Is the PIHA league coming unglued??

[Center_ice]

Look Professional, Act Professional, and be Professional.....with a slogan like this one would think that the league leadership would have it's act together, but with the on going problems and the lack of leadership from the league office it appears that the league is very unstable.

Should a new league be considered??

[rhhof]

What kind of a question or should I say "set-up" is this??

Reguardless of what you may think about the league office and all...It is the management and teams themselves that are promoting this league from the ground up as well as the division coordinators - Charley has done a fantastic job building this league and delegating the appropriate people at the division level to keep things not only the way they are but every week it seems there is something new and exciting....This league has not only stood the test of time but grown above and beyond what most people thought and because of Charley and everyone all the way down to the players and fans

Cheers and props to Charley and the League...CJ, Brian and the CO division, Dave and everyone in the midwest, Ruppy, Flynner, Todd and the boys out east and Dr. Gamble and my close neighbors out here ont he west!!

GO PIHA

[ianmackie]

Simple answer for our area; yes.

[Center_ice]

test of time are you kidding me? 2 years is not the test of time.

If everyone else is responsible for the daily functions of this league then why is there even a need for a league office?

To collect money and what do you get for the $5,000 that you spend to play in this league?

You get to pay and take on even more work cause the league office is doing a fantastic job not returning calls or e-mails nor does he want to deal with any issues. That is a lot of money to take in and do nothing.

RHHOF - Wake up dude!

[Doug Jones]

This needs to be moved to the private sector

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Hold these thoughts. I plan to interview Charley Yoder this week to get his responses to questions that have been asked of PIHA on this site and in phone calls and e-mails sent privately to me.

Remember, please, that we're trying to build this sport up, not tear it down. Think before posting whether what you are saying is making you a part of the solution or a part of the problem.

[joisyan]

everyone's quick to jump to their respective league, or quick to jump against any league. i think there is room for this conversation in the open, simply have anyone who plays PIHA not disclose any information outside of the private forum, dont start the same ol' arguement. but not every conversation/thread that starts about MLRH or PIHA needs to be moved to a private section or locked up.

i personally do play in PIHA, and yes there are pros and cons, but that's hockey. if these guys have questions, then we can manage to answer them in a respectful manner. not jump at the throat. i played MLRH for a few years, and would again because it was fun. on the VA Wings, we lost alot, then turned around and started playing better, then other teams decided to stop showing up. so...not exactly fun. yet i wasnt calling anyone out about it, just played and waited for the next opportunity to open up for a different league.

to be honest, i think there should be 3 or 4 leagues. that's how the NHL started. there were multiple leagues in canada, however the NHL (and US) had all the money and that's where the big teams floated to. so i think that if there was another league to run with PIHA and (if/when) MLRH, then it'll start some competition and/or it'll filter out unnecessary teams from one to the other.

not too long ago every conversation was bashing MLRH. the way it was ran, teams not showing, blowouts, goons, etc. now that MLRH is not up and running, PIHA is up on the chopping block...shocker. even if Raue and Yoder worked together there would still be people that would have complaints

yes the league has been set up quite well, obviously, there's about 40 plus pro teams that are all wanting to pay to compete with some of the best hockey talent around. yes there are teams that dominate and teams that cant hack it (ahem...lol) yes there are issues with referees, stats, and "league fees". but it's the same story for any league.

you could have all coordinators of every league, tournament series, whatever; come together and make a league and still have problems and "bashers". it's just a matter of doing what the real pros, the NHLers do, and just shut up and play. you dont see NHL players blogging and arguing or announcing publicly that the scorekeeper F-ed up and didnt record his second assist on the third goal.

and the league has been around since 02', not playing PIHA defense, just getting some facts straight.

like i said, start another league and see what happens? could be great, could flop like the rest. put up or shut up

[SWAMPDONKEYS29]

Hi Folks,

Remember, please, that we're trying to build this sport up, not tear it down. Think before posting whether what you are saying is making you a part of the solution or a part of the problem.

Quite honestly the best post that I have read on here in some time.

[-venom-]

test of time are you kidding me? 2 years is not the test of time. RHHOF - Wake up dude!

Pot, meet kettle.

6 years now, I believe.... which for our sport, is pretty good...

[Center_ice]

Pretending that problems don't exist is not going to get it fixed. Hiding it or cover it up is just plain ignorant.

League not addressing problems is wrong. Not answering the phone and not returning calls or e-mails is wrong so why do we want to cover it up or hide it. People have the right to know what is going on.

Hiding or pretending that there is nothing wrong and is NOT good for this sport either.

The League office has responsibilities to the owners, players, coaches and the fans that must be met.

Now the league office is going to use the money from the PIHA teams to bring in international players to play an elite all star game at the finals. Why are the PIHA teams being used to promote someone elses agenda. This not good for the teams, owners or the players when most PIHA teams struggle to pay their bills as it is.

Think what you want but enough is enough and if you don't have the balls to stand up for what is right then go crawl in the hole where the league office hides when there is a problem that needs dealt with.

Richard, I think you would have a better chance of getting a hold of the Pope than Charley.

[Doug Jones]

In the interest of the owner's meeting in Colorado, I respectfully remove my comments and will have the opportunity to voice them there.

Doug Jones

[Dave Garland]

It really is turning into a mess if that is true with the International Teams and what not.

Great points by Center Ice...hiding problems do not fix them.

I have lots of ideas in terms of solutions; however, we are trying to limp through this season before those all get aired out.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I say Dave Garland for fundraising or President!

[Doug Jones]

Whatever is in the best interest of "ALL" the teams is where I am at. I feel that money collected can be pooled and advertising run in for the teams come playoff time.

Obviously I am committed to helping and fixing things. I am not just here to complain and whine. When the IHA in California was falling apart, I stepped in with the help of Mission Hockey, Shayne Arsenault and Dave Cairns and we were able to fix things and make it better.

Obviously, I agree we finish this season but need to find out what we can do to make the next year better for all of us in the league, not just the elite 20 players.

The last I was told was there was no allstar game. Now, I am hearing something quite different.

Also, those of you who have emailed me, take the time to say what you feel up here. While I admit, it's frustrating, it's also frustrating to have other leaders agree, but not see their posts and or feelings up here. Words in a private email mean nothing if they aren't words which one will stand behind.

Part of the problem is the amount of complaining in the background. Let's air it out, come up with a plan to resolve and present it to the PIHA brass.

After all, if we all agree to fix and work together, we are working toward a common goal of making things better.

Doug

[Dave Garland]

Doug,

Is there an All Star Game now?

I have never received communication ONCE this year from the league office on anything except one thing....$Leaguefees$. So I have no idea what is going on with really...anything.

Thanks Jeff...haha. I don't know about President, but Fundraising/Creative Marketing are my specialties :)

One suggestion is a league wide newsletter that is sent out once-a-week during the season and once-a-month in the off-season. This can be a highly effective way to keep everyone in the loop.

In fact do two newsletters:

#1: Owners and General Managers (and maybe a player rep) ONLY: League issues, suspensions, news and notes, private information.

#2: PR Newsletter that goes out to everyone including fans.

Go to our site, www.pihagatewayhockey.com and click the subscribe button. We send out a weekly newsletter every week.

Another idea is to do surveys to get player/fan/etc. feedback. A good free site is www.surveymonkey.com. We have a survey out to all the PIHA Gateway Players and the responses have been great since it is anonymous (they only have to put their team).

[minutemen]

I agree Dave that has to be done, newsletters would help a lot. If this is true about the All star game and that international players are to be flown out on league money, then that is just ridiculous. I hope it is not true, if it is that will not be good with the teams and the owners of PIHA. I have to say I took a year off from the team this year and I am happy I did. With all the issues that have come up this year, my wife would have killed me, because I would have been on the phone every night.

But before we get all upset about this, lets make sure it is true.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Doug,

Is there an All Star Game now?

I have never received communication ONCE this year from the league office on anything except one thing....$Leaguefees$. So I have no idea what is going on with really...anything.

Thanks Jeff...haha. I don't know about President, but Fundraising/Creative Marketing are my specialties :)

One suggestion is a league wide newsletter that is sent out once-a-week during the season and once-a-month in the off-season. This can be a highly effective way to keep everyone in the loop.

In fact do two newsletters:

#1: Owners and General Managers (and maybe a player rep) ONLY: League issues, suspensions, news and notes, private information.

#2: PR Newsletter that goes out to everyone including fans.

Go to our site, www.pihagatewayhockey.com and click the subscribe button. We send out a weekly newsletter every week.

Another idea is to do surveys to get player/fan/etc. feedback. A good free site is www.surveymonkey.com. We have a survey out to all the PIHA Gateway Players and the responses have been great since it is anonymous (they only have to put their team).

Dave you can market for my team anytime!!!!!

[Doug Jones]

Mark Hausman had spoke to me over the weekend in regard to "PIHA International" where supposedly format is set up for a "team" to play teams from other countries. He had told me he had gotten the specifics from the PIHA office.

My only voiced concern was, I couldn't get my games rescheduled and have been dealing with a lot of issues like I am sure everyone else is and was wondering why this would become a precedent before the 40 plus teams in the league would.

That's all I know and again, I am willing to help and do whatever it takes to make things better. We have a solid fan base in SC and we don't want to lose the momentum we have going.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Center_Ice,

Actually, I spoke to Charley yesterday afternoon and I plan to call him tomorrow and interview him, using many of the questions brought up on this forum. I thought it would just be good journalism to ask him in advance for an interview, take the time to put a good list of questions together, and talk to him reasonably about what's going on with the PIHA.

I understand your impatience, though. I don't like it when my e-mails and phone calls go unanswered, either.

But then, I also dislike anonymous posts about important topics. ;)

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

But then, I also dislike anonymous posts about important topics. ;)

Please send me some of the kool aid you are drinking. The outlook you have is refreshing and I need some of that right now!

[joisyan]

i can send you some of my kool-aid, it's spiked!

[Doug Jones]

Rich,

Like your faithful coverage and support of IHA, I am sure the interview will be worthy of everyone's reading...

I remember the RHI reunion with Dennis Murphy and some others...that was great!!!!

[ianmackie]

I don't think surveys are the answer. Dave, our league has a ton of issues that are just being ignored. It seems like it is falling apart in front of my eyes.

[BLIZARD_HOCKEY]

I say Dave Garland for fundraising or President!

I second. David garland for President:D

[Dave Garland]

There will be tons of changes next year, hehe.
:D


Hopefully we can all get through the rest of the season in one piece!

[ianmackie]

Is one of them that you are buying the 4 rinks? Otherwise, yes there will be major changes.

[Dave Garland]

haha...worst investment ever if that was the plan.

[minutemen]

Doug, are your teams going to play 32 games this season? I know because of the Stingers that you missed 6 of them. I noticed the Assault had 6 missed against them as well. Just wondering if your making up the 6 with them.

[Berry_Bramble]

How international play could be funded or even implemented before some sort of mass marketing within our own grounds is beyond me or how that is more important then rewarding the minor teams with one big final. This was my first experience with PIHA and can't say I faced many huge issues here in the north east but it seems like some sort of international play is getting way way.........wait for it....WAY a head of our selves here.

[Doug Jones]

In regard to our games being made up, the answer is no. Our pro team missed 6 games and our minors 8. It's been very frustrating for us with the changes, the lack of cooperation and follow through with Williamsburg management and rescheduled dates that fell through because of issues in Virginia.

Anyway, we want to get through the playoffs and just see what is happening with the re-organization for next year.

[thestatman]

So is Williamsburg done playing, do their games count as forfeits or what? Also are the Gateway games being played because I noticed that there are alot of games that havent updated on the website?

[Dave Garland]

We had a few forfeits and other games are in the process of being updated/date changed.

In terms of the forfeits, the River City Whalers forfeited numerous pro games because their team was out of the playoffs so they (to the dismay and disappointed of everyone) opted out of games.

The St. Louis Cobras owner cancelled a few of their games with little to no explanation given. Those games are forfeits unless they are rescheduled before April 26th.

Finally, Chicago will be traveling to the Monkeys this weekend to make-up the Pro games from the snow weekend. The Minor games from that weekend were played and Cinn is supposed to get those scores up (it was a split... 2 wins for Chi, 2 for Cinn).

Hopefully this sheds some light. Unless the Cobras re-schedule their games this week and Cinn doesn't pull off some big victories against Chicago, Gateway will stand like this:


Pro:
#1 Midwest
#2 Chicago
#3 Southside
#4 St. Louis

Minor:
#1 Southside
#2 Chicago
#3 Midwest
#4 River City

AAA:
#1 River City
#2 Midwest
#3 St. Louis
#4 Southside

Hope this helps. It is frustrating when games are cancelled, but we have been doing our best.

[ianmackie]

umm, the cobras games were cancelled because the rink was never paid what they were told they would be paid...but...who cares right?

[alex]

the River City Whalers forfeited numerous pro games because their team was out of the playoffs so they (to the dismay and disappointed of everyone) opted out of games.

Holy cow, that's bush league sh*t. What a joke (the team, not the division...you can't force a team to play).

[Poe31]

ouch...i had my first opportunity to play some pro and we get cancelled because of money? I fufilled my financial obligations, just like every other player in the division. I reserved my opinion until hearing that. Since I really don't know the particulars, I'll even save the rest of what I think until a solution is found. Hopefully the situation is resolved to the benefit of this long overdue league.

[Center_ice]

After reading the current e-mail about playoffs and international it is obvious what their intentions are here. The league has been for some time now preparing themselves to try and take over the sport or be a major player in it..

The first push was Junior division and now it is the International division wouldn't it be nice if the league office devoted more time to the operation of the pro/minor league already in place?

This all a personal agenda here boys, Just take a look around and see what has happen over the past year with relationships between the league and certain people and companies in this sport.

Relationships that have been solid for years have now been torn apart by greed. We are ALL being used to finance some one else's dream of taking over the sport

They are using our pocket books to finance their dreams of another level for the sport when they can't even run what they already have right here.

Don't get me wrong I not against another level of play, but I'm against it at the expense of all of us.

This league grew over night as did one individuals ego.

[Dave Garland]

umm, the cobras games were cancelled because the rink was never paid what they were told they would be paid...but...who cares right?

Oh I forgot to mention... the Cobras owner then decided to tell everyone the reason for canceling games was "unpaid bills" however, this was not the case and our legal team had to get involved which is unfortunate but it has been resolved.

Alex, I agree what you said! I tried everything including calling and emailing individual players, but I can't go to their house hold their hand and tell them to come to a game (which of course they have PAID for).

[SpiderRat]

After reading the current e-mail about playoffs and international it is obvious what their intentions are here. The league has been for some time now preparing themselves to try and take over the sport or be a major player in it..

The first push was Junior division and now it is the International division wouldn't it be nice if the league office devoted more time to the operation of the pro/minor league already in place?

This all a personal agenda here boys, Just take a look around and see what has happen over the past year with relationships between the league and certain people and companies in this sport.

Relationships that have been solid for years have now been torn apart by greed. We are ALL being used to finance some one else's dream of taking over the sport

They are using our pocket books to finance their dreams of another level for the sport when they can't even run what they already have right here.

Don't get me wrong I not against another level of play, but I'm against it at the expense of all of us.

This league grew over night as did one individuals ego.

WOW!!!! Someone finally had the nerve to say it!! You must not play PIHA, that will certainly get you suspended!!!

[nyrhatric]

With all the talk about games being cancelled or forfeited, how are the playoffs going to be handled? How many teams are going to get screwed a playoff spot or home court advantage b'c some other team cancelled?

Maryland Minors and Potomac Minors are seperated by 3 points, with Maryland having 2 games remaining against Williamsburg/Savannah. They are both fighting for the final playoff spot.

What happens if those two games are not played?

I don't know a lot about the playoff picture in the Southeast, but how does Williamsburg/Savannah effect their playoff picture?

We might have paid to play, but when another team cancells, they making people pay for 30 or 24 games instead of paying for a full 32. I hope those teams or players are held accountable when they try to play in another league next season.

I personally think the Boston guys, need to come back and have a reunion with the VA Storm. That was a fun season.



Robert Henry

[Doug Jones]

Our rink owner is currently reviewing the situation and is preparing a response to PIHA. While I understand that the fees are a part of operation costs, I would of liked to see the situation handled differently. We all make mistakes and I am aware of this. I, though will be in Colorado to see how we can all move forward next year without the ball and chain that's weighed us back.

I received a call today from Jim Van Horn clearing up my other concerns and I thank him for that.

Doug

[alex]

Unfortunately, I think the short answer to this original question of this thread is "yes."

[winkhcky88]

Gateway division had many of these commitment problems this year. Not once did a team from STL/Cincy bring a full squad to chicago. Just like Dave said sometimes the teams down there could not even get their guys to come. Maybe four teams just in the STL region alone is too many. This was our first year as a team out of chicago and never once did either of the pro or minor team have less than 8 skaters and a goalie.

As a player who has grown up playing NARCh and TORHS and then 4 years in college i was extremely excited about continuing on and staying in a competitive league. I am used to practices, organized games and hard tough hockey. None of that was shown this year. I am sure a lot of it had to do with our end and being a first year team, but it was disappointing to see only minor players come up from STL and play both pro and minor. By the end of the pro games the kids did not care what happened.

If this league is going to continue and grow some major changes need to be made. Not saying everything about the league is bad. Dave Garland has done an amazing job with sponsors and promoting the league. Would like to play it for many more years and hope it stays around.

[Dave Garland]

Nick,

Great points on your post and I agree with you.

I'm going to pose this questions out there. How do we keep the guys committed? Realize I am a marketing/promotions guy and that is what I like doing and what I'm good at. Operations is not my specialty; however, next year we will hire someone to run the day-to-day operations. This still comes back to the point of commitment level.

Everyone paid and then teams that ran into trouble decided to start opting out of games. Is this a maturity thing? An ego thing? Both?

This was only true of one team for the most part; however, a second team did it two times as well on out-of-town trips (sending very few players).

It almost seems like the St. Louis guys would be content just playing themselves and out of town trips would be a "hassle". What I hate about this is Chicago and Cinn busts their butts to come in and the Whalers/Cobras did not bust their butts to go there.

Granted we had a couple of scheduling issues. In a 32 game season it is hard to schedule around EVERYTHING; however, teams have close to 30 guys for this reason.

Also, 95% of our trips this year were successful so this was not an ongoing problem. The Tornados and Snipers had great trips and so did Chicago/Cinn to St. Louis and to each other. The 5% was a problem though and two of those involved Chicago (Whalers and Cobras playing in Chicago). I felt really bad for Chicago on these weekends when they had a home crowd and had to pretty much play a Minor team...which sucks.

We will do our best to correct this next year with heavy management changes; however, I'd welcome suggestions

Side note: Gateway teams from St. Louis have the luxury of not needing to travel extremely often and the travel is PAID FOR as part of their league dues.

[Center_ice]

Dave, Would it benefit to have a shorter season, less games & travel, maybe lengthen games. because of the conflicts in the spring time tournaments and rink times, maybe the league should start in October and finish in March with the finals in April?

[Dave Garland]

March is a tough month around here with high school, college, etc.

What about a shorter, more intense season running from Oct-Jan and Championships in Feb.

Most rinks have downtime in the fall.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

I haven't seen anyone mention it, so I'll let you know -- there's an interview with Charley Yoder of PIHA on the IHC Home Page right now.

[wildpuck]

Nice interview Richard.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Steve,

Thanks, I appreciate it.

I hope that someone will comment on the substance of Charley's answers at some point.

[indiangoalie33]

I love the new interview with charlie, i really do like PIHA it could be better but how inline hockey is right now it will help, its not like the MLRH, and i hope the league can grow. People wont get played for playing inline hockey for a long time but this is the next best thing an will create growth and bring kids to the game which means those kids potentially can make money which is worth everything in the world

[Doug Jones]

Personally, I feel the interview gives Charley the opportunity to express his views and opinions on the matters at hand.

I am looking forward to owner's meetings to find out how we all go about moving forward in one direction and supporting the growth of this great sport.

Like any other business, everyone has their own point of view of how things should be. Hopefully this meeting in Colorado will be about bringing the best of what PIHA can be off the drawing board and making it reality.

Again, I will be glad to make my observations then and in front of PIHA ownership.

[Poe31]

Welp, I've heard enough. Thank you, Dave, for shedding some light and for your hard work. Fantastic inquisitions, Richard...hats off. Bravo, Mr. Yoder. Concise answers, and straightforward explanations. I'm already ready for Saturday night.

Here's a question though...just poppin' it out there...forgive me for my bias.

Can anyone loosely figure the expenditure of the Super-PIHA (international flavor) game, versus a minor title game?

If we're the glue, lets keep it sticky. Thats all I'm sayin'.....really, i have no idea what that means. But it coulda went somewhere.

[Dangl*]

I think Southern California needs some PIHA action... Some of the greatest roller hockey players have come from So Cal and it would really put some life back in the sport in Cali.

[rhhof]

After having my own conversation with Charley and seeing him express everything in a great interview (GO RICHARD) I think all parties on the executive side of things will be more than pleased....after the season is over in June, all light will be shed on new ideas and feelings toward the future and Im pretty positive you will see some more growth

Everyone that has any issues, positive or negative, please forward them toward the executive in your organization that will be attending the meetings so you can effectively voice your concerns and opinion toward the future of our sport

Lets work toward a common goal, better our sport and not dwell on the past -do it for the future

[Center_ice]

Richard, Nice interview, good job! At least he knows that people are not happy. I found it odd that after Richards interview many got calls from the league office some thing that was once unheard of, nice to see that Richards interview lit a fire under their butts..

Anyway it was Spoken like a true politician, all words no action. While Richard asked the right questions Charley skirted around the questions as usual. Think what you want and spend the dough to travel to Colorado it should make a nice audience for the 50 people attending the finals (this includes the 2 - 3 owners plus +45 fans if they are luck to draw that for the championship games.

Most owners will be broke by that time after paying off their bills from the season so what the heck why not dump another $1000 (flights/hotel/rental car and food) to go to a meeting that is meaning less. I know it from a good source that he is only going to listen, remember he has his own plan, we are just there to help finance it.

I'm done with the subject but good luck to those of you that buy in to it!

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Hi Steve,

Thanks, I appreciate it.

I hope that someone will comment on the substance of Charley's answers at some point.

Richard I did read the interview but it has yet to settle in my mind on my opinion regarding certain issues.

What I will say is that this year I have not been pleased with some of the things relating to the league. Other things have made me happy.

Most of the owners heard my opinion recently in a very long winded email that I will not repost out of respect for the league. I understand a lot of these players have concerns and as Adam said they should pose them to their team owner or manager who is going to this meeting.

I for one know my players have a laundry list and I will be voicing their pinions as well as mine at this meeting.

Regarding your interview I do feel it was well done and informative. As usual we all owe you a great thank you for trying to get to the heart of some of these issues.

If a new league were started maybe it should be called IHCPL (Inline Hockey Central Professional League) at least we know that with you we would all be moving towards a greater cause.

[GR8SK8r06]

Richard, Nice interview, good job! At least he knows that people are not happy. I found it odd that after Richards interview many got calls from the league office some thing that was once unheard of, nice to see that Richards interview lit a fire under their butts..

Anyway it was Spoken like a true politician, all words no action. While Richard asked the right questions Charley skirted around the questions as usual. Think what you want and spend the dough to travel to Colorado it should make a nice audience for the 50 people attending the finals (this includes the 2 - 3 owners plus +45 fans if they are luck to draw that for the championship games.

Most owners will be broke by that time after paying off their bills from the season so what the heck why not dump another $1000 (flights/hotel/rental car and food) to go to a meeting that is meaning less. I know it from a good source that he is only going to listen, remember he has his own plan, we are just there to help finance it.

I'm done with the subject but good luck to those of you that buy in to it!

LOL.....Hey center ice! Why dont YOU just start your own league if you are so wise in the roller hockey spectrum? How do you know the number of people that are going to show up to watch the finals? Have you ever been to the Tour Arena? The Thunder pack out that rink every home game ranging from 100-300+ every game. Quit being so ignorant!
All words and no action? What do you want Charley to do? He is holding a meeting for all owners to attend. He did the interview everyone wanted and DID answer the questions. Then you call that meaningless....... take a deep breath and think about what you are typing. It sounds to me that you have no clue of what you are talking about if you ask me. How did he avoid answering any questions? If you are going to make claims you need to back them with EVIDENCE. THE GLASS IS HALF FULL! You do nothing on these forums to help solve problems, you just try and create them.
He has his own plan? you have got to be kidding me man!! Have you even met Charley before? Obviously you haven't because is nothing but a 100% class act. He obviously operates this league for the benefit of roller hockey players. Quit trying to create problems when everyone else is trying to create solutions..... Yet again I find it funny that when we lose a nuisance like ACCCT2, his shoes are quickly filled by you. Thanks for the entertainment! Please, BE DONE with this subject like you said you would be.

[g8kpr35]

I don't post a lot in here but on this subject I feel as though I should. First I would like to say thanks to Richard for his interview that was a very though out and thorough interview. I feel that even though it probably didn't answer every single players question about PIHA it did however give an insite what is happening and where PIHA will and should be going in the future. So thanks Richard for you time in doing that.

The other thing I wanted to mention is about the growth of PIHA. Do I think it has grown to fast with not enough support in the management department yes. However it has brought many new people to the sport I am sure. But I do feel that the ONLY way that people and teams will help make it even better is if players did start to get paid.

I know that isn't possiable right now maybe won't happen for several years or even if at all. However if you want kids to look foward to something and have teams show up with players to every game and not have slack teams then I feel as though if players did get paid they would show up.

And I'm not talking about millions of dollars here just enough to support either themselves or maybe a small family. The poverty level I think right now in america is around 16,000 dollars. ( don't quote me on that I could be way off) But if the league were to spend about 20-30 K per player then I feel that there would be a lot more dedication to players and there teams and they would travel and there wouldn't be a problem.

It is just very hard to travel when people have work, family, and other things outside of hockey even though some or most people pay to be in the league. But if you yourself got paid then people would travel and every team I feel would show up with a solid squad ready to go.

Plus if the players got paid then the kids would say hey I want in that league and they would feel like there is a goal to reach for them knowing that they can someday make a small living playing inline hockey and hopefully not move over to ice hockey.

Well this is my 2 cents on the whole thing. I do know that getting paid won't happen for a long time if at all but I do feel as though that it would help out so much more then people realize. I would also like to through this one question out there this is not to bash or stir up anything just a question. If a league did come in and did pay there players reasonably well enough to live how many would move to that league? But again this is a rhetorical question just for you to think about. PIHA IS GREAT FOR INLINE HOCKEY!!!!! hope it continues to grow.

Garrett

[-venom-]

What it all comes down to, is this:

PIHA is not perfect. Nor was MLRH, PBH, or RHI.

But, with every new form of Professional Roller Hockey that comes to the forefront, improvements are made, people learn from their mistakes, and the general awareness of our game grows.

It's not an overnight process. Most of us playing now, or those who have played in the MLRH/PIHA will have long hung up our skates by the time a league of recognition actually has the manpower, the time, the money, and the dedication to pull off what we are all trying to achieve.

Would it be awesome to go truly national? Hell yes. And with teams who are sponsored, and in the public eye, and maybe even have the players paid a decent amount of cash and have their travel expenses paid for? Sort of an "ECHL" type thing? Yes, definitely.

But we're not going to get there overnight. The best we can do is just keeping adding to what we're doing. We're the building blocks in an ever-growing and evolving dream, and as long as we continue to push forward, one day - it will happen.

Rome was not built in a day, and neither will a Professional Inline Hockey League. Give it time.

[NLane]

Anybody else remember that Mr Yoder was also involved with XIHL & that Ramp behind the goal net league? Some ideas work and stay and some just go away.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Don't forget speed hockey!

[BLIZARD_HOCKEY]

If your interested in an alternitive to PIHA, look at the "Future of Inline Hockey" thread.

[Goaltndr48]

Side note: Gateway teams from St. Louis have the luxury of not needing to travel extremely often and the travel is PAID FOR as part of their league dues.

Must be nice. As a Goaltender, the only thing I got was 2 jerseys, a fist full of gas receipts and hotel bills for my league dues.

It would have been nice to at least see some mileage reimbursement for all the trips we made. Something like the Cincinnati trip, where we drove all the way there only to find out they were cancelling the games, puts quite a dent in people's pockets. We still had 6 minor players and 2 goalies show up in a blizzard. Luckily, we were able to talk them into playing the minor games so we didn't have to waste another weekend driving back to Cincy (which we wouldn't have done anyway). Sure we lost 3 possible points but it was worth not having to make yet another road trip out of our pockets. The stats from those 4 games have somehow been been lost in cyberspace, and our regular season ended 2 weeks ago.

There just has to be some sense of pride and accountability. If you're going to run a half ass team, or play half ass, why do it at all? Do people just have hundreds or thousands of dollars and countless free hours of time to do things half ass?

[SpiderRat]

Hi Steve,

Thanks, I appreciate it.

I hope that someone will comment on the substance of Charley's answers at some point.

Negative comments will surely warrant suspensions Richard. This league is not a democracy, you follow the rules, keep your mouth shut and keep your negative comments about "the man" to yourself.

Someone please get me a gauze, I'm biting my tongue straight through!!!

[Drexel63]

Negative comments will surely warrant suspensions Richard.

come on... has this ever happened? has it ever been implied or even suggested?

I mean really... what is the point of clouding the waters of this topic after people have worked so hard to clear the air with facts (via an interview)?

[cal16]

Richard did a nice interview, but its not like CY is going to openly admit taking money, or anything else that would ruin his or the leagues representation.

Its kind of like getting asked by a cop if you've been drinking, obviously your not going to tell him you were throwin em back all night.

[DCbullets14]

I think we all are in agreement that PIHA (or at least the concept behind PIHA) is what roller hockey needs. We can all agree that certain people have done an amazing job with promotion and management of the league, while sadly others have come up short. With that being said it is important to address some of the issues the leauge seems to be having.

Finances- this is obviously a major problem. Far to many people feel like they paid for nothing. Mr. Yoder states that our money will be used to finance the playoff travel. It seems to me that travel costs have been heavily exagerated, I doubt that the travel cost will amount to the $189,000 budget Richard proposed.
Unfortunatly to question Mr. Yoder about the finances of the league an owner must travel to Colorado. Why would we not have this meeting on the east coast where the majority of the teams are? If this meeting was held in PA the majority of the east coast owners could attend with miniscule expense.

Officiating- thankfully Mr. Yoder has addressed this issue. He notes that it is a problem and has now admitted to "taking strides to find ways" to solve this issue which is SLIGHTLY better than sitting around doing nothing or acting like there is no issue.

Please do not misunderstand my post, I have greatly enjoyed playing in PIHA however it seems that it is greatly overhyped. As Mr. Yoder said "It’s not NARCh or TORHS" which is truely professional inline hockey. I would love to see play in PIHA reach that of the tournament levels but that is highly unlikely if not impossible.

To solve the issues regarding PIHA we must simply apply some common sense. If finances are a major concern for owners, then lets not force them to spend exuberant amounts of money to have these concerns addressed. If officiating is a concern deal with it quickly. Find officials who are doing their job correctly and stop using the ones who are not (at least until they recieve additional training).

Mr. Yoder has pushed heavily for league expansion, while failing to create a foundation capable of supporting that expansion. Thankfully with Mr. Yoder's and others continued hard work a solid foundation can be laid and then expansion (possibly even internationally) can continue.

Maryland Knights #14

[GR8SK8r06]

GR8SK8r06

Have you seen a copy of the leagues budget? probably not, but from what I was told it was hand written on yellow legal pad and made absolutely no sense what so ever. You can sit around pretend the glass is half full is you want to, but it will be you that is left with an empty glass in your hand.

Class act you say? that can be debated, but I don't feel the need to drag other peoples names or businesses in to this debate. Nice guy? absolutely with out a doubt, but not cap cable of running a league this size. His head agenda has gone from running a good solid league to be what he says is and I quote "being a Major player in this Sport" This all political, just like a good politician he is using the little people to promote and finance his so called dream piha international, why is the hell do we need piha international? WHY???

Just think about this one, if the Thunder makes it to the championship uncle Chuck has now save himself a **** load of money in travel expenses. Chances are very highly that the Thunder will be in the final. Big time savings, do you think he will save some face with the owners and send some rebate checks out to the true owners of this league? probably not.

The post by DC BUllets14 hits the nail on the head when he says, It seems to me that travel costs have been heavily exaggerated, I doubt that the travel cost will amount to the $189,000 budget Richard proposed.

My solution would be for the owners of this league to take control it with a board of directors, they can hire the league commissioner and if that is Charley then so be it, but the owners and a few others are the ones that make this league happen and to my knowledge they receive no compensation for the work they do. This league does not exist without it's owners and it's time that Charley quits making decisions on his own. The owners deserve more respect and some say so in the decisions that will affect them. Not the promise of a meeting in Colorado in which very few will attend due to the cost related in travel, he has not intentions of listening to the owners because if he did we would not be having these discussions now would we.

The league is a great thing for the sport unfortunately the people that currently running it are not. Some people are just not capable of handling a task of this size.

Sorry dude I did not create this problem, they did when they forgot WHO THE REAL OWNERS OF THIS LEAGUE ARE.

Center Ice

Im wondering how many fallacies you can cram in a single post? Have you seen the budget that they put together that made absolutely no sense what so ever? No you haven't, so quit being ignorant! His character can be debated can it? Good then lets debate about it if you believe that to be the case........ oh wait I forgot you couldn't pick Charley out of a lineup. If you sat down and had a conversation with the man you would eat your own words. Sure maybe Charley isn't the greatest businessman, but quit attacking his motives for starting/operating the league. Did you know he has lost tens of thousands of dollars in running the league the last 6 years? Do you even play in the league? Are you an owner? Or are you just some uneducated hypocrite?

"His head agenda has gone from running a good solid league to be what he says is and I quote "being a Major player in this Sport" This all political, just like a good politician he is using the little people...." What are you talking about? LOL!!! Start using complete sentences if you want to make a legitimate claim my friend. You need to start thinking before you type! Charley never twisted anyones arms to get them to own a team. They did so on their own accounts and I for one KNOW (unlike you) that he is extremely grateful for their efforts to make the league what it is today.

"but I don't feel the need to drag other peoples names or businesses in to this debate." You are the very definition of a hypocrite. You dont feel the need to drag people's business' into this debate? What are you doing RIGHT NOW? If you had some legitimate claims (as many people on this site do) I could bear reading your posts.

"Some people are just not capable of handling a task of this size." Are you the "capable almighty one?" By all means start your own league and see how that pans out for you.

"The league is a great thing for the sport unfortunately the people that currently running it are not." :confused:You think CJ Yoder and charley are not good for the sport? Was Wayne Gretzky bad for the NHL too? I'm assuming you have no response for that! You should start reading your material...... because its ridiculous!

Do something for me CENTER ICE! As you sit there bangin away mindlessly on your keyboard do me (and yourself) a favor and ask yourself a few questions! Are my claims warranted and legitmate? Do I make sense? Do I sound like I know what I am talking about? Am I being hypocritical? I have no problem with you or anyone posting your opinions and/or concerns for the league. Just dont embarass yourself in the process. Become part of the solution and not the problem!

[Stampede#11]

Quit all the quoting ... it's like HE is "back" again .... Sally

:eek:

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I don't think center ice is the same person but I do believe he does provide some good insight every once in a while.

Over the past few months a lot of us have been quick to jump on people. I am just at much as fault as the others but I feel we need to each think sometimes before we write out our opinions. Sometimes a little more thought would go a long way.

[kicksave60]

Quit all the quoting ... it's like HE is "back" again .... Sally

:eek:

its the "rub off" affect. not to be mistaken with the rub one out affect.

[quick_dry]

Become part of the solution and not the problem!
I'd suggest that raising important points (or bones of contention) and asking pointed and valid questions IS a part of arriving at a solution.

Great questions Richard raised in his interview, unfortunately I feel they were answered like a politician - pressing harder on the money question would've been great.