For as much as ball hockey has its roots in Canada's most popular winter-time sport, the fact remains that it is not identical to hockey.

Blessed with a veteran crew who understand the indoor game like few others in the city, the Zambronis captured yet another GSBHL (Greater Sudbury Ball Hockey League) title earlier this week, completing a two game sweep of the Ball Hogs with a 4-1 triumph.

Mike Grier netted the hat trick, Matt Rupoli added a solo effort and goaltender Mark Wardell made it stand as the teams tuned things up in anticipation of the OBHF (Ontario Ball Hockey Federation) B/C Provincials in Sudbury this weekend.

Long-time teammates and both 34 years of age, Grier and Wardell are among a large core of the GSBHL powerhouse that are a testament to understanding that even moreso than in hockey, the ball moves much faster than the players.

"It's just a matter of getting used to handling the ball," said Grier, a consistent "AA" on-ice talent through his youth who crossed over to the summer game shortly thereafter but took some time away before returning to the fold last summer.

"That's a big difference, for sure. The ball will spin off your stick and we're not used to that. And there's no gliding and lots of running, so it's not as easy to get open. You have to try and create open space as much as possible."

The story is similar between the pipes, with Wardell, a Copper Cliff Redmen product who also suited up alongside NHL draft pick Tyler Beskerowany for a season of Great North Midget League action with the Valley East Cobras echoing the general slant of his teammate's thoughts.

"It's a totally different game (as a goalie)," said Wardell. "On the ice, you can kind of move a bit quicker. Here, you really have to play the angles, try and read that shot as best you can and just let it hit you."

"It's a little more chaos out there," he added with a smile. "You don't really have much of an idea what's going to happen."

Only Kyle Liinamaa of the Ball Hogs managed to solve Wardell, midway through the third to cut the deficit to 3-1 - with Grier capping off his hat trick less than a minute later to put the contest out of reach.

Both lineups boasted a number of very familiar names in local hockey circles, with the Ball Hogs the younger of the two sides. "Some of the younger guys coming out of junior hockey are a little more, fiery, let's say," noted Grier.

"We're very cool tempered."

Both teams are among the field of a dozen who will take to the floor at the Garson Arena starting Friday around 4:00 p.m. with a pair of OBHF banners up for grabs.

"There's going to be a lot of good competition," said Grier. "That's what I'm hoping for. I'm excited to play some close games this weekend."