Hockey in Doraville?

A few weeks ago Councilman Roche posted a link to a hockey blog with a teaser about hockey in Doraville? You had to dig through the comment sections to find it, and sure enough, someone did, sarcastically, talk about building a new hockey arena on the GM site.

I don't believe that that is even a remote possibility. But what is a possibility, and I believe that Councilman Bates has been floating the idea, is a multi-purpose arena (much like Gwinnett) that can be converted to hockey, basketball, concerts, etc.

The other thing to consider, if we want Doraville to be a destination, is to have events that draw people in. Ice arenas are very popular and the number of youth leagues continue to grow. I did my research on this, and I believe that there are only 4 facilities in Atlanta that have ice skating/hockey: The Forum in Duluth where the Thrashers and the Gladiators practice; the Ice Forum in Kennesaw; the Marietta Ice Center; and the Cooler in Alpharetta.

All four are well outside the perimeter and make it impossible for kids who live in Buckhead, Druid Hills, Chamblee, Doraville, Highlands, Midtown, etc. to join a team, skate, etc. because of distance. Having an arena on the MARTA line would certainly be an advantage as well (more so for spectators than players who would still have to lug their equipment).

So as I was doing my research, I uncovered this tidbit. Georgia Tech has a club hockey team. Where do they play you ask? Well, according to their website:

Where do you play home games?
Home games for the 2008-2009 season are mostly at the Ice Forum in Kennesaw. Some are also at "The Cooler" in Alpharetta, and others are at Atlanta Ice Forum in Duluth.

Whether you are a Georgia Tech fan or not, wouldn't it be cool to be the "Home of Tech Hockey" I certainly do and it would be a helluva lot closer than Alpharetta!

New Era for Doraville Begins

Karen Pachuta is being sworn in on Monday, January 4th as the newest member of the Doraville City Council.

She replaces Bob Spangler who she beat in the December runoff.

In addition, Donna Pittman will get sworn in, starting her second full term after beating two candidates, John Noonan and Stuart Anderson. Brian Bates will also get sworn in starting his first full term after beating Tom Hart.

Should be interesting to see how the new dynamics play-out. 4 women, 3 men (including the mayor who can only vote in case of a tie).