The fierce competition that is broomball takes place on Wednesday nights at Hobbs Ice Arena.

I know your dilemma. You love watching hockey and may like to try it, but you aren’t very comfortable skating around on a razor thin blade of metal.

Well, have I got a deal for you. Every Wednesday night the Eau Claire Parks and Recreation department hosts an evening of broomball at the Hobbs Ice Arena. Broomball has very similar rules to hockey except players just where normal shoes (though traction helps) and use rubber brooms to knock around a heavy rubber ball. Teams consist of five players and a goalie (similar to hockey).

While the Hobbs’ nights are organized and provide all the equipment you’ll need, many communities have groups that play out on local lakes, something we have plenty of. Maybe after learning the game you can take it outside and enjoy the Wisconsin winter.

The Parks and Rec events are co-ed and for adults and are ‘pick-up’ games, so there’s no need to pre-register. They’re held now until March 27, from 8:45-10:15pm. Just show up and start playing. But watch your step, it’s slippery!