By John C. O'Connell
Roller hockey players, parents and fans cheer new home
The long-awaited Valley Stream Roller Hockey Rink finally had its opening day last Saturday morning, when young enthusiasts filled the new venue with the sharp sounds of slapped pucks and checked sticks.
Uniformed players in Valley Stream's Roller Hockey League, parents, league organizers and officials all gathered for ceremonies at the rink, between Sunrise Highway and the Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road station.
Mayor Cahill dropped the first puck onto the new surface at 9:30 A.M. and an era of Valley Stream roller hockey began again, after more than a year-long interruption when Hendrickson Park's rink was closed.
"I have two sons here this morning who are in the league, and we are so happy to have this finally open. They love this, and we all hope for a great season," said one of the many hockey moms on hand Saturday.
"Many people worked very hard to make this happen today, and on behalf of all the people in Valley Stream, we are proud now to open this rink for use by the children and young adults of Valley Stream," said Mayor Edward Cahill.
Peter Jonker, president of the Valley Stream Roller Hockey League, presented the mayor with an official Valley Stream Hockey T-shirt in recognition for his efforts in seeing the project through.
The new 12,950 sq. ft. rink cost $269,000 to construct, and an additional $66,000 in engineering costs. The 80' by 175' rink's surface is made of asphalt.
Where the rink would be located in Valley Stream had been a matter of argument at village board meetings for more than a year, since the Hendrickson Park rink closed. Arlington Park, one of the original sites considered for the rink's venue, was eventually rejected due to neighborhood complaints.
No one on roller blades on Saturday seemed to recall any controversy, however; they were just so happy to be going for Valley Stream goals in Valley Stream again.
