Broomball may be experiencing a revival in Makkovik, N.L., and locals express their excitement about it.
Prior to the closure of the town’s outdoor rink in 1996, broomball — a game played on ice without skates — was one of the most favored sports in the region. Over the years, its popularity has diminished.
However, in early January, ice time was allocated at Makkovik Arena for the game, and residents are optimistic that this is just the start.
“We heard some conversations about it. We noticed a few comments on Facebook, and we thought, we have the gear, so why not give it a try?” said recreation director Laura Martin in an interview with CBC News.
Martin expressed hope that regular broomball nights will be added to the calendar, aiming to spark interest in the game among younger community members with experienced players guiding them.
Among those experienced players is Barbara Andersen, who recalls playing on the original outdoor rink when the town had four men’s teams, four women’s teams, and youth teams.
<p“After our rink shut down, I would occasionally travel to Postville, where they had an open rink, to play,” she recounted, referring to the two-hour round trip on a snowmobile just to enjoy the sport.
Andersen shared that it was delightful to be back on the ice with her family and friends, and 18 players participated in Makkovik’s first game in decades.
The age range of players varied from 12 to those in their 60s. Andersen played alongside two of her grandchildren, her son-in-law, and one of her daughters.
Barbara Andersen participated in a broomball game with her grandchildren, daughter, and son-in-law. (Submitted by Colleen Pottle)
While Andersen rekindled her connection with the game she once played frequently, many participants were experiencing it for the first time.
She mentioned that her grandchild inquired how she was able to hit the ball with such force.
“I told them, ‘I don’t know, you just wind up and get ready and give it your all,’” Andersen explained.
Buzz about broomball has been growing within the community.
After years off the schedule, broomball is back — and people are lacing up again. Players and organizers share what it was like to see the game return and why it matters to the community.
“Some participants felt a bit anxious about starting because they were unfamiliar with the game, and personally, I’ve only played a couple of times before, so it’s also new for me,” Martin remarked.
“But seeing the older players, they know how to play and shoot the ball, which highlights the contrast, but younger players can learn from them.”
During its peak, broomball teams from Makkovik frequently traveled to Newfoundland for tournaments, with one team even attending an Atlantic tournament in New Brunswick and some members competing in a national tournament in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
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