Broomball - Moscow League

2022-23 We're Back Baby!

On this page: What is broomball? \| Why play it? \| When and where? \| Russians \| Where do I sign up?

What is broomball?	Broomball is like ice hockey, but with one important difference – instead of skates you wear special sponge-soled shoes. It is played on an outdoor tennis court specially frozen over to make a small ice rink. Like ice hockey, it is a full contact sport, but because players wear ice hockey gear only thing aching after a typical game is your muscles. The lack of grip on the ice means that stopping and changing direction are extremely difficult. It is not uncommon for a player to fail to stop a ball that is passing only a few feet away, with plenty of warning, and instead to simply fall over as he struggles to start moving in that direction. Spectators agree that broomball is an extremely humorous sport to watch. David Breeze, Moscow Broomball League chairman.
Why play it?	So many reasons... Its great aerobic exercise A good excuse to leave the house and spend some time outside at a time of year people are normally just festering in their flats Competitivness and camaraderie between the teams. The league is casual - for expats by expats It’s a Moscow tradition – Broomball has been played in the winter in Moscow every year since 1966 and the current league has been running since the 80s There is a great social life including a fancy dress gala and the ubiquitous Broomball Ball (with proceeds going to charity) not to mention much after match socialising and Saturday afternoon barbeques
When and where?	Matches are on weekday evenings (usually once a week), and Saturday late morning/afternoon. Schedules are drawn up in advance so you know what nights to keep free. Play starts as soon as it gets cold enough for the ice to freeze and continues until it thaws again. A typical winter gives you 3 months of play from January until March. The German Embassy hosts the matches. They have excellent changing facilities and a nice bar.
Russians:	Broomball has been played by expatriates in Moscow for several decades, but Russians have never been permitted to play (with the exception is wifes/husbands of other players.) This is because non-Russians are generally diplomatic or commercial personnel on a three-year posting - with the continual turnover of players that this implies, the standard of play remains fairly accessible and hence new arrivals in Moscow can quickly become valued team members. The league organisers fear that if Russians were allowed to play they would soon field teams entirely of experienced players, destroying the dynamics of the league.
Where do I sign up?	Email any of the people below and they will be happy to help you find a team, or else point you in the right direction: League President: David Breese Vice President: Christian Rupf Ice Coordinator: Johann Faigle (Hans) Scorekeeper/Webmaster: David Marlton