1/18/2013 1:00:00 PM
MANY YEARS AGO Broomball made its way to Big Sky, MT. In this strange off-shoot sport combining hockey, soccer, and maybe field hockey, players run around on the ice in their sneakers holding lacrosse sticks with little plastic triangles on the end that are supposed to resemble brooms. With the above in mind, you can imagine the beer drinking spectacle that is prompted.
Broomball was formerly played just below the Summit Hotel on a small snowy ice rink. Back then players were tough and most were no-helmet-wearing-bruisers that would slash and push each other into the snowy banks. The spectacle was awesome and the banks were consistently lined with rowdy fans. With the new ice rink located in the meadow, broomball seems more professional (until you see the players and realize not much has changed).
While it might not be quite as rough and tumble, you get some hilarious broomball action. Players have gotten better and smarter over the years. They all wear helmets now (a sudden change prompted by five head injuries in one evening) and in addition to head protection, many players have also adopted shin and knee guards. But even with the added protection, it’s still a rough game, and should you participate you will get bruised even if you are not playing the Brewzer’s. It is incredibly entertaining to watch a new player on the ice go for a big slap shot only to miss the ball and splat like a pancake…instant bruise. Now that the games are on a real ice rink, the races to the boards are also an instant crowd pleaser.
There are six teams this season but there is still room for more. The returning champs are a combo team composed of the resort rental shop employees and mountain services now called the Facemelters. They've started the season undefeated again and will be the team to watch out for. Other hot returning teams are Tramdangle and Bangarang who might place 2nd and 3rd respectively if they are lucky. If you are interested in getting a team together please contact Jasyon Meyers (jdmbigsky@hotmail.com). Jason has been instrumental in holding the league together and running the show for years. Hope to see everyone Tuesday nights at the meadow ice rink.
The Teams: The Facemelters, Brewzers, Bangarang, Top Shack Whackers, Tramdangle, and Rufio
-James Sullivan, Co-captain of the Facemelters
