AAU Cancels 2007 Disney Classic

[InlineMBA]

I just got word from our Disney Host that the 2007 AAU Disney Classic Nationals have been cancelled.

I went one step further and found the following on the AAU web site http://www.aauhockey.org/2007Disney/2007DisneyInfo.htm

I can't say that "I'm not disappointed."

Steve Inge

[robinshockey25]

anyone know what this means for the piha championships? having them during this tournament was supposed to be great exposure for the league.

[InlineMBA]

Hey, good pick up on the PIHA Championships. I completely forgot about their Championships being scheduled to coincide with the AAU Disney Tournament.

We previously transmitted our intent to participate form online, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding hotels close to what we reserved for at Disney. Never mind the additional cost to change air fares and people not being to happy about being stuck in West Palm Beach with nothing to do as opposed to all the parks (Disney, Universal and Sea World) in the Orlando area.

Steve Inge

[TheSnake22]

this is what i have heard/been told... Apparently the NBA has decided to have it's draft at the Disney Sports center or whatever it's called... when this was decided a few weeks ago or so, PIHA got the boot. PIHA has since been looking into alternatives, and currently has 2 good plans in the works, one coinciding with another major tournament, one not i think... I'm guessing that AAU got the boot somewhere further along in the process after the NBA decided they needed more time and space... obviously the NBA would have a priority over AAU or PIHA... i don't have any idea what aau is planning to do...

[InlineMBA]

I assume from your post that the AAU Tournament and PIHA Championships will happen at two different locations.

Another disappointment - wanted to see the PIHA Championships while we were there (that's if we can even pull off a change to West Palm Beach).

Steve Inge

[InlineMBA]

I just checked the NBA.Com web site and they are showing the 2007 Draft to be held at MSG June 28th.

Could there be some form of "combines" at Disney over the Memorial Day Weekend?

Steve Inge

[TheSnake22]

maybe thats it. i didn't really look into it, all i was told is that it had something to do with the nba draft... its not firsthand info, i just know that PIHA has known it would not be able to have its championship at the planned time during what would have been the aau tourney for a few weeks now and they're addressing the situation.

[InlineMBA]

I just got off the phone with Brett from the Palm Beach Skate Zone and he told me that no deal has been finalized with AAU. However, it should happen any day.

Brett did not know for sure if they would be using one rink or two.

Steve Inge

[TheSnake22]

did he say anything about why they had to relocate?

[BanditsGM]

It's a NBA pre draft camp.

The plan is for two rinks at the skatezone depending on the number of teams.

The AAU event will be back at Disney next year.

PIHA was offered the opportunity to go to the Skatezone or Anaheim.

Anaheim Hockey Club is hosting the West Coast Nationals in conjuction with Disneyland.

Either place would be good for PIHA marketing since there are currently no teams or divisions in Florida or California.

From a coaches stand point, I would much rather be playing on a regulation playing surface anyway.

[InlineMBA]

I sure hope PIHA chooses the Skate Zone. I really would like to see those guys play.

Yes I agree, from a coaching perspective - the Disney rinks are narrow and they're temporary. However, there's just something about the Milk House and the Disney environment that makes for a memorable tournament.

Sure hope they have to use two rinks.

Going back to Disney in 2008 doesn't do our guys any good. They're all second year 18U's so this is their last year at the "Disney" tournament.

For my son and I, Disney is where it all started. It would have been nice to do Disney one more time before he heads off to Towson.

Steve Inge

[thebenchman]

yeah! I am going to miss those Tea Cup rides too.

While AAU has bee nthere for many years when you as a owner have a choice of AAU or NBA, you should know it really becomes a no brainer.

From what I know if PIHA, they have offers to makes some other choices for their games too.

It seems like some times you get a lemon, but ya gotta squeeze the lemon to get the lemonade.

Roy

[InlineMBA]

Who said anything about missing "tea cup rides"?

Maybe I didn't make myself clear enough, we'll miss the "environment" of the Disney Tournament.

Come to think of it - I miss fitting in the "tea cup rides".

Steve Inge

[CUDangled]

Disney has another event in September...I know that doesn't help you out with the PIHA tournament, etc. But at least you could go to Disney and play then, rather than waiting for next year.

[CUDangled]

The event in the September (used to be October) is still a go.

This will be the only inline event at Disney this year, so it will probably sell out. Should be lots of fun. Teams from all over the world are going to be there.
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/moresports/events/detail?name=MoreSportsDisneyInlineHockeyShootoutEv entDetailPage

[InlineMBA]

One Word: COLLEGE

Impossible to reassemble the troops in September.

Steve Inge