Harry Potter-inspired Quidditch tournament comes to Montreal
While the broomsticks in Harry Potter version fly, these players run with them between their legs
Montreal got a little taste of Harry Potter magic this weekend as 14 teams saddled up their broomsticks and vied for glory in the Quidditch Eastern Regional Championships at Soccerplexe Catalogna in Lachine.
While the broomsticks in the game of Harry Potter fame actually fly, players in this real-life version merely run with them between their legs.
It looks a little awkward, but this take on Quidditch combines enough elements of rugby, lacrosse and touch football to inspire some fierce competition.
Laurent Chenet, who plays chaser for the McGill Quidditch Team, said he joined up as a joke, but found the novelty never wore off.
"I fell in love with it, and I keep going back for more," he said.
As if it wasn't novel enough, this real-world take on Quidditch has the added cachet of men and women playing side-by-side.
"It's awesome. You don't see it very often, so for Quidditch to have this is a step in the right direction for all sports," said Jessica Mulvehill, who plays beater with the Carleton Ravens.
The emphasis on fair play is what gives this wizard-free take on Quidditch its own bit of magic, said organizer Wesley Mackie.
"What I find magical about this is the community. Anyone who comes here is welcome. There's no belittling to my knowledge, or anything of that sort," he said.
