Adam Hammerman: My biggest expectation is to learn!

Adam Hammerman is looking forward to his first Men's National Team competition as he will join the Team USA squad in Colorado Springs this week as they face off against Jamaica and Canada. 

How did you get started with floorball?
- I was introduced to floorball by chance. While taking a year off after college, my cousin proposed that we get involved in a local club sport together. He found the Philadelphia Stormers online, and we joined up to see what Floorball was all about. I was instantly hooked! Given that many of the group's members had National Team experience, I was lucky to be surrounded by great mentors, Adam Hammerman tells us.

What other sports have you played?
- I grew up in a hockey household, with my brother and dad both playing in college. I played casually, as well as golf, and lacrosse. My truest passion is and has always been cycling. I am a bicycle designer by profession, and am lucky enough that this great hobby also pays the bills.

What has made you stick with floorball?
- For me, floorball is about team and progression. It's different from cycling in that it's a true team sport, and yet I can push myself to progress every time I play. I love the camaraderie, the running, and playing hard. Floorball always presents a new challenge, both in fitness and team tactics. There is nothing better than executing a beautiful play with your teammates.

How would you describe floorball to someone who has never seen it before?
- Floorball is a unique and fast paced hockey sport. It's most certainly not floor hockey, as the rules and equipment are entirely different. Floorball requires a lot of finesse, as the lightweight ball is less forgiving than a puck. Since checking is illegal, it requires a much more deliberate and speedy style of play, he continues.

How does the future of floorball look in your area?
- Floorball is fairing quite well in California. There are several distinct clubs, as well as multiple annual tournaments within the state. The largest challenges to floorball here are a lack of openings for clubs to book at facilities, and a lack of exposure for the sport in general. Core groups grow very slowly, and generally rely on attendance by European players who work in the area. If we can find a way to increase exposure, the sport will most certainly grow.

How did you get involved with the national team?
- I was lucky enough to start playing with many high level players in California. This allowed me to not only learn a lot, but play in multiple tournaments with great teammates by my side. Through these experiences, I was able to win the 2015 US Nationals with Menlo Park. This, coupled with a recommendation from the president of USA Floorball, helped make a connection with the team.

What are your expectations on the WFCQ?
- My biggest expectation is to learn. Many of my teammates have grown up playing floorball. Not only have they played considerably more than I have, but they've been coached the entire way. I hope to soak in their knowledge like a sponge, and contribute to the team's success.

What do you think of your own floorball future?
- My goal is to move to Switzerland for not only my professional career as a bicycle designer, my company has an office there, but to join an established club and play there as well. I'd love to continue playing with the National Team, getting better each tournament. I'd love to eventually be an ambassador for the sport to fellow Americans.

Why would you recommend floorball to someone that never tried it?
- Absolutely, and I already have countless times! The key is to be realistic in describing the game, and take time to help people understand the rules and techniques necessary to get through a game. I love teaching, so I never shy away from the challenge.

What do you think of floorball future in the states?
- Floorball has a promising future in the USA.  The sport has a low cost of entry, and offers a great opportunity for fitness and fun. Compared to hockey, lacrosse, golf, and other "stick" sports, It's very inexpensive, and can be played indoors and outdoors. If Floorball can make its way into the Olympics, it will surely become a mainstream addition to sports in America, Adam Hammerman concludes.

You will be able to follow Adam Hammerman and Team USA at their World Championship Qualifier adventure here on the website as well as through our social media channels. The games will be streamed live on the IFF YouTube channel.

Team USA will start off by facing Jamaica on Friday the 12th of February at 7 p.m. MST. You can find the official WFCQ event site here.

At the same time as the event the IFF will be hosting floorball seminars that are free. Read more here.