Ball Hockey World Junior Cup Česká Třebová and Litomyšl » Canadians are the favourites, Czechs and Slovaks should again compete for medals

It´s coming! In late June and the first day of July, Zlín and Přerov will host ball hockey´s most prestigious event for U16 boys. Here is a brief overview of what we can expect from the teams that will compete. The North American teams are expected to dominate again, with the Czechs and Slovaks hoping to give them a strong challenge. And what about the Brits and the Poles?

Czech Republic U16 and U15

The Czech Republic is a regular participant in major national and international tournaments and is always fighting for medals. Like the United States and Canada, the Czechs are represented by two squads – the U16s will play in Zlín and the U15s in Přerov. Standing in their paths to the medals will be four strong North American teams, so the Czechs have their work cut out for them but a medal is certainly within reach. At the last World Cup in the UK, the Czechs finished fourth.

Slovakia U16

The Slovaks have been dominant at this tournament in the past and will again be a very unpleasant opponent. At the last three U16 World Cups, they have won two gold and one silver medal. Although this will not be the strongest squad in tournament, it is best not to underestimate the Slovaks.

Canada U16 East and West

The Canadians have brought two teams, which will compete in different groups. Two years ago in Sheffield, Canada denied Slovakia its third straight title with their own third U16 gold, and one of the two Canadian teams is favoured to win gold again at this tournament.

USA U16 "Red" and "Blue"

The Americans made their U16 debut in 2016 and won bronze. And although the lineup has changed drastically over the last two years, the two USA teams this year are expected to compete for medals again.

Switzerland U16

The Swiss are regular participants at international ball hockey tournaments. Still, they are searching for their first medal in any category at a World Championship, just missing the podium on several occasions. Will they break the curse this year in Zlín and Přerov?

Great Britain and Poland U16

The competition is strong, and therefore these two squads are outsiders just hoping for respectability. Great Britain has participated in two previous world championships, finishing sixth both times. For the British, ball hockey is a young sport and their aim at these tournaments is to continually lessen the gap between themselves and the more powerful teams. This will be Poland´s first official tournament in this category, so it´s hard to know what to expect.