F
amily-owned and operated by Greg and Julie
Horan, the Bridgeville RollerPlex has been the
premier inline hockey facility and a staple of life
in the South Hills for more than half a century.
And the business been flourishing under the
Horans’ care since they bought it in 2007.
“If you skated in the ’60s, ’70s or ’80s, chances are you’ve
been here before,” says Julie Horan. “Once we bought the
business, we decided to remodel it into an inline hockey rink
because all the area school districts have elementary to high
school programs. Our facility provides a great opportunity for
the teams to practice and hold their games. Our children also
played inline hockey when they were in school and now work
here and are involved in the adult leagues, so it’s truly a family
business.”
Schools utilizing the facility include Baldwin, Bethel Park,
Canon-Mac, Chartiers Valley, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair
and West Allegheny. Each of these schools is part of the
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Roller Hockey League (PIRHL)
and play according to league rules. The season runs from
August through mid-February.
Additionally, Bridgeville RollerPlex offers several other
programs designed for any level of play and age group.
“We’re proud to be the sponsor of the Bridgeville Vipers
Inline Hockey Association, a youth program based out of
the Bridgeville RollerPlex,” Horan explains. “This program
includes instructional in-house sessions all year and
builds teams for league and tournament play. We also host
approximately 50 adult co-ed leagues for players 18 and over
who still have a passion for the sport but are no longer on an
organized team. Games are held most weeknights from 9 p.m.
to midnight, and on weekends.”
The Adult Recreation Inline Hockey is played with both
ball and puck, and the league is always working to make the
divisions balanced and enjoyable for everyone involved.
“A full season consists of 10 regular season games and
one to three playoff games, depending on how far the team
advances,” says Horan. “We love the competitive energy of
playing to win, but also strictly abide by the Sportsmanlike
Code of Conduct. We take player safety seriously and don’t
tolerate fighting or dangerous play.” Everyone using the
playing surface is required to wear a HECC-certified helmet
at all times, including time spent on the bench.
Bridgeville RollerPlex also offers space for charitable
events. Last year, volunteers from Fleece Connection, an
organization dedicated to making weighted fleece blankets for
veterans, met and made 30 blankets in one night.
“Volunteers bring their own materials to make the blankets
and then they’re loaded up and delivered to hospitalized
veterans during the holidays as well as throughout the year,”
explains Horan. “One man said we were his only visitors and
he was so thankful for the gift.” As it turns out, the three- to
four-pound blanket is not only warm but also offers comfort
to those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder,
depression and anxiety.
All in all, the Bridgeville RollerPlex is a busy place. Between
school practices and games, and adult and children’s leagues,
it’s open seven days a week.
“We just want everyone to know we’re here to serve the
community, not only through inline hockey but through our
charitable works, too,” Horan notes. “We look forward to
seeing some new faces join our Vipers leagues and welcome
any adults willing to give inline hockey a try.”
To learn more about Bridgeville RollerPlex, visit
bridgevillerollerplex.com. ■
,
s
0
8
’
r
o
0s
7
’
,
s
”
0
.
6
e
’
r
e
o
f
h
e
t
b
in
e
r
d
e
e
h
t
a
n
k
e
s
e
“If you s are you’ve b
chance
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
SPRING 2018
17