About IBHA
Growing the Game at Home
The Indiana Ball Hockey Association is the home for competitive and recreational ball hockey in Indiana — inclusive, community-driven, and built for every skill level.
Mission
Indiana Ball Hockey Association
IBHA exists to grow ball hockey across Indiana by creating an inclusive environment where players of all ages and skill levels come together to enjoy the game.
From beginners eager to learn to seasoned athletes chasing competition, our leagues and events foster community, sportsmanship, and a genuine passion for ball hockey.
Whether you're here to learn the basics, join a league, or connect with others who share your enthusiasm — IBHA has a place for you.
History
Indy Ball Hockey History
From a donated building on the Near Eastside to Ellenberger Park's reborn rink — Indiana's ball hockey story runs deep.
A Building Finds New Purpose
The Wheeler Mission Center relocates, donating its former building to Englewood Community Development Corporation (ECDC) on Indy's Near Eastside.
Rooftop Rink Born
Super Bowl Legacy funding helps ECDC renovate the building into apartments with a gymnasium. Executive Director Joe Bowling brings Indianapolis its first rooftop hockey rink — recreating Pittsburgh dek hockey memories.
“We built the rooftop rink in hopes of re-creating our family's experience playing dek hockey in Pittsburgh when we were kids.”
Indy Rooftop Hockey League Grows
The IRHL thrives on the compact 60×40 ft rooftop rink. Fast 3-on-3 play attracts 50+ active players as interest in rooftop hockey continues to grow.
Ellenberger's Ice Era
Ellenberger Park's outdoor ice rink — enclosed in 1974 — hosts public skating and competitive hockey until costly repairs force closure in 2009.
Inline Hockey Arrives
The Indy Inline Hockey League moves into Ellenberger's dormant rink after three years on a repurposed tennis court in South Broad Ripple.
Ellenberger Upgrades
Ryan Spahr and league leadership convince the Parks Department to install new Sport Court flooring (2020) and upgraded lighting (2021), transforming the facility.
NBHL Expansion
Indiana becomes an expansion division of the National Ball Hockey League — the first nationwide ball hockey league sanctioned by USA Ball Hockey.
IBHA Formed
The Indiana Ball Hockey Association launches. The Indiana Division of the NBHL begins play at Ellenberger with three local teams and one visiting team from Columbus, Ohio.
Focused on Home
After two valuable NBHL seasons, IBHA leadership pivots to concentrate on growing ball hockey locally. The NBHL relationship remains strong for players seeking national competition.
“Our time in the NBHL has been invaluable... However, we believe that the best path forward is to concentrate on growing and nurturing the sport here at home.”
Indy Rooftop
Indianapolis's only rooftop hockey rink — a 60×40 ft deck born from Super Bowl Legacy funding and Pittsburgh hockey nostalgia. Home to fast 3-on-3 IRHL action for 50+ players.
Ellenberger Park
A 42-acre Irvington landmark with a hockey history dating to the 1960s. After years dormant, upgraded Sport Court flooring and lighting made it IBHA's 5-on-5 home.
NBHL Chapter
Indiana competed two seasons in the National Ball Hockey League before refocusing on local growth. The NBHL relationship remains strong for players seeking national-level competition.
Vision
What Comes Next
IBHA's focus is building ball hockey in Indiana — with bigger ambitions on the horizon.
Withdrawing from managing an NBHL division opened the door to expand our 5-on-5 league at Ellenberger Park. But summer conditions inside the facility can become dangerous, limiting youth programming, beginner leagues, and year-round growth.
Our long-term goal: a permanent home with at least two full-size rinks and two 3-on-3 rinks — enabling state, regional, and national tournaments, plus facility leasing for inline hockey, roller derby, and more.
The Dream Facility
- ✓2 full-size ball hockey rinks
- ✓2 dedicated 3-on-3 rinks
- ✓Year-round programming
- ✓Youth & beginner leagues
- ✓Tournament hosting capacity
- ✓Multi-sport facility leasing