Skating the West Coast – ISU’s Roller Hockey Team to Nationals

Photo provided by Illinois State Roller Hockey

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Roller Hockey team is set to take on opponents from across the country for Nationals in Irvine, California.

The sport of roller hockey is unknown to many, but to ISU’s very own rollerblade crew, it is a large part of their lives. With a team record of 11-12 Redbird Forward, Vinnie Bonamici, spoke on the team’s growth since their previous season.

“Last year we finished third in the conference , we had six or seven members with this year having a group of 14,” said Bonamici. “It was definitely an improvement from last year.”

Team chemistry is also vital in being a complete team and working together for a common goal in any sport. In rollerblade hockey, it is the exact same. The Redbird Roller Hockey team is a tightly knit group, Bonamici explained how team chemistry is built with grassroots activities from the ground up.

“Lots of traveling brings us closer since we are just always together,” said Bonamici. “We play NHL video games on the Xbox all the time and go out to eat before and after games. It is a lot of fun and our team is close and we feel connected.”

Bonamici and the Redbirds will be in Irvine, California on April 19 to compete in nationals against some of the best teams in the country.