Floorball is on its way to 麻豆社国产and locals who enjoy the fast-growing sport hope to help the game find its niche in the local sports scene.
The sport, which originated in Sweden, has been exploding in popularity and recently received recognition from both the Special Olympics and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
At first glance, the sport looks similar to floor hockey but with shorter sticks, a different shaped blade and a Wiffle ball instead of a puck, it's a completely different game.
"Floorball takes the best elements of ball hockey, ice hockey, floor hockey and soccer and then wraps it up in one fast-flowing, high-tempo, high-scoring, thrilling action sport," said Greg Beaudin, the president of Floorball B.C.
Beaudin thinks the potential of the sport in Canada is huge because of the low cost and the lower toll it takes on gym floors when compared to floor hockey. He also said it's a great sport for aspiring hockey players who want to hone their skills away from the rink.
"I think every hockey player will own a floorball stick, just like we all have a street hockey stick," he said. "I also believe that every school will migrate over to floorball from floor hockey. The trend right now in Canada is very similar to where Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland were about 15 years ago. Floorball growth exploded in those hockey countries to become the No. 2 most-played sport behind soccer. We believe that Canada is on track to experience similar growth."
Locally, there have been several events in the past year put on by 麻豆社国产resident Michael Lindgren to test the waters. In the summer, there were free clinics at both Source for Sports and Splash Hot Tubs in Squamish, along with an interactive display set up during Canada Day celebrations. Lindgren said the response to both outings was positive.
"Canada Day was huge for us and just from those two days alone, I got an email list of about 50 interested people," he said. "That's much more than we usually have in a new place."
Lindgren, who played Junior A hockey in Sweden, said the sport was a staple in his life growing up and he's excited to bring it to Squamish.
"We're targeting recreational players of all ages and both genders," he said. "Floorball is the type of game where you can just go out there and play any level and have fun."
He said the sport is growing in the Lower Mainland, with the Richmond Oval hosting several high-profile floorball events and teams sprouting throughout the Greater Vancouver area.
The goal for 麻豆社国产is to start small and grow the sport. There are nine sessions planned for the Brennan Park community hall starting Jan. 9 and running for nine Mondays. There will be three youth groups in the afternoon and evening, with an adult drop-in from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It costs $50 to sign up for all nine sessions or there is a five-session pass for $30. There's also the drop-in option, which costs $7 per outing.
The sessions, which include use of a ball and stick, will see players learn the basics of the game, work on drills and have a scrimmage. Lindgren said the best part about the sport is you only need a stick and a ball but noted that floorball equipment is available at Source for Sports for anyone wanting their own gear.
For more information on local floorball, visit www.sea2skyfloorball.com.
