Last year I looked out over the lake to see some hearty souls braving the cold temperatures playing some sort of game out on the ice.
It looked like hockey, but the sticks were not shaped like hockey sticks and the ball resembled a soccer ball. As I later learned, the game was broomball.
As winter quickly approaches, the days of outdoor sports such as Frisbee, golf or tennis are disappearing, but for some sports such as broomball, winter is prime time to enjoy all the sport has to offer. Broomball is proof that frozen lakes are not just for ice fishing.
Originating in Canada in the 1880s, the sport migrated to the States via Minnesota during the 1930s, where it still has the most popularity in the U.S. Broomball's popularity is wide spread and it is played around the world.
The ball is similar to a soccer ball but harder and heavier to prevent it from lifting off the ice. Originally the sticks were actually brooms, hence the game's name, but contemporary sticks have rubber ends with vents to allow airflow and easier handling. The protective equipment is similar to that of hockey gear.
Rule wise—broomball is a combination of indoor soccer and ice hockey. Overall game strategy is similar to hockey but because of the different equipment, game play is unique.
Each team has five players and a goalie. Since the game is played everywhere from Australia to Sweden, there are variations of certain rules and game practices such as checking. Broomball offers outdoor sports aficionados the opportunity to take advantage of the winter elements as opposed to being confined by them.
For those interested in exploring the sport or watching die-hard broomballers, The Hoofers hold a broomball tournament during their winter carnival in February. They also hold club outings on the weekends. There are also several tournaments and games at winter carnivals statewide.
For the first time, the Natatorium will have league play this winter, with sign ups March 13th and 14th. Three leagues consisting of men's, women's and co-ed will be offered.
No need to worry about harsh outdoor temperatures or falling through the ice, because all the league games are played at the Shell during the four to five week season. Playoffs will be held at the end of regular season play.
Even if it never gets cold enough for Lake Mendota to freeze over (which is wishful thinking to say the least) you can enjoy this alternative winter sport in the comfort of a campus gym.
Balling around the state:
UW-Eau Claire Winter Carnival
Friday, February 16, 2007
105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire, Wis.
715-836-3637
UW-Superior Winter Games
Played on a drop-in basis (show up and play)
2701 Catlin Ave., Superior, Wis.
715-394-8361
Loggers Park Sports Complex
Call for available dates
3208 Highway 167
Richfield, Wis.
262-628-4653
