PIHA's Much Needed Next Step

[HockeyFan1989]

It is obvious that the sport of roller hockey is once again on the rise in popularity. And the PIHA is a decently structured league, however is not recognized by many people as "The PRO's." I think it's time for some changes to be made in taking this league to the top. The most important would obviously be getting some money. For Players, for travel and most importantly, the biggest step in the PIHA growth, Broadcasting. If people all over the country had the ability, to turn on a professional roller hockey game, they would. It's fast, it's exciting, and it's hockey. Also a very good idea, would be to form a PIHA Players Association, in order to deal with some of these issues. Just my thoughts as I hope to see roller hockey grow into a highly recognized professional sport sometime in the near future.

[Phelan96]

It is obvious that the sport of roller hockey is once again on the rise in popularity. And the PIHA is a decently structured league, however is not recognized by many people as "The PRO's." I think it's time for some changes to be made in taking this league to the top. The most important would obviously be getting some money. For Players, for travel and most importantly, the biggest step in the PIHA growth, Broadcasting. If people all over the country had the ability, to turn on a professional roller hockey game, they would. It's fast, it's exciting, and it's hockey. Also a very good idea, would be to form a PIHA Players Association, in order to deal with some of these issues. Just my thoughts as I hope to see roller hockey grow into a highly recognized professional sport sometime in the near future.


Ah Yes, that's what we need, money! Everybody get money!

A players association does exist.

[Bfoster]

The tough thing is though that it takes money to get all this started...so either a rich team owner is needed, or massive amounts of sponsors. it seems like the revenue created just by selling tickets isnt nearly enough. maybe if the league matched games to those of youth tournaments it would generate a higher fan turnout and we could all sign some autographs haha.

A paycheck would be nice though :D haha...even just a free season

[LBrindam]

I think that maybe advertising on the radio would be a better next step than skipping straight to television. However, another cheap television option would be to air the games on local high school channels that are always running bull talk shows on whatever nonsense is keeping them busy lately. Get them to come tape the game (i'm guessing would cost a ton less). but ya..the radio idea i think would be a good next step.

-Luke Brind'Amour #46 University of Vermont

[SpiderRat]

"A players association does exist."


There's a player's association? When did that start? Who runs it? Are there officers? Do they meet regularly? Do they know how the finances are handled? Do they have any say in dealing with those finances? Are they privy to the budget structure? Can the officers relay this information to the players? Shouldn't we all know the budget structure, the income and expenses, and how the revenue is spent? Just a couple of questions to ponder. lol..... Phew, I've been dying to say all that. I guess I'm in favor of a players association.

[Phelan96]

"A players association does exist."


There's a player's association? When did that start? Who runs it? Are there officers? Do they meet regularly? Do they know how the finances are handled? Do they have any say in dealing with those finances? Are they privy to the budget structure? Can the officers relay this information to the players? Shouldn't we all know the budget structure, the income and expenses, and how the revenue is spent? Just a couple of questions to ponder. lol..... Phew, I've been dying to say all that. I guess I'm in favor of a players association.


eh, maybe there, isn't I just remember seeing CJ Yoders picture on the website last year with the title "PIHA Players Associacion President" something like that.....but there definitely isn't an association that does what you stated.

[BLIZARD_HOCKEY]

The players association is a big joke. Basicly ist is a gimic for PIHA to earn more money. Players are supposed to pay $10 to join the players association and it is a required membership. I know our owner just adds $10 to the players fee and then all the player are added.

[HockeyFan1989]

Radio advertising is a very good idea. Especially now that SIRIUS Radio is around, radio advertising has gone down in price. That could be a huge step to success. In regards to a PIHA Players Association, One it should not cost any money to join, Secondly they should limit it to about 25-30 people who actually care about progress for the league, and have meetings once atleast twice a season, one being before the season starts to discuss finances, rules, regulations and other season related opinions, and than one before the playoffs. And obviously these meetings should include people such as PIHA Referees, Owners, Presidents, Marketers, and everyone else in "league office."

[seanth123]

I think a Player's association is essential for the league to remain a success. It is important to have an association with the player’s interests in mind. However, I believe it should not be involved with the finnancial aspect of the league. Franchise owners however, also need to be represented by a seperate association. A “Player’s Association” is better suited for oversight of players “playing” interests. Rules, safety concerns (to include choice of insurance), suspension issues, to name a few.

[Alex Kozik]

Why not try to get on ESPN 8?

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Why not try to get on ESPN 8?


Do you mean the OCHO!!!!

[HockeyFan1989]

ehhh good idea, but im not sure if the PIHA falls under the category of "obscure sports." So the OCHO might be a little opposed to the idea of airing it through its networks. In regards to the PIHA though, I've been hearing a lot of talk about MLRH and how they are going to offer players money per win, paid coaching staff contracts, and are going to have regular season and playoff games aired on B2 Networks, the same network that the ECRHL is aired on and also the AHL, and National Lacrosse League. If this is true, and some progress isnt made in the PIHA quickly, this could seriously hurt the league or even put it out of commission. I mean, if you can play at the same level for money and be on TV, why wouldnt you?

[BLIZARD_HOCKEY]

Speeking of MLRH when is there going to be more information up on the website?

[born2runPROgm]

ehhh good idea, but im not sure if the PIHA falls under the category of "obscure sports." So the OCHO might be a little opposed to the idea of airing it through its networks. In regards to the PIHA though, I've been hearing a lot of talk about MLRH and how they are going to offer players money per win, paid coaching staff contracts, and are going to have regular season and playoff games aired on B2 Networks, the same network that the ECRHL is aired on and also the AHL, and National Lacrosse League. If this is true, and some progress isnt made in the PIHA quickly, this could seriously hurt the league or even put it out of commission. I mean, if you can play at the same level for money and be on TV, why wouldnt you?

*Insert face slap here*

[zgoalscorer]

If you pay then thats not pro, its like your paying to be called a pro. PIHA is pretty cool but they dont showcase the best talent all over lik ethe NHL does. Like I'm on Long Island and the 495ers do not have all the best talent on the Island. They have the best talent from the guys who are available if you guys know what I mean

[Hockey_Freak]

If you pay then thats not pro, its like your paying to be called a pro. PIHA is pretty cool but they dont showcase the best talent all over lik ethe NHL does. Like I'm on Long Island and the 495ers do not have all the best talent on the Island. They have the best talent from the guys who are available if you guys know what I mean

No, what do you mean?

[HockeyFan1989]

I understand what he is saying, but I will say that the 495ers do have some extremely good talent. Personally I think some more sponsorship and marketing is needed in the league. I really like what the NCRHA has done with the National Championships, and having Bill Courtland announce some of the games live through internet radio. I think that would be a great thing for the PIHA playoffs. Also, a great marketing idea, would be to try and get a fairly large sponsor to host the playoffs. Such as when Cheverolet hosts the NHL All-Star game. I think doing this, could get them some money, and hopefully draw some more fans and make it an exciting playoff run.