What Unique Sport is Played on Ice with a Ball in a Net?

While ice hockey is widely recognized as the premier winter sport in many countries, there exists a unique game called bandy that is played on ice with a ball instead of a puck. Originating in England in the 19th century, bandy is similar to soccer in its gameplay, where two teams of 11 players aim to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opponent's net using curved sticks. The matches are played on a full-sized ice rink, typically larger than a hockey rink, and the sport is governed by its own set of rules, which include the use of a ball rather than a puck and the allowance of only limited body checking. Bandy is particularly popular in countries like Russia, Sweden, and Finland, where it is played at both amateur and professional levels, showcasing a fascinating blend of skills from both ice hockey and traditional field sports.