Making floor hockey history

Junior Josh Gottlieb-Miller deftly dribbles up the sideline and splits past two oncoming defenders. He gains momentum as he nears goalie territory and slaps the ball in the net. Onlookers pound the walls in excitement as teammates on the sideline clap and yell excitedly.

This isn't the ice rink, and the players are not donning pleated field hockey skirts. On the contrary, most players sport jeans and a t-shirt. A noisy cluster of students is peering through the narrow gym doors in Blair's auxiliary gym to watch the match-up between the Almost Red Wings and Machos Muchachos, squads in Blair's intramural floor hockey league.

Camaraderie and enthusiasm for the sport have created a rivalry during the winter season, separating the league from regular-season varsity sports. "Not only are we playing this great sport, but we're also having fun together," says junior Maria Luckyanova, co-captain of the Playmates.

Along with the respect among teams is an undeniable spirit of competitiveness, which is so strong that players have been known to lash out good-naturedly at their opponents. "There's some trash-talking between teams, but it doesn't affect us in a negative way," says Luckyanova.

Floor hockey, deemed a "phenomenon" by sponsor Bob Gibb, has attracted many Blazers since its start 17 years ago. There are currently 11 teams in the league, which is split into the red and white divisions. Teams compete in 15-minute games and are eligible to compete in the annual Intramural Floor Hockey Championship and the Changuris Cup.

Due to Gibb's new regulations this season, at least two girls from each team are required on the floor at all times. In a league that all-male teams once dominated, females are now making their mark. The Gnats, a team with females who get major playing time, is ranked number one in the Red Division. Senior Sophie Strike explains that the strength of the team is based on the hockey experience of the team's females.

Cynthia Changuris, head of the physical education department, says the league started in 1986, the year she first taught floor hockey, and was an immediate hit. "The kids loved it so much, they asked for open floor hockey," Changuris says. "[The league] grew so big so fast that I had to turn teams away."

By the second year, Changuris set standards to provide an opportunity for all teams to participate in floor hockey games. "I decided to give [the league] structure so that everyone would get a chance to play," she explains.

As the league increased in popularity, so did its following of fans. The balcony located in the small gym at the old Blair building allowed students to cheer on their peers. Changuris recalls the atmosphere as "electric."

Sparks will again fly when squads face off in the Feb 18 floor hockey semifinals and the Feb 25 Changuris Cup final. Senior Stuart Berg, who plays for the Gnats, says his team will relish the chance to gain bragging rights. "We'll be able to laugh and point at the others," Berg says.