Home of Broomball

Home of Broomball. Massey, Ontario. , The people of Massey have been actively involved in sports from the town's earliest times to the present. Massey is the “Home of Broomball”. One day a little girl was observed sweeping her rubber ball with a broom. Members of the local soccer team took this event and adapted it to the first broomball game in 1911. It is probable that this first game was not played on an ice surface but on the grass of a local park. , Horses were not only a source of power for the woodsmen and farmers, but also a means of pleasure and recreation. Horse racing on the ice of the Spanish River near the present site of the Spanish River Bridge was a welcomed break from the drudgery of work., Fishing and hunting have played an important role in the local economy because of Massey's location on the Canadian Shield, a vast area of forest, rocks, rivers and lakes. Many enthusiasts continue to enjoy the good hunting and fishing with visitors often staying at popular resorts. , By whatever name, “Ball” has been played at one time or another along the North Shore. Great rivalries developed between teams from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie. Women and men teams were popular and many championships were won by local teams. “Ball” continues to be a popular sport but less competitive than in the earlier years. , In 1921 a skating rink was built, owned and operated by Ben Maahs and for the first year was an open air rink with gas lighting. The next year it was covered and “delco” powered lights were installed. It is possible that, at one time, this was the only covered rink between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. It ceased to be used as a rink in 1963. Outdoor rinks were maintained in various locations throughout the community until a new arena was built in 1975., Women’s and Men’s hockey teams have represented this community throughout the years. Teams representing the town earned glory and praise as championships were won or lost on the ice surfaces along the North Shore.