Hockey without with the ice? It exists. We caught up with Shanghai floorballer Veli-Antti Ruismäki to find out more about why the game is more fun without cold.

What’s floorball?
It’s a fast-paced indoor game with similarities to ice hockey and field hockey. We play five-on-five plus a goalie with a whiffle ball instead of a puck. Our rules are quite strict regarding stick use–the game emphasizes skill over senseless slashing.

How long have you been playing?
I’ve played floorball for about 15 years now, starting when I was around 14. Floorball is one of the most popular sports in Finland (where I’m from) and, as far as I know, it’s the fastest-growing as well. I’ve been playing for three years and counting in Shanghai. Playing it is very easy, but mastering it is very hard.

How’s the scene in China?
We have an annual China Championship tournament held in a different city each year. Last spring we won in Beijing and next year we’re defending the title in Hong Kong.

Is it competitive?
During the games in the tournament things can get competitive as people get carried away but after the games we’re all friends having a good time.

Can you do any sweet floorball tricks?
That’s “freebandy,” an obscure version of floorball that’s focused on tricks and stunts. There are a couple of guys on our team who can do a mean sleight-of-hand with the stick and ball. I myself am too clumsy for those cool moves.

How can we join in?
We play every Thursday 7-9pm at the Putuo Indoor Stadium (RMB50). We have extra sticks for first-timers.

Head to the Shanghai Floorball website for more details.