Piha

[KQuinton]

I have been reading some of the comments made about the PIHA League. As some of you know I have been involved in the league from the initiation. This league has grown tremendously from when it first started with just teams from PA. With the vast expansion the past two years the growing pains that have resulted, though frustrating for all involved, are to be anticipated. To branch off from this league when it has reached a pinnacle time in growth would be a disservice to our sport. The growth and popularity of inline hockey has been compromised by the number and unwillingness of all the factions involved to collaborate. Again we appear to be in the process of circumventing the betterment of this sport.

Secondly, in response to a quote that many have been commenting upon, I offer two other quotes to ponder:

"If you chase two rabbits, both will escape."
- Chinese Proverb

"We must all hang together,
or assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
- Benjamin Franklin

[DCbullets14]

The growth and popularity of inline hockey has been compromised by the number and unwillingness of all the factions involved to collaborate.

I have to completly agree with this statement. However my opinion is that PIHA has failed to take actions which are in the best interest of all the players. As I understand it the leagues goal at the beginning of this season was to expand the league and offer opportunities for additional players to become involved. Unfortunatly this goal was quickly changed to a focus only on the elite few (PIHA International). By limiting the focus of this league the majority of individuals involved in the league were completly ignored.

There is a serious difference between a league having growing pains and a league which does nothing to address major issues. PIHA failed to address many of the issues; including inconsistancy among officials, lack of communication, financial issues, and unkept promisses and for that reason people have been forced to look elsewhere. If throughout the season progressive changes had been made to correct some of these issues there would be no division of the league however, those who control the league decided to ignore the concers of owners and players.

To those who choose to stay with PIHA and "hang together" I suggest you pull out your wallets because it will be your money which buys the rope.



"We must all hang together,
or assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
- Benjamin Franklin

You use a quote by a man who pushed for creation of a democratic system of government to convince people to stay under tyrannical rule istead of going to a new league run by a board of directors in which all owners have voting rights. (essentailly a democratic system)

Brad Pryor
MD Knights
DC Bullets

[herbearsfan26]

very well said...i think everyone just expects it to be perfect right away...noone is willing to wait. the problem is, if you try to make it happen too fast, it will crash and burn, like it has in the past. charley is doing a good thing, better than anyone else has...until someone else does it better, i think people need to lay off the insults to the league and the people that run it. i know theres talk of all these other "pro leagues" but until i see a game played im not gonna compare them to anything, or say there good or say there bad, cause as of right now, its non-existant. what i can say is that from what ive seen from piha, its good, and its a league with a schedule and teams.

[GoRangrHky]

until someone else does it better...

And how exactly do you propose that someone does it better while at the same time staying the course?

http://www.hockeyleaguehistory.com/professional_leagues.htm Remember that the NHL, at least the Original Six era, started in 1942. The NHL actually started operations in 1917.

[Center_ice]

The things that happened in the league this year are without a doubt a disservice to the sport.

[GROWL]

I have been reading some of the comments made about the PIHA League. As some of you know I have been involved in the league from the initiation. This league has grown tremendously from when it first started with just teams from PA. With the vast expansion the past two years the growing pains that have resulted, though frustrating for all involved, are to be anticipated. To branch off from this league when it has reached a pinnacle time in growth would be a disservice to our sport. The growth and popularity of inline hockey has been compromised by the number and unwillingness of all the factions involved to collaborate. Again we appear to be in the process of circumventing the betterment of this sport.


I hate to call someone out here, but this statement is nothing more then blind allegiance . If you haven't been an active owner in over two years, then you have no right to comment based on your experiences from 2002-2004. I understand loyalty but don't fight a battle you have no right being in.

[Doug Jones]

I hate to call someone out here, but this statement is nothing more then blind allegiance . If you haven't been an active owner in over two years, then you have no right to comment based on your experiences from 2002-2004. I understand loyalty but don't fight a battle you have no right being in.

It amazes me how all these less than 10 post wonders show up to defend the league. If you speak of truth, let us know who you are so we may all engage in debate.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the AIHL has arisen due to the need of others to see and feel that their voices, concerns and issues are being listened to and corrected.

While I applaud the effort of the press release on PIHA's site, it is just that. A press release. I want to see these changes. The division directors are not the problem. If it weren't for them there would not be a PIHA in some areas this past year.


"For every action, there is a reaction" Einstein

"I like competition, it brings the character out in people", Yogi Berra

My favorite
"Your best source of what your doing wrong is your customers, listen to them", Bill Gates

[rhhof]

Confucious also said,

"Man fart in church, sit on pew"

"Man sit on toilet, high on pot"

"Man live in glass house, change clothes in basement"

I think these all apply too....

[GROWL]

Man live in Vegas, spend to much time at Spirament RHino

[growl89]

very well said...i think everyone just expects it to be perfect right away...noone is willing to wait. the problem is, if you try to make it happen too fast, it will crash and burn, like it has in the past. charley is doing a good thing, better than anyone else has...until someone else does it better, i think people need to lay off the insults to the league and the people that run it. i know theres talk of all these other "pro leagues" but until i see a game played im not gonna compare them to anything, or say there good or say there bad, cause as of right now, its non-existant. what i can say is that from what ive seen from piha, its good, and its a league with a schedule and teams.

You are right with one thing, it is crashing and burning. Because it did happen too fast. And it is a shame because it had a lot of potential, for the past two seasons there was no other wannabe pro league (mlrh) getting in the way. Piha had a huge chance to seperate itself from anyone trying to go into the pro roller hockey market. Now it seems we have another new league in the aihl. Its all rather annoying to be honest. I'll play where my team plays, because I enjoy hockey, but hopefully a new league starts with all the answers, mlrh didnt, xihl didnt, piha couldve, but didnt, will this new league? Doubtful, but hopefully they do, because until then, more and more kids will be pushed away from the sport, hopefully someone will start to see this and try to keep it from happening...

[rhhof]

Well we had a Crazy Horse, its been shut down for a while now....actually, I'm more of a Treasures or Cheetahs guy, but I'll settle for Rhinos...

[33]

I understand loyalty but don't fight a battle you have no right being in.

hahahahahahaha!

[Drexel63]

Ying, you beat me to it...

Frist off, Doug, regardless of his post count, Mr. Quinton is no flash in the pan regarding PIHA, or Roller Hockey in general. Just because someone doesn't contribute on IHC often, does not mean they don't have an insight on the situation. Kean was around from the start, and ran PIHA's original organization of the year, the York Typhoon. Think of all the great things the SC Pirates have done this past year. Well, Mr. Quinton did them 7 years ago...

Secondly, Flynn, everyone who has ever played this game, not just for this league has the right to be in this fight. I encourage every owner, when making this decision, to contemplate the full consequences of our actions on the future of roller hockey, not only at our level, but as a whole...

[Berry_Bramble]

USA Inline starting there own pro league?...Will tell you more...at 11.

[William Bourque]

Ying, you beat me to it...

Frist off, Doug, regardless of his post count, Mr. Quinton is no flash in the pan regarding PIHA, or Roller Hockey in general. Just because someone doesn't contribute on IHA often, does not mean they don't have an insight on the situation. Kean was around from the start, and ran PIHA's original organization of the year, the York Typhoon. Think of all the great things the SC Pirates have done this past year. Well, Mr. Quinton did them 7 years ago...

Secondly, Flynn, everyone who has ever played this game, not just for this league has the right to be in this fight. I encourage every owner, when making this decision, to contemplate the full consequences of our actions on the future of roller hockey, not only at our level, but as a whole...

Bill,

Outstanding Post. It's evident that you truly get it.

[minutemen]

Hey I see both sides to the argument. But what players have to realize is, that for the most part it is the owners that come up with the cash. In my case, I pay for the team and give them free rink time, since I own the rink. So if I was involved this past season, I to may have been upset.

Now there are some teams that players pay but I feel the owners are not just doing it for the there own best interest but for there players as well. Players remember, you come and play and for the most part that is it. The owners are the ones dealing with the day to day running of the team, and trust me it is not easy.

Is AIHL the better choice, possibly. They have a lot to do and the meeting this week is the first step. PIHA has done a great job in helping the sport, but some major issues have come up and they were not dealt with and
ignored. To me that is the key issue. Teams pay a lot of money and the front office has to respond.

[GR8SK8r06]

I understand loyalty but don't fight a battle you have no right being in.

Hey Flynn, why dont you start "calling guys out" that pull the same thing 5 times a day on this site?? There are crazier, less informed guys on here you can attack...... or does that not serve your best interests because they support your new league that has no web site, teams, core "PRO" players, or experience in running anything??

[Berry_Bramble]

Guy..what are you so worried about...it is AAU.

[alex]

Guy..what are you so worried about...it is AAU.

If those words don't ease one's worries...I don't know what will.

[33]

Ying, you beat me to it...

Frist off, Doug, regardless of his post count, Mr. Quinton is no flash in the pan regarding PIHA, or Roller Hockey in general. Just because someone doesn't contribute on IHA often, does not mean they don't have an insight on the situation. Kean was around from the start, and ran PIHA's original organization of the year, the York Typhoon. Think of all the great things the SC Pirates have done this past year. Well, Mr. Quinton did them 7 years ago...

Secondly, Flynn, everyone who has ever played this game, not just for this league has the right to be in this fight. I encourage every owner, when making this decision, to contemplate the full consequences of our actions on the future of roller hockey, not only at our level, but as a whole...

so right on every level!

[Doug Jones]

I have been reading some of the comments made about the PIHA League. As some of you know I have been involved in the league from the initiation. This league has grown tremendously from when it first started with just teams from PA. With the vast expansion the past two years the growing pains that have resulted, though frustrating for all involved, are to be anticipated. To branch off from this league when it has reached a pinnacle time in growth would be a disservice to our sport. The growth and popularity of inline hockey has been compromised by the number and unwillingness of all the factions involved to collaborate. Again we appear to be in the process of circumventing the betterment of this sport.

Secondly, in response to a quote that many have been commenting upon, I offer two other quotes to ponder:

"If you chase two rabbits, both will escape."
- Chinese Proverb

"We must all hang together,
or assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
- Benjamin Franklin

My mistake, I had no idea of the involvement and origins. I will say this, obviously it isn't a perfect world and I except that. But and I say but again, that doesn't mean that you can't improve your operations and customer issues.

There was alot of "acceptance" that went on because there is/was no competition. Now there is. Choices can be made and for the best interest of what city and program your in.

There should always be choices and the freedom to choose without having your rights compromised.

Doug

Again, I refer to Bill Gates quote I put up earlier....

[FrankFrank]

Skating 6 of my 7 years under the Typhoon flag, anyone doubting Kean Quinton's loyalties needs to question themselves. Yes, Kean has held the PIHA Orginization of the Year award (i believe twice), but more importantly is his commitment to roller hockey in general. He took an almost non-existent hockey program in York, and turned it into the York Storm program that it is now. A number of the players joining the York Typhoon this past year and in the next couple years to come, have come from this program. His loyalties are to roller hockey in general, not to a single individual.

I said this in the other thread... we visited this all before when some of you joined the XIHL, and ended up burying both MLRH and XIHL. Congrats... you made your point. MLRH couldn't hack it without you, and XIHL just couldn't hack it in general. Bravo. If you want to bury another 2 leagues in the name of "change"... Be My Guest. Then we will be left with nothing, and still remain the absolute laughing stock of sports.

The choice is every player's and every owner's... choose wisely.


Frank~Frank Szilagyi
#21 York Typhoon

[Berry_Bramble]

Doug,

I wouldn't go quoting Gate's...have you seen some of the crap they have put out? I just think you are all 100% jumping the gun. But hey, the grass is always greener on the other side right? :rolleyes:

[Doug Jones]

Doug,

I wouldn't go quoting Gate's...have you seen some of the crap they have put out? I just think you are all 100% jumping the gun. But hey, the grass is always greener on the other side right? :rolleyes:

One thing I've learned is the grass is ALWAYS greener over the septic tank...

Choices Vio, choices are important to have WITHOUT an axe hanging over your head....

If you listen to both parties, you can see which one benefits your organization best. If Anthony is backing the AIHL, I have dealt with him more this year than anyone from the PIHA office and he has helped me resolve alot of my issues. He even got answers for me when I couldn't get return calls, emails or responses.

The meeting is 6/26 and I intend to listen and let my team decide which is better for us.

Or I can sit over the septic tank and see how green the grass really is

I am in Vegas for NARCh, so any people there come say hi!!!

[PGHhockey]

Survival of the fittest - that's the bottom line here. PIHA will either live on or die out.

AIHL has the backing of AAU/USARS and hopefully they'll get it right. Coming from western PA, where AAU is much more exposed than any other major organization, I think they'll get the job done.

An organization/company is only as good as the people who run it, and the AIHL definitely has good people on the front lines.

[Berry_Bramble]

What ever makes you happy Doug, would be nice for AAU to be involved with something that isn't a disaster for a change, all kidding a side. If they actually do it the right way it can only help the sport, would just hate for this to be a 'rebound' type of thing for everyone that was so upset.

[scotty b]

You know what's funny, and maybe funny isnt the right word, but interesting. That from the sounds of it, and this is pure speculation but if the organizer of PIHA had just returned phone calls and emails none of this would have happened. It really is all about communication. He could have let everyone know about the allstar game and like it or not if people were made aware of it they would have dealt so much better. Now because one person just doesnt get back with people, and from what I hear ever, there is going to be an entirely new league. its very sad indeed to see, but thats what happens when you don't reply to your clients. In anything.

[GROWL]

No one is criticizing Kean's record in the league. I certainly am not. However, the issues that concern the owners of the league today were not relavent in 2002. The league spun out of control and judging PIHA based on its operation when it was a 7 team league from Harrisburg to Philadelphia is ridiculous. My point is that if your going to defend the league, then defend the issues that people are upset with. Give an excuse for the lack of communication, the absence of financial disclosure, why the teams can have no say in their own league, ect... Just because the league used to have 7 teams and now it has 42 doesn't mean it is because the league has done such a great job. It is because people like myself, CJ Gamble, Chris Havelock, Dave Garland, Ruppy Hailey, and Todd Wiley have worked our ass off FOR NOTHING for way to long. The majority of the new teams over the years that entered were do to the hard work of these people as opposed to the league pounding the pavement.

It is not my intention to discount the work that the PIHA has done over the past 7 years, but it has grown out of their control. It has been a major issue with many of us over the past year and a half that the league yield to the owners for help and control, so the league would run smoother and teams would feel involved and incorporated in the process. The league office has made it perfectly clear both verbally and by their actions that it is their league and that they alone make decisions. That alone is the only fact that is relevant in this entire conversation. No one wants to leave PIHA and the progress that we have made, but if the league can't operate as it is and is unwilling to make the changes that owners want to see made in order to go forward together, then it is the league that is leaving the rest of us no choice but the one that has been made.

Kean my post was in no way meant as a personal attack, I respect all that you have done, but understand that up until last June I was as big a supporter of PIHA as you are. It was the experience of the past year and a half that has been SO BAD, that has forced me to both change that opinion and to move on.

[joisyan]

if i may go back to the "quote game." my personal favorite is:

"people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." dont know who it's from though.

we are all inline hockey players. so that puts us all under the same roof. there is NO room for error in our sport on a national level. so therefor we have glass walls... so wtf are we doing chucking stones around all day? instead of trying to build a real house.

why cant we all learn to build a house by laying brick by brick at a time. instead of patching up everything the cheap "harry home owner" way.

and all of the poeple who give a damn; that are DOING something, or "laying bricks" are getting scrutinized? (sp?)

yoder, raue, flynn, whoever else (sorry if i'm leaving any of the key players anymore out) these are guys that are trying to build a real foundation for our "house." and damn them for allowing anybody into their house, because all that does is allow more and more room for error.

here in winchester, we may not have won one single game. we may have been blown out constantly, you could say we were a part of the reason people arent taking this league seriously...but can you blame them for giving alot of the guys here (who've never played anything more competitive than house league) a chance to play with some of the best the U.S. has to offer?

but you know what, they ARE allowing all of us to come into their projects. they ARE giving us a place to play. and for a while, we HAVE been paying out our asses to play. so why not do like mr wiley said and just let the chips fall where they may, and let them do their jobs to create what is best for our sport?

[quick_dry]

I'm not sure what you're saying joisyan - it sounds like you're saying nobody should question or criticize the choices being made by various leagues/governing bodies (i'll leave it as organisations, rather than making it a cult of personality thing).

I think it is interesting the way attitude has swung regarding PIHA, when I joined this forum it seemed anyone criticising the PIHA was universally jumped on. It definitely seems a much more healthy outlook when people are freely asking tough questions.

The league seems to be run more like a tournament series might be setup - as a business, where the organisor sets the rules, teams can play if they pay the fee, but they don't get any real say in how the tournament is run. That is great for a short duration tournament, but long term IMO an association with a proper constitution and governing committee made up of reps from the member teams/clubs makes much more sense.

Benevelont dictators are great for getting the ball rolling, but they usually get outgrown - if they want to be remembered fondly the trick is to plan handing over to the people before they're ready to storm the castle (or in this case, just go elsewhere)

[joisyan]

i'm not on any one side so to speak. when i say no body should be throwing stones. i'm speaking in every regard. whether it be MLRH, PIHA, AIHL, or even ARHA when/if it comes out with a league.

like i said, this is a sport that has no margin for error. and all we do is slander each other. as if there isnt a lack of respect for our sport as it is

[hockkid13]

The league seems to be run more like a tournament series might be setup - as a business, where the organisor sets the rules, teams can play if they pay the fee, but they don't get any real say in how the tournament is run.


This, in my opinion, is the best description of PIHA I have read on this site.

[GROWL]

Tim,

Your posts are excellent. Kudos to you for posting with a clear head. We are all guilty of posting with emotion and it is evident in the tone of a lot of the threads.

In that spirit, I want to make the following statement. I have not, nor do I hold any animosity toward PIHA or its management. I have tremendous respect for the organization, having been a part of the league for 7 years.

I am extremely disappointed however that PIHA has not picked up the phone in an effort to discuss the matter with me personally. I know that there has been a frantic campaign to call certain teams over the past week, but none was made to me, a person that has worked tirelessly for years in the name of PIHA. It appears that instead of negotiating with the teams who have spoken out, in an effort to reconcile, they have chosen to prey on the appathetic teams, in an attempt to hold on to some teams and use them as leverage against the rest. This game plan is no different then the very same business dealings that got them into this situation to start with. Again, it is a real shame that the PIHA can't learn from their mistakes. No one wanted to leave, we all knew it was taking a step backwards, but PIHA simply did not have another step in the right direction left. The day I made my decision to leave PIHA was a very sad one and again i hold no ill will, but certainly disappointment that they lost focus on their original goal and on the wishes of the teams involved.

[Tekkaman]

You shouldn't state things when you don't even know all the facts center_ice. The entire york minor and pro pay every penny for playing this season and every season. So get your facts straight before you go saying stupid things like that.

[Berry_Bramble]

Of course frankfrank supports PIHA they don't pay to play in the league since they are Charlie little baby. Just more of the owners money being used in the worst ways.

Vio Bramble, Life must be slow over there on your meesage board. How's the job at skate safe these days??

Oh no, who brought the cool guy to the party. It is slow, way to try to get under my skin. Keep trying, it might eventually work.
Don’t work at skate safe anymore. I own the pro shop out at rapid fire, I am sure you already knew that since you are trying to come off as the internet know it all. But my teams still practice at skate safe, have to spread the love.

[FrankFrank]

Center_Ice... while I'd really like to rip into you right now, I will hold myself back. Everyone in the York Typhoon organization paid every penny of what they owed to the league. I believe the fee was roughly $375 per player which did not include jerseys or amenities which we ran iron-mans to cover.
So before you get on here and start yapping without an ounce of education on the topic, take 2 steps back before you look like a real dunce posting at 3am. You got a problem with me, PM me. You got a problem with Charley... whatever, that's your problem.
I've played here and there, and I'll probably play in a number of more leagues before my career wraps up. I just want to play some damn puck and not see it dry up completely.


Frank~Frank

[33]

Tim,

Your posts are excellent. Kudos to you for posting with a clear head. We are all guilty of posting with emotion and it is evident in the tone of a lot of the threads.

In that spirit, I want to make the following statement. I have not, nor do I hold any animosity toward PIHA or its management. I have tremendous respect for the organization, having been a part of the league for 7 years.

I am extremely disappointed however that PIHA has not picked up the phone in an effort to discuss the matter with me personally. I know that there has been a frantic campaign to call certain teams over the past week, but none was made to me, a person that has worked tirelessly for years in the name of PIHA. It appears that instead of negotiating with the teams who have spoken out, in an effort to reconcile, they have chosen to prey on the appathetic teams, in an attempt to hold on to some teams and use them as leverage against the rest. This game plan is no different then the very same business dealings that got them into this situation to start with. Again, it is a real shame that the PIHA can't learn from their mistakes. No one wanted to leave, we all knew it was taking a step backwards, but PIHA simply did not have another step in the right direction left. The day I made my decision to leave PIHA was a very sad one and again i hold no ill will, but certainly disappointment that they lost focus on their original goal and on the wishes of the teams involved.

i tried to bite my tongue but it is not working. please tell me why in the world charley would call you this week when you already announced that you were starting your own thing...to kiss your a$$ to come back to piha? ego check. i'm so not into getting on here and publicly blasting someone (like some people do) so i'm going to stop now cause i have a whole lot more to say. the last comment i will make is that i know for a fact that you have made some of the same phone calls this week. like someone said earlier, "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". stop being a hypocrit and do your own thing and call it a day. good luck to you and everyone else that follows...i have a feeling you're going to need it!

[Berry_Bramble]

Patrick Roy was a great goalie.

[Doug Jones]

I didn't get a phone call, but I did get an email asking me where I wanted the Piha Southeast division trophy sent.

I haven't replied yet....

[Berry_Bramble]

Boy you showed them Doug.


Ok so Junior Olympics is supposed to have started 2min ago...'countdown complete'.....Yes there schedule is only done up to this Friday. I only know my first two 8u round robin games and then the rest of the tourney is a toss up. These are the people who are going to take elite/pro call it what you want, roller hockey to the next level. I can't wait, I am glad there is all this concern about pro teams. Yet 8u and 10u numbers get worse and worse.

[GROWL]

i tried to bite my tongue but it is not working. please tell me why in the world charley would call you this week when you already announced that you were starting your own thing...to kiss your a$$ to come back to piha? ego check. i'm so not into getting on here and publicly blasting someone (like some people do) so i'm going to stop now cause i have a whole lot more to say. the last comment i will make is that i know for a fact that you have made some of the same phone calls this week. like someone said earlier, "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". stop being a hypocrit and do your own thing and call it a day. good luck to you and everyone else that follows...i have a feeling you're going to need it!

why? maybe to finally address the issues that have everyone upset. You are correct, I have made phone calls this week, but here is the major difference. Myself and the other division coordinators made it a point to speak on a consistant basis all season long. My phone calls this week were nothing more then the culmination of a season long promise. That if the teams' issues were not addressed, that we would all look for an alternative. Thankfully AAU has provided that venue. Im not sure why you claim I am doing my own thing, because I am not the head of the AAU project, but I guess since I am drumming up support for it I will be tagged with that lable until people see what is really going on.

Finally, I will cast all the stones I choose, I bought $4,500 worth, just know that my stones have a purpose. People who want to defend PIHA need to step up and defend the issues, not just argue for the sake of arguuing. That is casting stones in a glass house, not actually arguing a legitamate complaint.

[33]

I bought $4,500 worth

really????

[Doug Jones]

why? maybe to finally address the issues that have everyone upset. You are correct, I have made phone calls this week, but here is the major difference. Myself and the other division coordinators made it a point to speak on a consistant basis all season long. My phone calls this week were nothing more then the culmination of a season long promise. That if the teams' issues were not addressed, that we would all look for an alternative. Thankfully AAU has provided that venue. Im not sure why you claim I am doing my own thing, because I am not the head of the AAU project, but I guess since I am drumming up support for it I will be tagged with that lable until people see what is really going on.

Finally, I will cast all the stones I choose, I bought $4,500 worth, just know that my stones have a purpose. People who want to defend PIHA need to step up and defend the issues, not just argue for the sake of arguuing. That is casting stones in a glass house, not actually arguing a legitamate complaint.


I can back that... I called alot and you were there, we didn't agree all the time, but you were there to help when I got "leave a message" elsewhere...

[Doug Jones]

Boy you showed them Doug.


Ok so Junior Olympics is supposed to have started 2min ago...'countdown complete'.....Yes there schedule is only done up to this Friday. I only know my first two 8u round robin games and then the rest of the tourney is a toss up. These are the people who are going to take elite/pro call it what you want, roller hockey to the next level. I can't wait, I am glad there is all this concern about pro teams. Yet 8u and 10u numbers get worse and worse.

Ok, Vio, you kill me, LOL!!!:)

[Berry_Bramble]

Ok, Vio, you kill me, LOL!!!:)

Well they do call me 'the funny man'

[raymeswh]

so how many teams are jumping ship to the AAU league?

[Doug Jones]

Well they do call me 'the funny man'

you and Ian (Mackie) have the same sense of humor....

I guess your right, I showed them ;)

[Berry_Bramble]

I think the real question should be, how many USAinline rinks will become AAU rinks?

[Berry_Bramble]

you and Ian (Mackie) have the same sense of humor....

I guess your right, I showed them ;)

very much so...x2

[alex]

Center_Ice... while I'd really like to rip into you right now, I will hold myself back. Everyone in the York Typhoon organization paid every penny of what they owed to the league. I believe the fee was roughly $375 per player which did not include jerseys or amenities which we ran iron-mans to cover.
So before you get on here and start yapping without an ounce of education on the topic, take 2 steps back before you look like a real dunce posting at 3am. You got a problem with me, PM me. You got a problem with Charley... whatever, that's your problem.
I've played here and there, and I'll probably play in a number of more leagues before my career wraps up. I just want to play some damn puck and not see it dry up completely.


Frank~Frank

Eh, don't mind him. He likes talking about sh*t he doesn't know about and throw around rumors he "heard about" from his "sources."

[pghbandit11]

I think the real question should be, how many USAinline rinks will become AAU rinks?

Why are you posting on here when you have had nothing to with either piha or AAU? I dont think I have ever seen you post in the Pro section of this forum until there was the announcement of the new league being AAU. You need to get a life and quit your complaining about AAU. Since you have so much experience in piha, tell us all the positives of piha.

[GR8SK8r06]

why? maybe to finally address the issues that have everyone upset. You are correct, I have made phone calls this week, but here is the major difference. Myself and the other division coordinators made it a point to speak on a consistant basis all season long. My phone calls this week were nothing more then the culmination of a season long promise. That if the teams' issues were not addressed, that we would all look for an alternative. Thankfully AAU has provided that venue. Im not sure why you claim I am doing my own thing, because I am not the head of the AAU project, but I guess since I am drumming up support for it I will be tagged with that lable until people see what is really going on.

Finally, I will cast all the stones I choose, I bought $4,500 worth, just know that my stones have a purpose. People who want to defend PIHA need to step up and defend the issues, not just argue for the sake of arguuing. That is casting stones in a glass house, not actually arguing a legitamate complaint.

AAU provided that venue?? What venue have they provided? They posted one article about a new league! Careful how you drum up support! I have a feeling that you wont have as many supporters as first projected. We have noted that there have been problems in PIHA and you paint AAU with this infallible/ inline hockey savoir brush! Quit with your "I have all the answers for all your problems" mantality! You better prepare to match up with a league that has the BEST players in the sport playing in it where you have maybe 2 thus far shooter! Dramatizing on a site that has 12 dudes posting on it consistently crying about your problems doesn't warrant a new league in my own opinion.

[kicksave60]

I know a place with a cage and plenty of gloves....we should fight it out! Seems everyone likes throwing punches in here, so lets get Big John and GET IT ON!!!! We could film it and put it on YouTube. Battle of Inline leagues. Last time I checked teams pay to play, so they can spend their cash with what league they want. I don't know 90% of you and I don't care, but you all sound like a bunch of 8 year olds fighting over the last cupcake at Billy's birthday party. Who's FULL TIME job is it to play inline hockey?(minus the VERY select few) Come on, its a game we play AFTER we do our REAL job..........does it really need to be all hostile all the time? GET A GRIP... pay your cash.... and play hockey ladies...............

Oh yeah I feel if some teams were wronged by the PIHA, then they have every right to express emotion towards a league and a person that made promises and never followed up on them. That is most def bad for business..hands down


Brian Sheffield
1/2 off alligator skins this week only!

[ianmackie]

vio coached with the 495ers and has been a big piece of new york roller hockey for awhile...and that is not a fat joke.

so, john...please apologize to a guy that is both affiliated with piha and is now feeling a little upset with aau at the moment.

btw, i love gene simmons.

[Berry_Bramble]

Why are you posting on here when you have had nothing to with either piha or AAU? I dont think I have ever seen you post in the Pro section of this forum until there was the announcement of the new league being AAU. You need to get a life and quit your complaining about AAU. Since you have so much experience in piha, tell us all the positives of piha.

I did not realize I had to answer to you. Actually smart guy, I was involved with one of the teams and am involved in starting another team at another Long Island rink for next year regardless of which league it joins. That is all you need to know about me

[thebenchman]

It seems things never change. We as a hockey community cant even get to gether to get on one page. Yet we wonder why this sport cant get into the Olympics or even get any "REAL" TV exposure, not counting the "locallly owned network" in Colorado.

This does nothing for growing on improving the sport. It tears it down and in some parts, it seems to have loads of hatred in it. Pisse some off so they walk away from the game.


Roy

[Berry_Bramble]

vio coached with the 495ers and has been a big piece of new york roller hockey for awhile...and that is not a fat joke.

so, john...please apologize to a guy that is both affiliated with piha and is now feeling a little upset with aau at the moment.

btw, i love gene simmons.

Greasy Joe's in '08?

No Ralph or Ian this summer...I am going to be a sad panda

It seems things never change. We as a hockey community cant even get to gether to get on one page. Yet we wonder why this sport cant get into the Olympics or even get any "REAL" TV exposure, not counting the "locallly owned network" in Colorado.

This does nothing for growing on improving the sport. It tears it down and in some parts, it seems to have loads of hatred in it. Pisse some off so they walk away from the game.

Roy

yep...nothing's changed man, other than you and irish never posting and several others that where fun to read.

[minutemen]

Folks, this is getting a little old. We are beating a dead horse. Listen some owners and players are upset with PIHA and it is there money and they have the right to be. Some players are fine and want to see how next year is with PIHA, and that is your right. But it seems to me that the people that are leaving are being burned at the stake by people who staying with PIHA. That is not fair. From the comments I have read, I have really not seen any of the AIHL people being rude to others. That is what is ruining the sport not the AIHL being formed. Hey many sports have survived with a two leagues. The NFL used to be the AFL and NFL in the early years, then they merged. I think that two leagues gives people more options, and it looks like the sport is popular. Now I do not know why the sport is not in the Olympics but hopefully someday it will. I really feel we do not have the fan support, BMX does.

[Berry_Bramble]

Folks, this is getting a little old. We are beating a dead horse. Listen some owners and players are upset with PIHA and it is there money and they have the right to be. Some players are fine and want to see how next year is with PIHA, and that is your right. But it seems to me that the people that are leaving are being burned at the stake by people who staying with PIHA. That is not fair. From the comments I have read, I have really not seen any of the AIHL people being rude to others. That is what is ruining the sport not the AIHL being formed. Hey many sports have survived with a two leagues. The NFL used to be the AFL and NFL in the early years, then they merged. I think that two leagues gives people more options, and it looks like the sport is popular. Now I do not know why the sport is not in the Olympics but hopefully someday it will. I really feel we do not have the fan support, BMX does.

I think a ton of great ideas will come out of having both leagues. But it is only natural for people to take sides. Especially with the nature of how it all went down....just the thought of condensing the season from 13 or 14 weekends of 2 – 5 games to possibly like the college league where you can get more games done in a short amount of time is very very appealing, you would only need to spend like 4 or 5 weekends away and be away for a week instead of driving 5 hours for 3 games, turn around and go home.

[PGHhockey]

Or sitting around at your home rink, expecting another team to make the 5-hour trip, and then suddenly realizing that they're not coming :)

[Berry_Bramble]

Or sitting around at your home rink, expecting another team to make the 5-hour trip, and then suddenly realizing that they're not coming :)

Oh come on now, it is people who do those things that make our sport spectacular. You can't blame PIHA for them not showing up, but you can blame them for not taking action against the teams.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Oh come on now, it is people who do those things that make our sport spectacular. You can't blame PIHA for them not showing up, but you can blame them for not taking action against the teams.

Or teams using illegal players and not being punished.

[Berry_Bramble]

Or teams using illegal players and not being punished.

yea I heard that about you guys...

[yokes]

So is there going to be a rule in either league prohibiting from playing in both...ala MLRH many years ago? Also any word tenatively on what teams are joining AIHL other than the Growl?

[GROWL]

Oh come on now, it is people who do those things that make our sport spectacular. You can't blame PIHA for them not showing up, but you can blame them for not taking action against the teams.

When you haven't forced collection of entry fees, you can absolutely blame the league. Had the Savannah Stingers paid 4500 like the rest of us, I suspect they would have been a bit more concerned with showing up.

Back when PIHA started, the league was very strict about who they let in the league. You had to jump through hoops to prove your responsibility. This year those standards disappeared completely. Teams like Marple, who were very talented, but had no leadership were a black eye on a terrific northeast division. They never returned phone calls, cancelled just about everyone home date they had and only rescheduled some of them. Whether they paid their money or not, how was it possible to allow a team in with no real leadership. When we would call Marple the blame was passed from person to person. This isn't about slamming Marple, because I blame the league. What happened to the standards that it used to take to enter the league. In the past the league made sure that their was leadership in place in organizations before accepting their application to the league. Teams don't realize actually how much is involved in participating in a league like PIHA and the league office used to make sure they were prepared. It is just terribly inconsistant with what got us to where we were.

How can you kick out a team like the Raleigh Assult for not paying their money, yet allow a team to win the entire league championship who hadn't paid all their money? Why because it made good financial sense for the league. What would have amounted to4,500 worth of income for the league, actually saved them way more then that in travel fees to both San Jose and Colorado. So the decision to allow the Dragons to stay in without paying their money, paid off in $$$ for the league. Plain and simple, no one should have been able to play without having paid. I'm again not blaming the teams, because it was obviously not made clear by the league up front what the price was or wasn't made a pressing issue.

I was being threatened to be out of the league in mid-december because I didn't submit my insurance information, which we were all and still are skeptical about. I was completely paid in full before Dec 1st, yet I was being threatened with expulsion, not Savanah, Marple, Pheonix, or Raleigh. Frightening!!!

[thebenchman]

I just sent you and email Flynn....
GADZOOKS!!

Vio, you know I have mellowed in my older age and decrepid fatness. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Yeah those days were a lot of fun. Some of these people now days I dont know if it could be handled any more. There was a LOT of BS, hell, it was funny, I would go to Tournaments and people were ask where is Benchy.....First time I really got to sit down and talk to Tommy Bruce, Thompson introduced me to him as Benchy....Tommy look freaked...I mean, why not?

Mark would come in under assumed names and stir it up.....I did get the pleasure of coaching many of the best 87's out there. Got to meet some of the greatest people in the game. Of course where would we all be with Phil Steur. God, Love him!! Jon Roux what a great guy and family. Daryn Goodwin, first time first Tourney I met him, was at a national i walk up to him for a "ruling" he gave it to me and i said can I use you name if I am questioned, or do i need to go to Daryn...... he said "I AM DARYN"....I walked away wanted to crawl. lol Tony Torhs..... omg what a salesman.... nuff said...
I could go on.....but i gotta mention Nanette Houser too....

I got to work a little bit for Mike Hunt/Rink Rat, Shayne Arsenault selling wheels. It was a great time.

So many years my vacation was NARCH Nationals/AAU Nationals/TORHS Nationals. Now a days I can actually HAVE a vacation of my desire..but I do miss the game.

Thanks for letting me remember....

Roy

[Berry_Bramble]

I just sent you and email Flynn....
GADZOOKS!!

Vio, you know I have mellowed in my older age and decrepid fatness. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Yeah those days were a lot of fun. Some of these people now days I dont know if it could be handled any more. There was a LOT of BS, hell, it was funny, I would go to Tournaments and people were ask where is Benchy.....First time I really got to sit down and talk to Tommy Bruce, Thompson introduced me to him as Benchy....Tommy look freaked...I mean, why not?

Mark would come in under assumed names and stir it up.....I did get the pleasure of coaching many of the best 87's out there. Got to meet some of the greatest people in the game. Of course where would we all be with Phil Steur. God, Love him!! Jon Roux what a great guy and family. Daryn Goodwin, first time first Tourney I met him, was at a national i walk up to him for a "ruling" he gave it to me and i said can I use you name if I am questioned, or do i need to go to Daryn...... he said "I AM DARYN"....I walked away wanted to crawl. lol Tony Torhs..... omg what a salesman.... nuff said...
I could go on.....but i gotta mention Nanette Houser too....

I got to work a little bit for Mike Hunt/Rink Rat, Shayne Arsenault selling wheels. It was a great time.

So many years my vacation was NARCH Nationals/AAU Nationals/TORHS Nationals. Now a days I can actually HAVE a vacation of my desire..but I do miss the game.

Thanks for letting me remember....

Roy

OK stop...now I feel old...jeez.

One of the best ever was all of Mark's clues for where narch was the year it was in minnesota.

[thebenchman]

Him being a lawyer, he knew how to twist the words. Stir it up.
I was talking to Phill Ellis the other day and we were discussing the play where the one kid got hammered/crosschecked violently in the back of the head in a game. The player got suspended and it was freaky video. He was all up in arms. Or in Politics...WOW!!

I picked him up here in STL for a tourney and he got off the plane in a Parrothead Shirt..... pure So Cal look..... was no problem, but it was winter here...He took a beating but was always glad to meet a challenge. His kid Brad was a hell of a hockey player too.

OLD Vio? Naw that's Phil's problem..... :0

Roy

[uconnhockey1]

its times like these that i wonder one thing, and one thing alone...

what would todd melton do?

[Center_ice]

just announced out of Middletown, PA: PIHA and USA Hockey Inline create Alliance!

Quite predictable... so now instead of paying $25 per player for a Players Association Card (which almost nobody got) and which had no insurance to show for, players would pay $35 and get an insurance thats no longer used in 95% of Americas rinks.

Good call. :confused:

[William Bourque]

I have no idea about the rink that use USA Inline versus AAU at their own facilities.

I do know that every NCRHA player is registered with USA Hockey Inline. NARCh and State Wars are also backed by USA Inline. I think it would be hard to criticize this move on PIHA's behalf because it addresses a problem that everyone brought up in the insurance and such.

[minutemen]

Well this would seem to solve one problem, but really it is not tough to sanction a league. All you do is call up and they send you forms to fill out. I spoke to the front office of PIHA the other day and they told me to look out for an announcement for next year and that it would solve problems people have had. I hope this is not all, because I expected a lot more.

[Center_ice]

I have no idea about the rink that use USA Inline versus AAU at their own facilities.

I do know that every NCRHA player is registered with USA Hockey Inline. NARCh and State Wars are also backed by USA Inline. I think it would be hard to criticize this move on PIHA's behalf because it addresses a problem that everyone brought up in the insurance and such.

Lets not get into the AAU vs. USHIL circular argument here..... I'm sure there's 50 threads on that throughout IHC...

[Berry_Bramble]

Actually..with USA Inline backing NARCh, the most organized tournament out there with the best numbers and State Wars that is also just extremely well organized. USA Inline also does a great job with there club qualifiers. It makes sense. Yea it might be 10 bucks more and the debate over which insurance can, has and will go on for ever. It can only be a good thing to align themselves where NARCh and State Wars are.

[William Bourque]

Lets not get into the AAU vs. USHIL circular argument here..... I'm sure there's 50 threads on that throughout IHC...



Reading Comprehension please...I'm pretty sure that was the point of my first line in reference to the poster above me. Maybe i wasn't clear enough.

The rest of my post explained why it was a good move on PIHA's part.

[InlineMBA]

Actually..with USA Inline backing NARCh, the most organized tournament out there with the best numbers and State Wars that is also just extremely well organized. USA Inline also does a great job with there club qualifiers. It makes sense. Yea it might be 10 bucks more and the debate over which insurance can, has and will go on for ever. It can only be a good thing to align themselves where NARCh and State Wars are.

And NCRHA.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[Berry_Bramble]

And NCRHA.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

Yep, them too.