FWIW, the skaters who started using totes at our rink brought back the idea from a Canadian summer skating camp several years ago. It was encouraged because they had so many skaters who didn't know each other, so keeping things organized was a good thing and prevented mixups and misunderstandings. Plus, that particular camp uses the rink walls for drills and demonstrations, so it needed to be accessible.
The website of the company who trademarked the "K&C" name shows several Australian retailers and they just signed up two European vendors. Maybe you will see the trend reach your rinks.
It does make sense to use a tote if you have to bring a rulebook/notebook, pen/pencil, multiple CDs, MP3/iPod, headphones, tissues, guards and a drink out on the ice for practices. This way, everything is in one place - the clutter of multiple iPhones, water bottles, tissue packs/boxes and books is a PITA to have scattered across the barrier. Not to mention all the things that get dropped on the trip across the ice, and the return trips to collect forgotten items.
I bring a shoulder tote out and hang it off the box side of the door, which works fine to keep my stuff together and handy without being in the way. The price of the linked item is a turnoff, though when there are perfectly good alternatives that cost much less.