The American Broomball Alliance is proud to announce the newest additions to our Hall Of Fame.
In the Administration/Promotion category we are pleased to announce some familiar faces!
Instant Replay - Owners Andy and Katie Knaeble. If you have played broomball in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area anytime in the last 25 years, odds are good you have purchased a piece of equipment from these two! Their dedication to the broomball community, and sponsorship of broomball programs has been an outstanding constant!
Paul Haglund - Tournament Director Paul had an excellent playing career with the Golden Valley Mustangs and Hansen Sports. He has made his biggest contribution to the sport however running some of the biggest and best tournaments in the country. From Las Vegas, to Notre Dame, to Minneapolis, Paul has been there at all the Majors. Since the very first North American Championship back at Rosemount in 1998, he has been logging massive amounts of hours for the sports participants. There is no All Elite Broomball without all of Paul's efforts.
In the Player category we have four legends of the game taking their place among the sports greats.
Frank Macalus - Forest Lake MN
Playing with Fred's Tire, Midway Chev, Champps, Lovegren, and Hansen Sports, Franko is a multiple time Minnesota State Champion, as well as USBA and USA Broomball National Champion. Tough as nails, and possessing one of the hardest shots ever recorded, Franko is the 4th member of broomball's royal family (the Macalus clan) to be selected to the HOF.
Lisa Bennett - Minneapolis MN
A member of two of the most legendary teams in all of women's broomball (Tracy's, MN Selects) Lisa was the brightest star on a team full of stars. A World Champion, and multiple time State and National Champion, she was without doubt one of the top five players of the last thirty years. Several knee injuries cut short a brilliant career, or we could be talking about the GOAT right here.
Craig Garcia - St. Paul MN
"This is Garc" was/is one of the most colorful characters to ever lace up a pair of broomball shoes. Guarding the crease for Vanneli's, USA Blue/Blues, and Barrie's Tavern (as well as bailing out countless other teams between the pipes) Garc was known for making unbelievable, acrobatic saves that seemed impossible while watching live, and were confirmed to be impossible later on film! A winner of over 85 tournaments with Blue and Barrie's (including every Major available) Garc was one of the best big game goalies to ever play the sport. His ability to start the offense from the cage with his long breakout passes ranks among the games best.
Tom Van De Walker - Minneapolis MN
While competing with Inferno, Geez, and Kelly Lake, Vandy has currently earned his spot amongst the top five active players in total championships won this century. An extremely skilled offensive d-man, he has demonstrated an uncanny knack for scoring goals during the most important times in a game. Countless times the spin move down low has led to game tying, or game winning goals, on the grandest of stages. He has continued playing at the highest levels, long after most of his early teammates had hung them up. He has been a part of the last 4 Minnesota State Championship teams while competing with Kelly Lake, and will be looking to add another National Championship to his resume this weekend.
These greats will be inducted at an on-ice ceremony during one of the major tournaments in the upcoming 24/25 season. Stay tuned to AEB for all the details!