From Bachelor Party to Broadcast: The Story of Soap Hockey
The sport, informally known as soap hockey, emerged five years ago when a group of friends in Tampa decided to combine the slippery fun of soap with the competitive edge of hockey. What started as a private party game quickly attracted local enthusiasts, who refined the rules and formed the Big Boy Soap Hockey League.
Today the league’s flagship event, the Big Boy Soap Hockey League Tournament, is scheduled to take place in Riverview, a suburb just outside Tampa. The competition brings together teams from across the region, each battling on a specially prepared arena where soap‑slicked surfaces replace ice.
Organizers say the tournament’s growing popularity reflects a broader appetite for unconventional sports that blend humor with athleticism. Participants range from college students to former ice‑hockey players, all drawn by the novelty of playing on a foam‑filled rink while wielding makeshift sticks.
In a surprising turn for a sport that began in a living room, ESPN2 has secured the rights to broadcast the Riverview tournament in August. The network’s involvement not only validates the league’s ambition but also introduces the quirky game to a national audience hungry for fresh entertainment.
Fans and creators alike hope the exposure will spark further growth, leading to more regional leagues and perhaps even international tournaments. For now, the soap‑slicked rinks of Riverview remain the epicenter of a movement that proves a simple idea can evolve into a televised spectacle.