Boots sliding across ice, a semi-deflated soccer ball, and a common household item used as a hockey stick.
Every February in Charlestown, NH, a hockey tournament is played. This isn’t your everyday game of ice hockey though.
This is broom hockey.
Charlestown has played host to the annual Broom Hockey Winter Carnival for as long as members of the town can remember. Teams form every year to take part in the time honored tradition.
The rules of the game are simple. Stay on your feet, don’t raise your broom above your waist, and try to get the soccer ball into the opposing goal.
Charlestown resident, Dani Ferland, 22, is a second generation broom hockey athlete.
“I play broom hockey because it’s kind of a family tradition. My dad and all his friends have been playing for years now and growing up seeing it every year made me love it! Just running around, well trying to run, and having fun with your friends is the best part. You don’t have to be an amazing hockey player to play, just throw a bunch of people together and you got yourself a team.”
Another resident, Danielle Perry, 20, grew up watching her brothers play the sport until she was old enough to grab her own broom.
“I instantly had to play because my brothers made me, and I thought it was an awful game because I suck at it, but then again everyone is an awful player because it is just so slippery! It’s a blast watching everyone make a fool out of themselves slipping everywhere, add a little competition to that and you got yourself a great weekend.”
Slippery, an adjective that almost everyone you talk to will use to describe the sport. Most of the time the top layer of ice has started to melt so once your boots hit that surface keeping your balance becomes an art form. For most regular participants in the game though, sliding and falling is their favorite part.
“As we all get older we don’t have as many ways to be competitive and broom hockey is a way we can still do that. It’s cold you get hurt, it’s wonderful,” Cory Smith, 21, stated.
The event has become such a time honored tradition that people who have moved away come back just to participate in the tournament. College students leave campus and return to play, people who have moved out of state return, and local businesses close so that they can sponsor a team.
“I love playing Broom Hockey not only because of my love for the game of Hockey itself, but for the camaraderie that is shared amongst fellow friends and total strangers. What is better than slipping on ice, smacking a semi-deflated soccer ball with a corn broom, and then going to heat up next to a nice bonfire in a beautiful New England town,” says Aaron Perkins, who returned home from college this year to participate.
Overall the day is used as a time to bond, reunite, and have fun. When not on the ice people are huddled around a bonfire warming up, sipping hot chocolate, and enjoy each other’s company.
“It is certainly a unique ‘sport’ that has become popular to our town! I love the competitiveness along with the comedy in the game as people are sliding in their shoes struggling to get the soccer ball. Relaxing and warming up to the local food and fire is a treat too. It is crazy to think that teams travel from out of state to participate too. Broom Hockey is a great day of exercise tied with friends and laughter! I can proudly say I have been a Champion as well,” stated second generation participant Simone Chuda, 20, who plays alongside her siblings.
It is a small town tradition that brings people together. The ambulance on site may make it look intimidating, but really it is just good old New Hampshire fun.
The Pitch 