This fall you are going to get your hockey fix. Well, maybe not. But the U of T Floorball Club is sure to offer you a unique alternative.
Since its recognition just over two years ago, the floorball club has grown exponentially and has emerged as one of U of T’s leading clubs, boasting nearly 300 members. Floorball is described as a non-contact, recreational form of indoor hockey.
The sport originated in northern Europe in the early 1980s and is currently played in 32 countries around the world, including Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Finland, where it is played in front of passionate crowds of over 15, 000. According to Juha Mikkola, the founder of the U of T floorball club, the sport has come a long way since its humble beginnings: “Indeed, floorball has surpassed hockey in overall popularity in some Scandinavian countries, while it has also made strides across Europe to become a respected international game.”
The early members of the U of T organization are true pioneers of the sport in this country. Under the watch of Mikkola, floorball has carved out quite a niche at U of T. Whereas the organization started out as a vision amongst a small group of friends, it now includes a variety of events. For instance, regular practice and scrimmage games are held once a week, as are games against other Canadian and international clubs. There are also social events for competitive members, recreational players, and members of the community and faculty.
However, this should not be surprising. With its similarities to floor hockey, it is no wonder that the sport has found so many receptive participants.
“Floorball offers a unique experience”, said Mikkola. “It is very similar to hockey but is more acceptable to everyone.”
Participants play without any equipment, using only a specially designed stick and a “whiffle” ball. The ultimate goal is to use team play to outscore your opponents. The rules are developed to increase speed and promote skill.
The sport has garnered the reputation of being a friendly game that is acceptable to people of all shapes and sizes. Participants do not need to worry about being slashed, hooked, or run over by the “hockey guy” who thinks he’s a National Hockey League (NHL) all-star.
Floorball is played in a very friendly environment without stick or body contact, which allows everyone to reap the benefits of the sport without risk of injury. Competitive players can attend tryouts throughout the year for a spot on Team Ontario if they desire to compete at a higher level of the sport.
This past August, members of Team Ontario traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina to compete in the second annual East Coast Cup. The team finished in third place, against the odds in a tournament that featured seasoned players from Europe.
“Most of the teams were stacked, and we were able to give them a scare, which gives us something to shoot for in the future”, said Mikkola of Team Ontario’s showing.
This was not a totally surprising finish for the team. Last year also resulted in a third place finish for the Ontario squad, giving them more incentive to end the “bronze age” next year.
More competitive members also have the option of joining the Toronto Floorball League. The league was spawned as a by-product of the success of the U of T club.
Members became so enamoured by the new sport taking over the university that there was a demand for more competitive play.
“People liked it and stood with it because of what the people and the sport stood for”, said Randy Sa’d, Vice President of the Ontario Floorball Federation.
Since its inception, the league has tripled in size and now has over 60 members. Floorball is a great game to watch in person, and gives the audience plenty of fast-paced action without any commercial breaks.
In addition, floorball offers excellent conditioning,
“There are no icings, and no offsides, so there is constant running and movement,” said Mikkola. “Anyone who plays floorball will tell you that it is a tremendous cardio [workout], and is a good alternative for athletes of all levels seeking cross training and additional fitness benefits.”
There is no commitment involved when one comes to practice. Players can drop by once in a while, as games are easy to organize and play.
This fall, students or anyone else interested can participate every Saturday from 3-5pm in a practice and scrimmage. Gym clothes and a good attitude are the only requirements. And better yet, it’s free.
So with the fall of hockey this year, get ready for the Fall of Floorball.
