MLRH Weekend Update

[TheSnake22]

I'm trying to limit my activity on the board as to avoid any posts like my last ones... But i had to break from my self-imposed suspension to report to everyone why MLRH is for real... direct quote...

"Major League Roller Hockey is ?Major League? because its teams only play in large markets with only one team per state or major market. Teams often fly to games, but when a major snowstorm shuts down the entire northeast, things can go badly..."

I thought being "Major League" would imply that you had some form of organization, the league was competitive and well-respected, and players actually wanted to play for the teams. I know i'm beating a dead horse but i honestly feel bad about the money that is being lost on this league and that could be going to benefit PIHA. Flying players to games? How could anyone afford that?

[patb16]

Wow... that's a pretty funny quote.

I'd like to see a tournament organized between PIHA teams and MLRH teams. I know it would probably never happen, but I think that would be pretty interesting.

[whodere]

the MLRH is a joke, and any team that plays in it would not be able to compete in PIHA. I would like to see the Philadelphia Sting take on the Growl in a city matchup.

I think if any MLRH teams joined PIHA they would all probably fight to stay out of last place.

[patb16]

the MLRH is a joke, and any team that plays in it would not be able to compete in PIHA. I would like to see the Philadelphia Sting take on the Growl in a city matchup.

I think if any MLRH teams joined PIHA they would all probably fight to stay out of last place.

yea... i know very little about MLRH. I've never even seen a game.

[FrankFrank]

I realize that I'll get harassed for this one... but let me remind you all about our boys to the north in Connecticut and Mass that brought teams from the MLRH to the PIHA. I'd say their doing Just fine in the PIHA. I'm not defending MLRH, just pointing the obvious out. Some teams will be able to adapt... some teams won't stand a chance. Just my opinion.

F~F

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I agree totally Frank.......Also to add to Franks opinion a lot of people who played MLRH play in PIHA. So can they play I would say yes its possible.

See you on Saturday Frank. Your first beer afterward is on me!

[growl89]

most of the league at one point played in MLRH... MLRH had some good seasons, i think that the influx of talent from MLRH to PIHA is over though, sure there will be good/great players that come over in the future, but not whole teams like bos and con was able to do.

[zephyr]

the MLRH is a joke, and any team that plays in it would not be able to compete in PIHA. I would like to see the Philadelphia Sting take on the Growl in a city matchup.

I think if any MLRH teams joined PIHA they would all probably fight to stay out of last place.

Have you even seen a game this season? There are two or three very good teams that could do more than just compete in PIHA.
I've watched PIHA games this season and was not impressed especially for all the talk.

There are some great players and great teams in PIHA but you cannot dismiss every single player in another league with such a great level of ignorance.

Also, your Growl Sting match-up is funny. One of the best teams in PIHA against one of the worst teams in the MLRH? That would be like putting the Crush or Wings vs. York, Richmond, or Feasterville this season.

I don't understand why there needs to be so much childish trash talk. Just play your game and let everyone else play theirs.

[TheSnake22]

at least from me, it is not "childish trash talk." i think that quote is pretty obviously trying to take a shot at PIHA when it says it only has one team per major market whereas PIHA has multiple teams in most every market. but really you miss the point. the point is that in order for our game to grow and succeed there cannot be leagues working against each other. until there is only one top league, and for that matter, one top governing body, the sport of inline hockey will never reach its potential.

we're all probably curious, what piha teams did you watch that you were not impressed with?

[zephyr]

at least from me, it is not "childish trash talk." you miss the point. the point is that in order for our game to grow and succeed there cannot be leagues working against each other. until there is only one top league, and for that matter, one top governing body, the sport of inline hockey will never reach its potential.

we're all probably curious, what piha teams did you watch that you were not impressed with?

I don't think I've missed the point at all I think you have probably missed mine. You didn't see me argue anything you said in your initial post. I agree with most of it to be honest.

My whole point is just that many things I have read, such as the things said by whodere, are really not necessary; it's just flame-bait with not much real backing or reason. It doesn't make the game any stronger by back and forth talking about how everyone is a joke, bad, can't play the game, etc.

The last two PIHA games I saw were a Feasterville\Robins match up.

[FrankFrank]

And now I put in my 2 cents... don't compare apples and oranges. You play a PIHA style game between York/Feasterville and Crush/Wings... it won't even be a contest in the PIHA team's favor. You play an MLRH style, it could be a very different story because of size and the way these teams were raised playing puck... however, we may very well cause the upset because of that.

"There are some great players and great teams in PIHA but you cannot dismiss every single player in another league with such a great level of ignorance."

No one was discrediting Everyone in MLRH... we were stating that a good portion of players/teams wouldn't be able to compete at the Pro PIHA level. The many phenominal players that transfered over from MLRH to PIHA left very few in their wake. Not to say there Are Not good players in MLRH, but the number of them has greatly diminished.

And so mr Zephyer, so you know that I am not talking out of ignorance...
'01 Balitmore Bulldogs
'03 DC Voltage
'04 Pottstown Firebirds
'05-'06 DC Mad Dawgs


Frank~Frank Szilagyi
#21 York Typhoon

[Mlrhnorthfan]

the connecticut and boston teams in PIHA were also among the top teams every season in the mlrh the past 4 or 5 years, so obviously the game would transfer.

from a personal standpoint, while the mlrh had a couple great seasons several years ago, last year was a complete joke, with multilple forfeits for varying reasons and a season that was ended early and game results simulated for playoff standings.

I know that it hurt 'professional' inline hockey as rink owners now being asked to open their doors to PIHA teams remember the nights where mlrh games were canceled due to forfeits and no shows.....

until there is one 'pro' league let them be different. mlrh is for those who want to play checking, Piha is not. so choose your leauge.

as frank-frank said, totally different styles of play.
it has been argued to exhaustion on this board the fact that few in the mlrh know how to hit cleanly and i think that is a major reason why the talent has left the MLRH.

[zephyr]

And now I put in my 2 cents... don't compare apples and oranges. You play a PIHA style game between York/Feasterville and Crush/Wings... it won't even be a contest in the PIHA team's favor. You play an MLRH style, it could be a very different story because of size and the way these teams were raised playing puck... however, we may very well cause the upset because of that.



I'm not comparing apples and oranges. Hockey is Hockey. If guys can't play both sides of the game then they are lacking in skill sets. I'm not really here to discuss that matter though. The Crush and Wings play a physical game but would be able to play a low contact game, especially from what I have seen this year from both leauges.
It doesn't really matter though because it won't happen unless one of those teams move to PIHA. I doubt people will be organizing friendly scrimmages. :D


No one was discrediting Everyone in MLRH...
I've seen a lot of comments geared in that manner. ...And saying a league is a joke is discrediting the people that play in it. Anyway, I appreciate your information but have to disagree just a bit.

Edit:
Just wanted to mention:

Probably not the best topic to post on as my first few here. :)

The whole point of my inital post was just to say that I don't think any of the bad talk is necessary and that there are still good teams that can compete. I don't think it's justified to just say a team has no chance in a game against another.

When I said I wasn't impressed by the teams I saw last I was just saying that they weren't better than anything I've seen elsewhere. I don't want anyone to think I'm trashing their team.
They put on a good game. I just expected to see the NHL on Court from everything I've read about how the teams are so much more skilled than the MLRH teams.

I do want to say that I was actually really impressed by the Minor league team. There are some skilled players and they played a fast game.

[Mlrhnorthfan]

hey wait!!

What about the XIHL!?!

[Center_ice]

zephyr - is there rosters for the teams posted somewhere? I'am trying to find out more about the league, but the MLRH website just doesn't have much on it. Also I heard that many of the teams do not exist that group of players are thrown together each weekend to play.

[born2runPROgm]

strange but true stories....

2005- Pittsburgh Phantoms are invited to play in two "exhibition games" vs. NY Rockers (eventual worldf champs) at home... and these games counted for NY in the standings even though we were not in the league.

aproximately 20 minutes before game time- Rockers show up with 2 goalies and 3 skaters.... 1 goalie skated out and towards the end of the game 2 more players arrived.

fast fwd-

2007- I get calls almost weekly, asking me and my players to play for numerous mlrh teams to travel to Ohio, Chicago, etc... because the other teams who were supposed to travel cancelled at the last minute.

.......I agree that there are teams in mlrh this year that almost certainly can and probably will switch to piha in the near future.... and they more than likely can compete with the best teams in the league.

Hopefully those teams will follow the MA and CT teams in joining PIHA in the near future.... the league is so competitive this year it's incredible. The addition of these teams/players can only help.

[GROWL]

What is the entrance fee for MLRH this season and what was it last season?

[zephyr]

zephyr - is there rosters for the teams posted somewhere? I'am trying to find out more about the league, but the MLRH website just doesn't have much on it. Also I heard that many of the teams do not exist that group of players are thrown together each weekend to play.
I don't know where a set roster list is posted. I know Bill, that runs the league, has a set list for each team and organizes trades.
I know the Mad Dawgs, Wings, Sting, Wheelz, Crush, Outlawz, and Rockers all exist and every time I saw them it was composed of the same players for the most part. Can't speak for the others because I haven't seen a game.

strange but true stories....
2005- Pittsburgh Phantoms are invited to play in two "exhibition games" vs. NY Rockers (eventual worldf champs) at home... and these games counted for NY in the standings even though we were not in the league.
aproximately 20 minutes before game time- Rockers show up with 2 goalies and 3 skaters.... 1 goalie skated out and towards the end of the game 2 more players arrived.
fast fwd-
2007- I get calls almost weekly, asking me and my players to play for numerous mlrh teams to travel to Ohio, Chicago, etc... because the other teams who were supposed to travel cancelled at the last minute.
.......I agree that there are teams in mlrh this year that almost certainly can and probably will switch to piha in the near future.... and they more than likely can compete with the best teams in the league.
Hopefully those teams will follow the MA and CT teams in joining PIHA in the near future.... the league is so competitive this year it's incredible. The addition of these teams/players can only help.
Yeah I heard that the Rockers had some roster trouble at the beginning of the season. I think they have been doing fine as far as people go since then.
There have been some canceled games this year. It's unfortunate that that happens sometimes.

What is the entrance fee for MLRH this season and what was it last season?
I don't know.

[Center_ice]

zephyr - thanks for the information. just looking to see if there was any of my old teammates playing on any of the teams.
maybe some day they will post the rosters.

[yokes]

It's unfortunate that that happens sometimes.


Not in PIHA it doesnt. There are many of us on this board that have played MLRH so most on here are aware of the problems they have had/having.

[vitaminchi]

you guys are all crazy...the XIHL was the best league around.

sorry...had to. it probably was the reason the MLRH went south? i don't really know...all i know is that i've played in all three leagues...and i think the PIHA is the most organized. however, i do wish the games were just a tad bit longer...maybe 15 minute halves? other than that, it has been way more organized than the other leagues.

[BkHdTpShlf]

Hey Zeph, just wondering who are the strong teams you seen play? Last I checked the Virginia Wings were in 1st place. Are they one of the strong teams your talking about? Haven't really followed any of the new teams since leaving MLRH last season. I do get the occasional email from Bill though, so I'll jump on the never changing site....some things really never change.

[whodere]

yea, at one point the league was good. there is currently no good talent playing in that league.

everyone good is in the PIHA

[CrushD94]

Ok yeah so im new at this site or whatever, but i just got a question. Why do you (select few) have such a negative outlook toward the MLRH? Have you ever thought that maybe the people in that league are just out there to play some more hockey? or because maybe they didnt know about the piha? I didnt know about the piha until just recently, some states dont have teams in piha but other than that like whodere? do u play? all i know is that the intensity of the MLRH is alot better than the piha to me in certain ways, yes piha is a heck of alot more organized and there are three or four times as many teams but MLRH is more exciting with the full contact and 4-12 minute periods,and for those of you that think noone from MLRH could play in piha are sadly mistaken alot of the people in mlrh today play in piha and those that dont have played with/against alot of the players in piha but hey thats my insight, and id like to see other views on this topic so get back at me

[ifyouonlyknew]

The thing is many guys playing in PIHA now once played MLRH. As one of those players, knowing that when you get to the rink to play your game that there is going to be another team there to play. On more than one occassion last year we had games canclied the day of the game, and we lost the money for rink time for those games. I do agree, MLRH was fun, full contact was a part of the game that I liked, and I'm sure many other people did as well but on the other hand there were many players in that league that took the full contact aspect to another level. Hitting everyone in sight, clean or not. Just to hit someone becuase they could and that took some fun out of the game. Your argument about 4, 12 minute periods holds no water because basically PIHA is the same thing. It just eliminates blowouts, like MLRH had last year when a team like Virginia or DC would play Boston or Hartford. PIHA isn't everything I thought it would be but it has been a much more organized, and overall better league. I'm sure other former MLRH players will agree with my coments.

[GROWL]

Crush,

I dont think anyone with any sense means to say that people who play in MLRH can't play or compete with those in PIHA. I try not to do any Major League bashing because it doesn't accomplish anything. However I would like to dispute a few things you said...

Why is a four period game more exciting? I submit to you the exact opposite. Games in PIHA are far more exciting, because of the shorter games. Once a game turns into a blow out, there is nothing left to do but hit and fight. While this might be exciting, I think most rather see a game decided in the last few minutes of a good game. I consider our Growl squad among the elite squads in PIHA and we have lost 4 games this year. I'm completely confident that if we played 4 periods on those days, we would likely be undefeated and our margin of victory would be even more, as teams would quit after we get up a few goals. As I look at Major League's site, I see scores like 11-4, 11-3, 11-4, & 10-5. My point is made!

Here is the problem with MLRH... It's not the talent, it?s not the rule differences, and it's not the teams? it is the lack of structure. You can't start a league without a schedule. Calling teams the week of, to tell them they have a game 200 plus miles away, is ridiculous. I am taking my team to Boston in over a month and I have already begun to prepare. It seems MLRH does this way to allow new teams to enter past the start of the season. There is also no consistent flow of information. Where are rosters and stats? But here is the main problem if you ask me. What is the league fee to play? Having to put up a considerable entrance fee up like you do in PIHA, produces teams that are responsible and a league that can afford to make improves. What prevents a team from not showing up? Maybe this is why MLRH continues to lose teams, because there are so many forfeits.

I don't begrudge the continued existence of MLRH. It's just like you said; the people in that league are just out there to play some more hockey. I do mind the comparisons though. It's apples and skittles!!! One is healthy and helps us grow and the other is junk which is good for the moment only. There is no clear plan for the future in MLRH, while PIHA has made positive steps every season to improve. I'm not here to bash Bill, I think he's a great guy and worthy of induction to the RHHOF for his contributions to the sport. You just can't compare these two anymore.

I understand that PIHA doesn't exist in some markets, but every year we take bigger and bigger steps. Charley Yoder has always moved forward with caution and it has paid off. California, Chicago, and the Carolina's seem like they are likely expansion spots and every year we hope to grow stronger as a league. I hope my comments are received as I mean them. You asked for other views and that is one from a six year veteran of running a successful pro organization.

Anthony Flynn
Philadelphia Growl
[email protected]

[33]

very well said. i agree with you again...i think i'm going to be sick!

[Troho9]

Well said Flynn.

[imasieve30]

Did anyone else hear the Battle Hymn of the Republic in the background while they read that?

Try this. Click this link (http://pabucktail.com/Music/Battle%20Hymn%20Sousa.mp3), turn you volume down so its barely audible, then go reread Flynn's post. Do it!


-Joe

[rhhof]

First of all - great posts guys...Flynn thanx for the push - I agree as well

Here's my take - Its pretty obvious the guys posting about MLRH haven't had the long exp that we all had - I was a part of MLRH in 97, and 99-2001 and then from 2002-2004 - I played, coached, officiated and worked for Bill Raue

I love the man to death - he has done nothing but try to keep a dream of his alive...When GM's can't hold teams together or field teams (No Offense to anyone) and have to cancel, that is just unexceptable!! most teams take a huge amount of pride in game day promotion, production and performance!! When a team cancels....what do you tell everyone?? again and again sometimes....It almost happened to me once in 2001 - A team from the DC area called at noon on game day to cancel and im coaching in NJ - I asked how many guys they had (7 and a goalie) i said i'd pay for a rental car or whatever it took - I had about 100 people there to watch, refs and staff to pay and a $300 rink bill....we averaged 100 fans a game and had lights and a fog machine (once) and put on a decent show with score-o, chuck a puck games and prizes

If this is supposed to be professional (whether tagged like that or not) how do you attract more people?? why do we play?? you want to show up and play too right??

Everyone plays what they want because of choice and speak pretty openly about exps. they had along the way - this is mine and I support both but if you dont have your act together then give up and just play or find ways to move forward and promote

Keep Rollin'

[Troho9]

Sasquatche sighting!

[growl89]

THe onyl problem people have with MLRH is the lack of organization, if the league stayed in the direction it was heading before the super-duper XIHL came in, then MLRH might be where PIHA is today, and that is organized... you will NEVER see a cancelled game from a team not showing up, maybe from weather, but i do not even know if that has happened yet. Also, rosters, schedules, stats... All non-exsistent in MLRH ... Flynn was right, you just can't compare the two anymore, they are worlds apart right now.

[GROWL]

Joey I'm going to save this music for Jimmy's playoff speeches.

[imasieve30]

Only if he does it with that pathetic Bobby Kennedy, Boston accent impression of his.

[GROWL]

especially if we play baaaasstin in deeh playehhhs.

[CoachClipboard]

wait...back up, seriously? there is a roller hockey hall of fame? Nooooo!
Too funny!:D

[CrushD94]

Def. understand the view toward MLRH and Piha, i personally am just looking to play more hockey and MLRH right now is the only option. There are no piha teams in Maryland, Major league is available and i just wanna play hockey,!! Simple as that. I def know that the growl are def one of the top teams in piha, from the short time ive known about the league the PA growl was the first team that was shown to me, i know alot of my team wants to get into the piha but money looks to be an issue when this comes about, if piha expands to maryland it would be great, we have alot of talent that isnt getting noticed and i think we could put up a good team in piha

[BkHdTpShlf]

Hey CRUSH, let me give it to you first hand from a team the Boston Storm (Now Boston Roller Rats of PIHA) who absolutely crushed MLRH last season, including destroying some of MLRH's top teams this season by 18 goals. There is no match between leagues. Right now we the Roller Rats have 7 loses. We didn't have 7 loses over the course of 3 seasons added together in MLRH. The organization of PIHA is unmatched...I believe we all agree on that. The teams in a whole are unmatched between the two league, talking about depth of each squad...I believe we can also agree there? Now please don't take all this as me taking bad about MLRH, Bill has brought me to country's I would have never seen without him floating the tab to get us out there to play(England-twice & Czech Republic) I will always be greatfull to him for that. Now is there more players in MLRH that could play PIHA? No doubt but as a league there is no comparison. I would feel very strong putting PIHA's worst team against MLRH's top team any day. Also just so you know, my Roller Rat team talks about how much fun we use to have playing MLRH everytime we get together for a few cold ones. The contact was great. Growing up in Boston an ice hockey factory. We all grew up hitting, we like to hit. We didn't just play check hockey to hit, we played check hockey because we like to hit. If you have fun playing MLRH who cares what anybody on this board has to say about MLRH. To be honest, at the beginning of this season my guys were talking about going back to MLRH because of how much fun we had playing. Next time you see Doc aka Jigga Watt (Bill R) tell him Darrell from Boston said hi & don't be a stranger.

[mdhockey87]

As a current player for the Md crush and player in the mlrh i feel this
1. piha is a hell of alot stronger then mlrh (To many examples to proof that) the main reason i say this is because the majority of the better players are in piha... Big ups to everyone in piha for putting pro roller hockey on the map and doing your thing my congrats go out to all of you all on another successful season.... As far as mlrh i must say this season has been fun we have played every team and we the Md crush head to Michigan this weekend to play michigan which we have known about for a month.. I must say bill has been alright this season on telling us when we have to travel... I would also like to congrat every mlrh team and players for a great season so far cannot wait for playoffs i know that are rink has a great amount of fan support and love to come out and watch us play hockey...(BkHdTpShlf) i love your post because i look at it like first you have experience so i respect that immediatly you have been as succesful as you can possibly be in mlrh so everyone should realize that you know what your talking about... As far as the Md crush i know alot of us just finished up competitive ice hockey cant afford to go to juniors and still are looking to go to a good college where we could possibly play ice hockey... most of us had no where competitive to go play hockey then we heard about tryouts for a mlrh team in are rink and said lets do that we all love playing mlrh because its competitive theres hitting and we have fun playing... every home game we have, we get a bunch of fans there who love watching us and support us greatly I have fun playing enjoy it alot wich is most important to me and I thank my teammates bill fans and are coaching staff for that.... If are team had the oppurtunity to go play piha we would definetly do it in a heart beat unfortinetly there is no Maryland team and we do not have enough money to pay for it.. in the future if we get the chance im sure we would all do it... As of right now Mlrh is working for us are whole team is having fun and enjoying it while we still are playing competively... so if we have to im sure we would all do mlrh again next season... with that said good luck to every piha and mlrh team this season... We should all stop bashing one another and looking at the negative things and start picking out the positive

[Troho9]

"We all grew up hitting, we like to hit. We didn't just play check hockey to hit, we played check hockey because we like to hit."

Do you guys like to hit? I wasn't really clear on your post, can you clarify for me.

[BkHdTpShlf]

LOL...keep it up Tro & imagine I was working on another pair of Final pants for you last night at hockey. I'll send them down with the Bombers, I believe you play them first week of April & we won't see you until the end of the month.

[Troho9]

Yes, bribery has worked since the beginning of mankind.

"I trade you Brontosaurus leg for spear."

...and I know this cause Jimmy V gave me the play by play.

Except in his eyes it was, "I trade you Brontosaurus leg that Jimmy V gave me for spear that Jimmy V gave you."

[AFan99]

That is how the 99 from 99 and 99 evolved. Thanks for the insight Tro. Ying I am sure you have something to add here.

Paul

[GROWL]

Something that happened this past weekend needs to be told to everyone. I'd like to thank Johnny Pinheiro for going the extra mile as such a tremendous host this weekend.

Realizing what a superstar Jim Vivona is, John went all out for Jimmy this weekend. He served as the personal welcoming committee for Jimmy and even offered to wheel him onto the rink personally. Just prior to the start of the game, John entered the Growl locker room with a wheel chair ready to take Jimmy onto the rink. One of the funniest things I have seen in the 6 years i've spent in PIHA.

[Troho9]

Did Jimmy take the ride? If he did I hope there is video, pics, sketch artist or even a balloon animal guy to capture that moment.

[33]

yeah paul, that has to be how it started and then it was perfected year after year, goal after goal. flynn, that is one of the greatest things i have ever heard. kudos to JP for that one...classic. jimmy, you are still my favorite new yorker...besides meaty obviously.

[growl89]

Marek Malik is my favorite new yorker... more game winners vs. the rangers then anyone else in the league... funny how jimmy calls whenever the rangers are lucky enough to get a win... BUT everytime they cough up a 2-0 lead (3 out of every 4 games) he turns his phone right off...

[33]

how bout it? that guy gets more goals against his own team than jimmy gets phantom assists. by the way bill, your devils may want to watch their backs...cause here comes my pens!

[GROWL]

Damn any Kings (second worst record in NHL) fans on here, cause here come my Flyers!!!

[growl89]

Ying my Devils are not worry about the bunch of girls from the penguins... just look at the names of the teams. A Penguin has no chance against a Devil... for real though the pens are good... not enough playoff experience though... Fluery can be too shakey at times as well.... But look at it this way, at least they are making the playoffs... The Rangers on the other hand, OUCH, AGAIN!!!!

[TheSnake22]

i like the mascot theory... for instance today in college basketball, there was no possible way that stanford could have beaten louisville... it was a lone cardinal (stanford) vs. a whole team of cardinals (louisville).... if this holds true in hockey, i'd put my money on anaheim... ducks fly together...

[GROWL]

quack quack quack Mr Ducksworth

[RichardGraham]

Damn any Kings (second worst record in NHL) fans on here, cause here come my Flyers!!!

Yeah, I'm a fan of the Los Angeles Kings. Everything else in my life is perfect, so I need to cheer for the Kings to bring some reality to my life.

[growl89]

Back to the MLRH topic real quick, they cancelled games this weekend because it was St Patricks day? says it right on the website... does anyone else think this not right to do?

[DblJ44]

Shuts the league down for St. Patty's this year but had your Rage team play the Cougars on Easter weekend when you were scheduled to play in DC.

[growl89]

haha remember that? we had 4 guys... gong show of a league lol

[zephyr]

There were games this weekend for MLRH. I think the Wings played the New York Rockers at home and the Maryland Crush played two games in Michigan against Michigan.

[Hystyk28]

very well said. i agree with you again...i think i'm going to be sick!

You aren't turning anorexic are ya?

[33]

never rock. i have enough in storage. thanks for the concern though.

[HEO]

After reading everything said about both the MLRH and PIHA I think that it is indeed beating a dead horse. I play in the MLRH and it is indeed one of the most unorganized leagues I have ever played in. However I made a commitment to the team and the players. Since this is my first year playing inline, I never heard of PIHA, only MLRH because of a friend. I live in Maryland and would like to perhaps join the PIHA, however, shy of driving a few hours what other options do I have? How can we even get a team into PIHA?

[MBurke]

After reading everything said about both the MLRH and PIHA I think that it is indeed beating a dead horse. I play in the MLRH and it is indeed one of the most unorganized leagues I have ever played in. However I made a commitment to the team and the players. Since this is my first year playing inline, I never heard of PIHA, only MLRH because of a friend. I live in Maryland and would like to perhaps join the PIHA, however, shy of driving a few hours what other options do I have? How can we even get a team into PIHA?

http://www.thepiha.com/page.php?page=playpiha

[GROWL]

I know there are teams in Maryland who have been in contact with the league. Don't hesitate to contact Charley Yoder for information. Use the link provided by Burke above.

[Hockeytown]

Have you even seen a game this season? There are two or three very good teams that could do more than just compete in PIHA.
I've watched PIHA games this season and was not impressed especially for all the talk.

There are some great players and great teams in PIHA but you cannot dismiss every single player in another league with such a great level of ignorance.

Also, your Growl Sting match-up is funny. One of the best teams in PIHA against one of the worst teams in the MLRH? That would be like putting the Crush or Wings vs. York, Richmond, or Feasterville this season.

I don't understand why there needs to be so much childish trash talk. Just play your game and let everyone else play theirs.

Not to start an uprising or anything. But prior to the PIHA and MLRH seasons this year, two teams (who I will not name) DID get together for a scrimmage game, played using the PIHA (non contact) format. The MLRH team won 15-3. For whatever the reason (some by choice, some due to availability), some players prefer to play PIHA, some MLRH. Support and let the players have their moments in both leagues.

[blocparty]

I dont know much about MLRH but I do know that PIHA has the BEST players in the country. Not sure about the teams, but nearly every member of the Mens TEAM USA FIRS plays in the PIHA. Yoder, Yinglings, Thompson, Ciolli, Ziggy Marz., Costanza, and JP Beilstein. And all of these guys are also TORHS and Narch finalists in PRO every year.

And a lot of players who could also be on the team: Sullivan, Pinheiro, Bruce, Rodgers (JR USA TEAM), Hewkin, and there are a lot more..

So on individual talent, I honestly do not see how the MLRH could compete, but team play is a different story and if two teams played eachother ya its possible the MLRH could be as good. But I find it very hard, VERY HARD, to believe a MLRH team could beat the worst PIHA team 15-3 let alone a top level team. Who were the two teams? And do you even know if the top players were there or not? Maybe they played their minor team and won, thats the only way I see that score being a reality.

Overall, its hard to compare two different leagues, MLRH is very physical and lives off of fighting and checking from what i hear from players in that league..While PIHA attracts the more talented or Flashy, skilled players. Either way, both leagues are good in the fact that they give the guys out of college somewhere to play other than adult leagues.

[AFan99]

Just to correct a prior statement. The Boston Storm (MLRH) played the Philadelphia Growl (PIHA) in an exhibition game using PIHA rules but an extended game of 4 12 minute periods. The final score was 10-5 Growl. As most of you know the Storm became the Boston Roller Rats (PIHA). The Growl and Roller Rats will be playing each other 4 times in the last 2 weeks of the season. Should be some exciting hockey.

[growl89]

i personally would love to know what PIHA team lost a MLRH game 15-3 using PIHA rules... you are obviously starting an uprising because that did not happen. To my knowledge, the only game played prior to the season was between the Boston Storm (roller rats) and The Growl, what did this game mean? honestly nothing, both teams were missing players and the Growl came out on top that day. Name one player in MLRH that plays for team USA or even pro series tournaments over the summer.