Team and Industry Come Together to Support Teammate and Player

One week before Shin Yamamoto, President of the Long Beach State Roller Hockey Club, booked flights to Independence, Missouri, he got a text from one of the club members. David Rodriguez sent a text saying he would not be able to make practice that night because his house burned down. He lost all his gear, including his new Long Beach State jerseys, except for his skates and sticks. With bigger priorities on his mind and no gear, he questioned if he could even make the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships in Independence, MO just weeks away. However, he was able to get help from the roller hockey community and received all new gear.

“If it weren’t for this tight-knit roller hockey community, this wouldn’t have been possible. I’m very grateful for my friends and teammates to be able to continue to play the sport I love,” Rodriguez said.

Tanner Privia, Long Beach State teammate, said “David has added scoring depth to our lineup and is a very hard worker but more importantly is a great person overall.” David is back playing with a smile on his face and is looking forward to go far in the first National Championships of his career.

Long Beach State faces off against Virginia Tech in their first game of the National Championships at 4:30pm today.