So you’ve caught the ball hockey bug—but now you’re wondering where the hell to start. No rink, no organized team, and no clue where the good games are? You’re not alone.
The truth is: you can start anywhere. The beauty of ball hockey is that it’s raw, fast, and accessible. You don’t need ice time or fancy gear to play. Just a stick, a ball, and the willingness to run.
Let’s break it down.
Start Wherever You Are
If you’re brand new, you don’t need to find a league right away. Start on your own. Go outside, grab a tennis ball or an orange ball hockey ball, and start shooting at a wall. Stickhandle in your driveway. Run with the ball on the street and learn how it bounces.
You’ll start to build feel and control. Trust me, there’s no substitute for reps. And when you’re tired of solo sessions? That’s when it’s time to find people.
How to Find Pickup Games
Here’s where most players hit a wall: they want to play, but they don’t know where games happen.
Ball hockey isn’t like basketball where you can walk into any gym and run a game. The community is smaller and more underground—but once you find it, it’s tight-knit and super loyal.
Here’s where to look:
1. Community Centers & Rec Gyms
Many cities and towns offer drop-in ball hockey through community centers. The sessions might be once or twice a week, and spots fill up fast—especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. Look for gym-based games where it’s typically 3-on-3 or 4-on-4.
2. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Kijiji
Yes, it feels old school. But it works. A lot of pickup organizers still post games here, especially if they’re running weekly invite-only games. Search “ball hockey pickup [your city]” and message whoever’s posting. Be respectful and ask to sub in if they’re full.
3. Becoming a Reliable Sub
Want to get into a weekly crew? Your best shot is showing up as a sub. If someone drops out last minute and you get the call—say yes. Always say yes. Show up, work hard, and be reliable. That’s how you go from stranger to regular. Nobody wants a flake. The guys who get called back are the ones who commit and compete.
Read the Room
Ball hockey communities are tight. You’ll find that the players are generally friendly—but selective. This isn’t about cliques. It’s about chemistry. You need to be a good player and a good teammate.
That doesn’t mean you need to dominate. But you do need to carry your weight. Pass smart. Hustle. Don’t argue calls or whine. And most importantly, don’t try to play hero ball your first night. Play with the group and contribute.
Do that consistently, and you’ll start getting invited to those low-key Tuesday or Friday night games—the ones you really want.
Understand the Game Types
Not all ball hockey pickup is the same. Some are gym floor 3-on-3s. Some are court-style 4-on-4. Some are full-rink 5-on-5s with goalies and refs. Each version feels different. The space, the ball movement, the physicality—it all shifts depending on format.
As a beginner, try to play them all. You’ll learn spacing, timing, and how to adapt your playstyle to different surfaces.
Want to Join a League?
Here’s my honest advice: don’t join blind. Most leagues offer free agent signups where they’ll throw you on a random team. These teams usually have zero chemistry, and you’ll get lit up by the organized squads. It’s not fun to get blown out every game.
Instead, build your network through pickup. The guys running those games are often captains or league organizers. If you prove yourself there, you’ll get asked to join a proper team when spots open up.
That’s how you get into better leagues and better divisions. And that’s when the game really starts to get fun.
Here are some links below:
Locate a Ball Hockey League in Canada
Locate a Ball Hockey League in Toronto
Locate a Ball Hockey League in USA
Final Thoughts
Ball hockey is one of the most welcoming, intense, and fun sports out there—but getting into it takes a little hustle. Start simple. Hit the wall, get your reps in, and find your way into pickup games. Be reliable, be coachable, and be a good teammate.
From there, you’ll build your rep and your game. And once you’re in—you’re in.