Broomball is making a clean sweep in Toledo for its fourth season , thanks to Glass City Broomball League.
What is broomball?
“Some call it a cross between hockey and lacrosse,” league manager Monica Steele said. “Broomball is a sport played on ice with either broomball shoes or tennis shoes. We play with a wooden handled broom taped with duct tape. We play with ten girls on the ice per team on a half sheet of ice and a hollow 5.5 inch hard ball.”
A sport for everyone
Steele has been involved in the sport for over 30 years, including 25 years of coaching. She continues to play in adult leagues and is passionate about creating a positive experience for her players.
“The GCB league caters to all girls in 8th to 12th grade in our area. We have girls that play sports to girls that have never played a sport. It is truly a sport for everyone. Thanks to fundraisers, donations and volunteer events, we have been able to not charge any playing fees for all four seasons so far.”
“We want anyone who wants to play to be able to play,” Steele said.
The season begins in November, with seven weeks of games and a tournament in April. The girls play part of the season at Toledo Ice House, and part of the season at Tam O’ Shanter.
This year, GCB has nearly 200 girls from local high schools participating. That number continues to grow every year.
“In the 2024-2025 season, we have 18 teams. This is no small task. In our first season, we had just 8 teams,” Steele said.
Steele said that they currently have over 70 people that help run the league. This includes board members, coaches, referees and volunteers.
“We always welcome anyone that is interested in volunteering or coaching. We have sign ups on our website,” she said.
Adults welcome!
In addition to the youth league, GCB also offers an adult co-ed season.
“We have so many people that love this sport. Maybe they are past players or significant others that have been brought along. So many have reached out to have a short organized season, and we’re able to offer it,” Steele said.” We play 6 on 6. Timeline varies due to ice availability, but it’s after the girls’ season and lasts about six weeks.”
At the start of every fall season, GCB hosts a Try It Night for anyone interested in learning more about the sport.
“If anyone is interested in still playing this season, we have teams that will still take more players,” she said.
GCB will host a basket raffle in March, and will gladly accept donations from area businesses and individuals for this fundraiser.
For more information on youth and co-ed adult leagues, visit the website: glasscitybroomball.org.
