ROB hockey began in the fall of 2001 when a small group of local players decided to start an over-40 recreational league. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, the group would get together and play at the Schenectady County Recreational Facility (SCRF). The founding members included rink manager at the time, Charlie Mackey, and current rink manager Mike McConkey. The crowd was small at first, sometimes only skating 3-on-3, but word spread throughout the hockey community and soon players were coming from all over the Capital Region.

After a few years of playing only on weekday mornings, the number of players continued to grow steadily. The league started playing night games in addition to mornings.  This generated even more interest from local players and the league continued to expand and generate more revenue for the rink.

One of the original group members, Pat Patterson, decided to volunteer his time to organize games. This quickly led to two weekly Friday night games. More and more players joined, and the idea of a draft came to life. Eventually Sunday night became the ROB league night with four ten-man teams. Playoffs, parties and refs were introduced. Tuesday and Thursday mornings continued to thrive along with the occasional Friday night game. 

Enter Phil Singer..........the new commissioner with a new outlook who has taken over for Pat. The league now has six teams made up of players of all skill levels ages 25+. The six-team league runs from October through March and includes playoffs as well as the awarding of the Pat Patterson Golden Skate Trophy to the top team. ROB players also love any excuse to have a BBQ so there is usually one to kick off and end each season. Rain or shine! Original members who continue to play in the league include Pat Patterson, Jerry Romeo, Alex Galinelli, Barney Wemple and Gary Carter.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings are still going strong and continue year-round. Click here for a schedule. The ROBs would love to see you on the ice!

BLACK TEAM -2008-2009 ROB League Champions

This article about the ROBs appeared in the Schenectady Gazette

December 29, 2002

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