PIHA predictions

[SpiderRat]

So, any predictions on the PIHA final? Just curious also on how the Snipers are. I hear they're a very talented team. I was hoping to read something on the PIHA website, but.....

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Roger my prediction is that it will be a long series and could very well go the distance. Who I expect to win I can't really say because I did not see the Snipers at all this season. It should be a very good series.....Good luck to both teams this weekend.

[James Lambert]

It's difficult to predict anything, because the Snipers playing in Colorado aren't going to be the same team that played the whole season.

As you probably know, there's a scheduling conflict between the World Games and the PIHA finals, and Greg Thompson and Tommy Bruce will not be playing for the Snipers. They'll be playing for Team USA.

It's hard to believe this conflict couldn't have been avoided. Instead, what's been avoided is a solution. Everyone buried their heads in the sand until it was too late.

PIHA screwed up royally.

[Dave Garland]

I agree with everything just said by James.

We will not have Thompson or Bruce for the finals which is a travesty.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Yet coming out on a message board and blasting the league is not a solution either. These dates for these finals were set last year in July! Don't we win games as a team and lose games as a team. We all go into playoff games missing key players it happens in all sports. The rest of the guys should step up and pick up the slack. Just my two cents!

[ifyouonlyknew]

you dont think if the thunder was playing in the finals that something would be done to have cj and yingling available to play? im not positive but i would think that world games has also been scheduled for a while. with the amount of players and the high talent playing in this league this should have been avoided. it is not right to bash the league on the message boards but it also isnt right for the snipers to have play all season with probably their two best players and two of the better players in the counrty and not have them for the finals. something should have been done about this way before this situation becuase it really does not make the league look good.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Why was it only brought up now and not at the divisional meetings in July or even at the divisional schedule meetings. The owners of the teams should have been looking into these things and said something then. Changes could have been made way back.....Waiting til now shows complete lack of paying attention to a schedule and just an excuse to complain. When I went to the scheduling meeting I was prepared and knew the dates I was going to be missing key players and I did not schedule games on those dates. Somebody from the Gateway division should have said something. For the director of the Gateway division to come on a public message board and say that it is tragedy should have done his homework and looked into the schedule back in October when the dates were set.

Jeff Haze
Owner Feasterville Fury

[Dave Garland]

I wouldn't comment on what you don't know about.

1. It was discussed multiple times to try to change it. The lack of effort was not in those who wanted it changed but rather those who had to put in effort to change it.

2. We knew the situation would arise with numerous teams making the finals:
-If Thunder made it: CJ and Brian
-If the Whalers made it: JP Beilsten
-If Pitt made it: Brett Leggat (Canada)
-If Snipers made it: Thompson and Bruce

3. This was not 'league bashing' by any means but instead stated that it is a 'travesty' (not "tragedy") meaning the best players in the league should be showcased in the finals. Although it is great from a PR standpoint to say that "we have players that play on Team USA", it is more important to have those guys actually playing in the finals.

4. Don't think we didn't "pay attention to the schedule." These issues were brought up in Colorado during the All Star game among others.

5. Saying "dates were set" is a joke. Numerous things have changed this year (not blaming PIHA more the circumstances) including the location of the finals, etc. Set dates can be moved.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Your explanation makes sense now Dave! Just the way your one line statement came across to me was that you felt like the league was trying to put the screws to you! Sorry for jumping on it that way.

Also in regards to date changes yes they do happen but why did the issue have to go public 48 hours before the finals.

[Dave Garland]

No prob Jeff! (PS the finals are NEXT weekend)

[growl89]

I am going to have to take the Rats on this one if they have a full team... missing greg and tommy will hurt the snipers a lot... they still have very talented players on that team, but missing 2 of the best players in the country never helps your chances... And, from playing against them 4 times this season, the Rats are a good time, i think they outshot us everytime we played them... i'm going to say Rats in 6 if they have a full team out there...

[RichardGraham]

Hi Jeff,

I'm not sure I agree that such posts harm the league. Scheduling conflicts have been a problem in this sport for a long time, and I think it's important that these issues be aired publically, or they'll never be solved. Inline hockey is a small niche sport and is deeply harmed when organizations ostensibly hoping to grow the sport can't work out things like scheduling issues.

I don't think hiding the issue or not talking about it at a certain time is the solution.

I'm not putting blame on anyone in this situation -- I just know that it has happened many times in the past, and it's something that needs to be resolved.

Good luck to all the PIHA playoff teams from Inline Hockey Central, as well as everyone participating in the world championships.

[kicksave60]

I agree, this place is made for discussion and debate. hence the word "forum"

[SpiderRat]

What I don't get is, is that the finals are in one week, and there is absolutly nothing posted on the PIHA website. This is the finals. Six months worth of games and PIHA forgets to advertize the finals???

As far as Bruce and Thompson not making it, I personally think it stinks. The nah sayers will forever be able to say, "what would have happened if they were there". Not saying we are going to win, but if say our two best players, Jeff Goulet and Rodney Millette couldn't make it, well we would be in serious trouble. I'm sure we as a team would have had no problem with a date change, just to make sure both teams had their full rosters. For last years MLRH U.S. title, we went back and forth on the phone with the representative from the North Carolina team picking dates that would suit both teams rosters. And it worked. Just my two cents.

[Gladiators6]

What I don't get is, is that the finals are in one week, and there is absolutly nothing posted on the PIHA website. This is the finals. Six months worth of games and PIHA forgets to advertize the finals???


That's what I've been wondering for the past few weeks......the PIHA Championships are the next big thing (and the last big thing) of the season, and there is nothing on the site except the bracket in which you have to get to thru a small link on the right.

I know the league has to be busy with organizing everything and such, but how long does it take to put something up???

Imagine if NHL.com didn't have anything about the Stanley Cup Palyoffs on it......

[Dave Garland]

All great points by SpiderRat and Gladiator and I couldn't agree more.


As far as the dates and location, I tried changing it many times and it pretty much fell on deaf ears. The only legit reason I heard for keeping in Colorado over Memorial Day weekend is that they already paid for some TV coverage and something else special.

Everything else is a mess. I hate to say these things on a public forum but I believe everyone has a right to know what is going on. We are one week away from the finals and I don't have the following information for our team:
1. Flight information (we only know 'sort of' when we are leaving)
2. Game Times
3. Any other specifics about anything

On the Gateway website (www.pihagatewayhockey.com (http://www.pihagatewayhockey.com)) I put up some stuff about the finals but I only have very limited information.

On the rink, we will give it our best shot. We have some other good players as well but losing 50% of our scoring, our captain, and 90% of the reason we are IN the finals is going to be a serious, serious blow. I always hate saying "what ifs" but it will always come up. Our team has to stay focused though and as of last Wednesday we aren't allowed to mention 'Thompson' or 'Bruce' during team activities haha.

Lastly, great point about the PR for the event. Where is it? This is absolutely VITAL. Press releases, website stories, interviews, etc. I'll go ahead and write an article but the only thing I really know about is the Snipers.

Sorry for all the negative comments in this thread but I think the problems need to be adressed ASAP. I'm not just posting this in a public forum, I have also debated these issues with the people in charge.

[bobbasquill1]

The problems with scheduling isn't all the leagues problem, how about the players show some commitment to the teams they play on. If you have reached the top of your game, go to the team that is the top of the sport and give someone else a chance to make a name for themselves. Why take up a roster spot in the PIHA, when team USA is more important to the player. Step aside give someone else the oppertunity that you had. Pick the team thats the most important and move on.

[InlineMBA]

Heck, thePiha.Com says the following:



PIHA League Championship

The 2007 PIHA Champions will be determined on Memorial Day weekend at a location yet to be determined.


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

From my perspective, during the regular season and the start of the playoffs, thePiha.Com was constantly updated with some well written articles. I also enjoyed reading the Box Scores of games to get a feel for what went on. Maybe I'm wrong, but Mr. A. Flynn appeared to be a major contributor of the articles. Once the Growl got knocked out of the playoff picture, the web site seemed to come to screeching halt. Sure would be hard for him to write about games he wasn't at. To bad somebody else didn't pick up the slack.

Steve Inge

[Drexel63]

On the Gateway website (www.pihagatewayhockey.com (http://www.pihagatewayhockey.com)) I put up some stuff about the finals but I only have very limited information.

...

I'll go ahead and write an article but the only thing I really know about is the Snipers.



From another point of view, a "fan" looking on the outside in... I was really excited to see what happened in the divisional playoffs, because the teams played so many times during the season that. We played the 'Tics 4 times with 3 really close games, The 'Tics and Bandits regular season series was just rediculously competitive... This all lead to really exciting playoff competition. Then for the Conference playoffs, I lost all of the interest that the regular season built up for me because unfortunately, I have no idea what the Boston teams look like, let alone how they play... I had no opportunity to see any games (Last time I saw Boston play was in the Champions match against the Growl in Voorhees)...

I know there are incredible travel hurdles, but the Conference and Divisional segregation has to end... The Eastern Conference Finals would have been a must see for me if there was a regular season backstory to get my interest more peaked...

The fact that the Gateway Conference PR guy (who has done a PHENOMENAL job all season at getting word out and building a great division in St. Louis) has no information to promote about their competition in the FINALS is attrocious in my opinion.

[Dave Garland]

Thanks Bill (I misread what you said the first time!!)

You are 100% correct!

[James Lambert]

From another point of view, a "fan" looking on the outside in... I was really excited to see what happened in the divisional playoffs, because the teams played so many times during the season that. We played the 'Tics 4 times with 3 really close games, The 'Tics and Bandits regular season series was just rediculously competitive... This all lead to really exciting playoff competition. Then for the Conference playoffs, I lost all of the interest that the regular season built up for me because unfortunately, I have no idea what the Boston teams look like, let alone how they play... I had no opportunity to see any games (Last time I saw Boston play was in the Champions match against the Growl in Voorhees)...

I know there are incredible travel hurdles, but the Conference and Divisional segregation has to end... The Eastern Conference Finals would have been a must see for me if there was a regular season backstory to get my interest more peaked...

The fact that the Gateway Conference PR guy (who has done a PHENOMENAL job all season at getting word out and building a great division in St. Louis) has no information to promote about their competition in the FINALS is attrocious in my opinion.

Great post, Bill. Glad to hear your perspective.

The following is not necessarily in direct response to your post:

I've been doing articles on and off all year, and would have loved to pull out all the stops on a monster PIHA championship preview.

I don't get paid by the league for that kind of stuff, nor for statkeeping or video or anything else, but I do it because I enjoy it, and I believe in the sport and in the concept of PIHA. I'm not going to write anything that embarrasses the league.

Usually, by now I'd have written and posted a couple-thousand-word preview to thepiha.com, and PIHA would have what seems like a fairly basic piece of publicity: an article on their official website.

If they (whoever "they" is, I don't know exactly) value their Colorado Springs Memorial Day event so much that it's more important than the integrity of the league championship, then they can promote it themselves instead of enjoying the buzz that a better planned PIHA Final would have created naturally (including the intrigue and interest from a resource like me, who -- excuse my ego -- can hammer out a flawless 2,000 word article in about two hours and -- FOR FREE -- give them the basic web coverage the absence of which does their credibility no favors).

But unfortunately it's just too difficult to "finesse" these circumstances. I do this for fun, not to make money for myself or someone else, nor to stroke my ego. I'm just a fan, not a spin artist.

(OK, so maybe I'm lying about the ego part. However, there's a difference between my ego and the ego that drives the roller hockey, "keep your hands off my precious event!!!" mentality.)

[growl89]

The problems with scheduling isn't all the leagues problem, how about the players show some commitment to the teams they play on. If you have reached the top of your game, go to the team that is the top of the sport and give someone else a chance to make a name for themselves. Why take up a roster spot in the PIHA, when team USA is more important to the player. Step aside give someone else the oppertunity that you had. Pick the team thats the most important and move on.


There is a reason that these guys are on Team USA, it's because they play all of the time... so you are saying that if they want to play on Team USA then don't play PIHA? thats wrong.... are you going to tell CJ, Brian, Legs, Jp etc not to play in the league because they want to represent their country? that makes no sense to me at all... so please elaborate

[RichardGraham]

Hey David,

I think Bill was actually giving you a compliment, and you misread his words.

I know that you've done a fantastic job this year with getting me information about the Gateway Division, and your hard work is obvious. Thank you for all you are doing for the sport!

[Dave Garland]

Oops Richard, you are right! I did misread it haha. Thank you for the compliments!

[GROWL]

PIHA screwed up royally.

This is an ignorant statement. PIHA had the finals planned on this weekend since last August. It was originally supposed to be in cooperation with AAU and Disney, that this weekend was chosen. No matter what the dates are there will be conflicts some how. A lot of time , money, and effort went into the plans for this event and to throw around such an insult is a real slap in the face of a league that is making huge steps.

[GROWL]

Heck, thePiha.Com says the following:



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

From my perspective, during the regular season and the start of the playoffs, thePiha.Com was constantly updated with some well written articles. I also enjoyed reading the Box Scores of games to get a feel for what went on. Maybe I'm wrong, but Mr. A. Flynn appeared to be a major contributor of the articles. Once the Growl got knocked out of the playoff picture, the web site seemed to come to screeching halt. Sure would be hard for him to write about games he wasn't at. To bad somebody else didn't pick up the slack.

Steve Inge

I did write articles even past when we were elimated and I kept the playoff section updated. Otherwise I have a lack of information. I remind everyone that it is the team's responsibilities to write articles. An area that needs major improvement next year by everyone, if we are going to be taken serious. I will do my best to get a good article up for the finals, as soon as I talk to the two teams and the league.

[GROWL]

What I don't get is, is that the finals are in one week, and there is absolutly nothing posted on the PIHA website. This is the finals. Six months worth of games and PIHA forgets to advertize the finals???

As far as Bruce and Thompson not making it, I personally think it stinks. The nah sayers will forever be able to say, "what would have happened if they were there". Not saying we are going to win, but if say our two best players, Jeff Goulet and Rodney Millette couldn't make it, well we would be in serious trouble. I'm sure we as a team would have had no problem with a date change, just to make sure both teams had their full rosters. For last years MLRH U.S. title, we went back and forth on the phone with the representative from the North Carolina team picking dates that would suit both teams rosters. And it worked. Just my two cents.

The topic of a date change was put on the table, but airline tickets, video contracts, and other money has already been spent. The league works on a very tight budget and can't change these things without a penalty that it just can't afford.

[SpiderRat]

"This is an ignorant statement. PIHA had the finals planned on this weekend since last August."

5 days until the finals, and still nothing on the PIHA website. If the finals were planned since last August, why are they not prepared to have something printable for the finals on it's website? Not for nothing, but this is embarrassing. In an effort to promote the sport and league, I spread the word by telling people to go to the website. All I've heard is negative comments. And I have nothing for a responce or defense. Is this professional, I think not. I'm beginning to think that just because the "favorites" aren't involved, the league has no use or time for anyone else. What a shame. Just my 2 cents. My views are my own and should be viewed as such. How's that for a disclaimer.

[growl89]

The favorites aren't involved? you think that's why the site is not updated.... well first let me tell you this... you guys were a favorite from the beginning of the season, as were the snipers, so that arguement is out the window... but rosters, loaded with talent.... so i don't get why you would say that... second... it is to my understanding that each team is responsible for posting articles, is that correct? i do not see a write up from the conference finals, there may be one from the west, im not sure though ... where is one from the east. The only reason there was a lot of news on the growl is because flynn has no life :) and writes up articles for fun in all his free time... i agree that the league should have something up there by now, it's kind of ridiculous, but the team reps should take care of their end too... i think that should be a huge change next season...

Just look at what Dave G. does down there, sure his posts every 4 seconds on the Gateway division are annoying lol j/k buddy ... but it's great because everything is up to date. We need that kind of motivation out of every division and/or team to keep this league pointing in the right direction... While this season was great, hands down the best competition since i've been in it, next season i believe is the make or break season. There are teams that will be popping up all over, cali, southeast us and who knows where else. Everyone needs to be on board to keep everyone informed on the other divisions around the COUNTRY.


good luck to rats and snipers
my prediction rats in 6

[GROWL]

EXACTLY... I did my best to keep things up to date, even well after my team was out of the playoffs. I have stopped writing because I no longer have information about what is going on. I was recently asked by the league to write an article and when I am given info i will do it. Honestly though I don't know why it can't be done by the two teams that are involved. Last year the Typhoon weren't at home writing articles for us and the Fire. This league is run by the teams and maybe your leadership should step up to the plate and write something. I find it funny that a team that contibuted zero articles all year, did nothing to promote the league except show up and play, has the nerve to step up and complain. Excuse my tone here, but I felt that you were taking a shot at me with your comments about the favorites not involved. That said, I am about the league something will be up as soon as info is given to me.

[born2runPROgm]

Sites updated! :)

[just-a-fan]

Not saying we are going to win, but if say our two best players, Jeff Goulet and Rodney Millette couldn't make it, well we would be in serious trouble.

Wow that is a bold statement. Especially since there is no mention of players such as Darrell Interbartolo and Jay McGeown. However I heard that the Roller Rats are going to be missing their starting goal tender in Pete Pennecke. So it should be a fair game, since the Snipers are missing Tommy Bruce and Greg Thompson.

Good luck to both teams.

[SpiderRat]

lol.......

[just-a-fan]

Wow, coming from a back up goalie, that does not hurt my feelings. I am actually really good at crossword puzzles, see if you can get this one. Three letter word, hint: worst goalie in PIHA: answer LEE. You did not even mention Darrell, who lead the team in points all season and is in the top for play offs as well. Maybe there is some tension in the ranks? Maybe it is because you are in the twi-light of your career amd are trying to make yourself feel better about yourself. Either way it makes no diffrence to me. I did not even know you were still playing, I thought the team cut you. I mean there was a rookie that was named starter for season openning and then, after you replaced him they had to go out and get Pete because you pooped the bed so bad. I do believe those are the FACTS, there is no mud slingging here. You will always be a back up.

[SpiderRat]

lol......."Maybe it is because you are in the twi-light of your career", you know what, I'm sure you're right. But I must say, I've had a blast the entire time. Met and played with some great people, played in some great games, and traveled to some awesome places. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

[imasieve30]

Damn. Good response Roger. Typical anonymous poster on here. I normally wouldn't put my two cents in but in this case that post was uncalled for.
Just-a-@ss is more like it.

-Joe

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Last time I checked Roger did have a shutout in the Eastern Conference finals against the Lunatics

[just-a-fan]

"LOL, wow, that's good. Jeff lead the league in assist, Rodney leads the team in playoff goals, that's why I mentioned them. Pete is missing Friday night's games, he is my co-starter by the way. We won our conference series with out our "starter". Pete is a very good tender by the way. Nice try though. Jay is probably one of the best defensemen playing inline hockey, and has been for awhile. We would not be where we are without him. If that's the best you've got, well perhaps slinging mud and starting trouble isn't your thing. You might want to try and find something you're good at. Like maybe beginner crossword puzzles or those little word-search books one finds at the checkout counter. Hockey and trash talking should remain at the bottom of that list. Just trying to help." .......... Roger Lee

This was his response to me originally, now all it says is LOL.


Gee Roger, what did I hit a nerve. You had no problem trying to blast me last night. But I fire back and now all of a sudden it just says LOL. Way to edit your post trying to make your self look better. I honestly think that is a joke. No I think your a joke. I will leave this topic alone. Good luck to you next year.

[Troho9]

Sign your name to your posts please.

[Stampede#11]

Hey Just-a-fan, getting a tad personal aren't we? I think you are either one of Roge's team mates doing a bit of ribbing, maybe to wind him up to come out of the gates flying at the weekend ... or really have a bee in your bonnet about the SpiderMan.... didn't you like the new movie???

Anyone who actually knows Roge, knows he's been in the twilight of his career since Bobby Orr was a rookie!!!! ... Only Geordie Howe can tell us what Roge was like in his prime. :) .Whether anyone on this site can play or not, as long as you enjoy it then keep doing it and quit blasting people. Last time I checked there wasn't anyone earning much of a living doing this?

Spidy - good luck to you and the Boston boys for the weekend. You'll always be a legend in Sheffield dude.

[SpiderRat]

You the man Alex. Miss ya mate. Thx Joe, Jeff and Brian. Yes, I did edit my post. After waking up and reading it again, I realized perhaps I should just leave this one alone. I enjoy this board and the positive feedback fans, players and guest give each other. Your negativity is rare here on IHC and I shouldn't have played along. My bad. Being in the "twilight" of my career allows me the opportunity to reflect on years gone by, along with hopes of perhaps another season with my friends from Boston. This may or may not happen, but you know "fan", as negative as you are, for whatever reason, it'll never tarnish the times I've had. Sliding the puck past me short side might be alot easier now, yet I remember the day when it wasn't. And guess what, I'm still having just as much fun. So thanks for reminding me about how sometimes I "pooped the bed so bad", it certainly keeps all things in perspective.

[Stampede#11]

Roge if you don't get another season in Boston, you could always come to the UK as an "import" ...don't know if I could fit the whole family on my sofa but we can give it a shot til you get a place sorted out?!?!?
I know the food sucks (except for the kebabs) but 30 days vacation & 12 public holidays per year buddy .. worth thinking about :D

I do think the "fan" is trying to get you fired up for the weekend mate ... he registered just to respond to your post? ... so you have either severally crossed this dude in the past for him to bother to register just to kick off with you ... or my explanation makes more sense and I live in hope that knowone would be so sad as to waste their time and energy just registering to have a pop with you.

So over to you "fan" ... who is that masked man?

[33]

Wow, coming from a back up goalie, that does not hurt my feelings. I am actually really good at crossword puzzles, see if you can get this one. Three letter word, hint: worst goalie in PIHA: answer LEE. You did not even mention Darrell, who lead the team in points all season and is in the top for play offs as well. Maybe there is some tension in the ranks? Maybe it is because you are in the twi-light of your career amd are trying to make yourself feel better about yourself. Either way it makes no diffrence to me. I did not even know you were still playing, I thought the team cut you. I mean there was a rookie that was named starter for season openning and then, after you replaced him they had to go out and get Pete because you pooped the bed so bad. I do believe those are the FACTS, there is no mud slingging here. You will always be a back up.

back up? you obviously didn't see the conference finals or hear about them. we threw everything but the kitchen sink at roger and he continuously shut us down. he was amazing and if at his age i'm still playing and playing that well then i'll be more than happy with what i've done. to have the sac to come on here and say the things you have said without signing your name is cowardly and i wish you the best of luck in your house league.

[Leaferguy]

I honestly think that PIHA needs more internet fights. We're not going to grow without constant internet battles http://www.goalieboard.com/images/smiles/064.gif

http://www.goalieboard.com/images/smiles/067.gifhttp://www.goalieboard.com/images/smiles/063.gif

[TheSnake22]

don't even waste your time with this clown Rog, we've got your back... good luck in the finals

nice smiley war you got there justin...

[Leaferguy]

Thanks, Jake.

It started out simple enough, but then the arrow guy and the gun guy started going at it.

[just-a-fan]

Wow that is a bold statement. Especially since there is no mention of players such as Darrell Interbartolo and Jay McGeown. However I heard that the Roller Rats are going to be missing their starting goal tender in Pete Pennecke. So it should be a fair game, since the Snipers are missing Tommy Bruce and Greg Thompson.

Good luck to both teams.

Gentlemen, you are missing the point here. This was my original post. Note that nothing bad was said. It was the spider-RAT that came out and attacked me. So if he cannot take what he dishes out than he should not run his mouth. Not once did I say anything about him in this post. Once he began the verbal assault I returned it. Thanks for playing.

Just-a-Fan

[TheSnake22]

the 7up dot is coming with some heat but robin hood smiley seems to be hangin in there...

[growl89]

back up? you obviously didn't see the conference finals or hear about them. we threw everything but the kitchen sink at roger and he continuously shut us down. he was amazing and if at his age i'm still playing and playing that well then i'll be more than happy with what i've done. to have the sac to come on here and say the things you have said without signing your name is cowardly and i wish you the best of luck in your house league.


You threw everything at him huh? roger is good and all Ying but i know that if you threw yourself at him, he would get out of the way... who wouldn't :D

Also just for the record... i recieved 4 phone calls today asking if i was Just-A-Fan...I'm not.... all from my own freinds too !! so thanks guys lol i do not know Roger well enough to rip him ... Ying on the other hand... i know way to well haha

Ready for Tourny's Ying?

[RichardGraham]

Hey Just-A-Fan,

Please stop with the personal attacks. I'm leaving your posts up for now, because Roger can take a check, but you can either join the community and act responsibly, or I'll have to ban you.

Posting personal attacks anonymously is cowardly, anyway, as someone else has already said.

[just-a-fan]

Wow that is a bold statement. Especially since there is no mention of players such as Darrell Interbartolo and Jay McGeown. However I heard that the Roller Rats are going to be missing their starting goal tender in Pete Pennecke. So it should be a fair game, since the Snipers are missing Tommy Bruce and Greg Thompson.

Good luck to both teams.


Richard, this was my original post, not once did I say anything derogatory towards Roger. I committed on a statement made by other members of the forum. I stated a fact that Pete was not going to be at the first few games. The mud slinging came when Roger said this to me,

?"LOL, wow, that's good. Jeff lead the league in assist, Rodney leads the team in playoff goals, that's why I mentioned them. Pete is missing Friday night's games, he is my co-starter by the way. We won our conference series with out our "starter". Pete is a very good tender by the way. Nice try though. Jay is probably one of the best defensemen playing inline hockey, and has been for awhile. We would not be where we are without him. If that's the best you've got, well perhaps slinging mud and starting trouble isn't your thing. You might want to try and find something you're good at. Like maybe beginner crossword puzzles or those little word-search books one finds at the checkout counter. Hockey and trash talking should remain at the bottom of that list. Just trying to help."

So after being attacked by him is when I took offense to that and responded with the negative comment. Sorry that you felt I was the initiator of this topic, I was not. To be honest I also think it was unfair for you to call me out on the board. I guess the fan?s perspective means nothing on the board. It is only for the pros to say what they want. If you feel the need to ban me from the board because of this please feel free.


Just-a-Fan
Jon H.
Tewksbury Ma

[SpiderRat]

Thanks Jake, Jim and Ying. And yes Richard, I can take a check. Heck, I hear worse from my own teammates, LOL. Bottom line, it should be a great final. I'm looking forward to the games. I'm also extending an invite to the Sniper guys to hang out for drinks one of the nights. You can never have too many hockey buddies. First round is on Paul "The Mayor" Rogers.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Roger I knew I liked you for a reason. It is that ability to throw down a couple of beers whenever possible. Now remember your in the rockies so I guess you will have to get some of that coors stuff since it should be prevalent over there! Good luck this weekend to you and to both teams as well!

[33]

You threw everything at him huh? roger is good and all Ying but i know that if you threw yourself at him, he would get out of the way... who wouldn't :D

Also just for the record... i recieved 4 phone calls today asking if i was Just-A-Fan...I'm not.... all from my own freinds too !! so thanks guys lol i do not know Roger well enough to rip him ... Ying on the other hand... i know way to well haha

Ready for Tourny's Ying?

wow, brutal. i knew you weren't just-a-fan...he was way too nice.:) i am definitely ready to go. i can't wait.

[James Lambert]

The topic of a date change was put on the table, but airline tickets, video contracts, and other money has already been spent. The league works on a very tight budget and can't change these things without a penalty that it just can't afford.

Then why didn't the Snipers get their itineraries until approximately 10 days before the event?

[James Lambert]

I honestly think that PIHA needs more internet fights. We're not going to grow without constant internet battles http://www.goalieboard.com/images/smiles/064.gif

http://www.goalieboard.com/images/smiles/067.gifhttp://www.goalieboard.com/images/smiles/063.gif

I'll work on getting Tomy Ames to play next year.

[Leaferguy]

I'll work on getting Tomy Ames to play next year.
But he never gets threatened online!


:D

[RichardGraham]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your post. I appreciate your answer and explanation.

I hate dealing with these flame wars. It's a no-win situation for me, because it's hard to determine when something crosses the line, etc. Some people have thicker skins than others and enjoy such battles of twits... er, wits. ;)

Maybe I was too quick to judge your posts, partly because I know Roger and you came out of nowhere.

If you two can agree to disagree and keep the level of vitriol reasonable, I'll be happy to have you stay on site. Post away.

[PIHAGOALIE]

I am just going to put out my predictions for the finals. first of all congrats to both the roller rats and the snipers. we "prowlers" lost in 4 games in the western conferance championship series. with that being said i just want to first say that the snipers are a fantastic team and i wish them the best but missing their top two players is going to be extremely tough to pull out the 4 wins neded. to put it in perspective we "prowlers" had our full team the first night against the snipers and we split the first two games. the next morning our best player had to fly home due to military commitments and our captain was injured in the begining of the first game of the second night so we were essentially down our two best players as well. resulting in two bad losses 8-0 and 5-1. now i am not saying it is impossible for the snipers to win but when you get this far it is essential to have those big guns or you are going to find it extremely hard to win.

Boston 4 games to 1

Good luck to all.

Risenhoover #49 Prowlers

[TheSnake22]

Richard, this was my original post, not once did I say anything derogatory towards Roger. I committed on a statement made by other members of the forum. I stated a fact that Pete was not going to be at the first few games. The mud slinging came when Roger said this to me,

?"LOL, wow, that's good. Jeff lead the league in assist, Rodney leads the team in playoff goals, that's why I mentioned them. Pete is missing Friday night's games, he is my co-starter by the way. We won our conference series with out our "starter". Pete is a very good tender by the way. Nice try though. Jay is probably one of the best defensemen playing inline hockey, and has been for awhile. We would not be where we are without him. If that's the best you've got, well perhaps slinging mud and starting trouble isn't your thing. You might want to try and find something you're good at. Like maybe beginner crossword puzzles or those little word-search books one finds at the checkout counter. Hockey and trash talking should remain at the bottom of that list. Just trying to help."

So after being attacked by him is when I took offense to that and responded with the negative comment. Sorry that you felt I was the initiator of this topic, I was not. To be honest I also think it was unfair for you to call me out on the board. I guess the fan?s perspective means nothing on the board. It is only for the pros to say what they want. If you feel the need to ban me from the board because of this please feel free.


Just-a-Fan
Jon H.
Tewksbury Ma


Dude? Are you serious? You most certainly initiated his comments... Didn't say anything derogatory? I know i wouldn't like being called a back-up after helping my team win the conference, insinuating it would hurt handicap our team because i was playing instead of the other goalie, and being criticized for how i talk about my own team, one that i know well and have played with for some time... He called 2 players the best of a team that is filled with great players. It doesn't mean he was putting down the rest of the team...

And how can you even start to call him the back-up? He's started more games and has more wins... It's pretty clear both goalies split time and neither goaltender is worthy of the derogatory title "Back-up." Basically you tried to start something and now you can't back it up so you're going to whine because you think you're being ganged up on but you're just wrong...

If you wan't to give your perspective as a fan, we are all welcome to it. Try, "I disagree with your statement about who are the best players on the Roller Rats," to which Roger would reply, "well I play for the Roller Rats and just backstopped my team to the finals, what do you do?"

[James Lambert]

to put it in perspective we "prowlers" had our full team the first night against the snipers and we split the first two games. the next morning our best player had to fly home due to military commitments and our captain was injured in the begining of the first game of the second night so we were essentially down our two best players as well.

You had your two best players, Bogenrief and Harrison, for all four games.

[PIHAGOALIE]

While both Bogenrief and PArker are fantastic players, you can ask anyone in colorado that the two names that stood out on our team is Shane Carrol and Shane Hayden. These two were the driving force of the Prowlers. Carrol had to fly back to Colorado and our captain and all star Shane Hayden pulled his lower abdomen in the first minute of the third game. Bogenrief is awesome and he was a huge impact player and leader as well and parker is two but the leadership and game changing abilites have to go to the two shanes. Trust me guy I played with these guys all season, us losing shane caroll was a huge loss. But hey, you guys deserve to win and you have a awesome team. I just think without your top two players it is going to be a ruff go is all. You can win the championship, no doubt about it but you need everything to go your way. The rats are no joke and i think they have the edge since they are bringing their whole squad and they are all healthy. I wish everyone good luck and i hope it goes 7 games. See ya in the Springs.

Risenhoover #49 Prowlers

[TheSnake22]

While both Bogenrief and PArker are fantastic players, you can ask anyone in colorado that the two names that stood out on our team is Shane Carrol and Shane Hayden. These two were the driving force of the Prowlers. Carrol had to fly back to Colorado and our captain and all star Shane Hayden pulled his lower abdomen in the first minute of the third game. Bogenrief is awesome and he was a huge impact player and leader as well and parker is two but the leadership and game changing abilites have to go to the two shanes. Trust me guy I played with these guys all season, us losing shane caroll was a huge loss. But hey, you guys deserve to win and you have a awesome team. I just think without your top two players it is going to be a ruff go is all. You can win the championship, no doubt about it but you need everything to go your way. The rats are no joke and i think they have the edge since they are bringing their whole squad and they are all healthy. I wish everyone good luck and i hope it goes 7 games. See ya in the Springs.

Risenhoover #49 Prowlers

good post james