The Cape Fear Hockey Club — originally known as the Leland Roller Hockey Club — was founded in 2023 in Leland, North Carolina by passionate hockey enthusiasts Pat Hamilton and Will Triplett. What began as two guys passing puck on a neighborhood tennis court quickly evolved into something much larger.

As interest grew, the duo welcomed Benny Nunziato to the mix, and together they began building a community. After months of recruiting and spreading the word, the club gathered enough players to host small games of 2v2 posts. Roller hockey had officially returned to southeastern North Carolina — and people were taking notice.

Within just a few months, the club tripled in size. The humble tennis court could no longer contain the energy and enthusiasm of the growing group. In response, the club relocated to Phoenix District Park in Navassa, NC. There, on a modest basketball court bordered by sand, grass, and fencing, the Leland Roller Hockey Club found its first real home. It was at Phoenix District Park that the club experienced rapid expansion, often drawing over 20 players for pickup games.

Our Story

To support the club’s rapid growth and ensure long-term sustainability, an official Board of Directors was established. Around this time, the club welcomed the leadership of Justin Lang and Kyle Leighton, whose dedication and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s direction and development.

Recognizing the need for broader organizational support, a formal committee was soon appointed. Key contributors including Mike Udry, Tom Balto, Shane Scotti, Andy Gaston, and Conner Morgan stepped into leadership roles, each bringing unique strengths that significantly accelerated the club’s expansion

After an unsuccessful proposal to continue using Phoenix District Park, the club was forced to move once again — this time to Empie Park in Wilmington. Despite the challenges, the LRHC community remained strong and committed to finding a permanent home.

That opportunity came in May 2025, when the Cape Fear Hockey Club proudly entered into a rental agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington, establishing a permanent home base for the club and the next chapter in our journey.

To further expand its reach and engagement, the club launched a travel team — the Cape Fear Destroyers — while also establishing in-house tournaments, seasonal leagues, and twice-weekly pickup games to keep the local community active and involved.

From a single tennis court to a thriving roller hockey community, our story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of sport to bring people together.

And we’re just getting started!