North Coast Hockey League Helps Kids Score Goals For Winning In Life

“I got involved because my son wanted to play,” says Joel Farbstein of his now 8-year commitment to the North Coast Hockey League (NHCL), the Coastside’s roller hockey program. 

Farbstein, a freelance stage manager and writer for Showtime, never played much hockey himself, but by now he knows the game pretty well.  As president of the NCHL, he is preparing for this summer’s league, which begins in May. 

Last summer, the NCHL drew over 120 kids, ages 5 up to high school level, resulting in 11 teams and 3 divisions. The NCHL attracts approximately 10 percent female players and 8 percent minorities.  Last year, eight full scholarships, plus more than 10 partial discounts were distributed by the league. 

Formed in 1992 by Andy and Caroline Sowpaul, Farbstein says the NCHL was originally a for-profit organization. It was changed to non-profit status and placed under the umbrella of the Coastside Youth Association, with the help of local participants Brian McNamara, Mike Durso, Luz and Gail Preciado, Mark Stegmaier, Jackie Sullivan, Dennis Wall, and Peter Millett. 

Farbstein liked the vibe.  “Hockey puts kids first.  It wasn’t as competitive,” he says of the league.

Today, NCHL fees for players are reasonable at $125 for 10 weeks of hockey in the summer, June 5 through August 7.  Players must wear protective gear—no exceptions—including a helmet, shin guards and various padding. After evaluations, players are placed into three categories, generally based on age, but sometimes determined by skill.  Balance, to make the teams equal, is key.

NCHL play moved from the Half Moon Bay Airport grounds to the high school in 2008, with installation of an asphalt outdoor rink.  The rink includes the sealed playing surface, 3.5 feet high dashboards, plexiglass, and bleachers. Of course there are items on the wish list, says Farbstein, like a new scoreboard, sound system, and electricity.

Following fundraising by parents and community members, the rink components lay in storage for six years, waiting for a playing field.  During that time, Farbstein says David Cline, president of the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside, saw an opportunity to provide services to Coastside youth through the league and new rink.  Cline worked with the Cabrillo Unified School District to secure a lease agreement for the vacant field along Lewis Foster Drive where the rink sits today.

The rink has attracted NCHL summer players, as well as hosting a more casual, skill building session in the fall.  An Adult Pick Up Puck program is offered on Saturday mornings and special events, such as April 30’s upcoming 3rd Annual Rock the Rink celebration, offer the community a chance to visit the rink for a free skate and festivities.

Support for the facility is assisted by paid advertising space along the rink’s boards.  For a two-year run, advertisers can get 8 feet of space for $600 or 3 feet for $300.

In the rink today is the Half Moon Bay High School Cougars’ team, practicing for a few more games and then playoffs.  Currently they are 6-1-1.  In December, the Cougars won 5-2 over the Leigh Gold Longhorns, taking the Division 3 Crown.

Derrick Wenzell, who coaches with Mike Durso and Eric Johnson, played in college and during his high school years as a Half Moon Bay Ranger.   

“The last three games have been our best of the year,” he says. 

The high school team was formed soon after the rink opened in 2008. Evan, Farbstein’s eldest son, approached the Student Council as a freshman, asking to form a hockey club at school, so he could use the new rink more often. Today, he is his team’s captain, forward, and a top scorer.

“I am definitely looking at schools that have hockey programs,” says the senior of his future college choices. “I like the team atmosphere. I will have friendships for life here.”

Farbstein’s other son, Pace, an eighth grader, and friend Dante DiNapoli, a seventh grader, provide the team’s left and right wings.  Though it’s considered a high school club team, the Cougars take seventh graders through seniors. 

Both boys were up for the challenge. “Roller hockey is a good starting point for hockey training,” says Pace.  “When I was in sixth grade I would come to every game.  I stepped up because they needed players.”  

“The opportunity these last couple seasons, to play with the high school, has changed his game,” says DiNapoli's father, John, of his son’s chance to compete at a high school level. 

DiNapoli is manager of the Junior Cougars, which has two divisions, and was created as a travel team last year for 10 and under and 12 and under players.  DiNapoli says the Junior Cougars, serving as a feeder team into high school, have made remarkable progress, winning two games in total last year, but now standing at 6-2-1. 

Travel for Junior Cougars is throughout the east, north, and Central Valley, while the high school team competes mainly in the San Jose area.       

The very young are also encouraged to play in the NCHL. 

Says DiNapoli, “If they can engage it and have a desire, they will have the drive and desire to be successful at anything.”

“It is great recreational experience in a really supportive environment,” adds Farbstein. “We try to make it fun.  Many parents say they didn’t know their kid could do it.”

The rink opens for skating on May 1. For more information about the North Coast Hockey League, Adult Pick Up Puck, or Rock the Rink, call (650) 728-5635 or go to www.coastsiderollerhockey.com.  There you will also find the summer session registration form.  The league can be found on Facebook and followed on Twitter.