Final Photo Story - Rebaza

Every Thursday night, Maryland students from across campus gather in one place: The Herbert Wells Ice Rink for the weekly pastime of broomball.

Team choices are simple, red or blue, with an unlimited number of players on the ice.

A payment of three dollars gets you access to all the chaos, action, and fun of broomball night.

All of the players glide towards the ball on one side of the ice.

There can be over fifty players on the ice at once, but the goalies play the most important part.

Played with a broom and a bright orange ball, players do not wear skates, slipping and sliding across the rink.

Most of the players are regulars, fitting broomball into their busy weekly schedule.

On top of improving their skills, broomball regulars have built a community amongst themselves.

Goalies have one of the toughest jobs on the ice, having to stay crouched down most of the game.

This goalies steps up to make a big save and stop the blue team from taking the lead.

A player clears the ball up the ice. Games are played with two balls to maximize action with so many players.

Every time a goal is scored, one of the players updates the scoreboard.

Following a goal, play restarts in the middle of the ice with a face off.

Players say that broomball gives them an informal way to get some exercise during the winter months.

A face off is taken after the red team tied the game at 8.

Goalies need to be alert, as two balls can often come their way at once.

The players on the ice are mostly UMD students, but some locals are regulars as well and are welcomed as part of the broomball community.

Goalies have the ability to throw the ball down the ice to advance their team.

Despite the slipperiness of the ice, players say that falling is half the fun.

After the game is over, the teams line up and shake hands before heading their separate ways, promising to see each other again the following week.