Family business owner and operator, Darren Blong, brought his vast experience in ice and inline hockey to the business, having played for fourteen years, captaining the New Zealand National Ice Hockey Team, as well as playing with the New Zealand Inline Hockey Team for three years.
In 1997, Sila Ltd (formerly known as Ice and Inline 2000 Ltd) started operating as a wholesale distribution business for the family, dealing mainly in ice and inline skating product
In 1999, Sila Ltd began the importing of softball & baseball equipment, creating the brand name "The Dugout."
The Dugout has continually developed a sound working relationship with Softball New Zealand, as well as other key associations and clubs over the last twenty plus year