Senior Park broomball manager Luke Cichoski strides onto the playing field after winning for the first time that season.

Despite only winning one game last season, Cichoski said the team thrived because of the enjoyable and laid-back environment.

“We’re just a ragtag group of guys so we all just go out and mess around and have fun,” Cichoski said.

Cichoski said they play broomball with one goalie, two defenders and three offensive players on the ice at one time. He said broomball differs from hockey because players wear boots instead of skates and hit a ball with small brooms.

According to senior team member Eric Hendricks, the team enjoys playing a sport they don’t have to worry about.

“It’s not necessarily as intense and you don’t need to be stressed out about it like you would with (other sports),” Hendricks said.

Hendricks said most of their opponents are adult men who also play for enjoyment.

“The opposing teams, the older guys, they’re always cracking jokes and they’re just having fun too,” Hendricks said.

Senior team member Isaiah Pearson said he appreciates the small time commitment.

“I think most sports are pretty competitive because people invest a lot of time in them, but with broomball it’s like once a week, sometimes twice if we have a practice,” Pearson said.

According to Pearson, broomball is a great activity for those without much athletic background.

“I think for people who maybe aren’t that athletic, or are shy or nervous, it’s a good way to get that sport experience,” Pearson said.

Park broomball director Jim Lombardi said anyone who enjoys winter sports would also enjoy broomball.

“I think if (students) enjoy being outdoors in the winter time and enjoy that hockey-type atmosphere, it’s a good way to go out and play,” Lombardi said.

According to Lombardi, Park has a committed pool of broomball teams.

“I think we’ve really stabilized here in St. Louis Park,” Lombardi said. “We have a good group of teams and a core group that has come back year after year.”

Lombardi said he encourages Park youth to get involved in outdoor activities like broomball this winter. He said he would be more than willing to help groups wanting to form a broomball team get into a league and secure rink space.

Cichoski said he thinks the rising popularity of broomball comes from the relaxed and carefree atmosphere of the sport.

“I think it’s growing (in popularity) just because it’s a cheaper and more recreational version of hockey,” Cichoski said.

Pearson said he gives Cichoski credit for spreading the word about the team and getting students involved.

“There’s more and more people from our school joining the team every year,” Pearson said. “People are realizing that it’s fun.”

Lombardi said he believes positive relationships between officials and teams make the league successful and attract new teams.

“They’ve had the same officials there for the last eight to 10 years and they’ve developed a good rapport between officials and players,” Lombardi said.

Cichoski said the most important part is having a good time with his teammates.

“You get to watch your buddies out there tripping and falling on the ice,” Cichoski said. “You get to watch funny things happening to your friends.”

Hendricks said he loves having a night set aside just to have fun with his friends.

“I just like the group of guys and just being able to go out on a Monday night to be outdoors and be with the buds,” Hendricks said.

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