NCT: An outside observer's view

First of all, I want to express just what a great event the NCT was. I watched parts of around 25 games, and saw some great competition. Something like this was barely even a pipe dream when I was involved with the Truman State club back in '95.

Now, for my observations.

What impressed me:

- Organization. There was little question about whether games would run (mostly) on time, what rink anything was on, or in general what was going on. The weekend flowed really smoothly. The banners, trophies, and medals were quite nice. (Though, I'd've announced the outstanding players/goaltenders during the awards ceremony after each final.)

- Level of play. Outstanding competition. Fast skating, hard shooting, crisp passing, evasive moves, inpenetrable goaltending--this tournament had it all, and then some. The level of play has increased tenfold since last I saw collegiate play (before the founding of CRHL).

- Facility. All-American is nice facility. Two top-notch rinks. The locker rooms lacked a little bit, but everything else was exceptional. (Okay, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the place stunk, mostly from all the gear and players. That, combined with fresh paint, was enough to almost knock me out on Friday.)

Disappointments:

- Officiating. For a non-check event, there was a lot of physical play allowed. What made it worse is that calls were not consistent, even within the same game. Too many cross-checks, too many hooks, too many tackles--and this is coming from someone that likes a hard-hitting game, when it's allowed in the rules. If it's going to be no-check, make it no-check.

- Sportsmanship off the ice. There were times that I was impressed with other teams coming out and cheering on the other teams from their reigon, the same teams they'd battled all season. But, mostly, I was quite annoyed and dismayed by the sheer veracity of taunting that came from the stands, especially from the California teams. Grow up, guys.

Kudos again to CRHL for putting on a top-notch event. It was good to catch up with Andy MacMillan (sp?!) and Huck, and to meet Rebecca (and her fingernails). They took some time out of a very busy weekend to say hello and talk about the tournament and the state of the game.

Keep up the excellent work!

-kj



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I certainly wouldn't say that only the California teams were heckling--there was quite a bit going on during the Final, and I don't think I saw any of the California teams around. But, it was noticable, especially during a couple of the Cal Poly games (both SLO and Pomona). There were also a fair share of bad hockey parents around, from a lot of teams.

For the most part, the crowds and other teams were pretty supportive. I think it's cool to come out and support the other teams from your home region. But there's a big difference between boisterous support and vulgar heckling--especially when there were little kids around the rinks as well.

-kj




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What he probably meant is a parent who goes to his son or daughter's games and yells and screams at the refs and opposing players, the coaches, etc. It can even go as far as to be like that hockey dad who killed the ice hockey coach by punching the coach and as a result the coach hit his head on the ice and died. They are parents who are out of control, usually through their screaming and yelling and negative attitude.



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The kind that does nothing but ride the other team and the officials. It happens at all levels, especially with younger kids.

(I saw a great comic someone once did.. it had a group of parents outside a locked hockey arena, with the caption "The type of lockout we need in hockey.")

-kj



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Such a true statement. The parents can sometimes be one of the worst parts of the games, especially when your sitting next to a parent who really doesn't know anything about the game, but they continue to yell about something they no nothing about. Of course this isn't always true but when it is it really kinda ruins the game.

At our house games parents are dumbasses.. they critisize everything out there and no nothing to very little about hockey. some of the parents are well mannered or keep it down to themselves or the person next to them but some of the parents are complete *******s... one was a coach and he had everyone playing a cycle... this cycle was get the puck to his sion and lose the game.

KJ9:

Thank you for attending the CRHL NCT IV; it was good to see you again after a few years.

Your valuable insight is much appreciated. Regardless of how good an event the CRHL operated, I realize there are always areas with room for improvement. The constructive criticisms will be taken into account for the next and future NCTs.

Huck

I would just like to thank all the teams from the Midwest region in supporting MSU. OSU, EMU, and U of M came to most of our games, and we tried to do the same for them. The fan support helped our team a lot. I think that when regions are closer, they do better. Who knows, that may be part of the reason 3 out of the 4 Final Four teams were from the midwest. Regardless, the other players from the midwest were very classy in sticking around and rooting for us. Whether the cheering was appropriate or not, we appreciate it and look forward to seeing you all next season. Great tourney!

Dave Hanley
MSU Roller Hockey

How does St. Louis, Missouri translate to a home-rink advantage for a team from Rochester, New York?

Mike Burke
Commissioner
Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association
http://www.ecrha.net

Ah,

I thought he meant RIT had a home advantage. Which wouldn't make sense if they were getting heckled halfway across the country. Makes more sense, now!

Mike Burke
Commissioner
Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association
http://www.ecrha.net