A couple years ago senior Matt Cichoski started a broomball team with his friends who didn’t play hockey as a way to enjoy themselves in the winter. When he left, his brother Luke decided to carry on with the tradition and create his own broomball team.

“It wasn’t really a choice. I had to carry on his work,” Cichoski said.

Alternate winter sports are increasing in numbers among students at Park. Like the broomball team, a group of male students have gotten together to form a basketball team for a community team.

The broomball team plays in a community league where they face off against primarily teams of older men. They play their games at Nelson Rink.

According to Cichoski one of the appeals of Broomball in the winter is the relaxed nature of the team yet competitive matches.

“People play to get outside during the winter and spend time having fun with their friends,” Cichoski said.

Another way students pass the time during the winter is playing in a community basketball league.

Junior Eric Hendricks said he likes to participate in the basketball team because it’s fun to connect with friends outside of school.

“I like it because you branch out and see the guys in a different environment outside of school” Hendricks said.

Hendricks also likes playing community basketball because of its relaxed nature.

“The schedule is much more relaxed you can just shot up for the games, go with the flow.” Hendricks said.