Markets/Time

[rt12]

Richard, when will Speed Hockey begin? Also, what markets are they targeting? I hope they bring a franchise to Philly...maybe the Palestra.

[RichardGraham]

Hi rt12,

I know that there will be an exhibition series in September.... and yes, a franchise in Philadelphia is expected.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[Superstar9]

Rich, anything in the south or SW? My interest is mostly starting to turn towards IHA for the future because I believe benny is the man for the job but, I dont think IHA is hitting my region any time soon. So, Im open to anything interesting to check out.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Superstar,

My understanding is that Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver are strong possibilities. The league has many cities interested, but plans to pare those cities down to the strongest six in each division -- a Western Division and an Eastern Division.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[ggriffaw]

Maybe you should just post a list of the possible cities that you have. Of course that doesn't mean the listed cities will get a team.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Gary,

I'd prefer to wait for the official announcement. It should come by the first week in June. What's the point of listing a bunch of cities that might get teams, get people in those cities excited, and then let them down? I don't care as much about "scoops" as I do accuracy.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[rt12]

Rich, do you know what day this week an announcment will be coming? I am excited...

[RichardGraham]

Hi rt,

I haven't heard, but when I do... you'll know! /wtimages/icons/shocked.gif

What I have heard, on good authority, however, is that Tony Szabo, Jamie Bufalino, and CJ and Jamie Yoder going to play. /wtimages/icons/smile.gif

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[MDE3]

I've heard for the exhibiton games that there will be names from both coasts as well as a few others now "inland" (ie Szabo) Mazer will play some games too I've heard and Peter Dale, as well as possibly Rob Laurie



<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by MDE3 on 06/03/03 08:56 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

[ggriffaw]

Sounds like alot of the bigger names from Pro Beach Hockey. I guess that makes sense since those guys were willing to play a non-traditional form of roller hockey.

[missionhockey21]

With guys like that, its got my vote of confidence, whatever thats worth! ^_^

[mlrhfan0001]

Hey I'm willing to play...can I be a minor leaguer...put me in coach...put me in

[MDE3]

Well they are still some the bigger names in traditional Pro Roller Hockey too - from the Mudcats to team USA. Obviously name recogniton will be a factor for any television presentation of the sport.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by MDE3 on 06/05/03 00:02 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

[ggriffaw]

The truth is that there is virtually no name recognition in roller hockey that will make a noticeable difference as far as TV. The average ice hockey fan probably can't name one pro roller hockey player. It will just be the small number of old time roller hockey fans that will recognize any of these guys. There is always the possibility that a former NHL player would get involved, like happened with RHI.

I was just pointing out that the listed players were some of the bigger names in PBH. I certainly didn't mean that there aren't any other big names in roller hockey.

[missionhockey21]

Thats why when the next league starts up, like Speed Hockey. They will need to promote any big names they have to get them more well known.

[MDE3]

I cant disagree with your analyses of "name recognition" outside of roller hockey fans - but I would suspect that is going to be the core audience anyway.