Two Tommies represent Canada on the ball hockey world stage

Steeves was the only Maritimer on the team. (Submitted: Caitlyn Steeves)

Two St. Thomas University student-athletes represented Canada in the 2025 Women’s International Street and Ball Hockey Federation U20 World Championships in Poprad, Slovakia, over the summer.

Third-year forward Caitlyn Steeves and second-year goaltender Tayler Cohen lost to Czechia in the gold medal game 5-1.

“It obviously didn't go the way we wanted to, but it was just amazing and so cool to be able to play in a game of that size and with that meaning,” said Steeves.

Canada had defeated the Czechs during the round robin, but they were unable to mount a comeback during the final despite scoring in the third period while down five.

“There was almost a moment of hope, ‘Oh, maybe we can try to somehow make some epic comeback.’ It didn't quite happen, but that moment there, there's like a little spark,” she said.

Despite the lopsided score, Steeves said the game was closely played throughout its three periods, with Czechia just being able to find the back of the net. 

Cohen agreed they played hard despite the loss.

“They came out of the gate more aggressive and we were just flat-footed. We all had the same idea in mind, but it just showed differently on the floor,” she said.

Both players had interesting paths to joining Team Canada.

Steeves started playing organized ball hockey three years ago in the Saint John Metro Ball Hockey League. Last year, she won Nationals in Saskatoon with Newfoundland due New Brunswick not yet having a team. While there, she won an All-Star award and her performance earned her a spot with the national team.

On the other hand, Cohen didn’t begin her ball hockey career until last year. Originally from Richmond, B.C., she heard from a fellow player that the provincial team needed a net-minder to play in Saskatoon.

Cohen was scouted for the national team from the tournament, receiving an email last October that she had been selected.

“I just loved it, instantly. It was ice hockey, but off-season and I just kind of fell in love with the culture of it and everyone on the team,” she said. 

Cohen added, “[That’s] when I found out, I was actually making a name for myself in the ball hockey industry.”

She and Steeves became good friends after finding out that they both attend STU and were on the same team headed to Slovakia. Both of them spoke with the rest of their teammates through video calls before meeting in person at the airport.

Representing Canada was a big deal to both players. Steeves described it as a “dream finally come true” and her hard work playing ball hockey had paid off. 

For Cohen, it was exciting to go far in a new sport.

“It was something that was eye-opening to me and to know I can still continue playing it and get higher up and representing the leaf in different country was something else,” she said.