Medicine Hat’s Allan says he had a surreal experience in Slovakia at Ball Hockey World Championship

“Although we did not get the result I had hoped for, it was an amazing experience being across the world and meeting new people,” Allan said.

“It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Being a part of Team Canada was pretty cool.”

“Being able to represent my country was an honour.”

Allan did not know anyone on the team heading into the tournament; he enjoyed getting to know his teammates and experiencing Europe for the first time.

“Being in Europe is something I’ll remember forever: meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and everything about being here was amazing,” Allan said.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity”

The 17-year-old said the competition during the event was strong, and at times they played in front of thousands of fans.

“The competition in Slovakia was not what I expected at all,” Allan said.

“It was eye-opening how good the other countries were and how serious ball hockey is in Europe.”

Allan played in seven games over five days at the tournament and scored a goal in the pool game against Great Britain on Canada Day. Canada won that contest 16-0.

Throughout the tournament, he played a regular shift as a forward and on the penalty kill for his team.

In a 5-3 win over Switzerland on July 3, he was named player of the game for Team Canada.

“Earning player of the game was pretty cool. I think it just consisted of me working as hard as I could to be my best for the team,” Allan said.

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(Image Credit: ISBHF – International Street & Ball Hockey Federation)

The Canadians also dropped a close 7-6 game to the Americans on July 3 in pool play.

Once the tournament was over, he participated in a tradition at international ball hockey tournaments with a player named Samuel Foltín from Slovakia.

“The player I traded jerseys with had actually mentioned it during the game and asked if I wanted to do a jersey swap,” Allan said

“We met up after the game, exchanged contact information, and jerseys.”

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Carter Allan swaps jerseys with a player from Slovakia. (Image Credit: Submitted Photo)

A former member of the Gas City Ball Hockey League, Allan played with the Darth Vaders in the Hat Ball Hockey League this season.

He had represented Alberta in ball hockey at the national level on three occasions, but this was his first international experience.

Allan said he is thankful for everyone who has reached out and supported him through this cool experience.

He also had some fans in the stands with his mother, grandmother and sister making the trip to support him.

Matt Wass of Medicine Hat also refereed at the tournament in Slovakia.

He officiated several games during the U16 and U18 events, including the gold medal game in the U16 tournament between Slovakia and Czechia.

READ: Medicine Hat’s Wass to officiate in Slovakia at ball hockey world championships (June 28, 2026)

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat’s Allan says he had a surreal experience in Slovakia at Ball Hockey World Championship

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