2008 Olympics

[jjmiller]

I have been reading the past posts on this subject for about an hour and am disgusted. We as players and coaches have a responsibility to all band together to better the sport of roller hockey. I for one, look at the young players and see that we mold their future as players. What we do will affect their future. So, to those who say that the involvement in the olympics or wherever is not needed they are just selfish and narrow minded. If we can put as much effort into furthering the sport as some do in shouting off worthless comments we should be able to move roller hockey into a larger realm. Lets not forget, it is our turn to take what we have and make it better for the future.

JJMiller

[The_GM]

Look JJ,

Chances are not one of the players you coach will make the Olympics. So why worry about it. Don't entice them into the sport with the goal of the Olympics, its a medai driven event that no one watches anyway and even if its on tv we'll see some person from a 3rd world country who has to skate on wood wheels because his country is too poor instead of seeing an actual game. Teach your players the game, they will be better off for it then buying into some pipe dream.

[jjmiller]

What the hell is wrong with you. Narrow minded, worthless comments. You dont know me and for you to assume that I don't have players that are of that quality or that I entice players with a dream is wrong. Your comments on media driven events might be true but you show how little you know of the way an athlete would feel to reach that level of achievement.

[SpeedDemon]

I have to agree with jjmiller on this one; it is goals and dreams that aspire most people to do things. Why not let a kid dream of one day representing his country in the Olympics? I think you'll wind up getting a much more driven, focused player than one who's dreams you shatter the first day of practice.

FYI, in my clinics and practices I head, I routinely use analogies to professional ice/roller players that I know my kids idolize, to instill the concepts of the game because that's how many kids respond.

SD

[dapost22]

Who would run the US Olympic team USA Hockey, USA Roller Skating?

Pick your poison on that one.

If you choose USA Hockey, then you're giving that organization another opportunity to bozo out on selecting and managing a team to represent the US in international competition. They have done a terrible job in ice on the international level, including Juniors. They do of course have that Women's Olympic medal and we're reminded of that all the time in USA Hockey propaganda.

USARS? Oh boy just look at that sad Junior team just selected. I seriously don't think that team could even win Torhs.

The Olympics just ain't what they used to be and I wouldn't be surprised to see a team selected from NHL players who wanted to have some fun in the summer. I mean, look at all the fun Chris Chelios and crew had in Japan.

Let's continue to promote College roller by the CRHL and also to develop high school roller. Along the way, say in 30 years, if the Olympics happen to be a by-product of that effort, well, that's all good.

PS. What rules would be played? Right now the IIHF plays the lame RHI offsides rule and FIRS plays it right with no offsides.

[The_GM]

All I have to say is that the mini-golf and Putt-Putt are also angling towards the Olympics...and they even have 2 federations that battle..mini golf!!

They figure since syncrhonized swimming is in..they should be..

as for JJ..if you wish to discuss offline the players you've placed in ice and roller with me..fine..i guess we can also see who has the biggest johson since neither have a big bearing...

SD, dreams only go for so much..a good motivator at times..but if kids have to look to heroes at the main development ages of 14-16..they probably don't have it..

[jjmiller]

Hey GM
Johnson? Are you kidding me. What parent in their right mind would have you coach their child. I've never seen you play but skill is no substitution for brains.
A more mature opinion would go along way. I would appreciate it if you can control your desire for ridicule and stay on the subject. If this is not possible please refrain from replying. Thank You

[jjmiller]

The CRHL and High School roller programs are a great start. Now if we can only get them to be supported by the schools themselves. As far as I know these are just club teams. Maybe we can find out how to promote our sport to the universities and get them to take us further.

As far as running the olympic team, I think that a new organization will have to be formed. The organizations you listed seem to care more about other things than roller hockey. Maybe a group of representatives from each of the existing roller hockey organizations. Just a thought.

[The_GM]

You can read all my opinions on the Olympics in my previous posts..and in the posts not too far down also aptly named :2008 Olympics

As for parents wanting me to coach their sons and daughters,well who ever said they were of the right mind in the first place

Just read your profile, a JV High School coach?? Calling me out...please....I can name 7 people on Long Island who are better coaches and I only know 6 people on Long Island. Typical Long Islander...

[The_GM]

Dapost22

We would have 2 lines..one line from USAHIL the other from USARS, when the USAHIL one line will play RHI style offsides, the otherno offsides...

Also..the whistle will sound every 2 minutes for line changes..

Of course the USARS team could have won TORHS, all the good teams talked theirway down to Div II

Hey, to make sure of proper representation..we should add Steve Chelios to the roster

[cloudnine]

GM,

With all the shouting you do, it's funny how little you actually say. It takes a certain man with certain reason to shout so much.

What makes you think that Olympics is an event that no one cares about? Even if your opinion about the event is not a good one, it doesn't mean that it is the truth. the problem is you live in the United States, where Olympics are not a popular event. That's because no one in the States even interests themselves in any event that goes past hockey, basketball, baseball, football and maybe some golf. In fact, there is almost no baseball or football anywhere in the world except the U.S. On the other hand, take a sport like Rugby or swimming or even cricket, and you say the sports are not worth watching or playing. Take the fanbases of both, and even though virtually no one from the States would watch either of the three (and so many more), there is quite a large number of people that are interested by those games. Same goes for the Olympics. People actually get riled up by soccer, tennis, etc. etc. Your comments about the location are pretty irrelevant as well. After all, you said that before '72, the Olympics still had 'spirit' or something of the sort, I'm assuming you included the late 30's Olympics in Nazi Germany?

You're not providing any important opinions on this site, you're throwing skepticism in everyone's face. While this might stroke your ego, I'm sure people like JJ don't post this site to attack anyone's opinions, he does so to promote what he believes in. who cares if he coaches JV or coaches anything at all? There's some really dumb people in some very powerful positions, and there are many wise people outside of them. His status n the game is irrelevant, and the fact that you can name 8 people on Long Island who are better than him or his team makes you sound like a little-****.

Realize that you're not coming in with anything to contribute to the discussion, you find faults in people's ideas. There's faults in all ideas, but I'm pretty sure that's what this message board is for.

[xport_urself]

Just one question what exactly is this post about?, i havent really been able to read all the posts yet, its probably quite simple but i havent picked it up yet.

[ronin]

I agree with a lot of these posts, as it is really a long-term goal for the Olympics, and given the state of our sport, probably not realistic. The sport needs a lot more maturity and structure to even be considered stable enough to get a decent shot at it. As it is now any yayhoo can run their $$$ tournaments without any regard for standardization or consistancy or quality. As long as teams are out there that will pay who cares? It's all about the benjamins. A lot of people who post here truly care about the sport, but can be blinded to what's going on.

I have to wonder about the GM thou, he wants NARCh to be in charge of the Olympic push? Great, call them up and see if they want to go to non-profit status to even be considered by the USOC and the IOC, the organizations that hold the cards. I can't wait to see what NARCh then brings to the table for speed skating and figure skating and hardball hockey at the Teco Arena-with big banners! To be the NGB of roller sports, the USOC makes you take it all. I can't wait for that to happen..NOT! They are not going to separate in-line hockey as it's own thing. Why would they, it's not structured enough to do that.

This is not an endorsement of the current NGB, USARS cause they obviously have a lot of problems, USAHIL is even worse cause ice will always be the number one priority. NARCh is the gold standard for what they do...which is put on a kick-butt tournament series with the greatest competition and makes the sport seem viable at the highest level, but get real, this is the real world, if there isn't any money in it, do you really think they would stay in?

On the international level, the sport has to jump through whatever hoops the IOC says it has to...In the past (Salt Lake City) money talks, but even that is being cleaned up, so I doubt NARCh would make much headway. Instead of trashing everything, why not start a groundswell to get all of these organizations to pull together for this goal. Oh, I'm sorry, there are egos involved all around, bad idea.

By the way, why doesn't NARCh support this website with advertising? Seems to me there pr dept is here in force for free...Discuss

[dapost22]

There is big money in becoming the NGB. The USOC shovels out the cash.

And remember, non profit doesn't mean that the owners, directors, employees don't make money and fly first class.

Non profit is the word that allows USARS and USA Hockey to suck in all those "volunteers".

I hope NARCh makes a ton of money because they're the only organization that makes this sport look big time.

[ronin]

You are correct there is big money in being an NGB, but you do have to pay some of it back out. How much does it take to send and field these international teams?...I would guess at least 60K-75K a year. I hope NARCh makes all the money in the world too if they are promoting the sport, but why don't they work with whomever the NGB is to get things moving in the right direction? Could it be egos on all sides involved? If NARCh does make all the money we both wish it to, is it too much to expect that they support the IHC so you and I have this forum? Nobody ever addresses that issue. Take a look at the sponsors of this site, and then take a look at the message board...Some of this big shots (NARCh, USARS, Hyper,Mission, MRHL, Sportcourt, etc) choose not to support something that is good for the growth of the sport, and posts whatever news they send free of charge..answer that one for me please....I don't understand

[jjmiller]

Thank you very much cloudnine. I thought I was alone.

[jjmiller]

I didn't want it to come to this but,
at least I have the balls to put something other than my sn in my profile. One day we will cross paths and we will have the chance to discuss this calling out accusation and insult to my knowledge of roller hockey coaching ability face to face. It's a very small world after all. Oh yes if anyone would like to reach me please look in my profile for my email address, which I am not ashamed to post.

[dapost22]

I would imagine NARCh doesn't work with NGBs is because the NGBs have next to nothing to offer. I would assume by the time NARCH worked something out with whomever at either NGB, the person would be leaving his position. Both those NGBs have a revolving door with their people moving on to something else. Inline hockey is just a stop along the career path.

As for the industry supporting this website, I mean it is a market and companies put their dollars where the value is. And if you've noticed, internet advertising is in the tank. Who buys banner ads anymore?

[ronin]

I see your point about the revolving door for inline at the NGB's, but that also says something about the sport, the only one's successful in it are the profiteers.

As for you being pleased with NARCh promoting the sport, supporting this website is helping to promote the sport, so if NARCh can't even throw some of it's profits IHC's way, then they are promoting their organization, not the sport. Maybe they could cut out one banner of the big bear...would you really miss it, if it allowed you and I and everyone else on this message board to continue this debate...think about it

[dapost22]

The revolving door has nothing to do with the lack of profitability and as a matter of fact I would bet that USA Hockey Inline's profits dwarf whatever NARCh makes. Take their membership of say 70K and multiply that by $20 profit and you've got a big number.

Thank God for the so called profiteers, the NARCh's, Torhs, etc, they're small organizations that have to work to be successful not just collect an over ride on insurance sales.

As for "giving" money to this website, hey is this a charity or what?

No slight on Rich but come on, this website is a message board, that's it. I like this message board because it covers lots of different aspects of the sport. But without the message board, this site is vacant.

[The_GM]

I don't think NARCh should be the NGB..not at all..what it does well is run the best tournaments out there..g

USARS is the NGB if FIRS gets to oversee roller hockey as an Olympic sport..and USAHIL is the NGB if IIHF gets it..that's it..you don't take an NGB status away from someone...its given to you...via the old boys network

btw they have supported IHC in the past, but c'mon..outside of me pissing people off..what has really been going on here??

[The_GM]

Cloudnine:
For someone who has essentially posted on one thread since logging on nearly 5 months ago, what have you brought to the discussion since you arrived? You asked about hockey on the gold coast the CRHL Div 1 Top 10 which you can rank by who made the quarterfinals and then the 2 best teams after that?say the highest remaining seeds and you took that inforoller guy to task a few times and bashed me on my Olympics opinion twice, 8 posts.

What have I brought to the table?
I thought my call out to USARS was pretty good for starters
The checking in roller hockey discussion
The MLRH Travesty, calling out Bill Raue
I offered some league help to Mr. Huck
Some NGB bantering of USAHIL and USARS
And of course..?Ask any woman, size does matter? you laughed..you know it

You do me a disservice by saying I?ve done nothing, just covering up your own lack of addition to the site. I even gave Phil C 2 great works of literature to read

My opinion on the Olympics is just that, my opinion but its mine and I?m allowed to air it..sure I realize there are quite a few sports that don?t get the major play in the Olympics and jeez that?s my point, outside of those already in the sport, it doesn?t generate interest!! Did you watch the games in Calgary and take up Curling?

The Olympics in Germany didn?t have spirit? Two Words: Jesse Owens, you don?t think the rest of the world was ready to show one of the most powerful men in the World that he was wrong on his own stage?? You miss the point again on this one, the ideals the Olympics were founded on, the modern ones not that Pillipedes stuff, is over. It?s nothing but a 2 week promo for NBC, if you win or have a good story you go on Leno and Conan, do a milk ad, good for the atheletes I?m all for it?what sports got pub in Sydney: Swimming, Track and Field, Gymnastics, Cycling (only because Armstrong?s comeback from the big C), take a look at your favorite sport? How much action did you really see? If it can?t be shown in its entirety in a couple minutes..we can?t watch it all?let OLN cover the Olympics like they did the Tour this year..that was awesome?4 hours of live stage racing on certain days, I learned more about pro racing in one day than I had in 9 years of watching it on ESPN/ABC

I toss smack back in people?s face when they come out here and start acting like their the greatest gift to the sport or just say something stupid. JJ made it sound like he had won NARCh titles like that other Long Islander Tim McManus, and he?s a JV roller hockey coach. So if I had to pick a place for my son or daughter to improve their game, I?m probably going to look a bit further.

It?s funny I get picked on all the time from people who assume because I?m a bit obnoxious that I can?t possibly have done anything in this sport

So you have your opinions and I have mine, and they differ, but don?t confuse you not liking me with the fact that I?ve offered nothing to this web site for I have done more in one day than you have in 5 months, look at the posts since I?ve began having fun with some people out here.

I did keep my word and post this after taking a full calendar day off..will be interesting to see if anyone else has taken their shots at me while I?ve been busy with work.

[The_GM]

Does this mean you want to beat me up? Oh god, sophmoric stuff on the board...now I know I'm dealing with someone from Long Island

[cloudnine]

GM,
Please tell me there is a difference in constructing an argument and attacking someone's character? You seem to have great detail to it when I posted my message. Funny- other people noticed you doing the same when you posted yours. Please also tell me that just because a person decides to post tons of cynical posts with attempts at humor at the faults of others, he can't be marked for "bringing something to the table." I never said I was the God of this message board and this sport, nor did I ever speak to others as though I have. The fact that I posted twice in the last month should tell you something. My dislike of you doesn't come from your arguments or all your off-the-wall references, but from the fact that when someone tells you're wrong, you attack the person and not the argument.

NBC, Conan, Leno? Who said that this is what people outside of the States watch? Who says that the type of coverage you get in the States is the same type of coverage you get everywhere else? The Olympics in Nazi Germany had the spirit, but The Beijing ones are bound to be empty media feed? The famous athletes of the States are those basketball/football/baseball/tiger woods. There are famous swimmers, runners, etc. in other countries that people adore as much as the people of this country adore Jordan or Gretzky (or whomever). The 2-week promo for NBC happens in the US - does not equal ? 2-week promo in the world. You're completely ignorant to the fact that people have preferences other than you.

If we all have our opinions "and that's fine" than why have you been the second poster on almost every thread, making fun of what the other guy said? Obviously, you think that it isn't your simple opinion that needs to be expressed, but an opinion that sparks from a dislike of another post. If we all have our opinions and there is nothing more to it, then there is no need for this message board. Otherwise, you posts have attacked people as well as their arguments, and for that I dislike you.

[ronin]

Wow, I had no idea NARCh was just a mom and pop small operation, supposedly their top sponsors pay in the 50K to 75K range, so add that up and see if USAHIL $20 memberships reach that (we all know that they don't have 70,000 members). When this message board is gone, how will we get your enlightened opinions?

You might want to apply for the PR flack job at NARCh, as you have my endorsement, or maybe you already are in that position.

[The_GM]

So where exactly are the millions and millions or people who want to see roller hockey at the Olympics? I don't begrudge anyone who wants to see their sport involved....i've said that again and again...but inline hockey for the moment and where the push will come from is where its at..well North America...

Anyways..you need like 50 countries that have the sport to be in the Olympics...so its way off..

I'm not ignorant..and I'm not attacking you..but you do say that I bring nothing to the board..so i had to correct that..you may not like what i write...so just skip my posts..but there's good stuff in there...

I don't attack people without being provoked.I've not just come out and been on the attack..after people respond..such as JJ alluding to him beating me up...I strike back..oh well...

what is it the Supersuckers say in the classic "Psyched Out" "..sticks and stones may break my bones..but words will drive me insane...haha..

GM

[BigTymeSniper33]

In my opinion, I agree with GM you need 50 some countries to want inline hockey in the Olympics, use football for example, it's a huge sport here in the US but it has no fame outside of this country therefore no Olympics. If we don't have countries that want to have inline hockey in the Olympics then theres no point in trying to push for this. I think before we start to worry about inline hockey and the Olympics we have to worry about getting a authentic Pro league started and that could be years before a substantial one sets its foot down and stays in for the long haul.

[jjmiller]

I would like to clarify my past posts. In my first post I was commenting on a large amount of posts on this subject.
GM, in that post I never mentioned your name so when u posted your next message u attacked me. I never said I was a great coach or that I was a coach at all. That u got from my profile. My opinions are my own and that has never given me the right to badmouth others, like some. AND I never called u out for a fight as I recall I said we could further discuss the issue. So please don't flatter yourself with grand illusions. Your insults to others and me are getting old. Your intentions on this board are to make others feel small and that their comments are foolish but anyone with common sense will realize that u are just a person who takes joy in ridiculing others. Your comments are childish and in poor taste.

I am curious is there anyone out there who feels the same?

[dapost22]

Well thanks for the endorsement but I don't think they could afford me.

By the way you sound very resentful of NARCh's success, very sour indeed.

If in fact they receive that much for sponsorship I'd be surprised but I hope they do because I want them to be around for a long time doing good things for this sport.

Maybe you should have worked harder in the business and you would have succeeded. There are no "free rides" or charity donations anymore. LOL.

[SNiPeR]

GM what the hell are u talkin about?? narch is the biggest and the best tournament ever . i played for some of the best orginazations on the east coast and been to all the nationals held in north amerca and narch is witth out a doubt the best tournament ever. and who r u to think that jjmilller cant
coach he is a great coach and he led our whole team to win alot of long island tournaments and the compatition out here is really hard. And u sayin narch anint the best tournament but it is u just sayin that cause u kno u could never win a medal there while long island teams have plenty. bet ne of our player are so many times beter then ur player and would distroy ne of ur teams. So just shut up cause u dont kno what ur talking about. wE WON TOURNAMENT LIKE NARCH AIRHS AND JUNIOR OLYMPICS WHILE UR STUCK WITT A BUNCH OF HOUSE LEAGUE PLAYER . oUR PLAYERS ARE BERTER THEN URS AND SO ARE OUR COACHES SO DONT TALK IF U DONT KNO WHAT UR TALKIN ABOUTT

[The_GM]

Ok, so you play for the Snipers.. and have won a NARCh title? They haven't won in about 2 years..which would have made you a bantam then and not playing JV hockey now...so what did you win at NARCh, AIRHS doesn't count.

I am very pro NARCh, its the best hockey event of the year, so I don't know where you don't get it that I don't think that.

All you guys from LI are missing the point..I told JJ to make sure he teaches you guys the game and didn't hold the Olympics over anyone's head..

If I were to coach again at the elite level, I'd have quite a few players who would gladly be released from their current organizations to play for me and yes I do coach house league as well, there is more to hockey than NARCh and while I love the elite side..95% of the kids who play roller hockey couldn't give an inch that you even qualify for platinum, case closed.

I do know what I'm talking about and I'm sure I could figure out who you are with a quick call to Timmy, Cully or a couple others in the Sniper group.

[dcdawgs]

jjmiller,
I am with you bud. The stupid GM attacked me earlier, just because my profile said I had an opportunity to tryout for 6 different MLRH teams. He comes out of no where and says I have problems.
Hey GM: Atleast I made it that far. That was a major goal for me ever since I started playing hockey 11 years ago. You need to consult your mommy and ask her about the fable of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything AT ALL!"
By the way, there are about 50 countries who have a NGB. Not everyone can qualify for the World Championships. Almost every country in Europe has a team, every South American country has a team, even counries in the Pacific (like Australia, Japan, New Zealand) have teams. The only continent without teams is Africa, and Antartica.
GM, you have some sort of sick twisted mind. Go see a psyciatrist bro.
Josh

[jjmiller]

Thanx dawg, Not to many players get that far u should be proud.

jjmiller

[The_GM]

Actually I responded to you with the question about MLRH since you said and this is from your post "Obviously The_GM has no idea what he is talking about. He is mostly likely one of those guys who talks a lot about how good he (or she) is, but when he gets out there to play, the guy can't even skate"

You didn't like my post about the Olympics, fine, we agree to disagree, you answered my questions about MLRH..and then said you "I'm sorry for getting upset with you earlier. I just don't like people cutting down two things I love soo much, the Olympics and roller hockey"

But now that you have an ally in JJ your going to come on strong? If you have problems with me fine, but address them to me, over the past 2 weeks, you've said nothing about it..

oh yeah..a fable.."Fable is a brief fictitious story that teaches a moral" what you meant is more of a rule..

and my mother died about 17 years ago, thanks ...

I'm very happy with myself...and don't need a shrink,

BTW they play hockey in South Africa, the Can/Am stars have played in NARCh a few times, the kid Lawrence Sizwe, who is zulu was even in one of their mags.

I didn't know there were over 50 countries with an NGB, but they do have a long way to go talent wise before they make it worthwhile..or we just send the Jr Platinum champs of NARCh in 2008, kind of like the US sending college kids for bball all those years..

[Titan55]

I do agree with you guys somewhat. The GM is pretty faschest towards some of the members here. I do agree about that. Even I had a bit of a verbal dispute with him.

Lets not let this get into the way of our seeing this mans insight. He has some very intelligent things to say. Granted he does put down a lot of peoples posts.

Everyone has something important to say. Challenging another post is one thing, but lets be civil and stop with the personal attacks!

Thanks guy!

Phil Christie, Ontario Hyper TItans #24
One Love!

[jjmiller]

You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!

[jjmiller]

Hey GM thanx for being civil. your comments are well taken.

JJMiller

[dcdawgs]

Thanks JJmiller.
I respect the GM's point of views about the sport. But when he starts cutting us down, that is where he crosses the line.
I think we all need to watch our comments that are directed toward other people.
Josh

[evman113]

a lot of the posts are missing one thing. they don't seem to realize that there are two completely different markets as far as the olympics go. america and the world. americans are greedy, and the basis of our society (consumerism) proves that. we watch football, basketball, baseball, and occasionally hockey. these players get payed several millions of dollars. they aren't so important that they deserve to be payed like gods. the rest of the world watches soccer, rugby, cycling, rally, tennis, and whatever else. do you all realize that rugby biggest league is amatuer? i watched that new zealand all blacks play the australia wallabyes? in a packed stadium, and they don't really get payed. they play because they love it. that is what the olympics are about. loving sport. americans miss this because they are too into money. that is why we fet crappy coverage of the olympics. heads of nbc/abc/cbs only think of it as a chance to sell their network, to get better ratings, to get more advertising so the material that they broadcast can get worse and worse and it wouldn't matter, because they have advertising contracts until the next olympics. to me lack of roller hockey isn't so much the fault of bad infrastructure or representation, its a problem of bad ideals. until we realize that sport isn't something you do because you are good or that you can make millions of dollars playing, its playing because you love to. also, how big is your local youth soccer league? ever wonder why its called the beautiful game? look at the tons of kids playing because they love it, look at the thousands (i think every nation has a soccer team) of nations in heated competetion for slots in the world cup. as an american i am sometimes ashamed. ashamed that we do not care, we want money to do the simplest things. like hitting a baseball. but i have to be thankful that i can praise God when and where i want to, and some of the countries that love sport cannot. oh well. im tired

[zamboni]

I agree with you on the issue of other areas around the world and their appreciation for Olympic coverage on television. We get 24-7 coverage when the Olympics are on, but I have to admit I will only watch a few of the more exciting events.
But as for International rugby players not getting paid, that is a thing of the past. They make big bucks too, maybe not as grand as the USA sportsman, but a top player will be making 7 digits easily.

zam

{shocked}

[KenFas]

While you bring up some very valid points the Olympics is the biggest high dollar commercial presentation in sports today. The Networks extort BILLIONS of dollars in Ad money and convince us to watch the great stories of great amatuers sacrificing for there country when in fact we get more prime time of rich whiney millionare athletes like the dream team in Basketball whipping some third world country by 85 points. Now don't get me wrong I am for Roller hockey getting into the Olympics if it would actually get some time on television. But I'm a sucker and every year I see Gymnastics and basketball dominate all the coverage in the first half of summer olympic coverage and track and Swimming dominate the airwaves the other half of the coverage. When the gymnastics end and you think you can see some of the other events we get Gymnastics medal winner exibitions. Cycling and other sports we might want to see get a 2 minute taped segment. Thats what NBC thinks we want.

On your other point I love the amatuerism of sports and our sport especially. Nothing is more exciting than seeing athletes laying it on the line that actually are paying to play. Risk injury for there real jobs and give it all for the sake of team. That is sport in the purist form. Hockey is a grand game, but it is a game. The lessons learned in a 40 minute hockey game transcend life and thats why most of us play. All sports are filled with selfish brats wanting to get paid to play a kids game. Many times I see young players leave there hometown team for some quasi-sponsored team for free equipment and wonder why a young man would abandon his team for a pair a gloves. So it doesn't take pro sports to bring out the consumerism of an athlete.

It still comes down to all hockey is hockey. What roller hockey players don't watch the NHL and dream to be the next Modano, Jagr, or Hasek. Our sport has enough heros inline or Ice. C.J Yoder and Boyd Suttons are known to the inline and Ice player as well. Hockey will continue to grow, especially now that opportunities abound in once non-hockey regions of the country. Inline hockey can take much of the credit for this growth in the past with markets like Southern California, Florida, and Texas. In markets where Ice is available such as St.louis and Michigan roller hockey co-exist at a very high level with Ice hockey. The Olympics won't make or break hockey on wheels but the exposure would be good.

Ken Fasnacht
Jax Jokers