Dek Hockey is back in town and in full swing at the Bethpage Multi-Sport Complex.
The 2013 Summer Season began on Sunday June 23. The league play consists of 10 league games plus playoffs for teams that qualify. The game has two 16 minute stop time halves, carry over off-sides and 5-5 play, plus goalies. Each team must have a minimum of 11 players on the roster to participate. The league has four divisions and each is based on the level of play. Game days are Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings and teams must provide at least two nights of availability.
These games are played on a professional SPORTCOURT Playing Surface with hockey boards and glass. In a way, the outer portion of the rink is like a traditional hockey rink with benches and penalty boxes while the “ice” is actually a court for playing without skates. The league fee is $165 per player, which includes Team Sports Membership. Multi-Sport also offers Adult Dek Hockey Clinics throughout the year for the guys that are looking for an edge.
When you hear the word “Dek Hockey”, you think of kids running around playing hockey with a ball. Well, now it’s the adults turn to get in on the action. In fact, these guys are out to prove something, while most are out there to have fun, many are playing to win.
“I think it is fun and awesome to play” said Baldi. “I enjoy it because I play roller hockey too and it’s fun playing with your friends.” The Jagrbombs are a newly formed team that is playing together for the first time as a unit. “We are all new and playing together for the first time as a team” said Baldi. “It’s going to get stronger and stronger as the season goes by.”
Many of these players have played some sort of hockey when they were younger, but some are just avid fans and want to jump in on this exciting and fast pace sport. Mike Baldi, a member of team Jagrbombs, has been playing hockey since age 5 and seems to be having a blast playing for the league.
“People say it’s not as competitive due to the physicality because most leagues don’t allow checking” states Team Jagrbombs captain Vinny Roszkowski. “However, you have to be in top shape to be able to run everywhere.” He feels its fun for beginners learning the fundamental aspects of the game. “I’ve grown up watching hockey since I was little, but never had the opportunity to play before” said Roszkowski. This league is a great way for an adult to start.
Come check out one of these exciting games for yourself and see first-hand how Dek Hockey is not just a kid’s game anymore. Maybe you’ll enjoy it so much you will start to plan your own team for next season.
