Try something different...

[PGHhockey]

*Note - I have no financial or any other interest in any of these events, just trying to get the word out to people who may want to try something different*

Hey guys -

Just got back in from a dek/ball hockey tournament in Vegas - what a blast! I just wanted to make a post to try and get the word out to get more crossover players involved with dek/ball hockey tournaments.

I'm sure a lot of you think it's a "goon sport", or that it doesn't take any talent, or that it's below you. Believe me, I understand. But if you haven't participated in a major tournament, you're missing out on a great time and good competition.

The play is very physical, but the referees draw a hard line in the sand so you know clearly just how far you can go.

You can't dangle d-men like you can on skates, therefore, crisp & accurate passing is the only way to win. This is helpful for any kind of hockey - roller or ice.

Above all, there's no garbage going on at dek/ball tournaments. You don't need to worry about AAU/USAHIL/RHA insurance conflicts. The big tournament organizers list and support each other's events. You'll make some great friends and play some quality hockey. And I'm sure you'll recognize a lot of your former teammates and opponents who play dek/ball in addition to inline and/or ice.

Even if you're an individual player, or don't have quite enough for a full team, let me know and I'll try my best to help you out.

Upcoming events:

North American Championship (Feasterville, PA) - March 27-29
www.coolhockeyevents.com
*This one has over 50 teams of all skill levels, great prizes and the best teams in the country

Street Hockey USA National Championship (Pittsburgh, PA) - April 24-26
www.streethockeyusa.com
*An extremely well-organized event that has 13 years of history. Very fairly priced also.

Beach Bash 2009 (Ocean City, MD) - August 15/16 (higher divisions), August 22/23 (lower divisions, women's, coed)
*Definitely the most fun, laid-back tournament out there. Rink is a short drive from any hotel/resort

[William Bourque]

Beach Bash 2009 (Ocean City, MD) - August 15/16 (higher divisions), August 22/23 (lower divisions, women's, coed)
*Definitely the most fun, laid-back tournament out there. Rink is a short drive from any hotel/resort

Where is the rink in Ocean City, MD? I spend the entire month of July down there every year and can't think of where one is located.

[ViperJQ]

I'm pretty sure this is it. I've been there once but i forget the street its off of. This sounds pretty familiar thought. The rink is kinda small and box shapped but its still fun to watch.


NORTHSIDE PARK: Located on 125th Street and the Bay, Northside Park is Ocean City's largest and most popular park facility. Home to the Recreation and Parks Department's Administrative offices, the 58 acre complex boasts three lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted soccer field, multipurpose field, a fishing lagoon, a foot bridge, concession stands, two playgrounds, picnic area, two piers, a gazebo, walking/jogging paths, and a large building with a 14,200 square foot gymnasium, kitchen, community room, conference room, patio, sitting areas, and a sports center annex with a 21,000 square foot multi-sport sports arena

[PGHhockey]

Yep, that's it. Northside Gym. It pretty much is a square...which completely eliminates long passes across the rink, but each rink has its quirks, right?

I've always wanted to run a 3-on-3 inline tournament down there, but I'm just too busy these days (i.e. lazy).

[William Bourque]

Ah, I don't spend too much time up that way. I usually can just be found fishing the jetty at the inlet hooking up with the Stripers/Trout that spend a lot of time off the rocks.