Broomball 2013 nets an impressive number of participants

Call it a sweeping success.

UNMC wrapped up its second regular season of broomball on Monday. This year, 13 teams featuring roughly 90 players participated in the four-week event.

Teams compete in a hockey-style game, using brooms instead of sticks, on the ice at the UNMC ice rink.

League director Rick Pruch said the number of teams had nearly doubled from 2012, the first year there was an actual league. (Tournaments had been held as part of students events in the past, as well.)

“I think it’s becoming very popular,” Pruch said. “People had a lot of fun, and the early players would even hang around to watch the late games, except on those really cold nights.”

“Broomball is only one of the intramural sports we offer on campus. Our basketball and volleyball leagues begin in January, and we will be registering interested employees and students when the new semester begins.” Rick Pruch

“I loved it,” said player Troy Dolezal, adding that the game takes a toll on the body.

“Even with that, I would play again next year,” he said.

The top teams will now take part in an end-of-season tournament that will commence in January, Pruch said.

“UNMC faculty, staff and students should be aware that broomball is only one of the intramural sports we offer on campus,” Pruch said. “Our basketball and volleyball leagues begin in January, and we will be registering interested employees and students when the new semester begins.”