Davis Inline Hockey Association History

The mission of the Davis In-Line Hockey Association (DIHA) is to provide a fun and safe recreational inline hockey experience while developing leadership, sportsmanship and inline hockey skills. DIHA offers inline hockey for players ranging from four to eighteen years of age, with special "ministick" sessions for the youngest age group.

DIHA was founded in the winter of 1994 by then President Chris Holm and a group of parent volunteers that included Bob Lindley, the architect who later designed the Davis Indoor Sports Center (DISC). At this time, the rollerblading craze was sweeping across the nation, and the sport of inline hockey was to become, at one time, the fastest growing youth sport in America. The first DIHA season was held on tennis courts at UC Davis that were converted into makeshift rinks. The summer 1995 season was held at a converted tennis court in West Manor Park in Davis. DIHA negotiated with the city to convert this tennis court into an outdoor inline hockey rink, and parent volunteers built boards along the sides of the rink to make it usable for inline hockey. A special fall season in 1995 was held to celebrate the opening of the full-sized outdoor inline hockey rink at UC Davis. From 1996 until 1999, DIHA summer seasons were held at the UC Davis rink whereas winter seasons were held at a tiny rink in Woodland known as Bush Field. This rink was so small that the older age groups used three rather than the traditional four skaters. When Bush Field closed, DIHA moved its winter 2000 season to the inline rink at the Vacaville Skating Center. Despite the drive, enrollment in DIHA remained high. In summer 2000, DIHA began playing in its current home, DISC, and has remained at this venue since this time. DIHA was the first tenant in DISC, playing its summer season before DISC was officially open to the public.

DIHA continues to be successful in meeting its mission. It offers recreational hockey experiences for boys and girls, usually numbering between 180 and 250 players each season. Scholarships are offered for those in need. DIHA has been also been successful in developing the inline hockey skills of its players. For a number of years, a DIHA Select program was offered for players desiring a more competitive hockey experience. A number of competitive hockey organizations and teams have emerged whose rosters consist primarily of DIHA alumni. These teams include NorCal Extreme tournament hockey organization, Davis High School Blue Devil Roller Hockey Club, and the combined Davis Junior High School team.