.
“He’s the best sniper I’ve ever seen in this sport. Balls came of his stick so quick it was unreal. People talk about “an NHL type release”? That was Rob. If you gave him the smallest opening, he’d find a way to bury it.” said former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Gus Kourousis.
Rob Marchese is acknowledged as one of the most skilled players to have ever played the game. Certainly in the late 90’s and early years of 2000 he had reached his peak and was considered without peer as a scorer in the World. A sharp player, who had explosive speed, he also had the ability to turn on a dime with the ball, displaying wonderful ball handling skills. He was a goal scorer supreme, with the ability to dart into open holes and score big goals. He also had a great one timer of a shot that bedazzled goalies and probably still haunt them to this day.
Mr. Marchese starred for the Midnight Express in Canada and was the spearhead of its high powered offence. He was a major reason why that club team won five CBHA National tittles in a row. He also was a leader on two ISBHF World Championship Canadian teams, 2001 and 2003. He represented his country proudly four times at ISBHF World Championships, and helped set the table of a winning tradition and style that remains with the program to date.
Marchese’s biggest goal came in overtime in 2001 at the ISBHF World Championships against the Czech Republic. The tournament was held in Toronto, Canada, where many friends and family were in attendance. In an earlier interview with the CBHA, Rob was asked to describe the goal.
“Wow, what a great feeling that was. After losing in 1999 in Slovakia in a shoot out and coming home and winning in overtime to recapture the World Championship, that was something I’ll never forget. I remember the goal like it was yesterday. Gus Kourousis stole the ball at the blue line, the ball went back to Dave Marcelli. Dave attempted to slap it in. His shot went straight up in the air and somehow ended up on James (Chicky) Mentis’ stick. Chicky then slapped the ball just wide of the net. Nelson Lajeunesse picked up the ball off the boards and threw it in front past two sliding defenders. The ball landed right on my stick and the rest as they say is history.”
Rob’s goal is remembered by every Canadian as one of the biggest goals in Canadian Ball Hockey history, and one of the many reasons why he is in the ISBHF Hall of Fame. Coming up clutch when his team needed it most.
‘Rob was so good at find space on the floor to create shooting lanes. But his athleticism and dedication to being in top shape also greatly helped him separate himself from the great scorers to the truly elite.” said former teammate Dave Marcelli. “He would still have gas in his tank to get a great shot off late in hard fought World Championship games. He’s a big reason for Canada’s success at the World level.”
ISBHF President Elio Pascuzzo remembers Mr. Marchese this way “Rob played for me on several of my teams and he was no doubt head and shoulders above every one else when it came to big time goals in big time games. He’s a sniper from everywhere on the floor and teams would often shadow him, which created opportunities for other guys. He really helped change how teams approached defense in this sport when they saw Rob. He’s one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen, but also off the rink an absolute gentleman and true ambassador for the game.”
Rob was asked what his advice is for younger players.
“You must believe in yourself, strive to be the best you can be and never give up. But of course – have fun.”
Rob has retired from competitive play and currently lives in Ontario, CA with his family.
The goalkeeper of HKL-MJM Petržalka and LG Doprastav Bratislava came to ball hockey from ice hockey, but managed to win virtually all important ball hockey trophies in just five years. He started his Slovakian National team career in 1997 with a Gold Medal at the European Championships.
“That 1997 Gold Medal was so special for Martin because it was the first time he had competed at the International Level and he showed the world how great he was.” said former teammate and fellow ISBHF Hall of Famer Peter Figura. “He gave us such confidence as a team and we knew we had someone special in net for us.”
A year later at the 1998 World Ball Hockey Championships, he won the Silver Medal with Slovakia and was named Most Valuable Goalkeeper.
“His performance in 1998 was nothing short of incredible. He made some of the most amazing saves I’ve ever seen a ball hockey goalie make, and it was only his second year competing internationally.” said former teammate Marek Harskova. “Martin was so athletic and agressive in net. He would challenge shooters no matter who it was. He was simply amazing.”
Martin continued to backstop for Slovakia in 1999, where he led them to their first ever Gold Medal. He returned for the 2001 World Ball Hockey Championships, again backstopping Slovakia to their third straight medal, this time the Bronze. After winning his third straight Medal, Martin retired from competitive international play but stayed active in his native Slovakia. He continued to gather numerous championships and awards.
Mr. Lohnicky returned to the International scene in 2022 where he showed the world why he is a Hall of Famer, leading Slovakia to the Gold Medal at the 2022 Masters World Ball Hockey Championships.
Martin remains active in local leagues in Slovakia, playing the game in which he reached the top of the mountain.
Michael Perodeau burst on the Canadian National scene in 1995 while leading the Montreal Black Knights to Quebec’s first ever championship, beating the Burnaby Bulls with some unbelievable goaltending. This success lead him to be noticed for the Canadian National team, where he won back to back to back World Championships in 2001, 2003, and 2005.
Perodeau is considered without doubt one of the best goalies ever to play our sport. 6’4″ and agile, this great stand-up goalie was also a great ball handler. Throughout his career he was a perennial National and International All-star, and through the years of 2001 to 2005 was considered one of the best goalies in the World. What set Perodeau apart was the great fire and intensity that drove him to be nicknamed “The Rock”. That and the fact that off the floor, Michel Perodeau was a gentleman who was loved by all he played with.
“Michel was exactly the type of teammate you want as a goaltender – calm, cool, collected, but funny as hell too, which helped keep the locker room in the right mentality for all those big games.” said former teammate Roland Devantro.
With his hybrid standup style of goaltending influenced by Dominik Hasek and Martin Brodeur, Perodeau was know to make some of the most incredible saves you would ever see in a World Championship. His size and agility were only one part of his arsensal, as those who faced him say his focus was arguably his greatest asset.
The pinnacle for Perodeau’s net presence was in 2003 when Team Canada dismantled a tremendous Czech team 6-1,in Sierre, Switzerland. Prior to the Championship game and throughout it, the arena floor temperature soared to 35 degree Celsius (95 Farenheit) due to a freak heat wave. Despite the temperature, Perodeau rose to the occasion and played one of the games of his life to shut the door on the disheartened Czechs.
“The 2003 Team was one of the best Czechia had ever assembled. I remember we had numerous scoring chances in the first period and Michel made some incredible saves that really turned the momentum of the game.” said former Czech National Team Forward Petr Škarecký. “To beat Michel, you really had to get him moving out of position because if he saw the shot he was going to save it. He gave their team such confidence to go on the attack. Just an unbelievable goaltender who rose to his best in the biggest games.”
Michel retired from competitive play after his third World Championship Gold medal in 2007. He remains active in local leagues to stay in shape and have fun playing the game he became so dominant at in his prime.
Mr. Rak profile is currently in development.
He was a four time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 1998.
Mr. Hnilička‘s profile is currently in development.
He was one of the founders of the Czech National Team, and helped create the Czech National Program. He was also a respected referee who refereed in 3 World Championships.
Mr. Piš‘s profile is currently in development.
He refereed 5 ISBHF World Championships, and was one of the developers of the ISBHF Rulebook.
Slovakia produced one of the best defensive defencemen of all time in Robert Koštál. Robert’s storied international career includes four European Championships and Six World Championships appearances.
“One of the highest hockey IQs I’ve ever seen and one of the most complete athletes to every play for us.” said former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Peter Figura. “He had size, quickness, and his ability to win individual battles deep was second to none. When the ball was on his stick you knew he would always make the right play. So smart with the ball and always faced the opponents top line.”
Mr. Koštál has two Gold Medals (1995 and 1996) and two Silver Medals (1996 and 2000) from the European Championships. In the ISBHF World Ball Hockey Championships, he has collected numerous medals. He helped lead Slovakia to the Gold Medal in 1999. He also won two Silver Medals (1998 and 2005) and three Bronze Medals (1996, 2001 and 2003).
“One of the toughest defenders I’ve ever faced.” said fellow Hall of Famer Rob Marchese of Team Canada. “You had to be mentally prepared to play against him because he never made mistakes. His ability to block shots, made outlet passes, kill penalties, just world class. A true legend on defense.”
In 2010 and 2012, he helped Slovakia win the Gold Medal at the Masters Championship. He still plays recreationally in his native Slovakia, helping to mentor young defencemen.
When you talk about the best offensive forward players to play the game, in Canada that discussion always includes Gus Kourousis. In the Canadian Ball Hockey Association, names like Alex Burrows, Kourousis, Benoit Gilbert, Yvan Breton, Robert Marchese and Claudio Lessio are the pedigree beacons. These were the offensively gifted bandits that the CBHA created. And make no mistake besides Burrows, Kourousis may have been the most complete player both offensively and defensive to play the game, and who also really had the hands of an NHL superstar. Combine that with a passing vision of a computer. And most importantly a winning pedigree. Mr. Kourousis finished his playing career with 3 CBHA National Titles and 2 World Championships. He also gathered numerous all-star and MVP awards.
Like Alexander Burrows, he had become a complete superstar type of player, who was able to play the game at both ends and in any situation. He was the Tournament Leading Scorer of the first ISBHF World Championships in Bratislava held in 1996. After his dominating one game performances ever in a big game a World Championship Gold medal game, the Slovakian crowd began chanting his name.
“He had the best vision of anybody I’ve ever played with.” said former teammate Nat Macri. “Gus could make plays from anywhere in the zone, and sometimes you would think he’s about to lose the ball and then bang, the ball is on a teammates stick to make a play because Gus just found a way.”
He returned to represent Canada in 2001 and played on Team Canada’s first line, along with his childhood friend Rob Marchese and Nelson Lajuenesse. After this Gold Medal, Mr. Kourousis decided to wind down his competitive ball hockey career to focus on his family.
However, seven years later in 2008 he was he was asked to help establish and lead the Hellenic Ball Hockey Association, which represents Greece at ISBHF tournaments, to success. Through his leadership and mentoring, he helped lead young Hellenic players in learning the many winning lessons he learned during his esteemed career. Not only did Mr. Kourousis lead them to the ISBHF B pool championship in 2009 in their first ever World Championship, he donned the pads once again. Leading by example on the floor and in the locker room, Gus led the team in scoring. In a sport dominated by the stamina of youth, this was an unheard of achievement for any ISBHF Hall of Famer.
“What Gus did in 2009 was nothing short of amazing. This game relies so much on stamina, which is why around 30 a lot of guys don’t make the national team because they may still have their speed but they just don’t have the stamina that our youth gives us. But Gus adapted his game so well and played what was really the smartest style of hockey anyone could have played. Never out of position, always knew where to go with the ball, and really showed the Greece newcomers what it takes to be the best.” said former Team USA Forward Bill Sullivan.
We asked Gus to talk about his career.
“I began playing ball hockey at the age of 7 on the streets of Toronto just like a lot of other kids, and was fortunate enough to be part of a street team called the Westmoreland Bombers. I think back now, and recall at the age of eight we had to participate in a camp which involved running around the block, and doing pushups and sit-ups. I still remember being in the captains house trying to complete my third sit-up. That whole experience stuck with me for life because it taught me at a young age that I had to work hard to make the team.
I was blessed with the ability to play this game at a young age and fell in love. I guess my skills were developed by competing against kids much older than me when I was younger. Also we used to play three on three on a driveway that was no bigger than ten feet by twenty feet. That would really help develop stick handling abilities.
My first worlds was an amazing experience. To be able to say that you are a world champion at a sport is wonderful achievement, and to have memories that last a life time is precious. The crowds in Bratislava were fantastic. To hear the crowd chant your name in a foreign country sent chills up and down my spine and I will never forget it. When I had the opportunity to play again in 2001 at home that also was special, especially in the fashion that we won which was overtime. I had a chance to celebrate a championship with two really close childhood friends in Ross Ferreira and Rob Marchese who was my linemate.”
As of 2024, Mr. Kourousis has retired as a player from competitive ball hockey, but is still involved with the sport through his enthusiasm for coaching youth teams in his native province of Ontario, CA,, He also helps the HBHA recruit and assess players for their National Teams.
Mr. Král‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a three time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 1998.
Mr. Demitra was part of the 1999 Slovakian National Team featuring three NHL players that defeated Canada in an Overtime Shoot-out to win their first ever Gold Medal. Demitra was the 2nd to last shooter for Slovakia and scored on his attempt (click here to watch). He scored two regular time goals in the Gold Medal game, and lead the team in Assists and was named a Tournament All Star. He also won the Bronze Medal in 1996 at the first ever ISBHF World Ball Hockey Championships.
Demitra held numerous ball hockey records throughout Slovakia, and is widely regarded as one of the best ball hockey players Slovakia has ever produced. His teammates often said that he would make plays at the World Championship level that nobody else could make because of his natural ability to see the game slowly and from a unique perspective.
“Pavol was just dominant in ball hockey, plain and simple. He would make plays against top level defenders that nobody else could make. I don’t know how he even did it sometimes and I would be watching from the stands.” said former Team Canada member Robert Belliveau. If he didn’t have NHL commitments, he would have set so many records for Slovakia. He was also one of the nicest and most respected team members for Slovakia. He set a standard for their National Team that remains to this day.”
Mr. Demitra was also a professional ice hockey player who played nineteen seasons of professional hockey, for teams in the Czechoslovak First Ice Hockey League (CSL), National Hockey League (NHL), Slovak Extraliga (SVK), and Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). A skilled offensive player, Demitra was a top-line forward throughout his career. He was the Tournament leading scorer in the 2010 Winter Olympics, finishing in 4th place with Team Slovakia. His ball hockey career in Slovakia was unrivaled by his peers due to his tremendous offensive abilities. Demitra was known for being able to score from anywhere in the offensive zone, and would often force double teams allowing his linemates scoring opportunities.
Sadly, Pavol passed away on 7 September 2011, when at 4:02 PM local time, a Yakovlev Yak-42 passenger aircraft, carrying Demitra and his Lokomotiv Yaroslavl teammates, crashed near Yaroslavl, Russia, on its way to Minsk, Belarus, to start the 2011–12 KHL season. The airplane caught fire and crashed shortly after take-off, a mere 4 kilometers from the Tunoshna airport. There was only one survivor out of 45 passengers and crew. The Slovak Ice Hockey Federation retired jersey number 38 from the national team in memory of Pavol Demitra.
The long-time pillar of the Slovakian defense and Captain of the Slovak National team started his career at the 1998 World Championships, helping Slovakia to the Sliver Medal.
He was then part of their first ever ISBHF World Championship Gold Medal in 1999. He also won another Silver Medal in 2005, and five Bronze Medals (1996, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011). His eight total Medals make him the most decorated Defencemen in the ISBHF Hall of Fame.
In 2001 he won the Award for Best Defencemen at the ISBHF World Championships, and then won the Award again in 2007.
“Marian was truly one of the best all around defencemen I’ve ever faced.” said fellow Hall of Famer Richard Kral of Czechia. “He was relentless on the floor, always giving 101%. He was a great leader for the team. He was one of those players who elevated the play of the people around him.”
His collection of achievements also includes victories in the European Club Cup 2001 and the Club World Cup 2002 in the Ružinov jersey. In 2022, he also won another Gold Medal for Slovakia at the ISBHF World Masters Ball Hockey Championships.
Marian continues to play in Slovakia, and also coaches younger kids in local leagues.
Mr. Beseda‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a four time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 2009 and 2011.
Mr. Kurz profile is currently in development.
He was a four time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 2009 and 2011.
Mr. Musto‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a 6 time medalist for the Canada, winning Gold in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 207. He is the only person to be inducted representing both forward and defensemen.
Martin Miklík made his first ISBHF World Championship appearance in the Slovak jersey at the 1996 World Championships in Bratislava, where they Slovaks won the Bronze medal. He completed his second and last world championship in 1999 in Zvolen, where was instrumental in helping to lead Slovakia to their first ever Gold Medal.
“When you talk about pure goal scorers, Martin is in the conversation for anyone who has ever played for Slovakia.” said former teammate Peter Medvek. “He was fantastic with the ball from anywhere in the offensive zone. He scored many big goals for us.”
Mr. Miklík also won the Gold Medal twice in the European Club Championships in 1996 and 1997, as well as taking home the Silver Medal in 1998 and 1999.
“He was amazing on the floor and it seemed like whenever we needed a big goal he would deliver.” said fellow Hall of Famer Martin Lohinicky. “A great locker room leader too. He was very positive and always was willing to help the younger players learn how to win. A big reason Slovakia medaled in so many tournaments is thanks to Martin passing on his experience to the new generation of players.”
This Slovakian forward has seven participations in the ISBHF World Championships. During his impressive career, he won a medal in every event he played in. He was part of Slovakia’s first ever ISBHF World Championship Gold Medal in 1999. Mr. Tóth won Best Forward at the 1999 tournament. He also won two Silver Medals in 1998 and 2005, and four Bronze Medals (2003, 2007, 2009, 2011). In 2009 he was selected to the tournament All Star team.
“In 1999 he was amazing when we won our first Gold Medal.” said former teammate Martin Miklik. “He scored a lot of big goals in that tournament but he is the Hall of Fame because he produced in every tournament he played for Slovakia. He was one of the best forwards our country has ever produced”
“He could score from many angles, and his ability to make plays in tight spaces was better than almost anyone I have ever played against.” said former USA National Team member Jon Pickard. “He was one of those players that you just had to account for at all times. You couldn’t leave him alone.”
With seven total Medals at ISBHF World Championships, Mr. Toth proved that he was truly among the elite of the sport. He was admired by his peers for his persistent efforts and consistent results.
He also added to his international successes with a Gold Medal at the European Championship 2000. He retired from competitive ball hockey after the 2011 World Championships.
Mr. Morello‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a six time medalist for Canada, winning Gold in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007.
Mr. Leclerc is considered the Father of Street Hockey and was the inventor of the “no bounce orange ball”. The founder of Mylec Hockey, he helped propel them to be a leading innovator and manufacturer of street hockey equipment since 1970 when it was founded in Winchendon, Massachusetts.
While Mr. Leclerc may not have officially invented street hockey — kids have been playing hockey in the streets with tennis balls and wooden hockey sticks for decades — he was the first to manufacture equipment specifically for street hockey, items like plastic hockey stick blades and plastic balls specifically designed to act like hockey pucks.
In 1972 Ray Leclerc developed the first orange “no bounce” street hockey ball, that allowed the game to be played on all surfaces and is still the standard today for street and ball hockey.
His creation of products for street hockey in the 1970s came at a time when hockey’s popularity was taking off. He had deep roots in Canada, having attended boarding school there, and grew to love hockey.
In a 1984 pamphlet celebrating the 10th anniversary of the American Street Hockey Institute, Mr. Leclerc wrote:
“Those of us who love the sport want to see a healthy growth tor the benefit of everyone involved. We must continue to expound its’ merits and, with time, Dek Hockey will attain the wider recognition it so well deserves. There are many sports to choose from but no team sport offers more satisfaction to the average athlete than playing Dek Hockey. “
Mr. Leclerc passed away at his home in Naples, FL at the age of 88 in November, 2014. His legacy lives on today through the sport we all love.
Mr. Grunt‘s profile is currently in development.
He was a four time medalist for the Czech Republic, winning Gold in 2009 and 2011.
This Slovakian netminder is the most decorated hockey player of any position, not only in Slovakia, but in the international history of this beautiful sport. He played in a record ten ISBHF World Ball Hockey Championships, and he won a medal for Slovakia in all of them:
Four Gold Medals: 1999, 2013, 2015 and 2017
One Silver Medal: 2005
Five Bronze Medals: 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2011.
In addition, he was declared the Most Valuable Player of the World Championship twice in 2015 and 2017. He also won the Best Goaltender of the World Championship three times in 1999, 2011, and 2017.
He also made the All Tournament team three times in 2003, 2005, 2011. In 2017, the Slovakian Ball Hockey Union declared him the Best hockey player from Slovakia.
He is one of the best goaltenders our sport has ever seen, and his record speaks for itself.
As one of the best to ever play the game, Kristen Cooze has become the face of Canadian Women’s ball hockey. A constant on the Canadian national team, she has represented Team Canada on 7 occasions, including wearing the captaincy in 2024. It is hard to know when or if this career will ever end, as she will likely be a part of the program for years to come.
Perhaps the most underrated player at the tournament each and every year, Cooze goes about her business in a calm and controlled manner that leaves opponents turning their heads with her intelligence on the floor. Her incredible international career began as a forward in 2011 in Bratislava, Slovakia where she claimed the Silver medal for her country. She followed this by assisting on both goals in a 2-0 victory to capture Gold in her home province, in her home country in 2013 in front of hundreds of family and friends. In 2015, Cooze transitioned to the defence position. And as someone who can really do it all, she was then awarded tournament MVP honours in the 2015 ISBHF World Championship. She followed this by winning the MVP Defensemen award in 2017, and All-Star Defense in 2022.
“I’ve played against Kristen in several World Championships for the Czech Republic.” said 2017 World Championship MVP Kateřina Zechovská. “Her hockey IQ for defenseman is the best I’ve ever played against, and she just makes everyone around her better. Whenever you watch her play, you can see that she just knows where to be it seems a step ahead of everyone else. It’s been an honor to compete against her and I look forward to watching her career continue on with Team Canada.”
Perhaps what Kristen would rather be known for is her ability to help lead Team Canada to 4 Gold, 1 Bronze, and 1 Silver medal through 6 Championships (thus far), and the impact she has had on other young players in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout her province, and country, she has become the face of Women’s ball hockey. From coast to coast she is well known and respected by all who have had the honour of playing with or against her. She has set the standard for what it means to be one of the best in the world, both on and off the floor. Her passion and dedication for the sport of ball hockey will leave a legacy that will be impossible to duplicate.
A former Team Canada teammate added, “She is the type of player that teammates are amazed by. She pushes us to carry ourselves with a certain level of class. We are constantly in awe of how she can outthink opponents and slow down the game. It has been such an honour to call her a friend and teammate throughout the years. She is so deserving of the hall of fame honours, and we can’t wait to see what she does next in the sport.”
Denny Schlegel is the all time leading point scorer in ISBHF Tournament history. Few people would argue that Denny is GOAT of goal scorers.
He was the 2015 ISBHF World Championship Most Valuable Player. He also holds several other records but perhaps the most astounding is that he holds the record for most ISBHF World Championships as Tournament Leading Scorer. To lead any World Tournament in scoring is a career achievement. Denny Schlegel did it four times, including back to back tournaments – 2009, 2011, 2015, 2019.
“Denny is a generational talent in ball hockey. He has such a gift for understanding the game of hockey and his ability to read plays. When the ball is on his stick, he is the most dangerous offensive player I’ve ever seen. He can score from any angle and has the best vision for his shot I’ve ever seen. He can pick spots in the net and score on those spots where regular players don’t even see a spot.” said former National Team teammate Andrew Hildreth.
“People often talk about how great Denny is offensively, but what he also does as good as any forward are the little things that set up your team for success – blocking shots, clogging passing lanes, maintaining proper position on his man. Yes he can put the ball in the net, but if you go back and watch his games at any World’s event, he consistently leads the team in penalty kill minutes and blocked shots. He’s just an all around talent that I don’t think we’ll ever see again in our lifetime.” said former USA National Team Head Coach Cory Herschk.
“I’ve seen Denny do things in games that people couldn’t even do in practice. He just has this ability to see the game almost in slow motion. He’ll pull up from inside the red line and unleash a slap shot to beat a goaltender because Denny saw that the goalie’s feet weren’t set right. He’ll make a blind backhand pass to a wide open teammate and the ball will be right on the center of their stick. He’s the greatest scorer this sport has ever seen.” said former Team Greece player Joe Barbas.
Denny Schlegel’s ball hockey career continues on as he recently helped lead the USA to the Silver Medal in the 2023 Masters World Championship, losing in a shootout to Canada 4-3.
Former USA National Teammate Chris Haynes added “When you’re on the bench with Denny, you know you have a chance to win. He’s a quiet leader who is epitome of leading by example. When you talk about what it means to be a Hall of Famer, its not just about scoring. Denny never complains. He never takes bad penalties. He does whatever is asked of him for the team. He is what everyone would want in a teammate. But I think most importantly, he just loves the game and gives it everything he has every time he steps onto the floor. To me, that’s why he is in the Hall of Fame.”
Ms. Glista‘s profile is currently in development.
She was a two time medalist for the United States, winning Silver in 2017 and 2019.
Christoph Curchod is one of the few people most responsible for the success of the Swiss Street Hockey program.
He began his career in 1990 as a ref. Less then a year later he was part of the board of one of the two Swiss Regional Associations that existed back then. He quickly moved into a leadership role within Swiss Street Hockey. He had a key role in developing the training program for youth coaches in Swiss Street Hockey. He led the national association into the Swiss Olympic Association. And he was instrumental in helping to get Switzerland recognized by the ISBHF, and served on the Swiss Street Hockey Board of Directors for many years.
In addition, he has also served on the ISBHF Board of Directors for many years, and also as the Vice President.
‘When it comes to builders, Christoph is probably the example by which all other builders can be measured. He has dedicated so much of his life to helping the sport grow. Switzerland would not be where they are today without his leadership, and neither would the ISBHF.” said USA Ball Hockey President Chris Banks. “Not only is he passionate about our sport, but he is a fantastic human being who goes out of his way to help people.”
“Christoph has done so much for the sport. It’s hard to imagine where we would be without his help.” said current ISBHF President Elio Pascuzzo. “Anytime there is an issue, we can always count on Christoph to help us resolve it. I can’t think of anyone else who I would rather work with to grow the game than Christoph. His love for the sport and commitment to seeing it grow are exactly what we need more of in the game. If there were more Christoph Curchod’s to help out, this sport would take off.”
He was instrumental in bringing the 2015 World Championships to Zug, Switzerland, and also assisted the Visp and Raron Tournament Organizing Committee to help bring the 2024 ISBHF World Championships to life.
Currently, Christoph serves on the ISBHF Board of Directors representing Switzerland.
Jamie Cooke: A Visionary Leader in American Ball Hockey:
Jamie Cooke’s impact on ball hockey in the United States is nothing short of legendary. Widely regarded as the “second founder” of the sport in America, Cooke’s leadership, dedication, and vision have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of ball hockey in the United States.
As the founder and president of COOL Hockey Events, Cooke breathed new life into a sport that was on the verge of fading away in the early-2000s. His unwavering commitment to revitalizing the game led to its resurgence, paving the way for the vibrant ball hockey community that thrives today. Under Cooke’s guidance, not only did he revive the men’s side of the sport, but he also spearheaded the establishment of the Women’s National Program, blazing a trail for future generations of female athletes.
Cooke’s influence extends far beyond the playing field. In 2007, recognizing the need for a governing body to oversee the sport, he founded a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing ball hockey in the United States. Through this organization, Cooke played a pivotal role in laying a solid foundation for the sport’s growth and sustainability.
A true visionary, Cooke’s impact transcends borders. Through his brainchild, Cool Hockey Events, he revolutionized tournament hockey in the United States, organizing some of the largest and most prestigious events in the country, including the North American Championships. His innovative approach to event management saw teams crisscrossing the nation and even venturing abroad to compete, further elevating the profile of ball hockey on a global scale.
Cooke’s legacy as a builder of the sport is unmatched. His tireless efforts have not only expanded the reach of ball hockey but have also fostered a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship within the community. As a mentor, Cooke has inspired countless individuals, imparting invaluable knowledge and shaping the next generation of leaders in the hockey world.
In reflecting on his journey to the Hall of Fame, Cooke humbly acknowledges the countless individuals who have supported and inspired him along the way. From players to mentors to steadfast allies, Cooke’s gratitude knows no bounds. Yet, at the heart of it all, Cooke’s unwavering focus remains on the players—the true driving force behind the sport he loves.
Jamie Cooke’s induction into the Hall of Fame is not only a testament to his extraordinary contributions to ball hockey but also a celebration of his indelible mark on the sport’s past, present, and future. As a visionary leader, mentor, and advocate, Cooke’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of ball hockey enthusiasts for years to come.
Ms. Pellerin‘s profile is currently in development.
She was instrumental in helping the Canadian Women’s program grow and develop, and helped recruit many players to the program. Canada’s success in the Women’s Division is largely due to Ms. Pellerin.
Mr. Grewal’s profile is currently in development.
He refereed in eight ISBHF World Championships, and helped mentor new referees for the ISBHF. He is currently the Referee in Chief for Ball Hockey Canada.
Mr. Iannitto’s profile is currently in development.
He has been involved in ball hockey for 30 years and is one of the co-founders of the ISBHF.