PIHA fine in San Jose

[old hockey mom]

First off, I'll admit that I'm just a newer hockey mom who has kids playing at Rollin Ice in San Jose. However, once I discovered this website, I became aware of some of the PIHA problems throughout the country.

But, as someone from the outside, let me tell you that PIHA seems to be thriving in San Jose. We have the Mustangs and the Pirates, and many of those players are known to the younger kids. Adam DeKeyral, who I believe is in charge of or owns the Pirates, used to coach our young Northern California kids in the Atom division. Two other PIHA players, Blake Peckham and Travis S. (sorry don't know how to spell his last name) coach a very strong Mustangs Pee Wee team. The kids love to come out and see these guys play. Some of the players who ref for some weekend money also play in PIHA and the kids also love it. Several of the people coach rec league games. And, now that Pacific Cup and Top Cat have folded Adam and his wife are organizing monthly tournaments at Rollin Ice in San Jose. Wish we could get more Southern Cal teams to check us out!!

So, for all of the negativity out there, please know that from an outsider's view, we think PIHA is amazing! Hope it stays as a way to keep our younger kids connected. And, we thank our lucky stars that we have such an amazing facility in Rollin ice and the Silver Creek Sportsplex. Hope to see many of you at Narch!

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Old Hockey Mom,

I just want to thank you for reminding all of us why PIHA is good in its own ways. I am going to share with you and the rest of the IHC community an email I received last year and posted on this website. Maybe some of the players in this league will realize the gift that they have to give.

Please see this attached letter that I received last year from a parent of one of my junior players. Once again I have removed the names for privacy purposes.

Jeff,

My name is ___________ and I am the proud parent of a Jr Fury player, ________. For the past few hockey seasons now, it has become common place to see the Fury at a lot of the younger kids games, giving out trophies at championship matches or just spreading the word about upcoming games. This causes quite a buzz with the younger kids. I know my son will be looking up to and emulating the Fury professionals. As a parent, this makes me very excited as I have heard nothing but great things about the Fury and its organization. I would like to thank you for allowing the kids to wear the Fury name on their sweater and giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Sincerely,
____________

[old hockey mom]

Thanks for passing on that letter. As you mentioned, the younger kids are so impressed seeing their coaches, refs, and mentors play or acknowledge them. And, if PIHA is about the today AND the future of this sport, they have an amazing opportunity to support our youth. So, even if there are some bumps in the road, as a mom of some of those younger kids, I want to say "THANKS"!!

[GR8SK8r06]

This is a great thread. We need more posts like these to show the advancements that PIHA is making for the sport. I know for a fact that the Jr. Piha here in Colorado has been a tremendous success and I have heard nothing but great things. I ref some of these games and it seems that every one of them is a close and competitive game. I play for a team that didn't make the playoffs yet we had a blast playing in every game. Dont let the complaints of a few cloud the success that PIHA is bringing to this great sport. Jeff I want to thank you for your efforts with the Fury organization. Good luck to all the teams in the playoffs!!!!

[hockeyseed]

Dear PIHA Players & Management,

It might not seem like it from where you sit, but PIHA is the stuff of dreams.

My family truly loves roller hockey. My husband and I fell in love with it when our son, Andy (now 15 - a "93"), first stepped onto the rink at The Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA, and drifted to the center staring up and around with stars in his eyes - when he looked at us and told us this was the sport he wanted to play. When we watched him fall in love with roller hockey, we fell in love, too. How could we not?

Andy is a pure roller hockey kid, who has grown up in this sport and has become a decent player despite the fact that the sport itself doesn't always support progress as a player. ("If you want to become a better player, go play ice hockey." We never bought into that.)

We have been lucky to have met up with some great PIHA players (Brian Fischer, Mike Catalano, Mike Casey, CJ Yoder) who have taken interest in Andy and have helped him to mature not only as a hockey player but as a person.

We attended many of those first PIHA games - in the stands cheering for Brian Fischer, who adopted our son as his little brother and who has worked out with him once a week since Andy first stepped onto that rink. We were at every PIHA game Fischer's first season with the Growl and most of the next and still - despite a fairly grueling travel roller hockey schedule - make every game we can, and not just at our home rink. We go to watch the hockey and hang out with our friends. Andy still watches with stars in his eyes.

Andy plays in the men's league at Sportsplex and Marple Sports Arena with and against PIHA players. He often comes off the rink and tells me about some move or play one of them did. He shows me the moves he makes up when he practices. Because, of course, roller hockey is about the game, but gentlemen, you know we like to watch you guys dangle each other.

Andy's friends and teammates call him Sauce and Dangle and Danglesauce. He learned about dangling - along with team play, the importance of supporting your teammates, important issues like honor and fairness, and many other things - watching PIHA games and playing roller hockey.

He plays roller hockey just about every day. Fridays we insist he takes off (time to think about that non-hockey social calendar), but he still asks to go to the rink or finds a way to hang out with his hockey buddies.

His goals these days? Next year, make a minor PIHA team. He has wanted to play PIHA since he first watched Fischer play. After that, college and PIHA. After that, PIHA and NARCH Pro. After that, PIHA, NARCh Pro, and coach a roller hockey team.

His heart is in this sport. My son's heart is in this sport.

So gentleman, if you don't find a way to figure out the politics and remember that this sport is about playing the game in front of you, whatever it happens to be, if you haven't figured out a way to continue to build a thriving league on top of the great foundation you already have in place, even if you have to do it mortar by mortar, so that there is a great PIHA experience for Andy (and the many kids out there who are like him) next year and beyond, then understand this: I am going to track down every one of you and kick your a$$.

Love you all,

Mrs. Z

[minutemen]

Old Hockey Mom your correct and thanks for your outside perspective. Does the league have its problems, yes, but people have to remember that it is still a young league. It has not even reached 10 years. I am sure the NHL, NFL, NBA and MLB had it problems. I did research paper in college on Pro leagues early years and trust me they all did.

I think Todd Wiley put it best, the teams are just to blame as much as the league. Promises were made on both ends. As I know it is not easy running an organization, but teams have to show up to games. If you have 6 players between Pro and Minor, those players play both Pro and Minor. I am not trying to bash any teams but when a finger is pointed at the league, 3 fingers point right back.

We know the problems of both sides of PIHA, instead of saying this league is horrible, try to make some solutions to fix it. Now I took the year off from my team and got to sit back and see from an outside perspective and it has been a learning experience. Everyone just has to work together and fix the problems.

[-venom-]

Dear PIHA Players & Management,

It might not seem like it from where you sit, but PIHA is the stuff of dreams.

My family truly loves roller hockey. My husband and I fell in love with it when our son, Andy (now 15 - a "93"), first stepped onto the rink at The Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA, and drifted to the center staring up and around with stars in his eyes - when he looked at us and told us this was the sport he wanted to play. When we watched him fall in love with roller hockey, we fell in love, too. How could we not?

Andy is a pure roller hockey kid, who has grown up in this sport and has become a decent player despite the fact that the sport itself doesn't always support progress as a player. ("If you want to become a better player, go play ice hockey." We never bought into that.)

We have been lucky to have met up with some great PIHA players (Brian Fischer, Mike Catalano, Mike Casey, CJ Yoder) who have taken interest in Andy and have helped him to mature not only as a hockey player but as a person.

We attended many of those first PIHA games - in the stands cheering for Brian Fischer, who adopted our son as his little brother and who has worked out with him once a week since Andy first stepped onto that rink. We were at every PIHA game Fischer's first season with the Growl and most of the next and still - despite a fairly grueling travel roller hockey schedule - make every game we can, and not just at our home rink. We go to watch the hockey and hang out with our friends. Andy still watches with stars in his eyes.

Andy plays in the men's league at Sportsplex and Marple with and against PIHA players. He often comes off the rink and tells me about some move or play one of them did. He shows me the moves he makes up when he practices. Because, of course, roller hockey is about the game, but gentlemen, we know we like to watch you guys dangle each other.

Andy's friends and teammates call him Sauce and Dangle and Danglesauce. He learned about these things - along with team play, the importance of supporting your teammates, and many other things - watching PIHA games and Platinum hockey.

He plays roller hockey just about every day. Fridays we insisted he take off (time to think about that non-hockey social calendar), but he still asks to go to the rink or finds a way to hang out with his hockey buddies.

His goals these days? Next year, make a minor PIHA team. He has wanted to play PIHA since he first watched Fischer play. After that, college and PIHA. After that, PIHA and NARCH Pro. After that, PIHA, NARCh Pro, and coach a roller hockey team.

His heart is in this sport. My son's heart is in this sport.

So gentleman, if you don't find a way to figure out the politics and remember that this sport is about playing the game in front of you, whatever it happens to be, if you haven't figured out a way to continue to build a thriving league on top of the great foundation you already have in place, even if you have to do it mortar by mortar, so that there is a great PIHA experience for Andy ( and the many kids out there who are like him) next year and beyond, then understand this: I am going to track down every one of you and kick your a$$.

Love you all,

Mrs. Z

Tell him next time I come back to PA I'm going to give 'em a nice whack on the wrists. ;)

One of the most talented kids I've ever coached, for sure.

[hockeyseed]

Tell him next time I come back to PA I'm going to give 'em a nice whack on the wrists. ;)

One of the most talented kids I've ever coached, for sure.

You'd better get yourself back into some hockey skates first, bud. How's the hockey in Las Vegas these days?

[RichardGraham]

Hi Cheri,

That's a fantastic post. Would you permit me to put it up on the Home Page as a Central Square column?

You're right. Despite the problems in PIHA and the rest of this great sport, we all need to work together to keeping it going and keep it growing.

[RichardGraham]

Hi old hockey mom,

Thanks for starting this thread. It's great to see some positive news once in a while! ;)

[hockeyseed]

That's a fantastic post. Would you permit me to put it up on the Home Page as a Central Square column?.

Sure!


You're right. Despite the problems in PIHA and the rest of this great sport, we all need to work together to keeping it going and keep it growing.

Roller hockey is a tough sport. Everyone who loves it needs to support those who play it.

[-venom-]

You'd better get yourself back into some hockey skates first, bud. How's the hockey in Las Vegas these days?

haha... as good as it's gonna get for a while, I guess ;)

No worries, my son should be learning to skate in a couple months.

When he turns two, I'll let him loose on Andy. He wears a cage, right? :p

[hockeyseed]

haha... as good as it's gonna get for a while, I guess ;)

No worries, my son should be learning to skate in a couple months.

When he turns two, I'll let him loose on Andy. He wears a cage, right? :p

Looking forward to seeing the next generation on wheels. ;-)

[old hockey mom]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for posting "Mrs Z"' s great letter on your front page.

When I have a bit more time, I'm going to fill you all in on the wonderful things that are happening in San Jose. I'll post it as a more general item as it doesn't have a lot to do with PIHA and such. But, then again, isn't it all connected?

[DannyG]

Wow, voice from the past...Mrs. Z, please say hi to Adam deK. from Dan in El Paso, when you should see him next. Tell him that the program he helped start and build in El Paso is also experiencing a resurgance.

Tell him Jimmy now gets more assists than goals, and we are sure to see him somewhere down the line, perhaps at next year's NARCh finals (our new kids are not yet ready to go to nationals - they will be next year).

Thanks for your extremely timely and on-point letter...we are very glad to count you among the inline hockey community.

-DannyG

[zipyaj]

When I have a bit more time, I'm going to fill you all in on the wonderful things that are happening in San Jose. I'll post it as a more general item as it doesn't have a lot to do with PIHA and such. But, then again, isn't it all connected?


Mrs. "Z"

Thank you for your bright words and reminder of the spirit that keeps our sons and daughters active and involved with this sport.

I am certain that I count myself among many who look forward to your pending post about the many wonderful things that are happening in San Jose!

As a CA hockey neighbor nearly 400 miles to the south, I would be also interested to learn more about the scholastic / high school roller hockey program in the area.

In the March 31, 2006 Pinnacle article Roller hockey builds momentum, Jason Horwood, coach of the Sobrato High club team said, "Just four years ago, there were 10 teams in the whole area. Now there are 38. It's growing real fast." [http://www.pinnaclenews.com/news/contentview.asp?c=182733]

Last month, Terry Peckham of Rollin' Ice said there are now 47 teams. I am unsure if this number also includes the Central Coast High School Hockey League of San Luis Obispo and their 11 high school teams.

It would appear that the high school roller hockey club movement is indeed maintaining its momentum in the San Jose area.

Inquiring minds want to know :-)

Thanks in advance for your continued contributions!

Jay Piz
Interscholastic Hockey Federation (IHF)
Irvine, CA

[old hockey mom]

Thanks! By the way, I'm not Mrs. Z. I believe she is in the east, and I'm here in the San Jose area. But, we both love roller hockey!! Also, I'm not associated with Rollin Ice in San Jose, but my kids play there all of the time, so I hang around enough to get a good feel of what's happening.

First off, with your question about the 47 teams playing high school, I'm can almost be sure that it does not include any of the central coast teams, but just the ones that play at Rollin Ice. My oldest son plays in the high school league and has a great time. Some schools have three or four teams, mostly in different divisions. Rollin Ice has a great system of dividing the teams among many divisions, so there is room for teams at ALL levels. Division 1 teams are made up of mostly travel and/or ice players and the games are on par with a travel tournament. The division 4 teams can have kids who are just starting. But, by playing in the right division there is room for all and the kids have a blast.

Another great addition is a "beginning" travel team that Jeff Manning put together called the Colts. (He also runs the Mustangs, after many years with the Patriots.) Team members are kids who usually just play rec, but didn't want the expense and time commitment to travel to tournaments in LA and other places like the rest of our teams do. Thus, they just play at home tournaments at Rollin Ice. They don't win all that often, but they don't seem to care. Also, their monthly dues are about half of what the regular travel teams charge.

In the Squirt division at a Rollin Ice tournament held just yesterday, they got the first goal against a very competitive team and went on to lose by a bunch. But, when they scored that first goal, you would have thought they had won the Stanley Cup. Same thing when the Mites tied a game. The kids were running off the bench, piling on their goalie and high fiving all around. Great stuff to see! Also, it is these kids who proudly wear their Colts jerseys around the rink all day.

Rollin Ice also holds free sessions for kids to try hockey out. We see lots of young kids out checking it out.

Last, but not least, is the tournaments put on around the PIHA games. Last weekend, we had a youth tournament with the PIHA games showcased. With everybody at the rink anyway, it was standing room only (literally!) for the PIHA major games. I hope somebody got a picture of it, because the crowd was pretty impressive.

One last great thing is the opening of the High Five Restaurant and Sports Bar inside Rollin Ice. It was totally packed after the tournament yesterday and probably was until late evening with the Sharks playing. People are starting to go there as a destination even when their kids aren't playing. As someone commented to me, "You know how you sometimes go out to eat and you run into someone you know there. Well, here at Rollin Ice, it's just like that, but instead you know everybody."

There is probably more that I'm forgetting about, but I have to get back to work. Got to keep working so the kids can keep playing!!

[old hockey mom]

One last thing.

A few people have asked how to get in touch with Adam DeKeyal. I don't know him personally, but I'm sure anybody who wants to reach him can do so through his wife who works with him on the PIHA stuff. Here's the info from contact information I got from the last tournament they put together.

By the way, they are doing a wonderful job of putting together youth tournaments in conjunction with PIHA major and minor games. The tournaments are very organized and well run. Besides doing the usual tournament stuff, they usually have some theme. For example, this last weekend the tournament was named "It's All About Mom" with a mother's day theme. They had gift basket raffles and roses for all the hockey moms. Pretty cool stuff.

Anyway, here's the info:

Lorri DeKeyrel

Director Business Development

PIHA Pacific Division

4960 Almaden Expressway, Suite 142

San Jose, CA 95118

[email protected]

www.pihapacific.com

408 690 8805 cell

408 269 1334 fax

[zipyaj]

Thanks! By the way, I'm not Mrs. Z. I believe she is in the east, and I'm here in the San Jose area. But, we both love roller hockey!! .... I have to get back to work. Got to keep working so the kids can keep playing!!

Dear Old Hockey Mom and Mrs. Z;

My apology to you both for confusing your names in my earlier post... a problem with some of us older hockey fans!

Thank you, too, for all the wonderful information and bright spots you brought to this post. Please continue to share the love!

Best!
Jay

[old hockey mom]

My pleasure!

Now if we could just get some of your Southern California teams to take a trip up north, we would be even happier!

How about checking us out as a Narch "warm up" at our next tournament June 14-15th? I'm sure they could add a High School Division if there was enough interest. Some of our Northern California teams will be heading out your way later this month for your Memorial Day WIHA tournament.

Have a great day.

[RichardGraham]

Hi oldhockeymom,

Thank you for your great enthusiasm and informative posts on IHC. Keep up the great work!