West Coast tournament fix?

[CUDangled]

I have a question for the inline hockey teams on the west coast. With Top Cat and Pacific Cup out of the picture, how do you guys get your tournament hockey fix? AAU and Narch don't have that many events out there...just curious. House tournaments/leagues have to get old after awhile. Is there another series out there that I don't know about?

[NC Mustangs]

As far as I know we do have both AAU and NARCH tournaments out of our rink here in San Jose, CA. What our rink has done this year has created there own tournament series and bring in the same teams that would have typically played in any other tournament series. It has been just as fun and keeps the travel teams in shape for both AAU and NARCH.

[CUDangled]

I am familiar with this house tournament concept...other areas have tried it and it dies out after awhile. Either due to lack of interest from the players, or the rink owners, politics between rinks, etc.

How has it worked out so far? How to the entry fees compare to a sanctioned tournament? How do the players feel about the fact that there is no "national" to season ending event where they would see teams from other regions?

I have always felt that house tournaments are fun to play and to stay in shape...but regional tournaments you are fighting for something. And then, at least when I was a kid, it was fun to go to the national events to see the teams from other parts of the country.

Just curious how it is working for you guys.

[NC Mustangs]

The series of tournaments started last December with a Christmas tournament and I beieve that there has been a few since then such as Mothers Day, Fathers Day etc.

So far I would have to say that it has been great. The entry fees are comprable to what you would see at most any tournament event.

I agree that teams like the caviot of being able to play in a state or national setting. It gives them the oppertunity to see teams from around the country and strive to get better.

I think this is great for the rink owners who typically have these outside vendors coming into their facilities to run tournaments as they keep the revenue in house. I would say that a mix of local, regional and national oppertunities is a good thing for our sport.

[CUDangled]

The series of tournaments started last December with a Christmas tournament and I beieve that there has been a few since then such as Mothers Day, Fathers Day etc.

So far I would have to say that it has been great. The entry fees are comprable to what you would see at most any tournament event.

I agree that teams like the caviot of being able to play in a state or national setting. It gives them the oppertunity to see teams from around the country and strive to get better.

I think this is great for the rink owners who typically have these outside vendors coming into their facilities to run tournaments as they keep the revenue in house. I would say that a mix of local, regional and national oppertunities is a good thing for our sport.

I don't see how a rink-run tournament can justify the same entry fee as a sanctioned tournament. They have far less overhead an essentially get the rink rental time "at cost". Furthermore they also get the benefits of pro-shop and concession sales. I don't know...just sounds fishy. Plus I am sure the "Show" isn't as great since that isn't the business they are in.

But...if it works...cool! Keep the revenue in house and keep those darn rink doors OPEN! In the end, that is what is important!

[Defense1st]

CUDangled; Mario is referring to this new AAU insured association of the rinks in Arizona and California.

Western Inline Hokcey Association

www.westerninline.com

The web site will explain everything you are asking about.

[old hockey mom]

CUDangled; Mario is referring to this new AAU insured association of the rinks in Arizona and California.

Western Inline Hokcey Association

www.westerninline.com

The web site will explain everything you are asking about.

Actually, Western Inline Hockey is the southern CA rinks. The tournaments Mario is referring to are the ones held at Rollin Ice in San Jose, filling the spot left behind by Top Cat and Pacific Cup. The same teams that used to attend Top Cat and Pacific Cup here in San Jose are exactly the same teams that attend these tournaments. And, I have to say these are better organized. Several of our Northern California teams make the trip to Southern California a few times a year for tournaments such as the AAU Western Nationals, which incorporated with WIHA. Thus, it is pretty much business as usual.