about us

Like every great thing, the idea came when we least expected it. 

It was the first properly warm Spring afternoon in October. It was meant to be a lazy Saturday- except when we try to be lazy, we end up going full turbo mode and starting some large and absurd project. This was no different.

We were sitting in the backyard, having a conversation about what we loved about the hockey community as a whole, and what kept us involved in it- Ben has worked in the industry for decades, and Trish had left a job in the industry a mere couple of days before to find something more fulfilling - and the conversation kept coming back to our mutual core values.

Community, inclusivity, and authenticity. 

So the easy street and roller concept is simple- it’s hockey for everyone, everywhere. 

Instead of just setting up a shop, we wanted to really embody making it accessible- a shop that comes to you. We retrofitted a school bus and turned it into a traveling shop so we can be where our community needs us. You’ll see us at tournaments and exhibitions, you can contact us to come down to your games, and we’ll be running programs for schools and communities to learn how to play and get involved in a fun and engaging environment. You can shop on the website at any time, and we’re always available to help you find what you need or answer any questions you have. easy street and roller is a shop, but it’s also a community hub to support and empower existing players. 

Ben grew up on a chicken farm and in 1992, his neighbours across the street got rollerblades for Christmas. So naturally, Ben and his brother Daniel begged their parents for rollerblades too, and that was the beginning. They ended up converting one of the enormous chicken coops into a roller rink for all the neighbourhood kids, eventually forming a team that not only went on to represent Australia, but most of whom continue to play either roller or ice hockey to this day.

Trish definitely had rollerblades as a kid, and has the scars on her knees to prove it. She could best be described as ‘enthusiastically terrible’ at inline hockey. Her greatest accomplishment in hockey was playing 3 on 3 on a basketball court in Coolbellup, winding up for a shot and getting her stick caught in a fence and knocking herself over.   

Ben is really good. Trish is really bad. They have fun, so who cares?

easy street and roller is for everyone, good and bad, brand new or long-time player. We’re for kids who just watched The Mighty Ducks and think that the flying v is the coolest thing ever, we’re for adults who want to try something new and make some friends (or still think that the flying v is the coolest thing ever), we’re for the players who want to see their community supported and thriving. 

So come aboard, get involved, and give it a go. Having fun is easy.

 

 

 

PS. 

this would not have happened if it weren't for our beloved Mum, Kaye Ballantyne. we carry you with us always. you were a mum to everyone. you are, and always will be, loved and deeply missed. thank you.