Signing Off For Good

[Superstar9]

Well, just hours after I defended PIHA and made a real effort to come up with ideas to better the league, the Assault have been booted from PIHA. With even less class, certain people have been running around calling people and trashing me about my posts and the fact that my team owes money to PIHA and Ace. If you have something to say about any of that, contact me, I'm not hard to find. Money is in fact the reason for our expulsion but, with a league that has contracts demanding internal affairs stay internal, there sure is a lot of people who know all about our balances. I've stayed clear of all bashing and stayed as positive as possible all season while we played 80% of our season against the same two teams and with horrible officials found in house leagues.

Before I go any further, let me explain how we have balances, I am not rich. In fact I've lost my job because of the time it has taken to keep this team running this season and I still managed to keep us going and paying our home game expenses just so we wouldn't lose face. All of this was for nothing apparently because I received an email today saying we were out. I know why this has happened and it isn't money. Even with us being out, the league still won't have the money. What the real reason is, it makes travel and the hassle of the southeast playoffs a lot easier for the league. When we joined the league this season, we were told the league would be patient with us and our fees. We decided very uncomfortably to join the league because the division would be made or broken by our involvement. We joined ONLY because we landed a $10k sponsor so it would be financially possible. A week before the season began, that sponsor backed out on us leaving me with a debt on uniforms and an unpaid franchise fee. Losing the sponsor killed us and pretty much made our season impossible but I spoke with the league and let them know the situation. We both agreed that it would look bad and ruin things for the division so we stayed on. We made all 32 games and turned out to be 21-11. Not to bad for a team with no money.

Another topic that makes no sense...the standings. We were told that whoever won the richmond series last weekend would have home rink 1st round. If we split we'd have to play a 3rd game which we also won. Then we were told that because richmond stole a point in their OT loss, the 3rd game we played meant nothing. Now what's funny here, it that we are 21-11....how is it even a race? We are actually 9 points ahead of the robins in the standings but none of our games with the stingers have been put in the system...what a joke.

Now we are out and the blood suckers are attacking me from every direction. I have dedicated my life to these league for the last 8 years and cost myself endless amounts of money not to mention neglected my family. Even then, I still remained positive and still wanted to help the sport even up until about an hour ago as many of you can see by my posts today.

All I have to say at this point, is that Raleigh will not likely be back because no one else will have any interest in taking on these tasks. I have nothing else to give. I made it very clear that kicking us would solve nothing, it would destroy pro inline in raleigh, and that the money could easily be paid off during the off-season via tryouts, tournaments, and clinics we have scheduled. A city has pretty much just been stripped from the map.

I am personally signing off for the last time and hanging up my skates. It was fun while it lasted, I guess my pockets just weren't deep enough and money is the most important thing in the PIHA. Not building successful teams. This is the last post you'll see from me. I'm done with the entire sport for good. Take it easy guys.

[-venom-]

Sorry to hear man.

As a player, and someone who is very much interested in helping promote and spread our game as much as possible, these are the kinds of things we don't need.

I think it is a shame that even in our small community, people are still motivated mostly by money.

And to be honest... they certainly have time to work someone over when it comes to cash, but could care less about teams forfeiting?

Come on, get your act together across the board, or don't do it at all. If you want to be a vulture about cash, then you had better deliver promises from your end on how the league is run. Plain and simple.


Unless of course, the league thinks that IT makes the TEAMS good... and not the other way around... which would be the worst mistake it could possibly make....

[RichardGraham]

Hi Chris,

I hope that you'll reconsider your idea of abandoning the sport... and Inline Hockey Central. We need guys of your passion and caliber in our sport.

I understand your frustration and your anger. Please take some time off, forget about inline hockey for a few weeks or whatever it takes, and see if you can find a way to continue your involvement in the sport.

As I said earlier, we need guys like you, Chris.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I am sorry to hear the bad news Chris. Don't just disappear. Take some time off breathe and I am sure it will all work. The world usually tends to work everything out in the end.

[Doug Jones]

Chris:

Quitting never solves anything and you let those who wish get the best of you. Take the negative and make a positive out of it. You have quite a few players who wish to play next year, so like we are, let's look to grow this next year.

Both of our teams proved along with York and Richmond we belong in the league. Politics and or bias can't change what other owners see....

[PSUd09]

I'm sorry to hear about all that happening man....that all is pretty rediculous.

I think PIHA should maybe take a look at how they handle things if this is how things are run, because from a kid playing in the NCRHA who would like to play PIHA when he's done....this is not the message you want to send.

If it's possible for a PIHA team/organization to just be given the boot and completely taken off the map, then kids in college like myself who have asperations of playing PIHA when their done w/ college might steer clear of playing at a higher level b/c of stupid stuff like that and the uncertanty of whether they will have a team to play on next season

[Wingman]

Will you still be in the play-off's?

[DCbullets14]

So piha can afford to pay international players to travel and play in allstar games but cannot help to support a successful team already in the league.

What a positive effect this organization is having on the sport.

As disgusting as this is I would agree with everyone else that leaving the sport is not the answer. Give this some time hopefully other owners will step up and support you in this matter.

[DannyG]

Not trying to bash here...but...

Chris (I am saying this to you personally), when you were down in our neck of the woods (or maybe you still consider us hickville), you made a multitude of grandiose statements about how you were going to do this, and going to do that...

You are a bona fide dreamer, and I mean that in a good way.

None of your predictions(?) about what you were going to accomplish came true...I recall a littany of reasons why you were not able to accomplish things: all stemmed from the inactions, broken promises, etc., of someone else.

I have never heard you say anything bad about anyone else. You obviously are of excellent character, but I fear you are a dreamer, and maybe a dreamer only.

I speak as one who has lost a fortune (at least a fortune to me, mid-five figures both times) twice in semi-pro sports. I have fared no better than yourself.

However, I do not blame others, I do not blame the sport.

Please listen to Richard and others who bid you keep up the good work. next time, make it happen on your own, wiht no chickens counted prior to their incubation, eh?

Nobody paid anything with promises. I do not subscribe to the above viewpoints that are portraying this as the PIHA deciding "money is more important than..." You do Charlie an extremly disrespectful disservice by even suggesting that.

Fact is, if all your fees were paid, than we wouldn't be having this discussion.

In spite of anything I have said above that might make you think to the contrary, I too would like to see you continue in our sport.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Sinceremente,

DannyG

[rolla420]

After reading this thread I honestly have to say that I'm disgusted.

Danny G - how can you not blame C.Y./PIHA for this? It's his league and he makes the decisions. From my understanding of the situation, Raleigh was a succusful organization that showed up to every game and was not only competitive but GOOD - as their record shows. It appears that they ran into some financial difficulties but were willing to pay the league when possible. A league of this size should be able to absorb the costs (temporarily) until the organization can come up with the money.

I seriosly can't believe that PIHA is flying in and paying all the expenses (and probably paying the players themselves) a group of international players (so the Yoders and friends can get another chance to play for everyone else's money) and yet they can't give a team that has been a part of the league and competed successfully some time to come up with the money. Why not let them play in the playoffs and then if they don't come up with the money they won't be allowed back next year?

I mean is that $4,500 so important that it can't wait? Even without that money, the league has collected over $180,000 this year alone.

Whatever - I really can't believe this and I'm not here to bash C.Y. or the PIHA but just looking at this without a bias either way it doesn't seem in the best interest of the league not to mention right or fair.

So I guess teams that don't show up for games/quit the season are acceptable and won't get thrown out of the leage but a team that has had some problems financially but wants to pay when possible and has shown up to every game gets kicked out......I guess this shows what is the most important thing to the leage - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[NJStampede17]

Unreal... Street, don't let this beat you down. Things will change eventually, that's absolutley absurd... Hit me up when you have a chance.. I have some interesting news for you anyhow (that is if you want a lil more hockey talk haha)

[-venom-]

Whatever - I really can't believe this and I'm not here to bash C.Y. or the PIHA but just looking at this without a bias either way it doesn't seem in the best interest of the league not to mention right or fair.

So I guess teams that don't show up for games/quit the season are acceptable and won't get thrown out of the leage but a team that has had some problems financially but wants to pay when possible and has shown up to every game gets kicked out......I guess this shows what is the most important thing to the leage - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Amen.

The last thing we need to do is kick people and teams out of our sport based upon money. I'm sure a resolution could have been reached.

[Center_ice]

Glad to see the league is taking a stance on something. I mean no disrespect to Chris or what he has done in Raliegh, but it is not fair to the rest of the teams in this league that have paid in full.

[yokes]

Chris ive known you and played hockey with you probably longer than anyone else on here. We go waaay back and seen alot of leagues and rinks come and go, dont be one of those. Take a little time, itll work out brother. Hit me up when you want to talk.

[Mlrhnorthfan]

Chris,

Its a shame to see you like this.

Just step back from the game for a bit. Being and owner is tough.

Dont let it ruin hockey for you.
Trust me, after two weeks of not playing you will be going crazy and be back out there again.

[nyrhatric]

Chris,

You were always helpful and never bashed anyone.

I was apart of the Maddogs team from MLRH who didn't show up for a game in Raleigh. Well my goalie and I showed up, but no one else. You showed us around and made the best of the situation. I respected that so much. I do hope this isn't the last we hear from you. You didn't deserve this, plain and simple.

Stay with the sport buddy, there could be some good news around the corner. You never know. ;~)


Robert Henry

[5280]

Not trying to attack you in any way, Chris, because I know you've been hit hard by this, but as an outsider, I am curious. How much money did Raleigh actually pay to the PIHA?

If the team owes the league $4,500 in dues and has paid, say, $3,000 of it, my take on what happened would be very different than if they owed $4,500 and have paid $500.

If I were Grand Poobah and it were the first, I'd let the team play out the playoffs and try to get on their feet. If it were the second, I'd probably shut them down, out of fairness to the other teams.

[ianmackie]

I think the league had to do this. I mean, we all have the same fees and as far as I know we all paid them. If I know that an organization didn't pay this year then next year I am just going to not pay. I will try to hold out. I am sure they asked for money all year and it never came through. Did you try to set up a way to make payments? Just wondering. If I ran the league I would have done this a lot earlier. The scary thing is that if your team pulls the same crap that happened last year at the Finals then they have nothing on you guys. They also would be in a position that if you advanced they would have to pay for your travel? If you paid the bill then you would still be playing.

Anyway, you seem like a nice guy with a love for the sport, not looking out for yourself. Dust yourself off and keep on trucking.

[Lindro17]

I will say this is my second year in owning a team, and it is not easy with Jerseys and everything else. Trying to stress to get enough people in the door to cover your costs is extremely tough.

I have to agree and disagree with a lot of the statements. I agree that if they were to do this, they should have done it when the deadline hit, not after your team went 21-11, had a good competitive season. I would have waited a few months after we collected player fees and ticket sales to pay if I knew that nothing would happen to us, rather than fronting the money internally.

I disagree with the way the league did this, at the end of the season, after they basically strung you along with what appears to be a message that it was o.k. to pay later and play.

I don't know you, but you do appear to be a good guy based on what everyone is saying. I would say work out your off-season activities, make some money, and get back in the league. The sport needs people like you, with passion to play, and a good organization that shows up for all 32 games.

On a similiar note, I did not hear of the Assault owing money, but did hear of other organizations owing money- has anyone else gotten the pink slip?

[Doug Jones]

Ian, brings up a good point even though he can't spell Delveccio (it's Del Vecchio, Mackie)

The league set a deadline of April 23rd for payments to be made to be included in the playoffs. The league also worked with us in the Southeast division because of the mess that was left when the former SE division coordinator flew up north. So, we (speaking for SC) were allowed to make a payment plan which we had to stick to. We were told the consequences and given the deadline. We were told if we did not meet the deadline, we were out.

Didn't matter what our record was or how many games we showed for, we were told pay up the fee like everyone else or we are out for the playoffs.

While Raleigh not being in for playoffs doesn't look good for our division, I also have to say that I am sure there would be a lot of upset people if they found out a team that did not pay it's fees was in the playoffs.

I am not referring to Chris in any way to point him out, I just want to set the record straight, we were told pay by 4/23 or we are out of the playoffs. We came up with our balance and paid. I am sorry Chris got stuck without being able to field his. Now if the league set up a payment plan with Chris and Raleigh and he defaulted on it, no one can blame the league.

I do know this, I do not agree with alot of what happened this year in PIHA, but I can say that Jim Van Horn has worked with us as long as we communicated with him what was happening. We were upset about being shorted games, but again, we were told pay or don't play. I can always argue that point at the owner's meeting. I am glad though that PIHA has agreed to still pay the $1,000 they promised the division winner's during playoffs that was taken off the PIHA site last week, tax bill and all. Even though the response was less than amicable, Charley stated that PIHA will pay the $1,000 to the playoff division winner and tax bill the team that gets the prize, even though it will leave him $8,000 short somewhere else. I guess that means the supposed all star teams will have to have regular rooms instead of suites in Colorado.


Like I said, there is always next year and a chance to fix all this at the owner's meeting in CO....

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I am glad though that PIHA has agreed to still pay the $1,000 they promised the division winner's during playoffs that was taken off the PIHA site last week, tax bill and all. Even though the response was less than amicable, Charley stated that PIHA will pay the $1,000 to the playoff division winner and tax bill the team that gets the prize, even though it will leave him $8,000 short somewhere else.

Doug can you explain when the structure changed.

[Doug Jones]

Check the PIHA site, it's gone under pro playoffs. I spoke with Charley, who was clearly frustrated about being asked about it, but to his credit, he said they would pay the $1,000 to each division winner with a 1099. He also told me that it would take $8,000 from somewhere else and that could affect travel and transportation. Again, as I said to him on the phone, you can't have something up for six months and then pull it without an explanation.

Again, while he was frustrated, he agreed to keep the promise to pay the division winners. I accomplished what I had sought.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

1099 That should be interesting. Here is to hoping that my team wins so he can 1099 my NON-PROFIT TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION. Which he can not do legally since a non-profit organization can't be a subcontractor. I guess that we should all 1099 PIHA for the money that we paid to enter the league.

This is just becoming more and more of a debacle everyday.

Whats next we are gonna be given gas cards to get to Colorado for the finals.

If we were smart maybe the playoffs could be done on the East Coast and only one team could potentially have to be flown in considering we are all driving distance from each other.

[Dave Garland]

This should end in a fun mess.

The story continues to unfold...

[Doug Jones]

Myrtle Beach would of been glad to host the finals :)

[ianmackie]

So, the league will actually pay the teams what they said they would at the beginning of the year? They aren't backing out with horrible excuses? Sweet.

[Doug Jones]

again, Mackie you kill me....LOL

[GR8SK8r06]

So, the league will actually pay the teams what they said they would at the beginning of the year? They aren't backing out with horrible excuses? Sweet.

Actually I heard that the Boston team last year forfieted their winnings after they shot pucks in the stands and flipped off the fans on the 2nd night of games in the Finals last year in Colorado. I did a little research on thepiha.com and found out Boston had an astonishing 26 penalties ranging from head butting to unsportsmanlike conduct in only 2 games. WOW!!!! I personally was there at the games and I had never seen anything like it! They were simply out of control! It was to say the least an embarassment or to put it in hockey terms a GONGSHOW!!! I only play in the league and I was embarassed for the rink and PIHA. I think if the team that wins this year will get their money if they dont pull something like that again. Garland was there maybe he can give his opinion on the matter.

[#28]

This league runs on money, this world runs on money--it's a simple system. Money needs to be paid or things can't be run. I agree with PIHA on this one, even though my stance is still that the league blows and so do most of the teams/players

[-venom-]

even though my stance is still that the league blows and so do most of the teams/players

Big talk for someone who goes simply by a jersey #.... :rolleyes:

[Dave Garland]

No comment on last year's final all the way around :rolleyes:

Hopefully the prize money promised is also delivered this year!

[Berry_Bramble]

I <3 Ian Mackie...thank you..good night

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

This league runs on money, this world runs on money--it's a simple system. Money needs to be paid or things can't be run. I agree with PIHA on this one, even though my stance is still that the league blows and so do most of the teams/players

#28, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[swampdonkey89]

Actually I heard that the Boston team last year forfieted their winnings after they shot pucks in the stands and flipped off the fans on the 2nd night of games in the Finals last year in Colorado. I did a little research on thepiha.com and found out Boston had an astonishing 26 penalties ranging from head butting to unsportsmanlike conduct in only 2 games. WOW!!!! I personally was there at the games and I had never seen anything like it! They were simply out of control! It was to say the least an embarassment or to put it in hockey terms a GONGSHOW!!! I only play in the league and I was embarassed for the rink and PIHA. I think if the team that wins this year will get their money if they dont pull something like that again. Garland was there maybe he can give his opinion on the matter.


Who won the finals last year? I think it was Boston....

[quick_dry]

Hopefully the prize money promised is also delivered this year!
that is both amusing and sad at the same time (as well as speaking volumes IMO)

[Wingman]

#28, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
a simple "wrong" would have done just fine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKjxFJfcrcA)

[Vengeance]

I find that paraphrasing movies works great for impact as well. Thankfully everyone has moved beyond "you are the weakest link" almost seamlessly.


What happened to saying goodbye to Street? What an incredibly hijacked thread this is... (Hijacked * 43)^3 = Mega-hijacked.

Hey Street, you've got a lot of feedback already. Best of luck to you and teammates alike.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

a simple "wrong" would have done just fine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKjxFJfcrcA)

Wingman:

"This is either a really smart move or by far the stupidest thing that we have ever tried."

For Chris:

"Parting is such sweet sorrow"

[ManOnFire]

I wouldn't worry about Street. He can't quit, it's in his blood to be a leader and make things happen. Clearly some of you know him and others do not.

DannyG: The thing in New Mexico you were referring to, I was with him. We moved across the country to operate a HOCKEY rink for Andrew and that never opened. No ones fault, he has since ran successful rinks. That was the worst year ever for both of us. The funding fell through and we were clearly hired way too early. Besides, that was 2002 and we were both kids that got promised a lot.

The PIHA: In many ways the league is run poorly, maybe take some of the advice on these forums on how to fix it. I don't think anyone was wrong in the Raleigh explusion. You have a business to run, the team didn't have the money. Street isn't even mad at PIHA but more depressed than anything about the whole thing because he has been made out to be the fall guy locally. The main reason he didn't want to take on the task in the first place.

IHC Readers: I've caught word of some pretty interesting news, keep your eyes open this summer. PIHA won't be the only game in town next season. I'm not talking about MLRH, or the ARHA.

-- Jay --

[alex]

IHC Readers: I've caught word of some pretty interesting news, keep your eyes open this summer. PIHA won't be the only game in town next season. I'm not talking about MLRH, or the ARHA.

-- Jay --

We can only hope it's long awaited return of Pro Beach Hockey.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Speedhockey anyone!!!!

[Doug Jones]

Here we go with the suspense.....

stay tuned to IHC for the breaking story!

[SpiderRat]

Actually I heard that the Boston team last year forfieted their winnings after they shot pucks in the stands and flipped off the fans on the 2nd night of games in the Finals last year in Colorado. I did a little research on thepiha.com and found out Boston had an astonishing 26 penalties ranging from head butting to unsportsmanlike conduct in only 2 games. WOW!!!! I personally was there at the games and I had never seen anything like it! They were simply out of control! It was to say the least an embarassment or to put it in hockey terms a GONGSHOW!!! I only play in the league and I was embarassed for the rink and PIHA. I think if the team that wins this year will get their money if they dont pull something like that again. Garland was there maybe he can give his opinion on the matter.

Actually, you are wrong. I was told by Charlie himself after winning the conference game that $1,000. will be forfeited from both teams prize money to pay for the hotel damage down during allstar weekend. I've said this at least 5 times on IHC. Don't tell me you haven't read this statement before. Perhaps you're just trying to start problems. And if you were there, can you honestly say that the officiating was at a pro level? No, you can't. It was obvious to us that someone didn't want us to win the championship. Either because we had just come off winning MLRH, or "the man" just doesn't like the boys from Boston. How else can you explain that there was TV coverage for the first two games, in which we won, then no TV's in site for the rest of the final. There was not one t-shirt, hat, article of any kind being sold during that time, mentioning anything about the games being the finals. So, before you speak out of your backside, get your facts right. Saying the Boston team forfeited their prize money due to our behavior is not only an insult, but a bold faced lie. You should be ashamed of yourself. And Mr. Dave Garland, we spoke on the phone several times before the finals started about the fact that $1,000 was being picked from our purses. Please don't sit back and play Mr. PIHA advertizing guy. If you know the truth, speak up. Sitting back and ignoring the truth, amounts to contributing to the lie. As far as the finals are concerned, I have yet to see anywhere on the PIHA website what the prize money is for this year. Is there an attempt to keep this a secret in case the cost of importing the Europian allstars exceeds the budget, and a portion of the prize money needs to cover that since it wasn't budgeted? Man, I can't stand when someone like GR8SK8r06 just sits up here and lies, just so he can say he posted something. What a waste.

[-venom-]

We seriously need a *gloves off* forum, I swear. :)

[RichardGraham]

OK Guys,

I can see this one's getting out of hand. Please PM me and let me know what posts should be edited or deleted.. or if none should... or if the entire thread should be tossed. And then send me a Pay Pal donation for the time I have to waste doing so.

[nyrhatric]

If it wasn't for the VA Storm (MLRH), the boston guys wouldn't have caught up to the level of play of everyone else.




haha J/k

[SpiderRat]

If it wasn't for the VA Storm (MLRH), the boston guys wouldn't have caught up to the level of play of everyone else.

You are correct. lol.... That experience taught us alot. And man did we have fun! Ahhh.... the good'ole days.

[Mlrhnorthfan]

wheres tony szabo?

[Doug Jones]

I say we move this to private....

[Dave Garland]

Roger,

Good points all true. A ton of frustration last year on our part was actually towards the events not the 'Rats.

Although the Rats were annoying to play against :D

[yokes]

Speedhockey anyone!!!!

Hey I played in that game in Trenton! Bring it back!!

[GR8SK8r06]

Actually, you are wrong. I was told by Charlie himself after winning the conference game that $1,000. will be forfeited from both teams prize money to pay for the hotel damage down during allstar weekend. I've said this at least 5 times on IHC. Don't tell me you haven't read this statement before. Perhaps you're just trying to start problems. And if you were there, can you honestly say that the officiating was at a pro level? No, you can't. It was obvious to us that someone didn't want us to win the championship. Either because we had just come off winning MLRH, or "the man" just doesn't like the boys from Boston. How else can you explain that there was TV coverage for the first two games, in which we won, then no TV's in site for the rest of the final. There was not one t-shirt, hat, article of any kind being sold during that time, mentioning anything about the games being the finals. So, before you speak out of your backside, get your facts right. Saying the Boston team forfeited their prize money due to our behavior is not only an insult, but a bold faced lie. You should be ashamed of yourself. And Mr. Dave Garland, we spoke on the phone several times before the finals started about the fact that $1,000 was being picked from our purses. Please don't sit back and play Mr. PIHA advertizing guy. If you know the truth, speak up. Sitting back and ignoring the truth, amounts to contributing to the lie. As far as the finals are concerned, I have yet to see anywhere on the PIHA website what the prize money is for this year. Is there an attempt to keep this a secret in case the cost of importing the Europian allstars exceeds the budget, and a portion of the prize money needs to cover that since it wasn't budgeted? Man, I can't stand when someone like GR8SK8r06 just sits up here and lies, just so he can say he posted something. What a waste.

I just said I HEARD that was the reason they lost their prize money! Not like i called the operators of the league and asked them. I am assuming you were the playing for the Rats........ if I had a guess you were the backup goalie that was the one completely out of control?? Am i right?? I may be wrong there too, but you seem like THAT GUY to me. I guess all I am saying is that if I was the operator of the league the reason I wouldn't give the prize money was for that reason. What tv company would want to air the horrible display of hockey that happened that night? Dont blame them for not wanting to air your team on television. Flipping the fans off, shooting pucks in the stands and cussing up a storm is not good for TV! (except maybe the "most shocking" program) I wouldn't want to film the last series of games if I were them either! I hope you aren't defending the Rats actions on this matter. Maybe some of the calls were questionable, but that doesnt excuse you guys for getting 26 penalties in one night!! Including a head butting!! LOL
They didn't want you guys to win! If they really didn't want you guys to win they would have paid for Thompson and Bruce to be there and you guys wouldn't have won a game!! Just my OPINION!!

[zipyaj]

Ho Hum!

This topic, as Doug Jones said so eloquently before, should be moved to private. It has soooo run its course and so far from its initial course to brink to boundary of sanity... IF "Signing Off For Good" was the so-called parting of an esteemed member, then let it be so!

Chris; Best of luck and stay in touch! There's much good to result from your efforts!

Time to Move on and forward... in my humble opinion.

[CoachClipboard]

Chris...Most unfortunate to the rest of PIHA if you do choose to walk away. You were a crucial element to building roller hockey in the south. Your region, town, area should commend you for your efforts and your players should support you. You were a huge help to me during the All Star game for the Southeast/Mason dixon and I appreciated you bringing your team to represent there. Taking on building a team or a region is often a daunting task that takes a good deal of heat. I sincerely hope that you reconsider your involvement with roller hockey. That you keep pushing to make strides in NC regardless if it is PIHA or whatever league.

The people here who are encouraging you to stay the course and myself have been where you are right now. Sometimes you have to grind your teeth and keep plugging away. Sometimes you have to ignore the negatives and push on with what is right about the game. There is plenty that is. I will however withhold my opinions of why you were not allowed to play in the playoffs to myself.

You my friend are a leader and a dreamer of the game and where it can be. With or without this league.....This level of hockey will continue on and it will take motivators such as yourself to make it work.

Good luck to you regardless of your decisions, hold your chin high knowing that you did the best you could with the situation and remember that many do appreciate your time and effort.


Todd Wiley

[PGHhockey]

Hey I played in that game in Trenton! Bring it back!!

Look, Jeff...finally someone wants to play speed hockey with you! hahaha

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Look, Jeff...finally someone wants to play speed hockey with you! hahaha

Unfortunately its the goalie who can't stop a puck. When is PIHA gonna give him a break and start using beach balls.

[yokes]

Unfortunately its the goalie who can't stop a puck. When is PIHA gonna give him a break and start using beach balls.

EASY, im sitting right here!

Im not going to lie it was fun facing 48 shots in a 15 minute period though.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Yes and I will provide you the spot you crave. Left Bench! Or You can have that elevated ref seat!

Yokes you know you are a good goalie and you have proven that time and time again.

[growl89]

i just do not understand why you would quit playing hockey?

there are ways to raise money and the 10 K you lost from the sponsorship at the beginning of the season would not have been a huge amount to come up with over the past 6 months.

i looked at your rosters and have 30-34 players listed on your rosters. Charging each player 300 bucks (which is what the lunatics pay if i am not mistaken) brings you over the 10 k mark... that's with doing no fund raising etc. So there shouldnt be complaining about no playoffs if you haven't paid at all. Unfortunately money will always be #1 in ANY sport, pro or not....