Student comes to Meramec to play Roller Hockey
Alex Kendall
-Sr. Staff Photographer-
A pair of roller blades, a junior Easton hockey stick, either a ball or a plastic puck, and two “build-it-yourself” nets.
Those were the things kids have grown up with to play hockey in their neighborhood with their friends and neighbors.
As part of the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA), the Meramec Magic and coach Alex Digirolamo have taken this childhood past time and applied it to the fast-paced sport of roller hockey.
While attending Saint Louis University, Digirolamo returned to his old high school to coach Parkway South High School’s varsity roller hockey team.
He began his career with STLCC-Meramec Magic before tryouts began.
“This is my first year. I got a phone call right before tryouts,” Digirolamo said. “I’ve done a few travel teams, then high school and now college.”
A recent college graduate at the age of 23, Digirolamo remains one of the youngest coaches in the league.
“I’m just one of the younger coaches. I just love to give back to the sport,” Digirolamo said. “I love coaching just as much as I’ve loved playing.”
Even at such a young age Digirolamo commands a high level of respect and responsibility from his team.
“With our coach he’s been consistent and keeps us motivated,” Pat Woodling, Meramec Magic roller hockey goalie, said. “He’s a good guy. For being as young as he is, he’s very knowledgeable.”
Woodling has one assist this year.
The Meramec Magic have a wide range of age and skill on the team. From 19 to 29, the team members’ ages make no difference to the team just as in any other sport, according to Digirolamo.
“The mixture of age makes a really good chemistry with the team,” said Woodling.
With three players returning for their third year and adding at least one new freshman to the team, the Magic have done well with the smaller talent pool at Meramec according to Digirolamo.
“You can look at Mizzou and the number of kids that go there compared to Meramec,” Digrolamo said. “They have a much larger talent pool that they can pull from.”
Digiolamo has led his team to a record of 7-4-2, with four games left in the season. Three of the four games will be against the Lindenwood Lions, the number one school in their division.
“There will be a lot of goal scoring, a lot of movement,” Digiolamo said. “It is a very exciting game and you’re going to see a lot of skillful players out there. It makes it a very interesting game.”
With a trip to the semi-finals in 2010, and a trip to the finals in 2011, Digiolamo looks for the team to have another chance at a national championship run.
“It’s a great sport to play, and the kids like to get after it,” Digiolamo said. “And we’re looking for another national championship this year.”
