The goal was to give kids a safe, healthy way to spend their summers, and nearly 30 years later, local kids are still having a blast learning and playing the game.
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The Lima Youth Roller Hockey League wrapped up another successful season on Saturday. We caught up with some players and a coach about the positive impact the sport has on local kids.
Besides showing them a good time, the sport also helps Lima kids get to know their local police officers, who volunteer in the league.
The Lima Police Department Exchange Club Roller Hockey League was founded in 1996 by two Lima detectives. The goal was to give kids a safe, healthy way to spend their summers, and nearly 30 years later, local kids are still having a blast learning and playing the game.
"My favorite part is like when I win the championship or when I score," said 8-year-old right wing Mason Swygart.
"When we win and when I stop a goal," added Kimber Swygart, a 6-year-old goalie.
Many of the volunteers played in the league as kids and now donate their time because they remember how much fun it was and how the program can help youth develop as both athletes and people.
Besides showing them a good time, the sport also helps Lima kids get to know their local police officers, who volunteer in the league. They come to see the police not just as people here to help but also as good role models who are full of great advice.
"You got to work together, so like if it's on your end, let defense, or if the defense can't get it, you go get it. And basically, it's just all about teamwork," said 9-year-old goalie and center Jackson Hardesty.
Many of the volunteers played in the league as kids themselves and now donate their time because they remember how much fun it was and how the program can help youth develop as both athletes and people.
The Youth Roller Hockey League will start taking applications for the 2025 season next April.
"We see more of them learning how to skate, confidence, ability to make relationships with more kids that they don't know, conversating with people. It's definitely a difference from the beginning when we start to now," explained Philip Montrose, the president of the league.
The Youth Roller Hockey League will start taking applications for the 2025 season next April. Plenty of players end up coming back year after year. They encourage other kids looking for a fun new hobby to give it a shot.
"I would say just come out here and try it out. At first, if you're kind of new to hockey, I would go to your local hockey rink or roller rink and just go out and try to play," said Thomlyn Wehner, an 8-year-old who plays goalie.
