You know what really grinds my gears? When people aren’t familiar with a sport, and assume that the sport is played literally as the name suggests. For example, I play water polo and it kills me when I’m having a great conversation with someone, I tell them that I do this, and they say something to the extent of “but how do the horses swim?.” At that point the conversation abruptly ends as I storm off in the opposite direction shaking my head.
Okay, so I have to admit something… I’ve been updating scores, emailing captains and so forth for the PSL Broomball league, and I’m sitting at my desk thinking that Broomball is literally people running around on an ice rink with a house broom and a ball. I understand if you think it’s ridiculous… so do I.
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≠ BROOMBALL
So I decided on Monday night that enough was enough. I went out to the Mt. Lebanon Ice Rink for my first Broomball game and to put my ignorance to rest. I couldn’t have been more mistaken about what was going on in our Broomball leagues. I got a chance to speak with the referee before the game, who gave me
some “deets” before game time. I was fortunate enough to see two really great teams face off in the first game of the season. The first team being described as “strategic and system-oriented veterans,” and the other team known to be “quick, hard hitters.” I was in for a good game.
The PSL Broomball league does not disappoint. There are people taking hits against the side boards (although not allowed), sliding on knees and elbows to make a save or to get to the ball faster, etc. Somehow these teams are able to put on an awesome display of finesse during competition that I certainly would not have expected from a group of adults running back and forth on the ice rink, fighting one another for possession of the ball.
For those of you who remain unaware of Broomball, I would most easily describe it as hockey, with lacrosse stick looking brooms, as seen below:
It really was an interesting game to watch, and I can only imagine how fun it would be to play! So my recommendation to ANYONE looking to have some fun, would be to try out a new sport, like Broomball or any other sport offered
within the PSL. Look into something new that you’ve never played, or maybe even heard of before. Expand your horizons, you might just find something awesome for you. After all, if you’re bored, then you’re boring. If you aren’t already playing a PSL sport or attending a PUMP event, get involved!!
I apologize for the quality of the pictures taken on my phone, but below are just some shots from my first Broomball experience. I invite anyone interested in checking out a new sport to stop by and watch a game, just check out our schedules to see when we’re playing. Who knows, maybe you’ll even see the PSL staff there!
Don’t forget upcoming PUMP events like PUMPtoberfest on September 29, it’s going to be a great time! For more info, please visit the PUMPtoberfest page on Facebook!
