Rock the Rink returns to the Coastside, Sat

Coastside children and adults of all ages are invited to join the third annual community-wide “Rock the Rink” roller skating and hockey event from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The celebration takes place at the Boys and Girls Club rink at Half Moon Bay High School. Activities include hockey-inspired games, onsite barbeque, and free open skate to live music from the Coastside’s own “Nihility.”

“Rock the Rink highlights the best of what Coastside youth sports have to offer – a positive environment for healthy exercise, a true sense of community, and family-centered fun,” said Joel Farbstein, President of North Coast Hockey League, a unit of the Coastside Youth Association, “And it’s all set on our regulation-sized hockey rink, surrounded by boards and plexiglass – just like at the San Jose Sharks’ Shark Tank. The kids get a true hockey experience close to home, and “Rock the Rink” is a way for the entire Coastside to share in the fun.”

This year’s celebration includes an exhibition hockey game, a Coastside-style Kentucky (Roller) Derby race, games for all skaters, and food served by the HMB Lions Club. All children will receive San Jose Sharks photo cards. The live music is courtesy of the Half Moon Bay band “Nihility,” with Jesus Sahagun on lead guitar, Justin Meyer on rhythm guitar, Taylor Nichols on bass, and Sam Skelton on drums. The band draws from musical influences of Metallica, Slayer, and Slipknot, among others.

Since its founding in 1992, more than 1,500 boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 18 have participated in the North Coast Hockey League (NHCL). To ensure all interested children can participate, regardless of financial means, the NCHL has received grants from the HMB Lions Club and HMB Rotary Clubs for equipment and scholarships. No child is turned away. The 2010 season begins May 16; registration forms and online signups are available at www.CoastsideRollerHockey.com.

“Kids on the Coast deserve the best,” said Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside president, David Cline. “Roller Hockey has consistently delivered on its promise of developing our kids’ self-esteem, and teaching them teamwork skills that serve them well in all facets of their lives. It’s not just a sport, it’s a fun-filled way to learn and grow.”

He added that the roller hockey rink was built two years ago through a cooperative partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside, the Cabrillo Unified School District, and the Coastside Youth Association, plus the efforts of many volunteers who keep the program running.

North Coast Hockey League/Coastside Youth Association
The non-profit North Coast Hockey League (NCHL), as part of the Coastside Youth Association, provides a high-quality athletic experience for Coastside boys and girls of all skill levels, Kindergarten through High School. The NCHL is dedicated to teaching good sportsmanship and providing a positive model for youth sports. With a committed all-volunteer staff, many of whom have spent years building this youth-oriented program, the NCHL works to maximize players’ athletic skills while enhancing teamwork, self-esteem and self-discipline in a positive, supportive environment. For more information, contact: Joel Farbstein, (650) 244-4635 or [email protected].

Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside
The non-profit Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside is a youth development organization dedicated to promoting the health, social, educational, vocational, and character development of the community’s boys and girls. Programs and activities are designed to instill in children a sense of self-esteem, belonging, competence, usefulness and influence. For more information, contact: David Cline, 650-728-1553 or [email protected].