A new ball hockey club is coming to Warminster later this year.
Located beside the former Royal Canadian Legion building on Warminster Sideroad, two ball hockey rinks, 109 parking spots, and a clubhouse are set to open in late spring or early summer.
The new Xposed Ball Hockey League is owned by Orillia video game streamer Cody Burnett, who is known as @Xposed on social media.
"This has been my dream for a long time," he said, noting he and his wife, Shania, play on numerous local ball hockey teams each season.
Burnett, 27, says the club will be a way for him to give back to the community.
"I wanted to make a facility that has top-of-the-line staff and equipment," he said, noting the club will employ more than 30 people. "I want it to be a great place to play where prices are affordable."
His goal is to grow the sport of ball hockey by making it more inclusive.
"I really want to bring that cost down for hockey. I think it's way too pricey these days," he said.
Burnett, who has been playing ball hockey since he was 10 years old, says the club will be the home to "huge" tournaments and many leagues for various ages and genders.
"It's a game that everybody can play. All you need is a stick, your gloves and some shoes," he said.
Burnett, who purchased the land for the new club two years ago, says it was difficult for him to find a place to build his rinks.
"It's not the picture-perfect spot, but I know people will make that 10-minute drive from Orillia or 20-minute drive from Barrie because it's going to be such a good spot to play at," he said.
With the Barrie Ball Hockey Club closing in 2022, Burnett says there is an appetite in the area for a new rink.
"There are a couple of other leagues who have been trying to fill that void, but I'm actively involved in the community and people aren't happy with (what's available)," he said. "I feel like I need to come in and save the day."
Using his success with his online gaming career, Burnett is hoping to make his club stand out from any competition.
"I'm going to have games and tournaments livestreamed so people from around the world can watch," he said. "It's going to be bigger than Orillia, Warminster and Barrie. It's going to connect with people all over."
More information about the Xposed Ball Hockey League, including how to register, will soon be live on the club's website here.
