On a sun-splashed, chilly late Sunday morning in April, the outdoor basketball courts on the campus of Loogootee High School are calm and silent. There was the sound of construction workers rolling dirt around near the Little League baseball field just ahead, but that was about it.

In March and April, especially, the silence usually breaks on this campus with the bounce of a bright orange-and-black ball on a court, as small-town crowds flock from miles around to cheer for the hometown Loogootee Lions basketball team on the hardwood. The air doesn’t hear the tune of sticks and pucks; Loogootee usually hears the sounds of sneaker shuffles and the swish, not the collision of hockey pucks and the tap of a hockey net iron post.

In a small town where basketball reigns strong, ball hockey is quietly carving out its place, thanks to the passion and determination of two founders who brought hockey to Loogootee—Nathan Chess and Dan Pasowicz.

Growing up in Chicago and Pittsburgh, where hockey is a way of life, Chess, the club founder and avid hockey fan, and Pasowicz, a musician, found themselves far from the ice rinks of their youth. Their love for the game sparked the idea of introducing ball hockey to Loogootee, starting with simple outdoor practices.

Ball hockey is a variation of ice hockey played entirely on foot, using a ball instead of a puck—making the sport accessible to all, regardless of age or experience.

Pasowicz said the Loogootee Ball Hockey Club began as a casual weekend pastime before they decided to organize officially.

“We decided to do this because we wanted to have something to grow.” Pasowicz said, “Selfishly, we just started this as a way to get out of the house on the weekends and enjoy some weather. And surprisingly enough, it’s gaining a lot of attention. We didn’t think it’d be this much, but it’s really cool to see, because we love the sport.”

The club meets regularly on weekends at Loogootee High School’s outdoor basketball court, right by the tennis courts, baseball field, and track. The club usually meets on Saturdays at 4 p.m., weather permitting.

Equipment is minimal: a stick, a ball, and a pair of gloves are all that’s required.

The club needs more people to attend their practices. The highest turnout in Loogootee so far was five people. They have practiced against members of other college hockey teams in other towns. The club identified the need for more goalies, especially those in training who have the proper equipment and expertise and who are skilled in goaltending.

Through it all, the club keeps one quality: mind, be relatable to the people they serve in the community who want to try and participate in learning about a new sport in an open, welcoming environment. The club is open to all, welcoming a new spirit that is one of its defining features. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Pasowicz said. We’re in a very respectable environment out here. We encourage questions. We encourage people to ask things. What we’re here to teach too.”

Ball hockey’s appeal lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. There are no skates, no expensive pads—just sneakers and enthusiasm. The game’s rules mirror ice hockey, but its accessibility has contributed to a surge in popularity nationwide.

According to USA Ball Hockey, the sport is expanding rapidly, fueled by its low cost and community focus. Nationally, professional organizations and NHL teams have launched ball hockey programs, including recent efforts by the Seattle team at Title One schools and community centers in Washington, and by the Tampa Bay Lightning, which built 10 outdoor ball hockey rinks in Florida counties for adult and youth play. Participation rates, especially among youth and girls, are climbing in the United States and in more than 48 countries.

Ball hockey is also great for your overall health. According to reports, ball hockey provides significant health, social, and economic benefits, including a need for high-intensity cardiovascular conditioning. Players often burn 600 to 900 calories per game, improve agility and hand-eye coordination, and have greater accessibility than ice hockey. Cognitively, the sport enhances focus and thinking while strengthening skill sets, such as passing and stickhandling, offering a safe, inclusive, and social environment for players of all ages.

In Loogootee, the club’s founders emphasized safety and respect. “People sometimes think hockey is a rough sport,” Pasowicz said. “Our sessions are about fun and community. We encourage questions and make sure everyone feels comfortable.”

Social media expanded the club’s reach. Chess manages the Facebook group, promoting a need for more hockey activity in the area. Pasowicz highlighted how connecting people has strengthened their community.

For Chess and Pasowicz, the hope is to see the club continue to grow. “Perhaps one day we could do pockets of leagues, like, maybe we could go face folks out in Washington, or maybe West Boggs, lake monsters or something, or Loogootee Lions, you know, something you know,” Pasowicz said. “Maybe do a weekend tournament, and again, [do it] all for fun.”

For now, the courts remain open to everyone—from veterans and newcomers, young and old, those chasing a childhood nostalgia, and those discovering a new passion. As the sun rises over Loogootee, a town known for high school basketball glory, the echoes of ball hockey signal not just a new game in town, but a vibrant, welcoming community in motion.