Athletes from across Massachusetts gathered at the Yawkey Sports Training Center on April 6th for the first-ever Special Olympics Massachusetts Floorball State Tournament. The event marked an exciting milestone as we continues to transition from traditional Floor Hockey to the faster-paced, more accessible sport of Floorball.

Floorball, while sharing similarities with hockey, is a unique sport with its own set of rules and style. The objective remains simple: score more goals than the opposing team. However, for Special Olympics athletes, the game is slightly modified to enhance accessibility. Starting in 2024, SOMA officially began the transition from Floor Hockey to Floorball. The move was made thoughtfully, with several key benefits in mind.

“We made the switch because Special Olympics programs around the world are moving in that direction. It’s a safer, easier sport to learn, with fewer rules and the ability to involve more players,” said Matt Ruxton, VP of Sports at Special Olympics MA. “Plus, when we described our old version of floor hockey, many people weren’t familiar with it. Floorball gives us a fresh start with a sport that’s easier to learn and more inclusive overall.”

One of the major advantages of Floorball is its simplicity. The sport requires less equipment, making it easier for athletes and teams to participate. The sticks and balls more closely resemble traditional hockey gear, but without the need for bulky padding or specialized playing surfaces.

“Equipment for traditional floor hockey was also difficult to find,” said Ruxton. “There’s really only one vendor left — while floorball equipment is much more accessible.”

The Massachusetts state tournament kicked off with a special skills clinic led by members of the Worcester State University men’s hockey team. Athletes had the chance to practice drills, sharpen their skills, and learn from enthusiastic college athletes.

Following the skills session, excitement started building as the Whitman Hanson Panthers faced off against the Hampshire County Sports Thunderbirds in the tournament’s featured match. Both teams brought incredible energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship to the court, showcasing just how quickly they’ve adapted to the new sport.

“I like playing goalie,” said Thunderbirds athlete, Joanna Bucci. “It’s awesome. I block so many balls from going in and it’s fun.”

The day was not just about competition; it was about celebrating the spirit of inclusion, growth, and embracing change.

“In floor hockey, we only had five teams participating. Now, in just the first year of floorball, we’re not only keeping those five teams, but we’re already expanding far beyond that,” said Ruxton. “We’re seeing new interest and programs starting up in Lynn, Boston, Gloucester, Worcester, and at the Hockomock YMCA, and we can’t wait to see who else signs on."

‍