X-Men hockey forward Robert Slaney will be representing team Canada at the upcoming Senior Men's World Ball Hockey Championship, scheduled for June 2-9 in St. John's, Nfld. The event is being hosted by the Newfoundland & Labrador Hockey Association, in conjunction with the Canadian Ball Hockey Association.

Slaney joined the X-Men this past season though he was a red shirt athlete for 2012-13, practicing with the X squad, as he waited out his one year to become CIS eligible for the coming fall. A 6'2", 210 pound left winger from Upper Island Cove, Nfld, the 24 year old previously played in the AHL for the 2011-12 season, splitting his time between Hamilton, Cincinnati and Milwaukee. The former Toronto Maple Leafs free agent saw time with the Toronto Marlies and Reading Royals in 2009-10 and 2010-11 and enjoyed a very successful four-year major junior career with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

Slaney became involved with ball hockey at a young age, as do many young ice hockey players. As he moved into high school there were organized leagues and he began by representing his region at the provincial level. He eventually became a member of Team Newfoundland at national tournaments and progressed to the international level, playing for Team Canada at the World Junior Ball Hockey Championship in 2008. Slaney scored the game winning goal as Canada defeated Slovakia 4-1 in the championship game.

Looking ahead to the Senior Men's World Ball Hockey Championship next month Slaney comments, "Team Canada always puts an extremely competitive team on the floor. I think with the skill we have and the group of guys, it would be disappointing if we walk off the floor without the title of world champions."

The seasoned athlete has played for the Newfoundland Blackhorse club team for the past five years. He is doing a lot of sprints and agility work now in preparation for the upcoming world championship, along with working on increasing his cardio level since there is no gliding in ball hockey like there is on the ice.

Ball hockey rinks range in size from 24-30m wide x 48-60m long, with the larger formats preferred for national and international competition. Games are three periods of 15 minutes each (stop time), with five running players and one goaltender. All players must wear an approved helmet, ice or street hockey gloves and running shoes, with other basic hockey equipment and facial protection recommended. Standard ice hockey sticks are used to play the game, along with a specialized ball, not much larger than a tennis ball.

The 2013 Senior Men's World Ball Hockey Championship features 18 men's teams, 10 of which are participating in Pool A, where Canada is situated. The Canadians will play four games against pool opponents June 2nd through the 5th before having a day off prior to playoff games on June 7th and 8th. Medal games are slated for Sunday, June 9th.

The first ball hockey world championship was held in 1996 and it is played every second year. 2013 marks the second year Canada has hosted the event as it was also held in Toronto in 2001. The Canadian squad has claimed eight total medals including five gold, two silver and one bronze, medaling in every event except for 2009. The red and white took home the silver medal at the last world championship, held in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2011.

The Czech Republic are the two-time defending champions and also have eight medals  Canada won four consecutive gold medals prior to the Czechs titles and will be looking to reclaim the top title under the guidance of general manager and head coach Tony Iannitto.  The women's world ball hockey championship is also taking place in St. John's at the same time from June 4-9. For more information on the championship, visit http://stjohns2013wc.com.

Slaney and his Team Canada teammates will first hit the arena floor on Sunday, June 2nd against Germany (8:00 pm), followed by pool games against Greece, Slovakia and Pakistan. All games will be played at the Jack Byrne Arena.