'08 PIHA Finals

[alex]

This article should be up on thepiha.com soon enough. Until then, here it is.

It has been a tumultuous season in the PIHA, a season that started 8 months again when the first exhibition game of the year was played between Feasterville Fury and New Jersey Stampede. Since then, hundreds and hundreds of games have been played and the 42 teams who started the year have been reduced to just 2. After battling through a 32 game regular season schedule before winning regional playoffs and moving on to defeat 2 tough teams at their respective conference finals, the Connecticut Blaze and the Phoenix Dragons are the only teams remaining. This coming weekend, these 2 teams will fight in a best of 7 series for the right to hoist the Founder's Cup and call themselves PIHA champions.

Without a doubt, this season's league final is the tale of two very different teams. The Blaze are an experienced team, boasting 7 players who were a part of last year's PIHA champions: Boston Roller Rats. The Dragons are a young team, boasting an average age of 21 years old, in their first season in the league. The difference in experience is highlighted in the differece in age of the starting goalies. Blaze goaltender Roger Lee is 37 years old. Dragons goaltender Cody O'Reilly is 21 years old.

But there is more to this matchup than difference in age. Both teams boast an unstoppable sniper at the top of their lineup. For Connecticut, it's John Pinheiro. For Phoenix, it's Josh Laricchia. Neither Pinheiro nor Laricchia can truly be stopped but both teams will be looking to slow them down when they hit the floor this weekend in Colorado Springs. Pinheiro is a legend in the league, putting up huge numbers, highlight reel goals, and championship banners for years. Pinheiro won back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006 with Philadelphia Growl before coming to play for Connecticut last year. The move worked out and Pinheiro helped the Blaze knock off the Growl in divisional playoffs, before bowing out in the next round 2 games to 1 against the eventual champion Roller Rats. Laricchia has no history in the league but has made a name for himself in one short season already. In only 26 games this year, Laricchia posted 44 goals and 57 assists for an unreal 101 points to go with a league-best 9 game winning goals, placing him at the top of all major offensive categories. Again, neither of these players can really be stopped. You can only hope to contain them.

Both teams, however, do not rely solely on one superstar to carry them to victory. For the Blaze, Pinheiro's goalscoring onslaught is fueled by the playmaking abilities of Jeff Goulet. Goulet leads Connecticut in assists this year with 57 in 29 games and was also the leading set-up man last year for the champion Roller Rats. Beyond Pinheiro and Goulet, the Blaze boast 5 more players with 10 or more goals this season including Tony Silvestri and Mario Lucibello. Defensively, the Blaze are headed up by 6'3" Jay McGeown and 6'4" Jimmy Dehm. In net, Blaze are backstopped by Lee, a PIHA champion with Boston and a proven winner in the league.

For Phoenix, the lineup behind Laricchia is deep. Dragons' have a league-high four players who reached the 20-goal plateau this season. Tyler Koressel and Danny Marmorstein both had more than 30 goals for Phoenix while Marmorstein also notched more than 50 assists. The offense also gets clutch contributions from Duane Jones, who had 28 goals this year, and Josh Joles, who had 10 goals, 3 of which were game winners. Defensively, Dragons are backed by Justin Maroon and Alex Dodt. Maroon also showed his ability to contribute offensively with 2 huge goals in the Dragons' series clinching victory over Southside Snipers in the Western Conference final. The ability of the Dragons to get scoring from all angles was shown in their Game 2 win over Southside, in which all 8 Dragons players contributed a goal. Between the pipes, O'Reilly calmly backs up the deadly Dragons offense. He is also known to contribute to the attack as his 8 points this season led all PIHA goalies.

Both of these teams have come down a long road to get to this point. Connecticut began the season as a favorite to win the East and they did not disappoint. The Blaze compiled an incredible 28-2-2 regular season record, good enough for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the third-best record in all of PIHA. In divisional playoffs, Connecticut swept Massachusetts Bombers in the semifinal then earned a hard-fought division title with a 2 games to 1 series victory over Long Island 495ers. Moving onto the conference playoffs in Waldorf, MD, the Blaze came out on fire by sweeping a very talented South Carolina Pirates team in the semifinal. In the Eastern Conference final it would be a titanic rematch between Connecticut and Philadelphia Growl. The best of 5 series went back and forth, back and forth, stretching to the limit before Connecticut knocked off the Growl in Game 5, for the second straight season.

Phoenix led the brand new Southwest Division all year long, finishing with a 26-6-0 record. In the divisional final, the Dragons ousted Tucson Desperados handily, sweeping the best of 3 series to clinch the division title. In San Jose, CA, Dragons came up against the upstart Northern California Mustangs, fresh off an upset victory in their divisional playoffs. Playing in front of a loud home crowd, the Mustangs pushed the Dragons to the brink of elimination but Phoenix came out on top 2 games to 1. In the conference final, the Dragons surprised everyone by jumping all over the defending conference champion Snipers, winning the first 2 games of the series by a combined score of 14-5. After a few overtime battles on day two, Phoenix came out on top 3 games to 1 over Southside to punch their ticket to Colorado Springs.

So now the table is set. Experience versus youth, the well-known favorite versus the expansion-team underdog. However you may bill this matchup, it will surely be an incredible series. This weekend a new champion will be crowned in the PIHA. Will it be the Connecticut Blaze? Or will it be the Phoenix Dragons?

[RichardGraham]

Hi Alex,

That's an excellent story. Who wrote it, do you know? They definitely deserve credit.

[minutemen]

great article. Whoever wrote it should be proud. What a way to explain the two teams but add in other teams as well. This person should be hired to write for PIHA next year.

[alex]

Hi Alex,

That's an excellent story. Who wrote it, do you know? They definitely deserve credit.

I did. Thank you.

[old hockey mom]

Wow, Alex. Great writing! You certainly show that the stereotype of the "dumb hockey player" isn't true. What kind of work do you do?

[RichardGraham]

Hi Alex,

Great job. Can I put it up on the IHC Home Page? More people might read it; it definitely deserves greater exposure.

[alex]

Hi Alex,

Great job. Can I put it up on the IHC Home Page? More people might read it; it definitely deserves greater exposure.

Yeah definitely, that'd be cool. Thanks!

[alex]

Wow, Alex. Great writing! You certainly show that the stereotype of the "dumb hockey player" isn't true. What kind of work do you do?

Thanks. I'm a journalism major in the Cronkite school at Arizona State University. As far as writing about hockey, I do all the inline hockey coverage for Arizona Rubber magazine which is the only big hockey mag we have out here in AZ.

[SpiderRat]

Great job Alex! I got excited all over again about this upcoming weekend. Your story covered everything. Very well written. On behalf of the Conneticutt Blaze, thank you.

[Stampede#11]

There was one terrible error with this article ....

"Blaze goaltender Roger Lee is 37 years old"

... Maybe when the 1st Bush was in office!!!

Lol ... sorry Roge it was jus too obvious. I'm sure your next championship will help nurse the pain my comment has caused. :D

[SpiderRat]

It figures my mate across the pond had to stir up this pot. lol... I'll disclose the correct age after the finals. I don't want to give the Dragons an advantage. By the way, congratulations Dragons for making the finals. You've beaten some excellent teams to get to the show. Looking forward to some exciting hockey. Have a safe trip and we'll see you Thursday.

[old_donkey_14]

Well from what i hear Roger Lee is as old as Paul Rogers (from the Rats) and there was this guy in Paul's High School Graduating class called Moses..but since the Stone tablet the high school year book was chiseled into is now sand... I'll just wait till after the finals...Good luck to the Blaze ... like Huntzy said bring it back to the east boys

[AFan99]

Just to clarify Roger's birthdate has "BC" after it. That is "Before Christ" in case you were wondering Roger. Roger will be eligible for his PIHA pension after this season. Everyone should know by now not to ask Roger his age.

Good luck boys.

Thanks
Paul

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

It figures my mate across the pond had to stir up this pot. lol... I'll disclose the correct age after the finals. I don't want to give the Dragons an advantage. By the way, congratulations Dragons for making the finals. You've beaten some excellent teams to get to the show. Looking forward to some exciting hockey. Have a safe trip and we'll see you Thursday.

Look we all know you are as old as Hausman don't try and hide it!!!

[minutemen]

Like the Pro golf, PIHA should have a seniors league. Roger is age eligible.

[old_donkey_14]

Not to defend the Old "back-up" but there are quite a few that could be in there..Mike Hunt, Paul Rogers, {ahem} Bob Jordan, some who are creeping up there on Rogers team Tony Silvestri, Scott St.Cyr ...

[SpiderRat]

Age is just a number. A number I've conceled for some time now. Besides, for my age, I look great!! lol.....

Scott, don't say a word!!

[old_donkey_14]

Age is just a number. A number I've conceled for some time now. Besides, for my age, I look great!! lol.....

Scott, don't say a word!!

I'll back you there since Mrs. Rogers thinks so....

[alex]

Thanks Roger. Glad you liked it, hoping for a great series this weekend. We'll see you up there Thursday!

[mrrinkrat15]

Listen,

I'm a 39 year old jet fueled athlete!

Just ask me!!

LOL

Good job this year boys, good luck in the finals

Michael Hunt
Jet Fuel

Rink Rat

[AFan99]

WOW and I thought it was the wheels.

[old_donkey_14]

Listen,

I'm a 39 year old jet fueled athlete!

Just ask me!!

LOL

Good job this year boys, good luck in the finals

Michael Hunt
Jet Fuel

Rink Rat

Huntzy are you kidding me???? jet fueled athlete!?!?!?!!!!! Bro i've seen you eat, you treat your body like a land fill ........ jet fueled athlete my ass more like Methane Gas fueled athlete

[mrrinkrat15]

That stings a little!

[old_donkey_14]

that Stings A Little!

You My Boy Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!

[33]

i'd like to officially throw my hat into the piha senior circuit as long as the rules include a post game pizza/beer party at the expense of mr. hunt. thanks michael!
in all seriousness, good luck to both of the finalists. i know a bunch of guys on the blaze and they are great guys on and off the rink. of course there is an exception to every rule...right rog?

[SpiderRat]

i'd like to officially throw my hat into the piha senior circuit as long as the rules include a post game pizza/beer party at the expense of mr. hunt. thanks michael!
in all seriousness, good luck to both of the finalists. i know a bunch of guys on the blaze and they are great guys on and off the rink. of course there is an exception to every rule...right rog?


How come I knew that the last word in that sentence was going to say Rog?! As far as the PIHA Senior Circuit, I'd like to officially name myself Commissioner. This way I can control things that suit me best. Like no slapshots, no dekes and no breakaways. Hell Ying, you and Huntsy can't do any of the above anyway without tripping over the blue line. Think about it, you guys will be superstars! And I'll get rich in the process. I could use an extra $189,000 to spend on myself!! This is so going to work.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

How come I knew that the last word in that sentence was going to say Rog?! As far as the PIHA Senior Circuit, I'd like to officially name myself Commissioner. This way I can control things that suit me best. Like no slapshots, no dekes and no breakaways. Hell Ying, you and Huntsy can't do any of the above anyway without tripping over the blue line. Think about it, you guys will be superstars! And I'll get rich in the process. I could use an extra $189,000 to spend on myself!! This is so going to work.

You need to add an extra zero to the end just to compensate your ego bro!!!!

[33]

You need to add an extra zero to the end just to compensate your ego bro!!!!

yeah, what he said!

[SpiderRat]

Just one zero? I have a pretty big ego. Maybe two additional zero's, yeah, that will work. Thanks for the raise. lol.....

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Just one zero? I have a pretty big ego. Maybe two additional zero's, yeah, that will work. Thanks for the raise. lol.....

We also will have to through in free training lessons with Joey D!

This way you might finally learn how to play goal and actually stop something Ying shoots at you!

[ARHA]

Finals are today. No information on the PIHA website about it. Are they still gonna start at 8:30PM as planned? I'd like to show up and watch some great hockey but I'm not going to TOUR (even though I live 2 minutes away) if the games aren't going to happen. Anyone have any information?

Thanks.

Also, is it gonna be free like the Conference Finals?

[Rzorbck]

I received a text earlier today that the games start at 7:30p. Don't know about the cost.

[ARHA]

I received a text earlier today that the games start at 7:30p. Don't know about the cost.

Well hopefully someone knows. I would love to go if someone has any information. The league should have posted at least the game times by now. Also if anyone knows on the cost.

Thanks as always.

[Rzorbck]

7:30p is accurate for tonight and tomorrow. Saturday starts at 2:15p. As for cost, I believe tonight is $5, $10 for tomorrow, or $20 for the weekend.

[ARHA]

This article should be up on thepiha.com soon enough. Until then, here it is.

It has been a tumultuous season in the PIHA, a season that started 8 months again when the first exhibition game of the year was played between Feasterville Fury and New Jersey Stampede. Since then, hundreds and hundreds of games have been played and the 42 teams who started the year have been reduced to just 2. After battling through a 32 game regular season schedule before winning regional playoffs and moving on to defeat 2 tough teams at their respective conference finals, the Connecticut Blaze and the Phoenix Dragons are the only teams remaining. This coming weekend, these 2 teams will fight in a best of 7 series for the right to hoist the Founder's Cup and call themselves PIHA champions.

Without a doubt, this season's league final is the tale of two very different teams. The Blaze are an experienced team, boasting 7 players who were a part of last year's PIHA champions: Boston Roller Rats. The Dragons are a young team, boasting an average age of 21 years old, in their first season in the league. The difference in experience is highlighted in the difference in age of the starting goalies. Blaze goaltender Roger Lee is 37 years old. Dragons goaltender Cody O'Reilly is 21 years old.

But there is more to this matchup than difference in age. Both teams boast an unstoppable sniper at the top of their lineup. For Connecticut, it's John Pinheiro. For Phoenix, it's Josh Laricchia. Neither Pinheiro nor Laricchia can truly be stopped but both teams will be looking to slow them down when they hit the floor this weekend in Colorado Springs. Pinheiro is a legend in the league, putting up huge numbers, highlight reel goals, and championship banners for years. Pinheiro won back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006 with Philadelphia Growl before coming to play for Connecticut last year. The move worked out and Pinheiro helped the Blaze knock off the Growl in divisional playoffs, before bowing out in the next round 2 games to 1 against the eventual champion Roller Rats. Laricchia has no history in the league but has made a name for himself in one short season already. In only 26 games this year, Laricchia posted 44 goals and 57 assists for an unreal 101 points to go with a league-best 9 game winning goals, placing him at the top of all major offensive categories. Again, neither of these players can really be stopped. You can only hope to contain them.

Both teams, however, do not rely solely on one superstar to carry them to victory. For the Blaze, Pinheiro's goalscoring onslaught is fueled by the playmaking abilities of Jeff Goulet. Goulet leads Connecticut in assists this year with 57 in 29 games and was also the leading set-up man last year for the champion Roller Rats. Beyond Pinheiro and Goulet, the Blaze boast 5 more players with 10 or more goals this season including Tony Silvestri and Mario Lucibello. Defensively, the Blaze are headed up by 6'3" Jay McGeown and 6'4" Jimmy Dehm. In net, Blaze are backstopped by Lee, a PIHA champion with Boston and a proven winner in the league.

For Phoenix, the lineup behind Laricchia is deep. Dragons' have a league-high four players who reached the 20-goal plateau this season. Tyler Koressel and Danny Marmorstein both had more than 30 goals for Phoenix while Marmorstein also notched more than 50 assists. The offense also gets clutch contributions from Duane Jones, who had 28 goals this year, and Josh Joles, who had 10 goals, 3 of which were game winners. Defensively, Dragons are backed by Justin Maroon and Alex Dodt. Maroon also showed his ability to contribute offensively with 2 huge goals in the Dragons' series clinching victory over Southside Snipers in the Western Conference final. The ability of the Dragons to get scoring from all angles was shown in their Game 2 win over Southside, in which all 8 Dragons players contributed a goal. Between the pipes, O'Reilly calmly backs up the deadly Dragons offense. He is also known to contribute to the attack as his 8 points this season led all PIHA goalies.

Both of these teams have come down a long road to get to this point. Connecticut began the season as a favorite to win the East and they did not disappoint. The Blaze compiled an incredible 28-2-2 regular season record, good enough for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the third-best record in all of PIHA. In divisional playoffs, Connecticut swept Massachusetts Bombers in the semifinal then earned a hard-fought division title with a 2 games to 1 series victory over Long Island 495ers. Moving onto the conference playoffs in Waldorf, MD, the Blaze came out on fire by sweeping a very talented South Carolina Pirates team in the semifinal. In the Eastern Conference final it would be a titanic rematch between Connecticut and Philadelphia Growl. The best of 5 series went back and forth, back and forth, stretching to the limit before Connecticut knocked off the Growl in Game 5, for the second straight season.

Phoenix led the brand new Southwest Division all year long, finishing with a 26-6-0 record. In the divisional final, the Dragons ousted Tucson Desperados handily, sweeping the best of 3 series to clinch the division title. In San Jose, CA, Dragons came up against the upstart Northern California Mustangs, fresh off an upset victory in their divisional playoffs. Playing in front of a loud home crowd, the Mustangs pushed the Dragons to the brink of elimination but Phoenix came out on top 2 games to 1. In the conference final, the Dragons surprised everyone by jumping all over the defending conference champion Snipers, winning the first 2 games of the series by a combined score of 14-5. After a few overtime battles on day two, Phoenix came out on top 3 games to 1 over Southside to punch their ticket to Colorado Springs.

So now the table is set. Experience versus youth, the well-known favorite versus the expansion-team underdog. However you may bill this matchup, it will surely be an incredible series. This weekend a new champion will be crowned in the PIHA. Will it be the Connecticut Blaze? Or will it be the Phoenix Dragons?

I saw this story on the Dragons team page on the PIHA website. Great story Alex, it's a shame that is didn't make the front page, totally worthy. Good luck on the championship, I always root for the underdog (except in the case of the Red Wings, been a fan since I was born). I might show up if someone has any info.

[ARHA]

7:30p is accurate for tonight and tomorrow. Saturday starts at 2:15p. As for cost, I believe tonight is $5, $10 for tomorrow, or $20 for the weekend.

$5 tonight. Sounds good. Why the change in price for tomorrow?

[joisyan]

i dont mean to pick at your post, Rzorbck, but why would it be 5 tonight, and 10 saturday, but 20 for the weekend? is it because of the international game? (not like i'm going, just doesnt make sense to pay more for just the weekend?)

[old hockey mom]

As you all know, PIHA stinks at getting scores up. Will somebody be kind enough to post the results on this website as the series go on?

Go West Coast! Go Dragons!!

[phil29]

dragons in four games you heard it first.

[minutemen]

I think Blaze pulls the sweep. The Dragons are playing a real good team. They are only coming with 8 players, it will take that much to stop Pinheiro. They may win one game. Anyway best of luck to both teams.

[ARHA]

So, no advertising on the finals. Who are they gonna get to show up, the players parents and families hopefully? Do we know yet if they are charging admission? I would love to do some play by play on-line but my laptop isn't in working order.

[ARHA]

I'm not gonna gonna be able to make it tonight. Hopefully someone makes an effort to put the scores up here since I'm assuming PIHA wont do it. If anyone has info on entry fees I'm still interested and would like to know. Thanks.

[BkHdTpShlf]

Its an absolute JOKE that theres nothing about the finals on the PIHA website. I feel totally taken advantage of by this joke league. We heard so many good things before deciding to enter PIHA in the 06-07 season & pretty much everything has been a bunch of bull. Everything that happens around this league happens because of the efforts of the teams. Seriously what does the league do for us? Everything is done solely by the teams. We set everything up ourselves (schedules, rinks, refs) we pay for everything ourselves (uniforms, rink costs, refs, time keepers, pucks, ADVERTISEMENT, travel) we enter all stats & team write ups on the league site & the list goes on. You try calling or emailing the league & nobody ever gets back to you besides Flynner. And lets not even get into the money issue. Everybody who hasn't already seriously needs to get the blinders off & not play in this league until something changes. Maybe the league should also be signing some contracts just like we do. So when they don't hold up they're part of the deal we can do something about it too. I've had a bad taste in my mouth about this league since last season with many different issues & I still played this season although half hearted. I can honestly say I really enjoy playing in this league...not for the league but just for being able to play against some of the most talented players out there, traveling to different states not only to play some high level hockey but meeting new friends & having a few cold ones with old friends. I know some may not like me ripping the league...but facts are facts. I would like to thank all the REAL people that make this league go round (team owners, coaches, players & anybody else unknown who help in the operations of every team in this league) thanks for making this all possible.

Oh ya & Rog.....37? Come on bro. Throw out the real age. Be proud that an elderly man can still play at your level. Atleast throw something out a little more in the ballpark.

[minutemen]

AJ, this is from the PIHA site. An article just posted recently:

Tickets are only $20 for a weekend pass, and $10 for a day pass, and both can be purchased at the door.

Any updates from CO

[silverman56]

The league has turned into a joke, I heard that there is new league forming just because of all the issuses that have happened this season. The teams have done entirely too much for it to be ruined by one man who doesnt do anything. I love how my money is going to the PIHA International game!

Did the owners meeting actually happen?

[ARHA]

AJ, this is from the PIHA site. An article just posted recently:

Tickets are only $20 for a weekend pass, and $10 for a day pass, and both can be purchased at the door.

Any updates from CO

Hey. Thanks for the info. I wasn't able to make it to the games tonight but there is a possibility of tomorrow.

[Zubas Stylist]

This is the kind of untrue spam post that IHC definitely does not need, dude. Knock it off, or I'll have to ban you.

[ARHA]

As I see it, PIHA International is just an all star game with some guys from Tour and Mission on the rosters too? Why not just call it the PIHA all star game? I'm probably gonna go to the PIHA-I games tomorrow just to see what there all about and to see if it was a joke of a way to spend peoples money. If I can get my computer issues resolved, I hope to take my laptop and call the games on-line. Looks like the Dragons might win it all. 4-3 in overtime of Game One and now leading 3-1 with who knows how much times left in Game Two.

[minutemen]

Wow, the Dragons won first two games 4-3 and 6-4. I have to say I did not expect that. I guess earlier I gave the Blaze too much credit. But hey it is 4 out of 7 series so you never know. good luck tomorrow.

[ARHA]

Dragons complete upset, only two away from a Founders Cup
The Phoenix Dragons take a 2-0 series lead in the 2008 PIHA Championships
by AJ Barnett

Colorado Springs, CO – The date was June 12, 2008. Of the forty teams in the Pro Division in the Professional Inline Hockey Association, only two remained. The Phoenix Dragons from the west and the Connecticut Blaze from the east. Both teams had made their way through the 2008 Playoffs with one thing in mind, the finals. Finally, it was here, a time to prove what they had to find out who the best team in the league truly was. Was it the Blaze, a team of seasoned veterans, many of which had won the Founders Cup only a year before, or could it be the Dragons, a team of young guns, with an average age of 21? In the next few days, the mission is to find out.

Game One started with a bang. The final stage in the quest had begun. The game was a long stand off for the first six minutes of play. It was the underdogs that would find the back the net for the first time in the finals. Twenty year old Josh Laricchia would feed twenty one year old Danny Marmorstein for the first goal of the series to put the Dragons up 1-0 in the contest. Then only forty nine seconds later, Josh Joles would give the puck to Duane Jones who would make the score 2-0 Phoenix. That’s how the first half of play in Game One would end. In the second half, the Blaze would have to make their stand. They looked unstoppable in the second half of play, scoring only a little over a minute in off the stick of Dan Liberty to make the game 2-1 Dragons. With the Dragons first win of the finals only four minutes away, Mario Lucibello would find the twine and tie the game at two a side. Matt English would then take his second penalty of the night and give the Dragons a chance to regain their lead with a two minute power play. But only nine seconds in to the penalty, Dan Liberty would feed John Pinheiro for a short handed goal to put the Blaze in control 3-2. The game was now lead by the Blaze with 1:51 left on the Dragons power play. They would need to capitalize as only 2:52 remained in the game. They would have the puck in the Blaze zone to attempt to get the game tying goal. With 2:12 left in the game, they would get the puck in the net off the stick of Josh Laricchia and make the score 3-3. The final 2:12 of regulation sending the first game of the Founders Cup finals to overtime. Overtime would not last long however, thirty seven seconds to be exact. The first shot of the overtime period would come off the stick of nineteen year old Tyler Koressel of the Phoenix Dragons and it would be the last shot needed in the game as Tyler would score to make the final score 4-3 to give the Dragons a 1-0 series lead.

The Dragons would have to prove they were up to the task in Game Two as the Blaze were in for revenge in the second game of the seven game series. The game looked like both teams could not figure out a way to defeat the other in the all important Game Two. The first three goals came to the side of the Phoenix Dragons who were hot and ready for the second contest coming off their upset in game one. With the score being 3-0 Dragons, the Connecticut Blaze had to discover a way to take down the Dragons before things got out of hand. The Blaze would then score four strait goals to come back and take the lead on the Dragons just as they did in the first game. That would be all the Blaze wrote in Game Two. The Dragons would strike three more times in the game and take it 6-4 for a 2-0 lead in the championship series.

The Blaze are in for a big Game Three tomorrow. They need to win and stop the Dragons from taking a 3-0 lead in the series and backing into a win or go home situation.

[Doug Jones]

You know how do two players who both have pro ice experience and RHI experience and finished in the top 5 in scoring not even make the International team....

Nice to see the Southeast division represented here and I love how "representatives" who don't even play in our league (no offense they're good guys) get rides to this....

I am thoroughly disgusted with the entire thing....and yes, I said that.

PIHA International Rosters



Team East

CJ Yoder
Colorado Springs Thunder

Brian Yingling
Colorado Springs Thunder

Kyle Mikel
Lakewood Fire

Kyle Gouge
Midwest Tornados

Sean Sullivan
Philadelphia Growl

Mike Keating
Philadelphia Growl

Josh Laricchia
Phoenix Dragons

Chris Loness
Southside Snipers

PJ Tallo
Southside Snipers

Chad Seibel
Tour Representative

Michael Urbano
Tour Representative




Team West

Mike Ciolli
Colorado Springs Thunder

John Pinheiro
Connecticut Blaze

Greg Thompson
Long Island 495ers

Jon Mosenson
Long Island 495ers

Travis Fudge
Midwest Tornados

Pat Maroon
Mission Representative

Kyle Wallis
Mission Representative

Travis Hawkins
North California Mustangs

Joe D’Aloisio
Philadelphia Growl

Danny Marmorstein
Phoenix Dragons

Kelly Spain
San Jose Pirates

[Mlrhnorthfan]

Yea, this league needs to get its act together. As of now, the Hartford Fireants will not be playing next season.

Matt Zube


pay no attention to this clown.

[Center_ice]

Doug, Can you say TOUR HOCKEY?

Lots of connections to Tour Hockey in this game. Must have been a Tour reunion at the expense of all the PIHA owners and players.

Does anyone remember last year's package deal that was being force down the owners throats by Charlie.

Yes is was a TOUR Deal. :eek:

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

You know how do two players who both have pro ice experience and RHI experience and finished in the top 5 in scoring not even make the International team....

Nice to see the Southeast division represented here and I love how "representatives" who don't even play in our league (no offense they're good guys) get rides to this....

I am thoroughly disgusted with the entire thing....and yes, I said that.

PIHA International Rosters



Team East

CJ Yoder
Colorado Springs Thunder

Brian Yingling
Colorado Springs Thunder

Kyle Mikel
Lakewood Fire

Kyle Gouge
Midwest Tornados

Sean Sullivan
Philadelphia Growl

Mike Keating
Philadelphia Growl

Josh Laricchia
Phoenix Dragons

Chris Loness
Southside Snipers

PJ Tallo
Southside Snipers

Chad Seibel
Tour Representative

Michael Urbano
Tour Representative




Team West

Mike Ciolli
Colorado Springs Thunder

John Pinheiro
Connecticut Blaze

Greg Thompson
Long Island 495ers

Jon Mosenson
Long Island 495ers

Travis Fudge
Midwest Tornados

Pat Maroon
Mission Representative

Kyle Wallis
Mission Representative

Travis Hawkins
North California Mustangs

Joe D’Aloisio
Philadelphia Growl

Danny Marmorstein
Phoenix Dragons

Kelly Spain
San Jose Pirates

I can't believe the Southeast and the Mason Dixon do not have one player on this list. Once again another travesty created by leaving out some of those excellent players.

Just a damn shame!!!!

PS- For those who think and jump I am not being sarcastic. These divisions have excellent players who should be on these rosters!

[old hockey mom]

Thanks for the nice update AJ!!!!!

[ARHA]

I can't believe the Southeast and the Mason Dixon do not have one player on this list. Once again another travesty created by leaving out some of those excellent players.

Just a damn shame!!!!

PS- For those who think and jump I am not being sarcastic. These divisions have excellent players who should be on these rosters!

Notice four of the players come from the Rockey Mountain Division (Three in Colorado Springs). Also, four from the Gateway division. I know flights from St. Louis are pretty cheap and from Colorado they could just drive. What is up with that?

[ARHA]

Thanks for the nice update AJ!!!!!

No problem, I'm always happy to write a quick story.

[beanpot]

i'm sure if colorado made the finals the piha site would have been updated, instead their trying to turn people's attention to this international game, instead of the teams in the finals.

[BkHdTpShlf]

Need I say more? JOKE.....JOKE....JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! How were all these players picked? There is no way on earth I'll ever spend a single cent towards this league ever again.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Need I say more? JOKE.....JOKE....JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! How were all these players picked? There is no way on earth I'll ever spend a single cent towards this league ever again.

Darrell then why do you keep giving us your two cents.

Just kidding bro!

Damn the man Save the Empire!

[nyrhatric]

Darrell,

If it were up to me, I would have voted you on the team. Hell I might have even helped you pay to get there! ;~)



Bobby Henry

[SpiderRat]

I vote Roger Lee as president of the player assoc....at least we'll all know he'll speak his mind & no doubt he won't hold back thats for sure.

Thanks for the vote D, but having to deal with the likes of the "man", turns my stomach. Despite this final being presented better than last years, I've learned some very sour yet interesting financial issues and I have only been here 24 hours. For one, each of the so called allstars, that nobody knew about until we got here, are being paid $50. per game. Plus free travel, car rental and lodging.They're playing 6 games, against no international players mind you, totaling $300, per player. And a bunch of them aren't even piha, ( I refuse to give piha the respect of capital letters) players. Chad Sebal, who's roster was he on? Oh yea, the TOURS roster. The Phoenix team had to pay their own way to the finals because some teams in their division didn't pay in full. Yet piha has money to pay the allstars. Give me a break. I'm almost embarrased...., I better not say more. We still have games to play, and I don't want the "man" reading this and finding a way to suspend me. In case you were wondering, I'm sitting here typing this wearing my MLRH t-shirt. The same shirt I plan on wearing to our next games. Just so the "man" knows who I proudly represent. Even though the league as of today isn't playing. And D, shhhh on the age thing. It will be announced Monday, along with my resignation letter to piha. Along with a very, very, very long list of complaints that like others complaints wll be ignored by the "man" on his way to the bank donning a grin and waving a middle finger at the teams that have paid his mortgage.

[GR8SK8r06]

I vote Roger Lee as president of the player assoc....at least we'll all know he'll speak his mind & no doubt he won't hold back thats for sure.

Thanks for the vote D, but having to deal with the likes of the "man", turns my stomach. Despite this final being presented better than last years, I've learned some very sour yet interesting financial issues and I have only been here 24 hours. For one, each of the so called allstars, that nobody knew about until we got here, are being paid $50. per game. Plus free travel, car rental and lodging.They're playing 6 games, against no international players mind you, totaling $300, per player. And a bunch of them aren't even piha, ( I refuse to give piha the respect of capital letters) players. Chad Sebal, who's roster was he on? Oh yea, the TOURS roster. The Phoenix team had to pay their own way to the finals because some teams in their division didn't pay in full. Yet piha has money to pay the allstars. Give me a break. I'm almost embarrased...., I better not say more. We still have games to play, and I don't want the "man" reading this and finding a way to suspend me. In case you were wondering, I'm sitting here typing this wearing my MLRH t-shirt. The same shirt I plan on wearing to our next games. Just so the "man" knows who I proudly represent. Even though the league as of today isn't playing. And D, shhhh on the age thing. It will be announced Monday, along with my resignation letter to piha. Along with a very, very, very long list of complaints that like others complaints wll be ignored by the "man" on his way to the bank donning a grin and waving a middle finger at the teams that have paid his mortgage.

Really?? If this is true about those guys getting $50 a game I'm going to be pissed too. What have any of these guys that aren't in the league done to get $300 each? I hope this isn't the case and is just a misunderstanding.

[old_donkey_14]

I've learned some very sour yet interesting financial issues and I have only been here 24 hours. For one, each of the so called allstars, that nobody knew about until we got here, are being paid $50. per game. Plus free travel, car rental and lodging.They're playing 6 games, against no international players mind you, totaling $300, per player. And a bunch of them aren't even piha, ( I refuse to give piha the respect of capital letters) players. .

WOW????!?!?!?!?!?!!!! what else is there to say but a dumfounded WOW

[growl89]

so what happened with the piha international? they just played each other? me and roger agree on pretty much nothing, but i can almost bet my dollar we agree that this is a joke if they are getting paid and the dragons actually had to pay their own way... What is going on?

[-venom-]

wow... the league has come a long way since I played in '02.... both in a good way and a bad way.

Be interesting to see what develops out of this....

Does the league make the teams, or do the teams make the league? I think somebody better realize how these sorts of things work, and put some priorities in order....

[Center_ice]

Heard through the grapevine that this International thing is also being used to evaulate a few players for USA Hockey's IIHF roster that will be posted on Monday or Tuesday, just a rumor.

Also heard that a meeting was going to take place in Feasterville on June 26 with most of the current piha owners attending.

Is this the end for piha?

[DblJ44]

I too was told about the perks for being selected to play for the all star teams. Directly from one of the players that I have known for over 10 years. I have a hard time believeing that Roger and I heard it from the same person either.... No offense to the guys playing (anyone would have jumped at that opportunity) but it's a disgrace.

[SpiderRat]

Blaze win games three and four.

[Troho9]

Before people get all bent out of shape let me state that I have zero problems with the players taking this opportunity and going to Colorado. If I or anyone else was offered the same opportunity we would be crazy not to take advantage of it.

My understanding is they are shooting a "promo" for PIHA International. Yes they are paying the players and yes the players have all of their rooming and travel paid for.

So why aren't they using ALL PIHA players? Why are they being paid? Why was there no PIHA All-Star game if they were going to have a "All-Star" game anyway? Why were deals cut with some teams just to make divisions happen instead of growing the league slowly and with stability? Why were only minimal funds allocated for teams that made the Conference finals (ie: $500 for the Growl to get 14 players and 1 coach to Maryland, that doesn't even cover gas and tolls let alone a rental van or 2) Why was there NO marketing done at anytime by the league office to promote the playoffs, league, conferences, divisions or teams? Why is the web site pathetically maintained? All good questions and ones that seriously need to be answered. Especially since we pay for this!!!

OOHHH and a owners meeting after the season to let the owners know what their monies went to? Come on, how bush is that.

My whole problem with the league is not with what's going on in Colorado it's all backdoor deals made without all of the teams approvals. If the league approached each team with a dilemma and a vote was taken and agreed apon there would be no issues. The league can not hold some teams to one standard and others to another, everyone should be on a level playing field on and off the rink.

There are alot of good people involved in PIHA and they have the players and teams best interests at hand, unfortunately they are being underminded by the league office. Alot of things need to change and they need to start now before this league crumbles and we have nowhere to play. The answer is not a new league its new management with a strict structure and a vision for the future of the sport. We have the opportunity right now to take huge strides forward or regress into the same old abyss.

I know I don't have all of the answers, as one person should not, this should not be a dictatorship it should be owned and run by the teams with everyone having a equal voice and ideas. Together we as a whole can take this league to another level.

[DCbullets14]

Troho9
I think most people would agree with you. However there is a serious flaw with what you have proposed. Do you really think that the league will be willing to make these changes? Why would those people who are in power give up their power? Why would the league office suddenly give a damn what the owners and players think after ignoring their concerns all season? You say that we have an opportunity to take huge strides forward however all I see is an opportunity to surrender my paycheck into the abyss.

[Center_ice]

Troho, Nice post and I think you hit home on several of the issues at hand.

From my understanding is that Charlie owns the league and has no intentions of letting the team owners make decisions. Yes, he will permit an owners board for what is worth, but the piha name belongs to Charlie so it is his league to do as he wishes. I guess the real questiion here is who is welling to give him league fees for next year after what he has done with them this year.

So in order for the owners to participate in league decisions a new league needs to be formed. My understand is that the wheels are already in motion for a new league anyway and after what Charlie has done this year I don't think many teams will return next year.

I think it's time to turn the page and move on. It would be nice to hear from some team owners on here about how they feel. Also be nice to hear from some on the rumors of a new league coming together or is it just a rumor?

[joisyan]

so connecticutt tied the series up then eh? can we keep the updates coming today as the series rounds out? as dissapointing as the league is, i'm still a fan of great hockey. and it seems as if there is some great hockey going on out there

[seanth123]

It's simple business knowledge to understand that if you don't listen to your investors (in this case the team owners), you will eventually lose their interest and backing, and finally their money. They will press on and start a new venture or investment of their time and money. Time and money? I understand that both of these were provided by the owners this season, and seasons past. Let's be honest, their are many smart business sense team owners out their in piha. They come from successful business themselves, and are well known in the hockey community.

The organization of a new league would probably take a little time, but it is very achievable with all of them working together. As I hear now from all of your posts, the owners have been marketing, and organizing most of the season anyway, why not put a new name to their investment (money/time). For the owners I know out their in piha, they are not in this for profit, in fact many have lost personal money this season. That is because they are in it for the players and the sport. Not to say that piha as a league office is not in it for the sport, but personal agendas should not be pursued on other investors money without their blessing.

I don't know if it is greed, or personal agendas that have put piha down it's current path. But, a little civil war and cleansing is always good for business to put it back on track. I would like to see owner's (and ultimately players) get more "bang for their buck". I feel sorry for players because they are sitting here unsure of a future to play, but I also feel bad for the owners because money, time, and effort have been lost. Bad investments should teach you a lesson. Re-invest and make it work for those that matter.

[imasieve30]

Dragons win Founders Cup in 6.

[HockeyFan1989]

What were the crowds like in Colorado for the finals?

[imasieve30]

Pretty packed house. Lots of kids and fans. The rink had a lot of youth games scheduled before and after each set of games in the series so the players and families stuck around to watch. Very exciting games and everyone was really into it. They also had several intermission performers like a youth cheerleading squad and competitive jump rope team so there were people there to watch the hockey and support those groups as well.

-Joe

[Zubas Stylist]

There were no Fireants at the game

[GR8SK8r06]

Pretty packed house. Lots of kids and fans. The rink had a lot of youth games scheduled before and after each set of games in the series so the players and families stuck around to watch. Very exciting games and everyone was really into it. They also had several intermission performers like a youth cheerleading squad and competitive jump rope team so there were people there to watch the hockey and support those groups as well.

-Joe

That jump rope team is pretty damn good! I wasn't at the games but we played the Thunder when they were there and they were more impressive than the hockey players! They have those tournaments like that EVERY weekend from december to july so it makes it a lot easier to get fans at the pro games. Sounds like a good finals!! Surprised it was the Danglin Dragons that pulled it out though!

[NJRH10]

Ultimately it sounds like if we as an inline hockey community ever want to go to the next level it's going to come down to much better organizing then what's been shown in any of the leagues we've had so far. I completely agree with the idea that this can't be done with one league owner, it has to be like it is with any of the major leagues in this country, a board of owners and a players association working out what's best for which ever league it is. We (as a community) keep finding these investors or personally invest into these leagues and then hand off our money to a figure head and hope they do what's right. Would we ever do that in any other facet of our lives? And there doesn't seem to be any accountability for what happens to that money and that just isn't smart business. What is the point of an owners meeting to discuss where the money "went"? How about a detailed out line at the beginning of the season to show where the money is going to go. And I'm not talking about a mission statement for the future of "a team in every rink". I think we all have to seriously look at what's best for everyone and try to fix these problems before we run out of people willing to invest so much of their time and money into a sport that hasn't yet shown it knows what to do with it.

P.S. Congrats to the Dragons, it's a shame that league talk seems to have over shadowed a great two days of hockey.

[GROWL]

Ultimately it sounds like if we as an inline hockey community ever want to go to the next level it's going to come down to much better organizing then what's been shown in any of the leagues we've had so far. I completely agree with the idea that this can't be done with one league owner, it has to be like it is with any of the major leagues in this country, a board of owners and a players association working out what's best for which ever league it is. We (as a community) keep finding these investors or personally invest into these leagues and then hand off our money to a figure head and hope they do what's right. Would we ever do that in any other facet of our lives? And there doesn't seem to be any accountability for what happens to that money and that just isn't smart business. What is the point of an owners meeting to discuss where the money "went"? How about a detailed out line at the beginning of the season to show where the money is going to go. And I'm not talking about a mission statement for the future of "a team in every rink". I think we all have to seriously look at what's best for everyone and try to fix these problems before we run out of people willing to invest so much of their time and money into a sport that hasn't yet shown it knows what to do with it.

P.S. Congrats to the Dragons, it's a shame that league talk seems to have over shadowed a great two days of hockey.

Thus the creation of the AIHL... see main story on IHC site.

[Doug Jones]

Flynner:

I did not know AAU was involved