Broomball is a lot like ice hockey, except players wear shoes and use a ball instead of a puck. The game originated in Canada in the early 20th century and eventually made its way to La Crosse, where bar-sponsored teams play weekly during the winter.
WPR’s Maureen McCollum took to the ice back in 2013 to watch a game played along the Mississippi River on one of the coldest nights of the year. She produced this story for “Wisconsin Life.”
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“Broomball is essentially hockey rules — a little slimmed down and made a little easier,” said Mike Brogan, broomball league coordinator for the city of La Crosse and Park and Recreation Director for the village of Holmen. He’s been playing broomball since 1990.
The athletes play with a sort of “mini soccer ball” the size of a softball. The nets are a little bigger than the ones used in hockey. Players don’t wear skates, but special broom ball shoes that reduce their chance of slipping as they run on the ice.
“Most of the world doesn’t know what those are, but they’re quite unique. They have kind of a Chuck Taylor look with the big spongy bottom,” said Brogan.
Then, of course, there are the brooms. They have a molded head and almost resemble a big spatula.
“It’s not really a broom anymore,” said Brogan. “It used to be brooms. Actually, there was a few players that still have brooms.”
Like many adult sports leagues in La Crosse, local bars sponsor the broomball teams.
Tonight, it’s Animal House versus John’s Bar.
“I like to play broom ball because it’s definitely a great activity in the wintertime when normally people just mope on their couches and watch TV all winter or sit in the bars. This way you actually get out and get some exercise and sweat yourself up,” laughed Rachel Luehring, a member of the Animal House team (although she played for their rivals John’s Bar in the past). “It’s fun! And it’s nice because I’m a little competitive, so having a sport in the winter is nice to bring that out.”
“I’ve got icicles on my eyebrows right now. That’s why I love broom ball,” said Nick Fellenz, who plays for Animal House. “It could be 30 below, but you’re still sweating outside. Plus, anybody can play it. And you get sweet jerseys like we do. You win every game.”
“I used to play hockey, too, and it’s real similar to hockey, which I like,” said Lewis Parish, another Animal House teammate.
“And he likes to throw cheap shots out there,” one of Parish’s opponents laughed.
“Yup, that’s the opponent talking smack. Typical when he’s down,” laughed Parish. “There’s a lot of jawing in this game, but for the most part, everybody’s friends. And it’s a good time. Even when it’s negative 30 out, it’s still fun to get out here.”
Parish adds that players usually head to their team’s bars after the games.
Pat Scheller is proud of his team’s bar’s history.
“I play for John’s Bar, the oldest established broom ball team in the city,” he said.
Scheller has been playing broomball for 33 years.
“My favorite broom ball story? I think the fact that I was have been ejected several times,” laughed Scheller. “I mean, I played with people 30 years ago that I’m still friends with and I’m making new friends this year. That’s what I like. I’m 56 years old and I’m outside doing something in the middle of the winter, 5 degrees above zero.”
“Wisconsin Life” is a co-production of Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin. The project celebrates what makes the state unique through the diverse stories of its people, places, history and culture.
