USC Roller Hockey President Urges Township Officials to Build Rink

Roller hockey is becoming an increasingly popular sport for kids.

Boys and girls play pickup games wherever they can—at the small hockey court in Wiltshire Park, on outdoor basketball courts or on neighborhood cul-de-sacs.

Upper St. Clair resident Gary Paul and his wife, Rebecca, think it's time for the township to build a safe and normal-sized indoor or outdoor roller hockey rink for all the interested kids. They took their idea to the Upper St. Clair Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday night.

"There really is an incredible need for the kids," Rebecca told board members.

"The sport's growing so rapidly it's difficult to build enough rinks," Gary said.

Many kids will play both ice hockey and roller hockey. Others will just play roller hockey due to the high cost of playing ice hockey.

"It's (ice hockey) is very expensive and ice time is hard to get. Many people like the recreation feel of the sport (roller hockey)," Gary said.

Gary has such a passion to provide the opportunity for area kids to play roller hockey that he is the president of USC Roller Hockey. The league began in 2008 with just one team. There are now four teams—one elementary, two middle school and one varsity.

The league practices at the Bridgeville Rollerplex and travels around Pittsburgh to play other roller hockey teams from October to February. Teams are open to boys and girls in grades two through 12. There is no checking allowed and kids get a great workout.

"It's very aerobic. It's very inclusive. Everyone's involved," Gary said.

However, Gary isn't advocating the township build a rink for the local roller hockey league. He is more concerned that Upper St. Clair kids have a place that they can go safely play with their friends.

USC Parks and Recreation Board members took an interest in the Pauls' request, especially if the rink could be used for other recreational activities. Chairman Roger Hartung suggested the Pauls begin a petition to show interest, investigate any funding possibilities and take their idea to the township commissioners.

"I think what makes this township great is the parents that get involved," Hartung said.

If you are interested in USC Roller Hockey or want to sign the petition to have a roller hockey rink built in Upper St. Clair, email Gary Paul at gpaul@paperproducts-pgh.com.

The Upper St. Clair Parks and Recreation Board meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the . For more news from their recent meeting, .

Would you like to see a roller hockey rink built in Upper St. Clair? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments.