South Bay : City May Build Hockey Rink
Is roller hockey the next national pastime, or just another Hula Hoop?
While thousands of stick-toting, blade-footed youths flood beach parking lots each weekend for their ice-less games, one councilman questions how much his city should sink into the sport.
The quandary arises as El Segundo considers building a veritable hockey palace--a $185,000 rink to be devoted solely to roller hockey games. City officials defend the plan, noting that interest in the sport continues to swell and that residents seek a better playing field.
But Councilman Richard Switz is dubious. In fact, Switz thinks El Segundo should seriously study roller hockey and “find out if it’s going to be the next popular pastime, like baseball.” His own opinion: Roller hockey will fizzle soon.
“I see many kids running around on these skates today, but 10 years ago I saw them with Hula Hoops,” he said. “I don’t see those anymore.”
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