Chorney, pictured in the middle, with his 2026 Western Challenge U17 Ball Hockey Championship trophy. (Image Credit: Saskatoon Blazers/Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

Off Ice Titles

Nipawin local, Vancouver Giant talks Western Challenge Ball Hockey Championship

Aug 27, 2026 | 3:29 PM

A Nipawin local and a member of the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Vancouver Giants became a champion this summer; however, it didn’t come out on the ice.

Blake Chorney won the 2026 Western Challenge U17 Ball Hockey Championship with the Sask Mavericks.

“It was really cool; we kind of just went there because, obviously, we wanted to play ball hockey, but this was kind of gonna be the last time that a team like that could play together, so we kind of wanted to do it one last time, and it worked out well. We played pretty well, and everything was clicking, so it was a good time,” Chorney told northeastNOW.

“Obviously, my main goal is to win a championship with ice hockey, so I think one in the winter would’ve been a bit better, but just winning at any level is awesome; it’s great to get that winning pedigree and the feeling is just unreal.”

The 2009-born product won alongside a multitude of former Saskatoon Blazers teammates, including Blaise Baier, Miller Robson, Tyson Medernach and Cooper Perrin.

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It marked Chorney’s third year in ball hockey; however, he wished that journey had begun sooner.

“It’s a fun sport, kind of hockey away from hockey is a little bit of what you say about it. It’s just really fun, and when you have good group guys, it’s just an awesome thing to do… I was a baseball player when I was younger, so I didn’t have that much time in the summer. When I got out of baseball, I wish I had joined right away, just because it gets your mind in hockey mode, and I love being in hockey mode,” he added.

“I think for any guy that wants to play, there’s always an opportunity. I’ve recruited a pair of my friends in the past, and will always recruit more… I’m fortunate that the Giants allow me to do it; I think it correlates a bit with just hockey IG sense and obviously a bit of cardio as well, so it’s awesome.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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by Ben Tompkins

Nipawin local, Vancouver Giant talks Western Challenge Ball Hockey Championship

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