The action was fast and furious as six teams faced off in the Bob Park Icebreaker broomball tournament this past weekend, and by the end of the season-opening event, there were plenty of sore bodies.

While the Icebreaker is an annual tournament for the Yukon Broomball Association (YBA), held indoors at Takhini Arena because the ice surface at the broomball rink usually isn't quite ready, this year the tournament organizers made a special change.

'It was brought to the executive's attention that maybe we should change the name in honour of Bob, because Bob played broomball for upwards of 20 years and really enjoyed it,' explained Scott Smith, the director of YBA.

'He rarely missed a game. He was the top scorer in the league last year.

'We wanted to recognize him and honour him for always helping us.'

Park, who passed away after a battle with cancer earlier this year, would host the YBA banquet at whichever pub he was running over the past few years, the Roadhouse, but prior to that the Gold Rush Inn and former Sportspage as well.

'He always went the extra mile for the league,' said Smith.

In what some would call a fitting end to the tournament, the Roadhouse walked away with the Icebreaker title, sneaking past the Whitehorse Dental Donkeys 2-1 in sudden-death overtime Sunday afternoon.

'We wanted this one,' remarked one of the Roadhouse players following the victory. 'This one's for Bob.'

Both teams were exhausted by the time the final goal was scored, after playing seven games throughout the weekend.

'It took it's toll,' smiled Smith. 'There were some injuries. There were some sore bodies out there. The first tournament is always the toughest, because there are so many games in just a few days. League play is a lot different obviously.'

League play is expected to get underway as soon as weather permits. The ice is in now, said Smith, and they're hoping to get going this weekend, but the YBA has a cutoff of -24 C.

Once it gets going, the broomball season usually lasts until March, with playoffs and a final tournament in Haines Junction wrapping it all up. This year, the schedule might change a bit for a few reasons, said Smith.

Rendezvous has been moved back a week because of the Canada Winter Games, which are being hosted in Whitehorse Feb. 23-March 10. Also, spring break will play a role in the broomball schedule.

Still, the league is moving full steam ahead and new players are always welcome.

'It's mixed, non-contact and it's a cheap alternative to some other sports,' said Smith. 'It's only about $80 a season, plus your own equipment.'

Anyone interested in joining broomball can contact Smith at 633-3712, or visit the YBA website at www.yukonbroomball.com.