USA Inline Festival Results

[MDE3]

Team East went undefeated and took the gold, even though a few of their players were caught in some "extra curricular activities" (nothing to sinister, but outside the necessary rules and demonstrating to the coaches for Team USA that they were not as serious about their hockey as Team USA requires)two of these players were not allowed to play in the final gold medal game. Final score East 9 Midwest 4

Team Midwest finished with the silver, Team South with the Bronze, and team West and Team Alberta out of the medals.

The final results, selections and alternates are posted on USA Inline under the Festival link.

[cannibalkid]

One of the players that missed out on the final game was Thomas Stahl...who also missed out on being picked for the 4 USA spots...I personally think he should have been the top choice hands down, anyone else?

[MDE3]

It wasn't his playing ability that hurt his selection....but not being able to show the self discipline necessary when asked, and needed.

He broke the rules, and payed the price....There was an issue with the younger players(from the Junior Festival who made Team USA Inline) in Germany a couple of years ago, not being as self disciplined as they should have been while over in Germany, and it has been felt that this may have seriously impacted the team's chances. As a result USA Hockey staff is looking hard not just at the game skills of the players, but their ability to show the kind of self control(read maturity) needed in tough international play...hence the breaking of the rules was a big issue...and not a considered just a "petty" infraction.

USA Hockey spends a lot of money to fly these kids from all over the country and host this hockey weekend for their(the kids) benefit, ultimately to have a chance to represent their country in international play. If these kids do not take advantage of this opportunity by keeping their act together for 3 days, even if the surroundings off rink were a bit "boring" by their standards, then they should not be surprised that there is a price to pay....

[cannibalkid]

No doubt in my mind that this was coming...I mean ever Thomas should have known he screwed up and wasnt going to make the cut...but I was saying 'if' this didnt happen, do you think he would have been picked?

[MDE3]

He was a "shu in"...