Finance

Tucson Roller Hockey Club Hit by Equipment Theft, Losing Play Ability
The Tucson Roller Hockey Club, a growing sport in the city, has faced a significant setback. Thieves stole ,500 worth of supplies from their storage unit at the Tucson Boys and Girls Club, where they currently play. This unexpected situation has left the club without a place to play at night. Jose Quijada, Vice President of Facilities for the Tucson Boys and Girls Club, read a text that sank his heart upon learning of the break-in. The stolen lights and generators, stored in a U-Haul container, are essential as the rink has no built-in lights and they can't play during the day when people are at work. Jeannie Miller, secretary of the Tucson Roller Hockey Club, emphasized the importance of playing at night, stating that it's the only time available. The rink is crucial for the sport's survival as there are no other options in town. The club had spent 30-plus years at the Tucson Indoor Sports Center before it was demolished in October to make way for a casino. This was a hurdle they were just starting to overcome. "30 years of hockey is a lot to lose, and it's been devastating for our hockey community," Miller said. The Tucson Boys and Girls Club stepped in to offer a place to play, but without the lights, they can't allow the team to play at night. "They're going to have to wait a few days, maybe a week, until we can get that replaced. And that's not fair to them," Quijada said. This emphasizes the need for a robust indoor rink/facility in Tucson. The love of the sport is what drives Miller and her colleagues to invest so much time and effort. She got into the sport when her son was 5 and has since competed in both men's and women's leagues. She wants to give others the opportunity to play hockey in a more accessible format than ice hockey. "Roller hockey is very, very important to me. It means more kids will love the sport and more families can have a good time," Miller said. The club has a plan to get temporary lights up soon as they are determined not to give up. "Hockey players don't go down. We get right back up. We play hurt, and we're going to play hurt," Miller said. If you'd like to donate to the non-profit Tucson Roller Hockey Club, you can send donations to their PayPal page HERE. You can also donate to the Tucson Boys and Girls Club on their donations page on their website: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/YOGefg?vid=1cv1au. Be sure to subscribe to the 13 News YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold. Copyright 2024 13 News. All rights reserved.

Tucson Roller Hockey Club's Struggle for a Home on the Ice

Thieves Strike: The Beginning of a Battle

The theft of ,500 worth of supplies from the Tucson Roller Hockey Club's storage unit was a shock to the community. It not only disrupted their playing schedule but also raised questions about the safety of their equipment. The club had been relying on this storage unit to keep their lights and generators safe, and now they were left without a place to play at night. This incident has had a significant impact on the club and its members.

The Tucson Boys and Girls Club, where the roller hockey club currently plays, was also affected by the theft. Jose Quijada, Vice President of Facilities, was deeply saddened by the news. He had worked hard to ensure that the club had a safe and secure place to play, and now this had been violated. The stolen equipment was essential for the club to be able to play at night, and without it, they were at a loss.

The Importance of the Rink

The rink is the heart of the Tucson Roller Hockey Club. It is where the players come together to enjoy the sport they love. Without a rink, the club would cease to exist. Jeannie Miller, secretary of the club, emphasized the importance of playing at night. "People work during the day, and there are other things going on. Nighttime is the only time we can play," she said. The rink provides a space for the players to bond and develop their skills, and it is an essential part of the club's identity.

The club had spent 30-plus years at the Tucson Indoor Sports Center before it was demolished. This was a significant loss for the club, and they were just starting to get over the hurdle when the theft occurred. "30 years of hockey is a lot to lose. It's been devastating for our hockey community," Miller said. The club is now faced with the challenge of finding a new home and getting their lights back.

The Boys and Girls Club's Role

The Tucson Boys and Girls Club stepped in to offer a place to play, but without the lights, they can't allow the team to play at night. "We had a dormant deck rink that no one was using, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to help the roller hockey club," Quijada said. However, they are now facing the challenge of getting the lights replaced as quickly as possible.

The club officials emphasize the need for a robust indoor rink/facility in Tucson. They feel the impact of not having a rink time as they search for new lights. "If we lose playing ability, we'll lose the sport and the interest, especially with the kids," Miller said. The club is committed to continuing to play and is working hard to find a solution to their problem.

The Love of the Sport

The love of the sport is what drives Miller and her colleagues to invest so much time and effort. Miller got into the sport when her son was 5 and has since competed in both men's and women's leagues. She wants to give others the opportunity to play hockey in a more accessible format than ice hockey. "Roller hockey is very, very important to me. It means more kids will love the sport and more families can have a good time," she said.

The club's determination to get back on the ice is inspiring. "Hockey players don't go down. We get right back up. We play hurt, and we're going to play hurt," Miller said. This spirit is what keeps the club going and gives them hope for the future.

Donating to Help

If you'd like to support the Tucson Roller Hockey Club, you can donate to their PayPal page HERE. You can also donate to the Tucson Boys and Girls Club on their donations page on their website: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/YOGefg?vid=1cv1au. Every little bit helps, and your donation can make a big difference in the lives of these players.

Be sure to subscribe to the 13 News YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold to stay updated on the latest news and developments. Copyright 2024 13 News. All rights reserved.