Welcome to the Nova Scotia Minor Ball Hockey League

Whether you’re returning for another season or joining us for the first time — welcome to the Nova Scotia Minor Ball Hockey League. We’re excited to have your family with us.

Our league is built on one simple idea: every child deserves a safe, fun, affordable place to play hockey. No skates. No expensive gear. Just a desire to play, meet new buddies and to belong to a fun group.

What We’re All About

1. A Safe and Positive Environment
Your child will be supported by trained league staff, passionate volunteer coaches, and an organized program that puts safety, respect, and fair play first. Our goal is to ensure every player feels welcome, included, and confident the moment they step on the court.

2. Skill and Drill for the u7 and u9 divisions.
New to hockey? Already experienced? Every player fits here.
Over the first 5 sessions we will take time to teach the fundamentals — passing, shooting, stick handling, teamwork — while giving kids lots of touches on the ball and room to grow at their own pace.

3. Fast, Fun, Affordable Hockey
Ball hockey is one of the most accessible sports in Canada. It’s exciting, fast-moving, and full of action — and our league keeps costs low so more kids can participate. The cost per player is $195.

4. Organized and Welcoming
Over the past few seasons we have learned a great deal about what works for families and what does not. Each year we make changes based on what we learned (or mistakes we made) with a goal to improve how we operate. Parents can expect clear communication, structured schedules, and well-run sessions. From registration to the final whistle, our goal is to make your experience smooth, predictable, and enjoyable.

5. A Community You Belong To
The NSMBHL is more than a league — it’s a community. Each season, players make new friends, parents connect, and families return year after year because of the positive experience.

What to Expect This Season

Our Facilities: We will use 4 facilities during the 2026 Spring season. Gorsebrook Ball Hockey Court, Lebrun Arena in Bedford, the Centennial Arena in Kentville and the Rath eastlink Community Centre in Truro.  There are no dry floor space available in Dartmouth and the Sackville Arena and East Hants Sportsplex are also not available. We have initiated cdiscussions with Cole Harbour Place and hope to secure that facility in the future. While dry floor facilities are very limited we have secured premier times each week and will assign all teams a home rink to allow us to create a consistent schedule.

Halifax/Dartmouth will play home games on Saturday at Gorsebrook Ball Hockey Court. Games will begin at 9 am and continue to 4:pm. Youngest age group will play earliest time slot (teams will also play 2-3 games at Lebrun)

Bedford/Sackville/East Hants will play home games on Sundays at Lebrun. Games will begin  at 9:00 am and continue until 4:00 pm. The youngest age groups will play the earliest time slots. (teams will also play 2-3 games at Gorsebrook) 

The u15 division will play home games Sunday at Lebrun between 12-4

Kentville will play games on Tuesday evenings at the Centennial Arena between 5-9

Game times: : U7 at 5:00pm   U9 at 6:00pm   U12 at 7:00 pm     u15  at 8:00 pm

Truro will play games on Thursday evenings at the Rath Centre between 5-9

Game times:  U7 at 5:00pm   U9 at 6:00pm   U12 at 7:00 pm     u15  at 8:00 pm

• Website and email updates as the season approaches
• We will play 11 sessions over a 8-9 week period. Most weeks teams will play one game at a consistent time. Teams may play a second game if required by facility availability
• Games will be scheduled within the same block of time each week as much as possible. This will be our clear intention. That said, it might be necessary to plan around facility availability so pls be prepared to have some flexibility.
• The schedule will be posted one week prior to the start of the season.
• Cool hockey jerseys will be provided to help build the team vibe.
• Balanced teams and fair competition - our first session will be used to help balance the teams ( we do our best at this )
• Teams play cross rink. 4x4 for the younger age group u15 will play 3 on 3.
• This year, we will create a rec and competitive division in age grous whre we have enough numbers. The goal is to balance the teams and divisions.  
• Supportive coaches focusing on fun and fundamentals
• Awesome and highly motivated league staff to help ensure every family and player have fun..
• A league atmosphere full of energy, respect, and sportsmanship
• Clear updates and communication throughout the season

Mandatory equipment: 

• Runners all must have a helmet and full cage, hockey gloves, shin guards ( soccer shin pads  work perfect0 and a hockey stick
• Goaltenders require full gear. We will bring several sets and welcome players with their own gear to bring that.
• Safety will be our first priority and our league officials will make all decisions on gear.
• All players are recommended to bring a water bottle

Whether your child is picking up a stick for the first time or building on years of experience, we’re here to help them enjoy the game, grow their confidence, and have a fantastic season.

We’re Glad You’re Here

Thank you for choosing the Nova Scotia Minor Ball Hockey League.
We’re excited to welcome your family and look forward to another great season of ball hockey.

See you on the court.