Aihl

[silverman56]

Whats everyones thoughts on the new league that has just been announced today. What teams are in it?

[minutemen]

I think it will be a good league that is run by the owners of the team, and it is non profit. From what I hear a lot of teams are leaving PIHA to play in the AIHL. I think a meeting has been scheduled in the next couple of weeks. I hear there will be a good number of teams representatives showing up.

[pghbandit11]

The Pittsburgh Bandits will be joining the AIHL.

[DCbullets14]

Glad to see it was finally announced I have been waiting for this for awhile. Does anyone have additional information on the setup of the league? This is great for the sport of inline. We now have a governing body to help support the league instead of individuals with hidden agendas.

[quick_dry]

nice idea, unfortunate naming though. (Of course, thats just my opinion from down here in Australia, where I'm already playing in the AIHL - our national ice hockey league)

Interesting to see how it'll stack up against PIHA when the season starts.

[GROWL]

After the initial meeting, I am sure more information will become available. A list of teams will also becoming soon. A website is already in the works.

[RichardGraham]

Hey Quick_Dry,

I don't recall if you ever answered -- did you eventually get your IHC jersey?

[IvanDragoTKO]

Personal attacks are not welcome on IHC.

[imasieve30]

Jeff,

Don't feed the trolls. Especially the fictional Russian ones.

-Joe

[GROWL]

To this guy and everyone else with questions,

Answers are coming soon. I promise on my reputation in the pro inline hockey community that the AIHL has answers. I do not want to dive into this entire post, but the one thing I do want to respond to is the comment i have highlighted here.

. Why dont you people question what NArch does with

their money? Oh wait it's a business and they wanted to make some dough.

Same with these cats. Look out for the nonprofit orgs. They cut mass

corners. (Can you say marketing out the window.)

The problem with inline hockey is that all of the people at the top of the sport are trying to make a buck. I don't begrudge them that, as it's the america way. However, comparing it to anything else but what is tried and true in INLINE hockey is the only fair comparision.

Why has inline hockey suffered? Perhaps because only the top 1% are rewarded in this game. What happens to the rest of the players who don't get flown in to play for the Tour St Louis This and the Detriot Mission That? The need to compete and win has over shadowed this entire sport. Who has suffered... the rink owners and the organizations who actually give a whoot, and most of all the mediocre 14 year old who should make his rinks travel team, but gets looked over because his winning obsessed coach flies a kid from Cali to play with him at Nationals. So the kid plays little league instead. And why, because that doesn't happen in little league.

How does this relate? Simple... League play needs to take over as the future of this sport. Getting back to what I said earlier, what is tried and true in the sport. RHI didnt work, Pro Beach didnt last, MLRH and PIHA have had peaks and valleys. What is the one league that is a model for all of the others? The NCRHL or college league!!! Why does it work, because it is not a money sucking organization that doesn't include its membership in decisions . It is owned by no one and operated by its membership. The AIHL is going to be structured the same way.

So before you go bashing a non-profit, realize that at a league level it is the only thing that has worked in this sport and it is the other money making leagues that are killing the sport.

PS... My involvement should answers the question of where some of the loyalties lie that were in question in your post.

[socalhockey]

You are absolutely right on my friend.

[minutemen]

Nice post Flynn, your absolutely correct.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Jeff,

Don't feed the trolls. Especially the fictional Russian ones.

-Joe

I know...I know....That post just set me off after a night of reffing soccer games with crappy players!

To this guy and everyone else with questions,

Answers are coming soon. I promise on my reputation in the pro inline hockey community that the AIHL has answers. I do not want to dive into this entire post, but the one thing I do want to respond to is the comment i have highlighted here.



The problem with inline hockey is that all of the people at the top of the sport are trying to make a buck. I don't begrudge them that, as it's the america way. However, comparing it to anything else but what is tried and true in INLINE hockey is the only fair comparision.

Why has inline hockey suffered? Perhaps because only the top 1% are rewarded in this game. What happens to the rest of the players who don't get flown in to play for the Tour St Louis This and the Detriot Mission That? The need to compete and win has over shadowed this entire sport and at the top is TORHS and NARCh who could careless, because there numbers havent suffered enough yet to care. Who has suffered... the rink owners and the organizations like USA hockey, USA/RS, and AAU who actually give a whoot, and most of all the mediocre 14 year old who should make his rinks travel team, but gets looked over because his winning obsessed coach flies a kid from Cali to play with him at Nationals. So the kid plays little league instead. And why, because that doesn't happen in little league.

How does this relate? Simple... League play needs to take over as the future of this sport. Getting back to what I said earlier, what is tried and true in the sport. RHI didnt work, Pro Beach didnt last, MLRH and PIHA have had peaks and valleys. What is the one league that is a model for all of the others? The NCRHL or college league!!! Why does it work, because it is not a money sucking organization. It is owned by no one and operated by its membership. The AIHL is going to be structured the same way.

So before you go bashing a non-profit, realize that it is the only thing that has worked in this sport and it is the other money making organizations that are killing the sport.

PS... My involvement should answers the question of where some of the loyalties lie that were in question in your post.


Absolutely perfect! Flynn you nailed it on the head.

By the way my loyalties are in the same places as Flynn!

[seanth123]

This is great news for the sport guys! I look forward to the new league/season. Finally, a semi-pro league with a feeder system that works for the investers and players alike! With this system, the owners can use their money to put back into the players rather than someone elses pocket!

A great step for inline hockey! Hats off to all involved making this happen.

[shane99]

i take it piha is pretty much gonna die? what happened to piha? people not playing in the league dont know what went on one day i hear people saying how great the league was the next people bashing it and now this

[GROWL]

We plan on fully answering these types of questions very soon.

[showtime89]

Funny, I read this and then saw one of the people on my AIM buddy list has in his away message that Professional Roller Hockey has returned to Buffalo(We had the Buffalo Stampede and the Buffalo Wings in RHI). Any connection here or is this like NARCH PRO or TORHS?

[Doug Jones]

To this guy and everyone else with questions,

Answers are coming soon. I promise on my reputation in the pro inline hockey community that the AIHL has answers. I do not want to dive into this entire post, but the one thing I do want to respond to is the comment i have highlighted here.



The problem with inline hockey is that all of the people at the top of the sport are trying to make a buck. I don't begrudge them that, as it's the america way. However, comparing it to anything else but what is tried and true in INLINE hockey is the only fair comparision.

Why has inline hockey suffered? Perhaps because only the top 1% are rewarded in this game. What happens to the rest of the players who don't get flown in to play for the Tour St Louis This and the Detriot Mission That? The need to compete and win has over shadowed this entire sport and at the top is TORHS and NARCh who could careless, because there numbers havent suffered enough yet to care. Who has suffered... the rink owners and the organizations like USA hockey, USA/RS, and AAU who actually give a whoot, and most of all the mediocre 14 year old who should make his rinks travel team, but gets looked over because his winning obsessed coach flies a kid from Cali to play with him at Nationals. So the kid plays little league instead. And why, because that doesn't happen in little league.

How does this relate? Simple... League play needs to take over as the future of this sport. Getting back to what I said earlier, what is tried and true in the sport. RHI didnt work, Pro Beach didnt last, MLRH and PIHA have had peaks and valleys. What is the one league that is a model for all of the others? The NCRHL or college league!!! Why does it work, because it is not a money sucking organization. It is owned by no one and operated by its membership. The AIHL is going to be structured the same way.

So before you go bashing a non-profit, realize that it is the only thing that has worked in this sport and it is the other money making organizations that are killing the sport.

PS... My involvement should answers the question of where some of the loyalties lie that were in question in your post.


Anthony:

This is completely off base. As a former rink manager and NARCh employee I will take you to task on your comments. Your completely off base.

NARCh runs a club division (rec players in cooperation with USA Hockey), a silver division, gold and platinum. The purpose of the club division is to let those players who have fun and want to be competitive try the experience.

Last year in Estero, the Club games were all fun to watch, great to see the novice players hit the floor with their parents to experience the menu NARCh has to offer and the opportunity to be competitive within their skill experience.

The platinum division is for the best of the best. Put your team together and come play, let's see what you have. What's wrong with that?

Gold division, your allowed two player additions to your roster if neccessary, both players must be qualified and or NARCh evaluated by playing at a qualifier.

Silver, has always been about parity and the player levels meeting the skill level of the division.

Club, well, again the NOVICE plays here no flying Johnny in from St. Louis for the team. These player's are new to the sport and we at NARCh try to make their experience a positive one. The qualifiers may be tough because they are open, but again, we make sure these players understand that their division is their division.

Since your managing a rink, instead of allowing just platinum, gold and silver teams, put together some club teams with the "proper" coaches. Make the effort instead of criticizing a tournament series that had a record number of teams last year.

You promote AAU like it's some savior. I've seen what AAU hockey has done to the sport. It promotes greed, it promotes favoritism, it promotes the promotion of individuals who use it for their personal gain. AAU can't compete because in the past it has allowed the parents to dictate how and when games are played, who and where kids come from and of course, they work so diligently to expose the little ones to such great experiences.

As far as any sheep who think your soapbox stand is the appropriate way to handle this, then it shows me their character value as they all play NARCh.

You my friend, owe an apology for what was said and for how it was said. I am not saying everything is perfect, but obviously, with a record number of teams last year and California looking even better, NARCh is the premier tournament in North America.

I am not saying that because I am an employee, I am saying that because as a former eleven year rink manager, I have been with NARCh and involved in it for a long time. I have seen the changes made to make it more user friendly and to see it offer more to every child who participates. My teams only wanted to do NARCh because we tried other avenues and were sadly disappointed.

Oh and it's a business that doesn't hide behind a non profit number saying it does wonderful things for the players of the sport. AAU simply wants someone to do the work for them and they want to stick their name all over it.

You manage a rink where most of the players participate in NARCh. You represent a facility NARCh had it's Winternationals at and a qualifier. Obviously if your goal was to make sure NARCh doesn't use your facility again in the future, you've done a good job of that.

I truly hope you take the time to re-evaluate what was said and take the time to apologize for your comments.



Doug Jones

[rolla420]

WOW!!

Doug Jones - I have no idea who you are, but I really think you need to relax. I reread Flynn's post and I saw nothing that was in anyway insulting to NARCH or TORHS.

I think you need to take a couple of deep breaths buddy. It more sounds to me like you have something against AAU....but that's just what I see as an impartial observer.

Maybe you should apologize for your comments about AAU.....

[Doug Jones]

WOW!!

Doug Jones - I have no idea who you are, but I really think you need to relax. I reread Flynn's post and I saw nothing that was in anyway insulting to NARCH or TORHS.

I think you need to take a couple of deep breaths buddy. It more sounds to me like you have something against AAU....but that's just what I see as an impartial observer.

Maybe you should apologize for your comments about AAU.....


I stand where I stand and my words are my words. Take the time and ask Anthony why he dragged NARCh into it. Would AAU be doing this if the PIHA was using the AAU insurance like last year? PIHA went to it's own insurance this year removing AAU and suprise, we now have AAU backing this league.

have a good day

[Stampede#11]

Don't know either of you guys .. but this is exactly the issue with all inline hockey any where in the world.

It's all about highlighting why what you do is the best, and what other's do is wrong. Again, not personal just using this to highlight a point. All the factions of hockey bickering and moaning - people sticking their neck out to make a comment, then everyone else jumps on them, until the next neck is on the block. And so it carries on. The factions will continue as so many people put so much time and effort into hockey, for such little reward, that the "power" is all they get out of it.

This is exactly the bitter core of what stops our sport truely developing (not having a pop at you gents by the way, as you could look at most IHC posts and see this happening).

Well I do have an answer for it ...
1) Inline Hockey is registered as a charity to take making money making out of the picture ... but then I bet someone would still look to skim off the top.
2) Someone with a lot of time and very deep pockets to be "the man" and help unify the factions by setting something up at a great deal of expense and where the power circles could have a slice.

Bottom line, neither of the above will happen so all any players can hope for is a rink owner who finds a way to make plenty of money that allows them a "pro" team so you get to play for free and get free gear maybe.

So it does seems a link with the AAU may be a good way forward, as that hopefully will give kids at a local rink level something to aim and play for under the same banner to give the "product on the floor" a brand identity.

Just MO.

[thebenchman]

:::applause to Rolla:::

Yeah Doug I think you went way over the top here. I do respect you and your knowledge, your play, passion for the game.

I didnt see Anthony as dogging the TOURNAMENT of NARCh. They generally do have the best series out there. It is the way things have become. You have been around long enough to know this sport SHOULD be much bigger than it is! Why isnt it? Do you have an awswer for that?

The problem there ARE those out there who are in it for the buck only. Dont get me wrong, we all work for our money. We as parents/players spend our money to go and participate in thse games as fun, some for vacation, some for the challenge. I know for one I got so wrapped up in being at the right place at the right time it was no longer enjoyment but pure drive to near a insatiable desire to be there at all costs. My life WAS this game. It consumed me head to toe. Although you may not know who I am, is unimportant.

This game has no set rules across the board. Never has. What is good for one tournament series is different for the others. I have seen the STL teams benefit AND suffer because they are from STL (since I am in STL) I have also viewed the Detroit situation as it came and left. (take nothng away from the great players they have too). For years teams have moved players from all across the country to play on teams. As far as I can tell State Wars is the only one who doesnt allow that to happen. Tim started that to try to keep players in their respective states.

While you say that gold teams are allowed to add 2 players, that is what one set of rules state, but that has not always been caught. what about Platunum players that play on gold teams in qualifiers and knock out normal platinum teams out of Plat seeds? Or players who play on 3 or more PLAT teams them go with another in the Finals? or the other way around. It happens too!!

To come out and see you type completly disrespect the AAU/USARS has really lowered respect for you, not only to me, but, many others. There are ways to come out and disagree with a group in a professional manner. You have done many great things for this game. NARCh, Torhs, AAU, 2hot4ice, USAHIL and many other tournaments/ leaders have pros and cons. Yes we all WANT To make money. Yes its a free America where enterprize is a wonderful thing. I do not say there isnt money to be made for all.

HOWEVER.....
till there can be a set of rules and all of the programs whether it is the Home Leagues, Manufacturers, Tournament series, and YES the REAL governing bodies get a unilatteral agreement, it will always be as it is never growing. and BEFORE it gets said. What is the disagreement between USAHIL and AAU/USARS? who really knows? I-N-S-U-R-A-N-C-E!!

Doug please re-read. Think about it. You are BETTER than this.

Roy

[Doug Jones]

My comments are just that my comments. They are in no way a reflection of NARCh or it's ownership, just to clarify.

I'd be glad to share WHY I have such a distaste for AAU in private with my own personal experience.

Go ahead and express yourself, that's why this is a public board.

My comments are my comments and I signed my name to them. I also take full responsibility for what I've said and will be willing to debate in private why I said it.

email dougjscpirateshockey@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Doug

[rolla420]

The Post by Anthony has been edited and key parts are now missing.

Obviously with your 7 posts of experience, you didn't notice.

I stand where I stand and my words are my words. Take the time and ask Anthony what he removed

have a good day

Oh, I'm sorry Doug, I didn't know I needed to post things calling people out and demanding apologies in order to have an opinion - my bad.

And, unless I have some magical ability to go back in time how was I supposed to know what you claim was "edited out"?

Whatever, I stand by my original statement - RELAX.

[Berry_Bramble]

Nobody can say they truly have the answer, anyone who thinks they do is delusional. Just because a format works oh let us say for College, does not mean it would work for pro games. Oh so great they use a college style format. Who is still coming to watch these games?

What it really should come down too, is who does it better then everyone else. Let everyone who wants to have there own pro league, have one. I may just start one next year, people seem to like me. And who ever does it better then everyone else will emerge the victor. People shouldn’t pick one over the other because this one or that one is there. It shouldn’t matter who is running what and where.

I am sure I will be involved in one of these ‘pro’ leagues next year because I really do love this sport, or maybe I won’t, being that I have 16 teams of my own. But I know I won’t choose which one based on who is there and who thinks they have some type of good reputation or what not. This is a great sport and I wish there was a great pro league to go with it. But right now there isn’t. We could also do without some of the clowns out there, maybe if you all started a pro league we can sort you all out and get rid of you.

Irish…comment? lol

[Berry_Bramble]

:::applause to Rolla:::

Yeah Doug I think you went way over the top here. I do respect you and your knowledge, your play, passion for the game.

I didnt see Anthony as dogging the TOURNAMENT of NARCh. They generally do have the best series out there. It is the way things have become. You have been around long enough to know this sport SHOULD be much bigger than it is! Why isnt it? Do you have an awswer for that?

The problem there ARE those out there who are in it for the buck only. Dont get me wrong, we all work for our money. We as parents/players spend our money to go and participate in thse games as fun, some for vacation, some for the challenge. I know for one I got so wrapped up in being at the right place at the right time it was no longer enjoyment but pure drive to near a insatiable desire to be there at all costs. My life WAS this game. It consumed me head to toe. Although you may not know who I am, is unimportant.

This game has no set rules across the board. Never has. What is good for one tournament series is different for the others. I have seen the STL teams benefit AND suffer because they are from STL (since I am in STL) I have also viewed the Detroit situation as it came and left. (take nothng away from the great players they have too). For years teams have moved players from all across the country to play on teams. As far as I can tell State Wars is the only one who doesnt allow that to happen. Tim started that to try to keep players in their respective states.

While you say that gold teams are allowed to add 2 players, that is what one set of rules state, but that has not always been caught. what about Platunum players that play on gold teams in qualifiers and knock out normal platinum teams out of Plat seeds? Or players who play on 3 or more PLAT teams them go with another in the Finals? or the other way around. It happens too!!

To come out and see you type completly disrespect the AAU/USARS has really lowered respect for you, not only to me, but, many others. There are ways to come out and disagree with a group in a professional manner. You have done many great things for this game. NARCh, Torhs, AAU, 2hot4ice, USAHIL and many other tournaments/ leaders have pros and cons. Yes we all WANT To make money. Yes its a free America where enterprize is a wonderful thing. I do not say there isnt money to be made for all.

HOWEVER.....
till there can be a set of rules and all of the programs whether it is the Home Leagues, Manufacturers, Tournament series, and YES the REAL governing bodies get a unilatteral agreement, it will always be as it is never growing. and BEFORE it gets said. What is the disagreement between USAHIL and AAU/USARS? who really knows? I-N-S-U-R-A-N-C-E!!

Doug please re-read. Think about it. You are BETTER than this.

Roy


oh noe's its another usa inline vs aau debate...get everyone out of the wood works.

[old_donkey_14]

oh Noe's Its Another Usa Inline Vs Aau Debate...get Everyone Out Of The Wood Works.


Tastes Great !!!!!!!!!!.......

[Doug Jones]

Oh, I'm sorry Doug, I didn't know I needed to post things calling people out and demanding apologies in order to have an opinion - my bad.

And, unless I have some magical ability to go back in time how was I supposed to know what you claim was "edited out"?

Whatever, I stand by my original statement - RELAX.

My last post on this. Roy, I applaud you and everyone else who can sign their name to their words. We agree to disagree.

That is the willingness to take responsibility for your words and makes you that much more credible.

Rolla, being anonymous provides you with the chance to be one of those people in the crowd that jeers without being seen....

Again, for those of you who are disappointed in my words again, your welcome to email me at dougjscpirateshockey@yahoo.com

thanks!

Doug

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

My last post on this. Roy, I applaud you and everyone else who can sign their name to their words. We agree to disagree.

That is the willingness to take responsibility for your words and makes you that much more credible.

Rolla, being anonymous provides you with the chance to be one of those people in the crowd that jeers without being seen....

Again, for those of you who are disappointed in my words again, your welcome to email me at dougjscpirateshockey@yahoo.com

thanks!

Doug

Not trying to stir the pot Doug but you went off on Flynn and made a comment relating to his rink and Narch.

He did not involve his rink in his opinion and I do believe you owe his rink an apology at the least. You made that post sound like you represent Narch earlier in this thread.

As you said in the post I am quoting you agree to disagree. I have not thrown my 2 cents in on this too much because I could see the flame war brewing. Lets take this back to reality guys.

This is about a new league forming. Why not give it a chance to show what its about and let the league information come out. Who knows you might actually want to join.

[rolla420]

My last post on this. Roy, I applaud you and everyone else who can sign their name to their words. We agree to disagree.

That is the willingness to take responsibility for your words and makes you that much more credible.

Rolla, being anonymous provides you with the chance to be one of those people in the crowd that jeers without being seen....

Again, for those of you who are disappointed in my words again, your welcome to email me at dougjscpirateshockey@yahoo.com

thanks!

Doug


I'm not jeering at anybody, simply pointing out the fact that Doug Jones needs to relax and that everbody is entitled to their opinion. I'm sure if I worked for NARCH I would be drinking their coolaid as well.....

[Berry_Bramble]

I'm not jeering at anybody, simply pointing out the fact that Doug Jones needs to relax and that everbody is entitled to their opinion. I'm sure if I worked for NARCH I would be drinking their coolaid as well.....

Ok, I have to know..if Jones is drinking the coolaid..who's fruit punch are you drinking these days?

[Leaferguy]

Juice Wars 2008?

[rolla420]

Ok, I have to know..if Jones is drinking the coolaid..who's fruit punch are you drinking these days?

No one's - just an IHC reader and inline hockey player that thought his comments about Flynn were way out of line - which I've already stated and do not want to get into another big thing again - that's all.

[TourBandits]

RG, Please relieve us from the pain of all this nonsense.

[nyrhatric]

Do we have a time frame for when more information will be coming out about the league? Are they going to wait to post the website before posting the new information or will there be another announcement made in the coming weeks?

How has PIHA responded to this new league?



Bobby Henry

[33]

I stand where I stand and my words are my words. Take the time and ask Anthony why he dragged NARCh into it. Would AAU be doing this if the PIHA was using the AAU insurance like last year? PIHA went to it's own insurance this year removing AAU and suprise, we now have AAU backing this league.

have a good day

talk about hitting the nail on the head!!! i have kept my mouth shut for a long time while all this has went down and i'm not sure i can keep it shut any more. what actually amazes me is that a bunch of people are forgetting where piha has taken this sport. from 6 original teams to 40, 50, 60...however many there are now and people don't expect there to be growing pains. so, at the first sign of trouble, people are going to jump ship and do their own thing. that stands for their character more than anything. i'm glad i'm retiring and leaving this bickering to you other people. i'm disguted with this sport at this point. enjoy your new little league. hopefully things will be better when/if my boys are old enough to play.
and one more thing, NARCH is the greatest thing out there and i love it, but noone asks them where their money is going when they write that check.

steve yingling

[RichardGraham]

Hi TourBandits,

It's a no-win situation for me. If I leave it, I'm allowing flame wars. If I delete it, I'm censoring.

If anyone e-mails me privately with paragraphs that should be taken out of anyone's post, and gives me a decent reason why, I'll be more than happy to delete said paragraphs.

However, having a debate between people who sign their names to their posts is something the sport can use -- as long as it doesn't get too personal and too bitter. (Good luck with that, right?)

[GROWL]

Allow me to relieve the pain. I apologize first of all that I could not get to this sooner as I was on the golf course.

I wrote what I wrote in response to the guy slamming a non-profit. After re-reading my post I absolutely offer up an apology to NARCh and TORHS. My intension was not to bash anyone and I can see how it can be interpretted in that manner.

I have the utmost respect for Ron Beilsten, Tony TORHS before him, and most of all Daryn for being around since practically the beginning. I have participated in and plan to participate in these events in the future. The sport would never be the same without NARCh and that should not change.

I just want to see a league format take off, must like it is ice hockey. Tournaments still thrive in ice hockey as well. My point was to back the use of a non-profit organization with resposibility to its participants.

Again my apologizes to NARCH, TORHS and those who run those events. They are top notch events and was not my intensions at all to slander them in any way.

[Doug Jones]

I posted on my own virtue and do not speak on behalf of NARCh or have the right to. My frustrations come from the efforts that are never seen behind the scenes of NARCh and the wizard who makes it all work.

An example would be, look at the glossy magazine NARCh does every year. It's taken for granted, the time, effort and costs affiliated with a first class publication like that.

That being said, my apology is for the masses who feel I was out of line and for jumping all over Anthony.


Doug

[GROWL]

For the record, Doug and I have a very good relationship. He has every right to express his opinion and I took nothing he said as bashing me personally. I found some truths in his statements and thus I provided a needed apology. I hope somewhere in all this the message was not lost.

[minutemen]

talk about hitting the nail on the head!!! i have kept my mouth shut for a long time while all this has went down and i'm not sure i can keep it shut any more. what actually amazes me is that a bunch of people are forgetting where piha has taken this sport. from 6 original teams to 40, 50, 60...however many there are now and people don't expect there to be growing pains. so, at the first sign of trouble, people are going to jump ship and do their own thing. that stands for their character more than anything. i'm glad i'm retiring and leaving this bickering to you other people. i'm disguted with this sport at this point. enjoy your new little league. hopefully things will be better when/if my boys are old enough to play.
and one more thing, NARCH is the greatest thing out there and i love it, but noone asks them where their money is going when they write that check.

steve yingling



Steve,

As I agree what your saying about PIHA growing from 6 to 40 teams, but the front office had nothing to do with that. Individuals like Chris Havelock, Dave garland, CJ gamble (if I left out anyone sorry), are the ones that had everything to do with the expansion. I am really not one to talk about what PIHA did this year because I took the year off. I think the front office and some of the teams are to blame, but you can't take peoples money and do what you want with it. When people say that flights, hotel will be paid for it should. Did the top two teams receive the money like they were supposed to? I am asking cause i do not know. You can't cancel and All Star game and then fly in International players. That is why people are playing AIHL next year. Also the front office never called or emailed anyone back and you can't do that when you own and run the league. This is not the first sign of trouble. For years the ref issue has been a problem and a lot of promises were made two years ago and nothing was done. All these points are true about the league, I am just stating the facts that people have mentioned on IHC

I am not bashing PIHA at all. I loved playing the 4 years I was involved. Hey I wish we could all play PIHA next year and pretend this year did not happen, but it did. it does matter who is right in this matter, the owners of the teams are not satisfied and none of there question were answered when asked, just ignored . My team will most likely play AIHL, because I like that the owners run the league and have a voice. Also, there will probably be no teams to play in the NJ area next year for PIHA.

I agree that NARCH is the best hockey out there. And maybe people do not question where the money goes, because they are happy with the results. Obviuosly people are not happy with PIHA.

[alex]

Did the top two teams receive the money like they were supposed to? I am asking cause i do not know.


Yeah we got paid.

[minutemen]

Alex, Thanks for clarifying that for me.

[Superstar9]

wow...what's going on?? I take a couple weeks off from the message board and all hell is breaking loose!!! Do your thing guys, just try and remember that everyone involved cares about the sport or they wouldn't be here on IHC or picking sides with pro leagues. Try and stay positive boys.

[Puckdropper1]

Welcome back Chris.

[33]

Steve,

As I agree what your saying about PIHA growing from 6 to 40 teams, but the front office had nothing to do with that. Individuals like Chris Havelock, Dave garland, CJ gamble (if I left out anyone sorry), are the ones that had everything to do with the expansion. I am really not one to talk about what PIHA did this year because I took the year off. I think the front office and some of the teams are to blame, but you can't take peoples money and do what you want with it. When people say that flights, hotel will be paid for it should. Did the top two teams receive the money like they were supposed to? I am asking cause i do not know. You can't cancel and All Star game and then fly in International players. That is why people are playing AIHL next year. Also the front office never called or emailed anyone back and you can't do that when you own and run the league. This is not the first sign of trouble. For years the ref issue has been a problem and a lot of promises were made two years ago and nothing was done. All these points are true about the league, I am just stating the facts that people have mentioned on IHC

I am not bashing PIHA at all. I loved playing the 4 years I was involved. Hey I wish we could all play PIHA next year and pretend this year did not happen, but it did. it does matter who is right in this matter, the owners of the teams are not satisfied and none of there question were answered when asked, just ignored . My team will most likely play AIHL, because I like that the owners run the league and have a voice. Also, there will probably be no teams to play in the NJ area next year for PIHA.

I agree that NARCH is the best hockey out there. And maybe people do not question where the money goes, because they are happy with the results. Obviuosly people are not happy with PIHA.

the only thing i can agree on in your statement is that the front office should definitely call/email back as soon as possible even if it is a simple reply such as "we're working on it and we'll let you know when it is resolved". as far as ref's...as a player in the league i thought they were better this year. there will always be one or 2 that shouldn't be there but i thought they did a great job. lace 'em up and put the stripes on...it's not easy. as far as the all star game, while i don't agree on it, i don't think there was ever one scheduled. i could be wrong on this but i don't think so.
the bottom line is aau and a few other people that were instrumental in piha's success saw an opportunity to try to gain some power because there are people questioning piha and they jumped all over it. good luck to you and this new league. i hope everyone enjoys it.

[irsh31]

On behalf of the refs I thank you for the kind comments. As for myself, I tried my best to put the best effort forward I possibly could this season in PIHA. As the season progressed I felt PIHA was moving in a positive direction in so far as the officiating went. I was pleased to do some traveling and meet teams outside of Long Island and my region. I consider myself blessed to have met some of the greatest players, coaches and owners. I believe that Doug Jones said it the best when refering to those people behind the scenes in NARCH. PIHA has many of them also that go unrewarded. I for myself want to thank the league, its owners and players for granting me the honor of officiating your games and the added honor of reffing your Eastern Conference Finals. I hope that next year will be successful for pro roller hockey and that I can continue to marvel at the abilities of all involved.

Chris Roche
PIHA Official

[33]

On behalf of the refs I thank you for the kind comments. As for myself, I tried my best to put the best effort forward I possibly could this season in PIHA. As the season progressed I felt PIHA was moving in a positive direction in so far as the officiating went. I was pleased to do some traveling and meet teams outside of Long Island and my region. I consider myself blessed to have met some of the greatest players, coaches and owners. I believe that Doug Jones said it the best when refering to those people behind the scenes in NARCH. PIHA has many of them also that go unrewarded. I for myself want to thank the league, its owners and players for granting me the honor of officiating your games and the added honor of reffing your Eastern Conference Finals. I hope that next year will be successful for pro roller hockey and that I can continue to marvel at the abilities of all involved.

Chris Roche
PIHA Official

the exact reason why the officiating has gotten better. there definitely needs to be a mutual respect and chris gets that. the crew we had at the conference finals did an outstanding job. they called the game the way they saw it, took no BS from anyone and were very willing to explain their calls to the right people. that is professional and that is how it should be across the board and from what i saw this year it pretty much was. there were a few instances where this didn't happen but for the most part it definitely improved. it's a thankless job but thank you!

[seanth123]

I have to agree with 33 on this one. The Eastern Conference Finals was a class act all around. Rink mgt, Knights staff, players, coaches, and it was because the refs set the tone for the entire weekend. Excellent job Chris, hope to see your ref skills in MD again! You guys are the example we need for the new guys coming up.

[CoachClipboard]

I have to agree with Big Ying on this entirely. The officiating this year was very well done for games that I was either a part of or witnessed, both regular season and playoffs. Eastern conference finals refs this year were in my opinion off the charts outstanding. They pulled me and the Growls coach aside prior to the game, during warmups, told us what to expect, what you could look for, what to warn our players about, and what they may let players do. They confirmed with both coaches that we understood what was said, and asked if we had any questions. I loved how that was handled and I recommend that this is done in the future before every game, not just playoffs. They called the game exactly as it was explained. There was no crap from the players or coaches (as it should be anyhow if we are to get any respect in the hockey world as a "pro" league) and the game had a flow to it, because all players and coaches knew what to expect ahead of time.
Having this talk before the game with both coaches at once is not a waste of time, and it isnt something that coaches or players should roll their eyes at. it took about three minutes during that warmup, that otherwise I would have been pacing back and forth on the bench during, doing didly.

Sure there were a few officiating mistakes this year during the season. It is going to happen. I will say this however. As much as I love this game of roller hockey, and as much as I am involved in what goes on in this sport and my love for it? Roller hockey players are by and large a giant group of whining lil bitches...lol. You dont see this in the ice game nearly as much. players go to the box, grumble and slam the door and thats the end. And those that go beyond that are extricated from the game as per the rules as it should be. Because a governing body actually backs the officials up and takes swift measurement. I am talking pro hockey here people...not the youth and amateur stuff. Do you see the pro ice players behave as you might have seen in PIHA with players? Nope. The league simply doesnt tolerate it, and the players are mature enough to realize that the game would be damaged and have a black eye if they did, thus hurting revenue to their team and the youth players and parents who respect these pros may choose to take lil Johnny and put him in another sport. We want to build people, ..not break this sport down. Players and teams and owners need to take pride in their game before we can build. Not pride in the game itself....I said...THEIR game and how they make themselves look.

Another thing on officiating. You have two officials assigned to that game, and one or both might not be that great. Do you refuse to play? No, of course you are gonna play so you suck it up and you play it. you shouldnt cry about it, you adapt to it, becoming versatile. You might not like it, but what are your options? right! Shut up and play. Be glad you even have an official at all. Without them you are at home wishing you had a game to play. I do however think that there needs to be officiating training programs prior to the season, as a review by all of them together of the rules, make ammendments, and get all refs in all regions on the same page. An officials conference should be held for the league centrally located somewhere or even regionally but conducted by a select panel of officiating directors who are the finest officials we have to do the job. All of these officials and all the games nationwide should definitely be consistent. It should be called the same in SC as in CA. the same in New England as St. Louis. Without spending some money and doing this correctly each year, we will never see the improvement in officiating that we deserve and desire.

I don't yet have an opinion yet on this AIHL at this time, because as of now, all I see is an email and nothing official. There is no information of substance and nothing has been presented on paper in front of me as a GM. Before I can base an opinion on any league, I need the details in front of me in legal form and with a full summary of what will be involved, how it will be presented, operated, and what the players get from this. All details. Not promises. Both leagues need to present to me everything without the bull**** sales pitch...blah blah blah were better because....save your breath. Show me the facts, back your facts in contract. Signed contract from the team should accompany a signed and notarized contract from the league too to fufill their promises. Everyone, should be accountable. So right now I am like Clint Eastwood in a fistfull of dollars, waiting to see which gang in town is going to be the best for the players, for the club.

Be careful what you wish for people, you might just get it.

Be very very careful.

Todd Wiley
Harrisburg Lunatics GM and Coach

[FrankFrank]

Not to point out the obvious here... but didn't we have the Same thing happen before... about 4 years ago?? Everyone thought they could do a better job then MLRH, so they created the XIHL. Sound familiar? And what happened to both of them... MLRH has officially crashed and burned with little sign of being able to rekindle their flame of old, and XIHL just blipped off the map after one season.

Maybe I'll just take up badmitton instead of all this non-sense. Is there a pro league for that?

Frank~Frank

[patb16]

Maybe I'll just take up badmitton instead of all this non-sense. Is there a pro league for that?

Frank~Frank

Check out: http://donnsports.com/abl/pro.htm
I heard they're getting a TV deal too on The Ocho.

[FrankFrank]

HaHa!!!! That just made my day. :D

[old_donkey_14]

HOLLY CRAP!!!!!?????!!!!! i'm shaking my head wondering why, and how you know that Pat ...but its funny as all hell

[thebenchman]

Thanks Doug!
Vio.... I wasnt making it the USHIL vs AAU/USARS issue.

My whole point is every one has different sets of rules for this game. I too feel NARCh is a spectacular event. There are other Great events too.

Beating that horse of one vs the other does nothing. My point is get a set of rules for everyone to follow. Still make money, but get the "act" together. Is any one group the only one ot have answers? heck no! but there needs to be a start a unifying onf the games, some where some how.

Just as there has been what appears to be problems in PIHA this year, and as Frank mentioned in MLRH there are some problems with as things start. no one is perfect. Granted NARCH has it down to a nice science.

There are enough people out there who have the passion and the knowledge to make this happen, but many have burned out trying.

Vio, to you personally I really wasnt trying to get that started. I have read posts of Doug Jones I felt his anger in what he said. His passion was there. That was my main reason for posting.

I love this game even if now from a far. It to me is one of the best games out there. it truly saddens me to see it get beat up because of differences and opinions that seemingly go in full circle mode.

Roy

[minutemen]

I was not bashing the refs this year. Like I said I was not involved this year. I was just saying that was a problem in past years with PIHA. So to any refs I am sorry but was not talking about this year. Only thing I did hear about this year was SOME inconsistency. But that is to be expected with all the new teams and this year.

I was just trying to say many people are upset with PIHA, hence the AIHL was formed. In my opinion, if question were answered instead of ignored, this may not have happened. I wish this did not happen and we all played PIHA next year, but it has. I loved PIHA the 4 years I was involved as a owner, player and coach. Starting a new league is tough, but if it has the teams to back it up it is a lot easier.
Lets see what 2008-2009 brings.

Also, to compare PIHA/MLRH to NARCH is not right. They are two totally different types. PIHA and MLRH are Pro leagues that play 6 months straight. NARCH is tournaments, as I feel it is the best, has a lot less room for problems. They have to worry about 4 days of hockey, then they plan the next one. Don't get me wrong not easy to do. PIHA/MLRH, I feel can have more room for error. Teams are the same for 6 months and problems can arise more. Teams play NARCH a couple weekends a year.

[Doug Jones]

I have to agree with Big Ying on this entirely. The officiating this year was very well done for games that I was either a part of or witnessed, both regular season and playoffs. Eastern conference finals refs this year were in my opinion off the charts outstanding. They pulled me and the Growls coach aside prior to the game, during warmups, told us what to expect, what you could look for, what to warn our players about, and what they may let players do. They confirmed with both coaches that we understood what was said, and asked if we had any questions. I loved how that was handled and I recommend that this is done in the future before every game, not just playoffs. They called the game exactly as it was explained. There was no crap from the players or coaches (as it should be anyhow if we are to get any respect in the hockey world as a "pro" league) and the game had a flow to it, because all players and coaches knew what to expect ahead of time.
Having this talk before the game with both coaches at once is not a waste of time, and it isnt something that coaches or players should roll their eyes at. it took about three minutes during that warmup, that otherwise I would have been pacing back and forth on the bench during, doing didly.

Sure there were a few officiating mistakes this year during the season. It is going to happen. I will say this however. As much as I love this game of roller hockey, and as much as I am involved in what goes on in this sport and my love for it? Roller hockey players are by and large a giant group of whining lil bitches...lol. You dont see this in the ice game nearly as much. players go to the box, grumble and slam the door and thats the end. And those that go beyond that are extricated from the game as per the rules as it should be. Because a governing body actually backs the officials up and takes swift measurement. I am talking pro hockey here people...not the youth and amateur stuff. Do you see the pro ice players behave as you might have seen in PIHA with players? Nope. The league simply doesnt tolerate it, and the players are mature enough to realize that the game would be damaged and have a black eye if they did, thus hurting revenue to their team and the youth players and parents who respect these pros may choose to take lil Johnny and put him in another sport. We want to build people, ..not break this sport down. Players and teams and owners need to take pride in their game before we can build. Not pride in the game itself....I said...THEIR game and how they make themselves look.

Another thing on officiating. You have two officials assigned to that game, and one or both might not be that great. Do you refuse to play? No, of course you are gonna play so you suck it up and you play it. you shouldnt cry about it, you adapt to it, becoming versatile. You might not like it, but what are your options? right! Shut up and play. Be glad you even have an official at all. Without them you are at home wishing you had a game to play. I do however think that there needs to be officiating training programs prior to the season, as a review by all of them together of the rules, make ammendments, and get all refs in all regions on the same page. An officials conference should be held for the league centrally located somewhere or even regionally but conducted by a select panel of officiating directors who are the finest officials we have to do the job. All of these officials and all the games nationwide should definitely be consistent. It should be called the same in SC as in CA. the same in New England as St. Louis. Without spending some money and doing this correctly each year, we will never see the improvement in officiating that we deserve and desire.

I don't yet have an opinion yet on this AIHL at this time, because as of now, all I see is an email and nothing official. There is no information of substance and nothing has been presented on paper in front of me as a GM. Before I can base an opinion on any league, I need the details in front of me in legal form and with a full summary of what will be involved, how it will be presented, operated, and what the players get from this. All details. Not promises. Both leagues need to present to me everything without the bull**** sales pitch...blah blah blah were better because....save your breath. Show me the facts, back your facts in contract. Signed contract from the team should accompany a signed and notarized contract from the league too to fufill their promises. Everyone, should be accountable. So right now I am like Clint Eastwood in a fistfull of dollars, waiting to see which gang in town is going to be the best for the players, for the club.

Be careful what you wish for people, you might just get it.

Be very very careful.

Todd Wiley
Harrisburg Lunatics GM and Coach

Todd:

What's your feelings about the lack of representation at Colorado of the Mason Dixon and South East divisions?

what about Colorado Springs with organization of the year?

Just curious to see how organizations like ours get left out of these selections. Also the comment about how successful PIHA international is an absolute JOKE. No offense to the players who played, they are good guys, but these selections have left me scratching my head...

Congrats to Joe Furnari on Coach of the year.

Share?

Doug

[GROWL]

I would have to agree. Organization of the year could have gone to a number of different teams. There were a number of worthy candidates like Winchester (great website, dance team), Long Island (amazing attendence and presentation), any number of the California teams (especially East Bay, Nor Cal, or San Jose), the Snipers or Tornadoes in St Louis. However I would have personally picked the SC Pirates. From the start of the season to the end, the Pirates hands down wrote and promoted their team the best, traveled the furthest and always showed up, put on a great show with great attendence, and was a competetive force in a very tough league.

[ianmackie]

from arguing to kissing ass...haha

[TourBandits]

You have to love that financial report?

[zipyaj]

(June 16, 2008 3:37PM on IHC) AAU Hockey announced today the creation of the American Inline Hockey League, a new league designed for elite players age 16 and above as they advance beyond the traditional youth ages to the senior semi- professional level.


Gentlemen:
Your diaogue thus far, in this observers opinion, is seemingly Pro-centric. That is to say that your concerns and comments selfishly focus on the Pro level of this sport without further consideration to others - those lower in the hockey food chain than you! As introduced in the June 16th IHC article, the new league is designed for "Elite Players 16 and Above...." Squabble among yourselves as you will about the voluminous archives of PROFESSIONAL Roller Hockey, but consider, too, the ramifications of these actions onto the Bantam, Midget and Junior level Clubs and even the High School and Collegiate scholastic programs - the building blocks and so-called feeder programs to becomining ELITE (as thought to be in elysium in this ill-defined genre).

Confucius said: Man who trip over same rock twice, deserve to break neck!


IF indeed the AAU et al is desirous in moving toward a higher level, some serious consideration must also be given to "raising the bar" and not just passing half-measures as being "just roller hockey" and elevate the respect for the game and within the game at ALL levels.

The matters of alignment or programs at the higher level transcends the box of Professional Inline Hockey in this forum topic and deserves more!

Regards,
Jay Piz

INTERSCHOLASTIC HOCKEY FEDERATION (IHF)
www.IHF-HOCKEY.org
IHFhockey@gmail.com

[GROWL]

from arguing to kissing ass...haha

At no point was I arguing. I made a statement a few days ago, many people were up at arms with Dougs reaction, yet I was not. I respected his opinion and followed it with a clarification of where my statement was intended to hit home. I never thought it deserved to be blown up like it was, because I was not trying to ever offend anyone. So i apologized and moved on. I am also not kissing ass. Am I supposed to be mortal enemies with him because he slammed me a little bit for what he believed in? That isn't how I work, after reading my post I sort of deserved what he wrote. As for the ass kissing, I think my arguement is valid, who better deserved the org of the year then SC? Answer that with solid facts then you can call me an ass kisser. And if you think I am, you obviously don't know me very well.

[GROWL]

Funny, I read this and then saw one of the people on my AIM buddy list has in his away message that Professional Roller Hockey has returned to Buffalo(We had the Buffalo Stampede and the Buffalo Wings in RHI). Any connection here or is this like NARCH PRO or TORHS?

I would think this has something to do with TORHS coming to Buffalo. One of the greatest Pro Finals that ever took place there between the Wings and Rink Rat if my memory serves me correct. Ranks up there withe the Mud Cat / Rink Rat Final in Florida in 2003.

[rhhof]

Not to butt in here but it was the Buffalo Wings vs. Rink Rat in the TORHS Pro final in ""Rochester, NY"" that was the Jaime Cooke cross bar buzzer beater and OT thriller...

[Berry_Bramble]

Thanks Doug!
Vio.... I wasnt making it the USHIL vs AAU/USARS issue.

My whole point is every one has different sets of rules for this game. I too feel NARCh is a spectacular event. There are other Great events too.

Beating that horse of one vs the other does nothing. My point is get a set of rules for everyone to follow. Still make money, but get the "act" together. Is any one group the only one ot have answers? heck no! but there needs to be a start a unifying onf the games, some where some how.

Just as there has been what appears to be problems in PIHA this year, and as Frank mentioned in MLRH there are some problems with as things start. no one is perfect. Granted NARCH has it down to a nice science.

There are enough people out there who have the passion and the knowledge to make this happen, but many have burned out trying.

Vio, to you personally I really wasnt trying to get that started. I have read posts of Doug Jones I felt his anger in what he said. His passion was there. That was my main reason for posting.

I love this game even if now from a far. It to me is one of the best games out there. it truly saddens me to see it get beat up because of differences and opinions that seemingly go in full circle mode.

Roy



I was only 'joken' :p

[Berry_Bramble]

from Arguing To Kissing Ass...haha

....................... <3

[patb16]

HOLLY CRAP!!!!!?????!!!!! i'm shaking my head wondering why, and how you know that Pat ...but its funny as all hell

Just did a simple Google search...LOL

[Doug Jones]

I would have to agree. Organization of the year could have gone to a number of different teams. There were a number of worthy candidates like Winchester (great website, dance team), Long Island (amazing attendence and presentation), any number of the California teams (especially East Bay, Nor Cal, or San Jose), the Snipers or Tornadoes in St Louis. However I would have personally picked the SC Pirates. From the start of the season to the end, the Pirates hands down wrote and promoted their team the best, traveled the furthest and always showed up, put on a great show with great attendence, and was a competetive force in a very tough league.

Glad that someone sees the effort we put into a market where the sport NEEDS to grow.

I just shake my head. Just because I have publicly disagreed with PIHA in instances and or spoken out, doesn't mean my organization didn't work hard to promote itself and build the sport.

Congrats to the Thunder.

[Doug Jones]

from arguing to kissing ass...haha

Next up on Love Connection, Ian Mackie and Dave Garland....

stay tuned!

[ianmackie]

good one doug.

not my type though. i am more into my wife; she works, shares the money, and also is my friend.