麻豆社区

Broomball's back.

The local season will get underway this weekend with the Bob Park Icebreaker tournament at Takhini Arena.

Game action begins tonight, runs through Saturday with the final set for Sunday at 2 p.m.

Eight teams will compete in the tournament, named in honour of the late Bob Park, who lost a battle with pancreatic cancer in 2006. He was only 46.

"He played such a big role in the game,鈥� Yukon Broomball Association director Ryan Hannah told the Star this week.

"Naming it after him was the smallest token we could give the guy.鈥�

Regular season play will begin in the final week of November with seven teams vying for the broomball title.

Teams include: P&M Recycling, Spectrum Security Bears, Roadhouse, Capital Towing, Ford Mustangs, The Ridge Pub and Nacho Nyak Dun DC.

The Dental Donkeys are strictly a tournament team.

"It's pretty exciting to be starting a new year,鈥� Hannah admitted. "Broomball is a little different from every other type of winter sport. It's a niche sport, not like hockey or skiing.鈥�

A rookie clinic held recently at the Canada Games Centre saw about 15 new players show up to learn how the game.

"It's a fun-oriented game,鈥� Hannah said. "Most teams are there just for fun. Our league really has a family feel to it. It's a game you can play with your girlfriend or wife, and it's very cost effective: $100, that's it.鈥�

The co-ed league features players ages 16 and up. Anyone interested in playing can contact Yukon Broomball Association president Milford Allain through the club's website at www.yukonbroomball.com.

Once the season begins, the action is fast and furious.

Teams play three games a week on the outdoor broomball rink on Normandy Road.

The league will cancel games when the temperature dips below -24 C.

"The balls will shatter at that temperature,鈥� Hannah explained. "Some people are turned away because we play outdoors. But if you're in the Yukon, you've got to be prepared to do things outside.鈥�

In order to play, athletes will need a broom, sponge boots, and a helmet. Other protective gear is recommended.

The association is also gauging interest from players who may want to participate in the inaugural mixed championship in Regina this April.

In the last five years, the local club has sent senior mens and mixed teams to the world championships in 2008 and 2010.

"I would love to see the league move forward and hopefully send the first national team to represent the Yukon,鈥� Allain said in a news release posted on the league website.