Broomball fanatics take over Garema Place

Ten members, or just under 20 per cent, of Canberra's 50 to 60 strong Broomball Association staged a demonstration match on the ice with support of their rum-free mascot, Pierre Polar Bear.

Mikah Ramirez, at six years old the youngest participant in Sunday's demonstration match, scored a goal and said afterwards that shooting and scoring were the best parts of the game.

Described by his mum, Michelle Ramirez, as "an ice baby" who began attending broomball matches within months of being born, Mikah is young to play competition.

The minimum age is 13 and Canberra's youngest competition player is 14.

Mrs Ramirez says the sport, which does not require ice skates, appeals to a wide age range. "Our oldest player would be in their 50s," the Calwell resident said.

Despite its low profile broomball, an easy access variation on the traditional ice hockey format, has a solid history in Canberra.

"The sport has been around (here) for about 20 years and I started playing in 2001," Mrs Ramirez said.

"I became involved through a friend and have gone on to represent the ACT in the national competition. Some of our local players are going to Japan to play with the national broomball squad at the end of the year (in November)."

Instead of traditional hockey sticks, players use titanium or wooden handled "brooms" which come with specially shaped plastic ends to strike the 10-centimetre rubber ball that takes the place of the puck.

Helmets are worn and face cages are optional.

Mrs Ramirez said the Canberra association had recently received a grant from the ACT government to raise the profile of the sport among young people and Sunday's exhibition match had been intended to do that.