An NHL Team that Gets It

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

This is what I'm talking about when I say that every National Hockey League team should get involved with inline hockey:

http://predators.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=365334

Maybe this sort of interaction won't help inline hockey, as our sport might lose players to the ice game, but it's Neanderthalithic (new word, just coined it) for the NHL not to help build their fan base by connecting with the inline game.

[PGHhockey]

The Flyers are getting a bit involved with some dekhockey tournaments in eastern PA as well. Some are slated to appear this summer at the North American Youth Championships, as well as the 3-on-3 Men's Nationals.

In Pittsburgh, the Penguins at least lend their name to one or two local adult inline tournaments. They used to co-promote a dekhockey event as well, where proceeds went to their "Hockey In The 'Hood" charity.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Bill,

That's great. I just think that the NHL needs a top-down program that makes sure that every team is involved in inline hockey in at least some fashion. Even better would be a national program that tied all the team's efforts in together...

[PGHhockey]

I doubt the NHL, as a league, would listen to anyone besides major organizations (AAU, USAHIL, a manufacturer) to even consider working on something like that.

They probably feel that permitting NARCh to "affiliate" themselves with the NHL is doing enough. Although I'm uncertain that the NHL does anything for NARCh besides allowing name-dropping and use of it's logo, and being an "affiliate site."

Maybe someone from NARCh could clarify?

I've always been a big fan of a re-tooled version of Breakout. I was a bit young to really appreciate what they were doing back then, but from what I understand, it wasn't well-managed.

[socalhockey]

Here in So. Cal the Anaheim Ducks have taken over the new Anaheim Hockey Club of Corona and have renamed the former Anaheim Bulldogs travel teams the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. Rumor has it that this will not be the last Roller Hockey facility that they will be pursuing in the Southern California area. I think they are another NHL team that gets it!

[RichardGraham]

Hi Bill,

Yeah, it does seem like the "brain trust" at the NHL doesn't like to listen to anyone else...

And NHL Breakout was a blast. I played in one in Santa Monica and another in San Jose, and watched one in Chicago. It was a lot of fun, and those Cool Air rinks were pretty fun to play in... some guys learned to go in really hard and fast and bounce off the "boards" in control of the ball. lol.

It would be good to see that event come back. The hula hoop did. Why not inline hockey? ;)

[RichardGraham]

Hi Socalhockey,

Yes, the Ducks are doing some good things, and the Los Angeles Kings put their name on an inline hockey tournament in town. Still, a national program that brings more players in to the sport and more fans into NHL buildings is the way to go, broken record, broken record... ;)

[zipyaj]

I doubt the NHL, as a league, would listen to anyone besides major organizations (AAU, USAHIL, a manufacturer) to even consider working on something like that.

Oh yee of little faith... the NHL has had its ears open for some time, and there's more going on that we don't hear about in terms of inline hockey. Even a quick visit to the Community section of any NHL team web site will show support for the sport in one or more programs; street hockey, gear donations and education to elementary schools, inline tourney sponsorships and more. Some teams are more involved than others but there is a movement to crossing the concrete pond with the frozen one.

A few examples in addition to those already mentioned

NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and the Carolina Scholastic Hockey League (CSHL)
http://www.cshl.us/

NHL’s New York Islanders and the Islandwide Roller Hockey League (IRHL)
http://www.ihsrh.com/

NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ohio Interscholastic Roller Hockey League (OIHRL)
http://www.oirhl.com/

NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and the Anaheim Hockey Club of Corona
(Dec. 20, 2007) ANAHEIM, CA – The Anaheim Ducks and Anaheim Hockey Club (In-line) announced today that a new in-line rink will open in Corona, CA this January (2008). The rink, named the Anaheim Hockey Club of Corona, will serve as the Ducks’ official in-line facility and complement Anaheim ICE, the club’s official practice facility. Renovations are underway, which will make Anaheim Hockey Club the premiere in-line facility in Southern California.

“The expansion of both ice and in-line hockey at the youth level is critical to the future of our sport,” said Anaheim Ducks CEO Michael Schulman.

NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and the Interscholastic Hockey Federation League (IHF)
(April 19 2008. Irvine, CA) [excerpt from inaugural All-Star event and special achievement awards...] In a significant first for the inline hockey community, not only would these student-athletes be recognized by the league for their off-rink achievements, but also by an award from the NHL Anaheim Ducks’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, Brian Burke. In his personalized letter and framed award including a picture of the 2007 Stanley Cup team for each honoree, Mr. Burke wrote, “The Anaheim Ducks believe in a strong commitment to our community, and pride ourselves on our involvement in the local youth hockey market. We are pleased to have players like you representing the sport in such as honorable manner through not only your athletic skill, but also your academic achievements and community contributions.”


Hockey Helping Hockey. One Community United.

Jay

[RichardGraham]

Hi Jay,

This is all good stuff, but isn't it just a few individual NHL teams showing their own initiative, rather than leadership from on high?

I will be very happy to be proved wrong. However, I am simply not seeing a serious effort on the part of the National Hockey League to help build inline hockey as a feeder system that will create future ice hockey players and fans... and help grow inline hockey in the process.

[zipyaj]

Hi Richard,

More than less, I am compelled to agree with you. NHL support of inline hockey is disparate - apply the Pareto principle!

While there is a general plan to support the youth hockey movement, such as NHL Street and even it's alliance with Franklin Sports, the exclusive street hockey licensee of the NHL, it would seem that there is no clear vision, direction, leadership, or even concenus on what or how to deal with inline hockey.

However, all is not lost! Look to your inbox for more on this.

I invite this forum and the community at large to continue providing productive and positive input on this very important topic!

Thanks,
Jay