CENTER TRYING FOR VARIETY VOLLEYBALL, LAWN BOWLING AMONG ACTIVITIES OFFERED.

Byline: Scott Magoloff Staff Writer

LANCASTER - At the very least, the Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Center has proved that it is innovative and isn't afraid to try new things. The center started the first indoor football league in the area last year and started a lacrosse league a few weeks ago.

The football league flourished. Lacrosse, which is a sport many people from the region have never even heard of, has not done as well but will continue to be offered for at least another season. The latest sport the center is pushing is volleyball.

Local high schools and club teams provide a sufficient outlet for players in that age group and the center's general manager, Garrett Goebel, said they will be welcome in his leagues as well. But he's targeting those over 30 who aren't in shape to play the more strenuous sports.

``A lot of people come here and watch hockey and soccer but don't have the stamina to actually get out there and play,'' Goebel said. ``A lot of people are intimidated by soccer.''

An interscholastic league might be considered for high school players. The league would be similar to the successful interscholastic roller hockey league that has attracted teams from most of the Antelope Valley high schools. The difference between the two is that there are no actual high school roller hockey teams because it is not a sanctioned sport.

--Leisure time: The Gretzky Center is broadening its scope to include activities outside the realm of common sports. While on a weekend outing on a beach in Costa Mesa, Goebel discovered a group of elderly people lawn bowling and decided to target the retirement community in Antelope Valley by offering a version at the center.

``Let them play in the morning on the artificial turf,'' Goebel said. ``It's like shuffleboard - they were out there (in Costa Mesa) having fun.''

Goebel also wants to offer additional activities for families and youths, so the center invested in a number of pingpong, air hockey, dome hockey and foosball tables. They will be available for regular use, but Goebel envisions competitive tournaments.

``Maybe we could have a family night with those games,'' he said. ``People that might not be in this facility might know about us but not what we offer. This is another way of getting them in here.''

--Nourishment: Once Goebel is able to attract more people to the Gretzky Center, they will be able to stay longer without going hungry. One of the facility's owners came to Lancaster for a visit recently and told Goebel a small kitchen would be added.

Although it won't be a full-service kitchen, Goebel said the center would be able to offer items such as hot dogs and pizza.

--New director: The Center has a new hockey director, Keith Diamond, whose ties to roller hockey go back to Victor Valley, where he ran a number of programs and tried to start a pro roller hockey team.

``He has 17 years of experience in roller hockey,'' Goebel said. ``He'll be able to work with the coaches and the kids and help develop our recreational leagues more.''

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Photo: (color) Antelope Valley JC goaltender Anthony Dedrick works on his shot-blocking skills at the Gretzky Center.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer