This article originally appeared on BC Floorball
It was great to see a lot of new players make their tournament debut at the Montreal Open November 2007. Red Phoenix from Montreal, the gold medal winners, was filled with new names and faces that we all quickly got to know. This group has been playing together for a number of years as ball hockey players but only recently picked up a floorball stick for the first time. For these elite ball hockey players, they had no problem transferring their skills to floorball as their performance on the court was quite remarkable to watch. Many were impressed with how quickly and fluidly they moved the ball around the court finding an open player to send a quick hard shot home. These guys had speed, grit and very good moves. They were a pleasure to watch and play against.
It was most encouraging to see how well the Red Phoenix Players, National Ball Hockey Champions, adjusted from ball hockey to floorball in such a short time. This new group has really increased the standard level of play. This certainly shows the potential we know we have in Canada to be a top contender on world floorball stage. Keep it up Red Phoenix!
Following is an interview with Stephane Laporte, one of the stars of Red Phoenix and new member of the Canadian Men’s National Floorball team and his story of moving from ball hockey to floorball.
Where were you born?
I was born in a city called St-Jean-sur-le-Richelieu on the southern outskirts of Montréal.
How long have you played floorball?
I have been playing Floorball for 4 months now.
How did you get introduced?
One of my ball hockey friends asked me to check out the Québec Floorball web site. I found it different and interesting.
What was your initial reaction?
My initial reaction was…the goalie has no equipment.
Tell us about you background with ball hockey?
I have been playing Ball hockey for around 20 years. I started on the streets when I was 12, like a lot of kids my age. At the age of 20, I got involved in organized Ball hockey with refs and stats.
Name of ball hockey team?
Royal made up of mainly 8 great players playing tournaments 3 vs 3. I also played with Red Phoenix, the best Royal players mixed with the best Red Phoenix players, including the guys now playing Floorball. The other team I played with was Red Army, Royal players mixed with players of other teams.
Tell us about the success of your ball hockey team.
I was fortunate to have great teammates and together we have won numerous championships. The ones I particularly cherish are the Canadian (3vs3) street hockey National Championships (Team-Royal). You can see us on playon.ca. The winter 2005 Quebec elite championship (Team-Red Phoenix) and last but not least the 2007 East regional B championships in Montréal (team-Red Army). My favorite road trip was going to Turks and Caicos (paradise). You can see this on ultimateroadtrip.com if you don’t believe me.
Why did you switch to floorball?
I switched to Floorball because I consider it safer, quicker and more skill oriented rather than rough and unsportsmanlike often seen in Ball hockey.
Do you play both floorball and ball hockey?
Right now I still play in both Ball hockey and Floorball but will sooner or later lack the time to do both. What I enjoy most about ball hockey is the tournaments, so I do intend continuing playing in tournaments but want to concentrate on getting skilled in Floorball. Eventually, once all my Ball hockey buds switch to Floorball, then I believe that Floorball tournaments will be the new hype. So watch out Europe here we come!
How is floorball better?
I find Floorball to have more sportsmanship. It is a quicker, higher paced sport, easily assessable founded on finesse and spectacle. I think it has a lot of potential for all ages. I notice in Québec that we have many skilled Ball hockey players with the ability to adjust very quickly to Floorball. The future looks good, from what I’m seeing right now in Canada, we will be surprising many countries in 2010.
What advice do you have for other ball hockey players?
The only advice I have to all Ball hockey players in Canada would simply be to give Floorball a serious try. Keep in mind that Floorball is a relatively young sport in Canada and only with the emergence of new Canadian players will this sport grow in popularity. If you feel you have issues with your manhood and find it to be sissy like then you are not at the right place but for all those loving new challenges and love giving your best then come on in.
By Stephanie Laporte
