The sticks are taped, the jerseys pressed, and anticipation is building across the island. With the ISBHF Men’s Masters World Championship set to begin on November 11th at the Pembroke Community Club, Bermuda’s national Masters team is wrapping up its final week of preparation.
Teams from seven countries will compete, bringing players, coaches, and fans together for six days of high-level international ball hockey.
Eight teams from seven nations, including Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, and Haiti, will compete alongside Bermuda’s Masters squad.
Head Coach Goldberg says the team’s preparation has gone far beyond time on the rink, “Our preparation for the 2025 Masters has been about more than just time on the rink.
We’ve focused on building a culture of accountability, fitness, and unity, ensuring every player understands their role and what it means to wear the Bermuda crest. Off the rink, the players have committed to team events, community involvement, and staying connected year-round. Representing Bermuda at home is a huge honor, it’s a rare opportunity to compete on our own soil, in front of family and friends, and to showcase not only our hockey but also Bermuda’s spirit and hospitality to the world.”
Goldberg describes playing on home soil as both an honor and a test. “It’s a huge honor,” he says, “and a chance to showcase Bermuda’s spirit and hospitality to the world.”
Bermuda last hosted the Masters in 2018, a tournament remembered for packed stands and loud support. Goldberg says that experience still shapes how the team prepares today.
“Hosting the Masters in 2018 gave us invaluable experience, both as a team and as a nation.
We learned what it takes to compete against some of the world’s best while managing the pressures of being the host. From a coaching standpoint, we saw how much preparation off the floor matters, fitness, team chemistry, and attention to detail in every aspect. More than anything, 2018 reminded us how powerful home support can be. The energy that year was electric, and we want to recreate, and even surpass, that atmosphere in 2025.”
This year’s roster blends long-time national players with new faces eager to make their mark.
“This year’s squad has a great blend of experience and fresh energy. We’ve got veterans who’ve represented Bermuda for years and know what it takes to perform at this level, alongside new players who bring passion, speed, and hunger to prove themselves. What defines this group is their commitment, these guys train hard, push each other, and take pride in representing their country the right way. There’s a strong sense of brotherhood here, on and off the floor, and that unity is going to be our biggest strength.”
Goldberg believes that connection will be key when the tournament begins.
The Heart of the Community Goldberg sees the Masters not only as a world championship, but as a community celebration.
“The community is the heartbeat of this team. We want Bermudians to be part of the journey, whether that’s coming out to games, volunteering, cheering from the stands, or simply showing their support on social media. The players feed off that energy. When the crowd gets behind the team, it lifts everyone’s performance. This tournament is as much about national pride as it is about hockey, so we encourage everyone to wear their colors, bring their voices, and help make the 2025 Masters a truly unforgettable event for Bermuda.”
With free admission, the event offers families, young athletes, and sports fans a rare chance to see international-level play without leaving the island.
From November 11th to 16th, the Pembroke Community Club will serve as the heart of the ball hockey world. For Bermuda’s Masters team, it is a chance to compete with top nations, honor years of work, and share the game with the community that helped build it.
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