The Bermuda Ball Hockey Association league starts on Wednesday night with two matches at Pembroke Community Club.

In the first encounter, CG Insurance clash with BDA Spirits before Hamilton Princess take onFrontier. Defending champions Appleby will be the first to take to the rink on Thursday night against Spine and Sport, with that match followed by Positive Image Dental taking on ACT.

BBHA president Hart Freedman is pleased the league has managed to retain the bulk of teams from last season, with a player draft conducted at Docksider, one of the league’s sponsors, on Friday. .

“It’s pretty much the same names with just one or two changes,’’ Freedman said.

“At the player draft, we had eight groups of captains and they got to bid on the players. Whoever won that bid, they get that player and by the end of it you have 13 players on every team.”

While the league remains strong in numbers, there is one position that is struggling to be filled

“Our league has grown a lot over the past few years,” Freedman said.

“Since Covid-19 we've had higher numbers but we've not had as many goalies sign up so we've been trying new guys in the position. We’re on the lookout for new goalies so if anybody wants to play, they are more than welcome.”

Bermuda is reportedly interested in hosting the 2025 championships and the rink is starting to be modernised with new lights installed ahead of the start of the new season and other work set to be carried out later.

“We’re doing a big renovation at the rink,’’ Freedman said.

“We’re replacing everything but the boards. We’re putting in new floor tiles and new lights that are more energy efficient. The floor hasn't been replaced for at least 15 years.

“There is interest in holding the World Championships here in 2025. A few years ago we had a big tournament here and we did have a lot of teams come. We also set up a temporary rink in Dockyard.”

With breaks expected during the Bermuda World Rugby Classic next month and the festive season, the season is expected to continue until May.