A record 22 teams took part in the tenth annual Roadrunners Summer Classic ball hockey tournament Aug. 9-10. (Megan Lum)

By Dan Marshall

Road Warriors

Three-on-three ball hockey tournament celebrates ten years in Nanaimo

Aug 13, 2025 | 1:57 PM

NANAIMO — It was a special anniversary for the Roadrunners Summer Classic ball hockey tournament.

The tenth annual event took place on Aug. 9 and 10 at the covered box at Harewood Centennial Park.

There were a record 22 teams registered in three divisions.

Organizers say it’s one of the biggest ongoing three-on-three ball hockey tournaments in the province.

Founding member Kirklan Lum said the event has seen many changes over the years.

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“It’s pretty cool to see the tournament continue to grow and thrive like it has. When we started with maybe ten teams back at Departure Bay. I don’t think any of us would have guessed how successful it would become.”

The tournament had teams from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Courtenay, Kulleet Bay, Victoria, Langley and Pitt Meadows.

Lum said ball hockey is garnering more local interest both inside and outdoors.

“Seeing repeat teams who come year after year because they love the tournament so much just feels good. It was exciting to have so many new teams join us this year. Ball hockey is just so popular right now and it’s awesome to see Nanaimo become a hub for that.”

The Summer Classic has a heavy emphasis on clean play, and organizers will review each of the games before choosing a Most Sportsmanlike Team. The chosen group gets a free entry into next year’s tournament.

The A division winner this year was The Jets with the Wsanec Whalers taking the B division, the Top Guns capturing C, and the Anacla Wolf Pack winning D.

In the B relegation category, the Buttermilk Waffles won the title.

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