MLRH Euro Cup

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

The game between the Czech Republic's Team Dynamo Pardubice and England's Leicester Dragons is about to begin at the Sportsplex in Winchester, Virginia. For blow-by-blow action, please see Ryan Harrison's updates on www.mlrh.com.

I might just post "color commentary" for this game, as I just flew in and my arms are tired. ;)

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

This is full-contact inline hockey, by the way, and there have been some crushing hits already. The Dragons are up, 2-1 with 7:06 left to go in the first period. Quite a bit of stickwork, as Ryan Harrison just mentioned.

"These teams don't like each other much," Bill Raue said before the game.

There are four 12-minute periods -- old RHI style.

The Czechs tie it up on the power play, 2-2 with 4:49 left in the first quarter.

One Czech player is wearing an old Jofa helmet with no apparent padding that certainly can't meet any safety requirements I've ever heard about.

Another high sticking penalty on the Czechs, just as Leicester (pronounced Lester) scores to make it 3-2.

Power-play goal, 4-2, 1:31 to go in the first period. I can see this game getting pretty ugly if the Dragons go up by a few more goals.

There are about 100 fans watching the game, either sitting in the stands or lining the railings on the second floor of the Sportsplex.

With 13.7 seconds left in the first quarter, Dynamo scores to make it 4-3.

This is rock 'em sock 'em inline hockey, something I haven't seen since the final year of Roller Hockey International in 1999.

Instead of just oohs and ahs from fans for great dekes or saves, there's a boisterous atmosphere here because of the hits. As some IHC readers have recently posted, there is something very exciting about the full-contact game.

There's a 12-minute halftime break. I'll be right back.

[independent]

Put up the rosters if you want to be considered a "Major League"

PIHA is folding and there is room for a new league. To be considered pro start with the little things.. I mean even my house league updates the rosters.

While your updating the news and score why not let the public know who is on what team and where they are from.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Independent,

Tomorrow. Both the Czechs and me just got off airplanes. lol.

[Alvare71]

Hi Folks,

This is full-contact inline hockey, by the way, and there have been some crushing hits already. The Dragons are up, 2-1 with 7:06 left to go in the first period. Quite a bit of stickwork, as Ryan Harrison just mentioned.

"These teams don't like each other much," Bill Raue said before the game.

There are four 12-minute periods -- old RHI style.

The Czechs tie it up on the power play, 2-2 with 4:49 left in the first quarter.

One Czech player is wearing an old Jofa helmet with no apparent padding that certainly can't meet any safety requirements I've ever heard about.

Another high sticking penalty on the Czechs, just as Leicester (pronounced Lester) scores to make it 3-2.

Power-play goal, 4-2, 1:31 to go in the first period. I can see this game getting pretty ugly if the Dragons go up by a few more goals.

There are about 100 fans watching the game, either sitting in the stands or lining the railings on the second floor of the Sportsplex.

With 13.7 seconds left in the first quarter, Dynamo scores to make it 4-3.

This is rock 'em sock 'em inline hockey, something I haven't seen since the final year of Roller Hockey International in 1999.

Instead of just oohs and ahs from fans for great dekes or saves, there's a boisterous atmosphere here because of the hits. As some IHC readers have recently posted, there is something very exciting about the full-contact game.

There's a 12-minute halftime break. I'll be right back.

You know Richard I have been lucky enough to be in big and exciting game like the one your watching...........It is like nothing else....

And its not about the violance, just a good old fashion hockey game.....

And I want people to realize when Richard said they are hitting, let me tell you something it is very real.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Dave,

Yep, this is real hitting. I am too brittle for this game. I'd break into a million pieces.

[Alvare71]

Hi Dave,

Yep, this is real hitting. I am too brittle for this game. I'd break into a million pieces.

Its a big rink too, these guys will start to fatigue in the third.......the hitting starts to take its toll......

The the guys in shape will stand out....

[hockeyrules]

Richard as always you give great game updates please, thank you for the updates on this exciting tournament. Please make sure you don't loose your camera on this trip.

Regards as always

[hockeyrules]

And I dont think you would break into a million pieces if you played, you have too much Mexican Beer holding you together.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

I accidentally over-wrote my notes for the second half... Let's see what I can remember.

Basically, there's been no scoring in the third period.

The event uses the old RHI half-court offsides -- you can't preced the puck into the zone. This cuts down on cherry picking and long breakout passes.

"It gives some order to the game," Bill Raue said.

The Dragon's goaltender, Mike McLucas, plays ice hockey for the English Premiere League's Cardiff Devils, and Raue says he is playing in borrowed equipment.

"His house burned down recently," Raue said.

The Czechs score two goals within a minute to take a 6-4 lead. There's a little more than 10 minutes left in regulation.

Tomas Kolin, one Czech player, has been living here locally and going to school.

"He's an economics major, and he's playing here to learn English," Raue said. "He's not going to the NHL, but he's using this experience to learn English. As a fluent English speaker in the Czech Republic, he'll certainly make more money than a pro ice hockey player there will."

With 5 minutes even left to go, it's still 6-4 in favor of the Czechs. But the Dragons score to make it 6-5 with 3:19 left in regulation. With 2:26 left, the Dynamo score to regain a two-goal cushion on an unassisted goal by Tomas Kolin. 7-5. Another Czech goal makes it 8-5. Just 59 seconds left. And that's how the game ends. A fine comeback by the Czech team.

Here's a bit of information on the Dynamo Pardubice:

http://dynamopardubice.wbs.cz
[email protected]
Ownership: Lukas Andrejs
Principal Owners: Daniel Palascak
General Manager: Lukas Andrejs
Head Coach: Tomas Kolin

More to come tomorrow.

[hockeyrules]

so now you know

[RichardGraham]

Hi Hockeyrules,

Actually, it's more Bass and Heineken than Corona. ;)

[HEO]

After reading the play-by-play i got chills just waiting to skate. It was like I was actually there! I would like to finally meet you Richard. What time will you be at the rink?

[RichardGraham]

Hi HEO,

I'm not sure what time I'll get to the rink yet, but I'm sure I'll be there sometime in the afternoon, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

I look forward to meeting you.