Playing devils advocate here but roller hockey and rolling blading isnt the same thing. I got buddies that play roller hockey. Ice time is expensive and if hockey is your thing and you dont have the money to play on the ice, roller hockey is as close as you'll get. Rolling hockey and roller blading is kinda like saying skateboarding and longboarding is the same. they're different and attract a different crowd.
And yes, roller hockey is mostly for little kids, but a lot of people say the same about skating.
As for welcome boards, they aren't my thing but I'm not mad at em