MLRH Update

Hi Folks,

Sorry I've been a bit behind in my work on IHC; I've had a few fires to put out.

Here's the latest from Bill Raue about Major League Roller Hockey.

If other leagues and tourneys would like to post information on this Message Board while I get back up to speed, it would be much appreciated.

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Major League Roller Hockey Announces 2001 AAA Season
Over 40 teams to play coast-to-coast in National Elite League

Alexandria, VA--Major League Roller Hockey AAA (MLRH AAA) has announced that the Natinal Elite League will begin play in mid-March with over 40 teams battling coast-to coast through June for the National Championship. MLRH AAA teams play a 14 game, home and home schedule with most games played in dedicated roller hockey facilities that can accomodate 200-500 fans. AAA teams feature a city's top amatuer players and are permitted to roster two players with prior profesional experience.

MLRH President Bill Raue is thrilled with the explosion of teams in the League's second year. "Cheering for the home team is fundamental to all sports-except roller hockey. Unfortunately, it evolved into a tournament sport at neutral sites with teams representing nothing but themselves or a sponsor. Most often, not even friends or family get to see the teams play. AAA has put the hometown fans back into the mix. It's the grassroot base that this sport has needed with a new generation of owners and roller hockey enthusiasts."

The Rocky Mountain Wolverines (Denver) are the defending Champions, having defeated the Hampton Roads Destroyers in AAA's first National Championship Weekend at the Amherst Pepsi Center in Buffalo. The event was co-produced by MLRH and the Buffalo Wings.

MLRH AAA describes itself as an "amateur league with a professional attitude." Parents, wives and girlfriends assume the roles of coaches, trainers, GMs, publicity directors and run their operations as "mini pro teams." Most teams charge a $5.00 admission fee or a $20 family pass to offset expenses. According to Raue, many of these games are played with more enthusiasm than the pro games. Checking is allowed along the boards but no open floor hits are permitted.

Raue added, "AAA is a great idea for the facilities as well as the players. For most rinks, Saturday night is 'down time' with 'pick-up' hockey as their only source of revenue. When you own a AAA team, Satuday Night is 'pure excitement' with teams attracting 100-300 fans at $5.00 each. Rinks also enjoy increased pro shop and concession sales. It also creates a lot of free publicity -in most areas, the suburban newspapers cover the games like the pro teams. Finally, it helps to build the participating facilities' roller hockey program, creating a goal and a reason for young players to stay in the program. If they practice hard enough, one day they may be playing on saturday night with the 'big kids in a AAA game (or a half time game this season)."

For grassroots sponsorship opportunities, contact Bill Raue, League president at 703-535-5996 or contact the league office through their website: www.mlrh.com.

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Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central