Thursday Nights with The Boyz
Every Thursday night, the Boyz of Santa Barbara lace up at Ice in Paradise for "Hockey Night in Santa Barbara," a pickup game that's as much about camaraderie, as it is about hockey. The group, simply known as The Boyz, is composed of skaters ranging in age from 20 to 80, who all share the ice, swapping stories, and proving to each other and to the players coming up behind them, that friendships built over a lifetime, are as good for the heart as any workout.
Prior to Ice in Paradise being built, the Boyz would regularly travel to the Channel Island Ice Center in Oxnard and before that, would travel to Simi Valley, to play. "Our Thursday pickup group started when Oxnard opened its doors in 1998," says Andy Katsev, one of the earliest members of the Boyz. As the Oxnard rink was being built, Andy would make regular visits on his way back to Santa Barbara from his weekly sales meetings in Oxnard, to request ice time. After three months of consistent visits, they finally agreed and the Boyz have never stopped playing each week since. When Ice in Paradise was being planned, the Boyz saw this as an opportunity to have a rink even closer to home, so they came together and the Boyz were able to raise and contribute more than $200,000 toward the construction of what would become Ice in Paradise. In appreciation for their financial support, a locker room was named in their honor.
Over the nearly 35 years of history of the group, skaters have moved away to other states or countries, such as Chicago, Russia, and Edmonton, AB to name a few, but they have maintained their friendships and have remained in touch. The Boyz have often met back up at tournaments, regularly participating in the annual tournament held in Las Vegas, after going to their first in 1995. Victorious in many of the tournaments they're in, the Boyz have participated every year since their first, only missing one due to the pandemic.
The Boyz are no longer just "the boys," women have skated with the group regularly, and the sons and daughters of the members have also joined the team to skate. Regardless of gender, the Boyz are always looking for skaters with solid hockey skills. The current skill level of the group ranges from ex-NHL player, Division 1 hockey players, to beer league players. But Charlie Batsford, one of the original members and current coordinator of the group adds that they "encourage and look for good humans first," he continues, "excellent hockey skills are preferred, but having a good sense of humor and a solid joke game is a bonus." Ice is Paradise is thankful to have groups like the Boyz who show us firsthand how a strong community can greatly support those around them.
