The Kbay Krakens — Homer’s local broomball team — will host a tournament this Saturday at the Kevin Bell Arena.

Organizer Rudy Multz said there’s not a huge learning curve with broomball, since it combines a lot of sports that people are somewhat familiar with, like soccer and hockey. And because you’re playing on specialized shoes, you can slide on the ice, but you won’t necessarily slip.

“It makes it so kind of anybody — as long as they’re wearing a helmet — can get out there and try it,” he said.

In the past, teams from communities as far as Bethel and Whitehorse have visited Homer to compete. This year, at least one team from Anchorage is coming down, and he hopes the Homer community will turn out, even if just to spectate.

“It’s a fun sport to watch. It’s got a really cool mix of different facets. Having an arena is cool because there’s a lot of geometry that happens with the ball. And, you know, it’s like a mix of physics and geometry that makes the game interesting, because the ball can bounce off of the walls. It doesn’t stay on the ice as much as a puck does, so there are opportunities for really neat passes where you shovel it over to people, or, you know, use the boards to bounce it around people. There’s a mental game that’s happening as well as a physical game.”

The End of the Road Broomball Tournament will be held March 1 at the Kevin Bell Arena. Sign-up will begin at 10 a.m., with games starting at 11. The tournament is free and open for community members to come and watch. Those interested in playing should come prepared to pay the $50 participation fee. Multz said they have plenty of shoes and sticks for adult players, although it might be best to BYOH (bring your own helmet).

If you’re planning on traveling to Homer for the tournament, Best Western Bidarka Inn is offering limited, discounted lodging to those participating in the tournament. You can book a room by calling 907-235-8148.

Homer broomball players pose on Dec. 7, 2024 at Kevin Bell Arena. Broomball has been an active, accessible Homer community sport for years. If you’re interested in seeing it played, come out this weekend and support your local players or give it a swing yourself and hop on the ice! (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)