Hockey in Sneakers

For the first time ever, ball hockey will hit the national spotlight as the National Ball Hockey League (NBHL) makes its debut on ESPN during this year’s ESPN8: The Ocho - a celebration of the world’s wildest and most unconventional sports.

What is ball hockey?

It is basically hockey without ice wearing sneakers instead of skates.

The National Ball Hockey League (NBHL) is the first and only nationwide ball hockey league in the United States, sanctioned by USA Ball Hockey. Founded in 2021, the league has quickly grown to include teams from over 35 states, Canada and Bermuda.

• Amateur league — players pay to play 
• 10-game regular season followed by playoffs 
• NBHL Championships in September (division winners and select runners-up qualify) 
• Weekly stats, highlight edits, and full game content on YouTube 
• Open to players of all skill levels 

The NBHL is organized by location and skill level:Divisions are based on geography (examples: California, Washington D.C., Texas, New Jersey)

Tiers represent the level of playMen's and Women's Elite (new draft pro-style model)

• Tier 1 — highest competition
• Tier 2
• Tier 3
• Women’s Tier
• Legends Tier (45+)

Each team plays in their local division and tier. Champions (and select runners-up) from each division qualify for the NBHL Championships in September, where teams from across the country compete to become national champions. The Men's and Women's Elite tiers play two weekends and consist of the top players in the sport.

You can watch a game here: https://youtu.be/__N2a6B0UfM?si=cMknn2o_8yYMtZLk

For more information about the league: https://thenbhl.com