Empty Forum Guaranteed for Roller Hockey Game

The Roller Hockey International game between the Blades and the San Diego Barracudas scheduled for today at the San Diego Sports Arena has been rescheduled for Monday at noon at the Forum.

Here’s the catch: It will be closed to the public, except for San Diego season-ticket holders.

The change occurred because San Diego owner Dennis Murphy has decided to play his team’s final two home games on the road and then move the franchise next season.

Murphy, who said the Barracudas have lost nearly $700,000 the last two seasons, apparently is miffed that the arena’s skating surface was damaged by grease and skid marks during a circus performance and a rock concert.

Blades officials say that, because of the timing of the game, they will not promote it, staff concession areas, or provide ushers or parking lot attendants. It will be considered a home game for San Diego.

Murphy, who is also head of RHI international operations, said he wants to keep the team in Southern California, but is talking to several cities in the Southeast United States.