What YOU want...

[Zuwoni]

Out of all of the tournaments you have been to or played in what was the one thing you liked most? If there were something you would like to see added/done at a tournament what would it be?

www.pondrockets.com

[columbus_RHstar]

hmmmmm a few things i really like are the skills competitions, all tournament teams, and little 2on2 games. or little things you can do that are for the fun of it, but nothing matters but you are playing against the other high-;evel players, although i know sometimes players feelings get hurt when they arent selected.

[rhstar18]

They have all that stuff at national events. But you've probably never been to one before. Do you remember when you said your house team (the crash/corh) was going to beat the columbus bandits. We mercied you guys in the middle of the 2nd period 8-0. Oh and our home rink is Central Ohio Roller Hockey

[RichardGraham]

Hi rhstar18,

Welcome to IHC's Message Boards. Please remember that personal attacks aren't permitted; try to keep things fun but cool.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[JohnHockey1798]

I have only played in one tournament and that was a regional qualifer. We had planned to play in the Sixpac finals but half the team was hurt or moved. I think they need to find a way to get more adult teams involved espically when tehy have these regional qualifying tournaments. I also think they should give out more trophies to adult teams instead of one or at least give you a place to put the name of your players on the trophy. Maybe they should consider giving some free equipment to teams in the championship games.

John

[THL]

A word of caution to you my friend. Think twice before venturing down this road. I am in this business, and yes it sounds real good in the conception phase, but think long and hard before doing it. Here is why-

We are 4 days away from our 1 year anniversary of being an in-line retail business. Our doors are still open but barely. We are in an area where there is 1 rink, moderate involvement and a population of over 300,000 people, and no pro-shop. The closest store was about 1 hour away.

Being involved in the sport, I figured, what an opportunity!! Right? Not really. The internet retailers are killing all the mom & pop stores. The cost undercutting is enormous. There are times that the web price is cheaper that I can purchase at wholesale. Why is that? How can it be? Don't know but it is reality!!! I spend hours supporting the leage, the players, the parents, the sport, only to have some kid come in and tell me they just bought a pair of elbow pads off the internet for $5.00 cheaper than my price. This happens quite often.

Look, if you buy off the net, don't expect your local pro shop to remain supporting you. I support you by replacing missing screws & nuts, rotating your wheels, cutting/taping your stick, replacing your blades, etc, etc all for free! And you come tell me you just bought a helmet off the net because it saved you a few bucks. But hey it's your decision.

Eventually, the retail scene is going to go in one of two directions:

1)Mom & Pop pro-shops will die and the net will win!
But then who will cut & tape your stick, replace your screws & t-nuts, mount your wheels, allow you to pay later but play now and all of the things that human interaction creates.

2)The net will fade away, and Mom & Pop shops will survive.
The larger net compaines have made a killing by disposing of old equipment that remained in manufacturers warehouses after the new came out. Is it new equipment? yes, is it good equipment?-yes, is a good deal-yes? but there is such a thing as loyalty. It may cost a little more, but in the end, you are much better off.

The companies figured it was better to lose 0.50 cents per dollar and liquidate than not to move the product at all. During the in-line hockey boom 4-5 years ago, manufacturers over produced everything, now that the sport has leveled off a bit, companies are getting smarter and only producing what is demanded (booking programs). So the manufactureres are slowly depleting their excessive inventory by modifiing business practices, and the net compaines eventually will be semi-competitive with the mom & pop, because the same product will be available to all retailers without a lot of excessive inventory. The only thing that will allow them to survive is volume and discounts. Something mom & pop cannot compete well with.

I did not get into the retail to become rich!!! There was a need in the area and I fell that I have met that need. Long hours, taxes, product returns, complaints, bookkeeping, and all the other B.S. that comes along with owning a small business, expect it and even more.

I have met a lot of very good people for which I am good friends with, and I love the kids who enjoy the sport. I will last as long as I can. But there is a chance that good ol' mom & pop cannot sustain in future years, and I just want to ask you-

WHO'S GOING TO SUPPORT YOU?

[THL]

Hey Mr. Graham-

This meassage was in reply to "HOCKEY EQUIPMENT" and in no way is associated with the topic of "WHAT YOU WANT"

My apologies to you for my mistake.

THL

[slapshot09]

Where is your store located?

[RichardGraham]

Hi THL,

No problem.

Good luck with your store... not all of us "netizens" are bad guys. /wtimages/icons/wink.gif

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[Zuwoni]

That is a great idea and one of the reasons why we focus on the quality of play for our adult divisions. We also give all players a trophy to go along with the winning team trophy. As for the equipment we give wheels, bearings, blades and or pants away to MVP, MVD, and MVG depending who are sponsors are.

[LetsRoll]

Fun.
Safety.
Good referees.
At least one party where there's beer :)

[JohnHockey1798]

Beer and hockey don't mix. Hold that thought actually yes it does. The last time I had a 6 point night I was drunk. I haven't done it since. But a party after with beer is a real good idea.

John