Boufounos-Milonow on the Experience of Playing at the Ball Hockey Women's Worlds

Born in Canada, Melissa Boufounos-Milonow had the unique opportunity to compete for Greece during the 2013 World Ball championships. Ironically, the championships were held in the country of her birth (hosted in St. John’s, Newfoundland).

The opportunity to compete for Greece occurred because her grandparents were both born in Greece. Of note, this is not the first time in international hockey that women (and men) have competed for countries where they were not born.

In women’s hockey, Canadian born Kelly Babstock was at the United States training camp for the 2013 IIHF Women’s Worlds (where Boufounos-Milonow served as Manager of Social Media). Michele Karvinen, who competes with the Finnish national women’s team, was born in Denmark.

As a member of the Greek contingent, Boufounos-Milonow helped her team to a milestone victory; their first ball hockey triumph in history. The historic accomplishment came against the squad from Great Britain. The moment stood as a great point of pride to her.

“It definitely took being part of my first World Ball Hockey Championship to a new level. It is amazing to be relatively new at a sport and be able compete at this level for the first time and also make history. I think it is also really significant for Greece to help grow the sport to other women.”

Many different nations (Canada, Czech Republic and Slovakia) had women’s ice hockey players competing for them. In discussing the connection between ball hockey and ice hockey, Boufounos-Milonow discussed how she began competing in ball hockey,

“In 2011 I got asked by Jody Katz, former GM of the Brampton Thunder, to play in a ball hockey tournament. This was in Toronto for some friends of hers since they were short players and I had ice hockey experience. I had a ton of fun and the transition was pretty easy, so I knew I wanted to join a league.

When I moved to Ottawa last April, I joined my first league (the Ottawa-Vanier Women’s Ball Hockey League) where I found out about Provincials, Nationals and Worlds. Right away I knew I wanted to compete at the next Worlds.”

With the next Women’s Worlds only two years away in 2015, Boufounos-Milonow is already pondering the future. As her team’s Most Valuable Player in the OVWBHL, she is a rising star in Canadian ball hockey circles. There is also the consideration of her role as a leader and builder with the Greek national team.

“I am still undecided about the next Worlds. I am pretty certain I will still compete for Greece. There are already so many talented players in Canada, and I think it is important to help build a ball hockey reputation for Greece to attract more young girls to the sport.

The learning experience (in 2013) was unforgettable. I had no mixed emotions about playing against Canada and was proud to help keep the score under double digits against them, something previous Greek teams were unable to do.”

Of note, she was one of 8 women (4 current, 4 past) in the CWHL competing at the Worlds. A draft pick of the now defunct Burlington Barracudas in the 2011 CWHL Draft, she was also the Director of Media and Communications for the Brampton Thunder for the last two seasons.

She was joined at the Worlds by former CWHL referee Chris Pellerin (head coach of, former players Elysia Desmier, Jessica O’Grady and Danika Smith. Current players Jenny Brine, Mallory Johnston Chelsea Purcell and Britni Smith rounded out the group of CWHL members.

With her hockey background, Boufounos-Milonow was definitely counted on as a leader for Greece. As the squad experienced several milestones, her presence paid remarkable dividends.

“I knew going into the tournament that myself and a few of my teammates were going to stand out as the team leaders based on our ice hockey background and the higher levels we have played at. Many of our players stepped up to fill different leadership roles on the team.”

While competing on the international stage is one part she will cherish and treasure, the outpouring of support from her friends through social media enriched the overall experience. In asking which moment stood out as her favorite, she proudly remarked,

“Scoring my first international goal was pretty awesome. The entire championship is going to be something I never forget, though. It was surreal playing all the way in Newfoundland and having my friends and family members sending me e-mails, text messages and Facebook messages after every game to give me feedback and compliments on my play.

You do not see familiar faces in the stands but knowing you have that much support thousands of miles away is incredible. This is the first time I’ve been recorded/live streamed playing a sport and first time I’ve been able to watch video of myself so I will be watching the footage over the next few weeks to better myself.”

All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated