Matthew was a 10 year old who loved the game of hockey. Whether it was roller or ice he was eager to play and learn the game. He started playing roller hockey at the age of 3 up until nearly the day he was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma  (a form of cancer). He was diagnosed on December 26, 1997 and lost a hard fought and courageous battle on April 17, 1998. Matthew played at local rinks in and around the Richmond, VA area throughout his life. He got his start  at Skate America in Mechanicsville, VA and played for 5 years at Ashland Skateland in Ashland, VA. Matthew shared the Central Virginia Youth Roller Hockey League MVP award in November of 1997. It was his love and passion for the game that gave his family the idea to share this by planning and organizing the construction of an outdoor roller hockey facility named in his memory. Matthew Barton Memorial Rink is located in Courthouse Park (Courtland Farms Drive) in Hanover Virginia. The Grand Opening and Dedication took place on March 31st, 2001.