Broom Ball is the newest bar league event in Kingsford.
KINGSFORD -- Think hockey except with no skates and a broom instead of a stick. It may sound ridiculous, but broom ball is a popular college sport that now has found its way to Kingsford thanks to bar owner Michael Maule.
"It was a lot of fun and a great experience,” said Maule. “Now that when winter comes around the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area, I think people have a hard time finding something to do at night, and I had so much fun playing a couple years ago I decided to start a league of my own."
Maule, who serves as referee for games, made a huge sheet of ice in the back of his bar for the four-team Tuesday night league, giving players and fans a midweek event to look forward to.
"It's a lot of fun, I mean there's not a lot to do on Tuesday nights and it kind of starts the week off after Monday and then Tuesday is never very good,” said league player Thor Hermanson. “Then you get to come here after work and take out some aggression. It's a lot of fun especially when you're playing against good competition and a lot of good people out here playing."
One of the biggest draws to the sport is that anybody can play regardless of age or ability. All it takes is a broom and a little courage. Players vary in age from mid-20s to guys in their 40s and 50s.
"I got an e-mail from Mike on Facebook,” said player Mike Zolner, who is in his 50s. “I asked him if an old guy with a plate in his neck, overweight, is good at this and he said, 'Yeah they're the best ones.'"
While the league is full, Maule said he plans on having Saturday tournaments at his bar, The Junction, starting next month.