It's time for broomball teams across the campus to take their game to the next level. They need to bring their best; this is the co-ed intramural broomball playoffs.
It is Sunday night, just a few minutes before midnight. How could anybody want to be anywhere else except Bird Arena for the broomball playoffs? OUAC is meeting Delta Sig and the records can be thrown out when these two teams square off.
The game's beginning is intense. The teams take the ice as two players make their way to the center dot. The referee drops the ball, and the players stare each other down as the ref slowly skates away. It's on!
OUAC controls the ball to start the game. Immediately, players sacrifice their bodies. Less than a minute into the game they slide and crash into the boards. The adrenaline has clearly risen for this highly anticipated first-round playoff game.
The first scoring opportunity of the game comes for Delta Sig in the form of an open net. The shot is wide though, and the game remains scoreless. This is the theme of the first period, which is six minutes long. Delta Sig is dominating the shots on goal, but OUAC goalie Joel Gleason and defender Jessica Bartlett are up to the task. The first period ends with a score of 0-0.
The second period mimics the first, with a lot of fast breaks for Delta Sig but no goals to show for it. The pace is picking up. Players from both teams sprint after the ball, only to find out that they are running too fast on the ice. What results is either a complete wipeout or a high-wire act complete with arms flailing.
Defense dominates this game, with sticks swarming the ball on every point of the ice. The first break comes with one minute remaining in the second period. The Delta Sig goalie misplays a save opportunity. B.J. Ingham of OUAC takes advantage and knocks the ball into the net to break the scoreless tie.
I'm going to go with 100 percent luck on that one
Ingham said. Skill had a factor in it though.
Delta Sig comes out attacking in the third and final period. Two shots fire at Gleason, but he is up to the task again. OUAC adds another goal two minutes into the third, crushing the spirits of Delta Sig. OUAC scores yet another goal for good measure with a minute left in the game to win 3-0.
Afterward, Gleason talks about the pressure and credits his teammates.
I was a little nervous since it was the playoffs Gleason said. We had a lot of good teamwork. Basically I had some good defensemen.
Dan Redfern, of Delta Sig, talks about the season's conclusion.
I'm very disappointed to see it end this way especially since we didn't score a goal
Redfern said. I wish OUAC the best of luck though.
For Delta Sig and other broomball teams out there, there is always next season.
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