Hi Folks,
Here's a cool news story from State Wars. (Forgive me if I ever call it Star Wars... I have to check myself every time I write about this great new program.) [img]/wtimages/icons/wink.gif[/img]
***
Merry Christmas to You and Your Family
State Wars Hockey
Greetings! The NHL's #1 Draft Pick Rick DiPietro of the NY Islanders says...
"Playing for state pride is an amazing feeling"
Finding Rick DiPietro isn't too difficult, chances are if he's not on the ice making miraculous saves for the New York Islanders, he's dancing around defenders on sport court showing off his incredible hands and shot in roller hockey in a local league.
Yes, you heard right, not only does Rick DiPietro play roller hockey, he LOVES it. You'd think being the first goaltender in NHL history drafted #1, playing for the NY Islanders, and representing the USA in the World Championships and World Cup would be enough to quench Rick's thirst for hockey, but Rick has found roller hockey to be so fulfilling as well. State Wars Hockey had a chance to sit down with Rick and talk to him about State Wars and roller hockey in general.
Q. Rick, I've watched you play roller hockey for the past few months and not only have I seen you dazzle opponents with your great moves and shot, but it's impossible to ignore the constant smile on your face, your really enjoying yourself out there it seems. What do you think about roller hockey and what do you like most about it?
A. I love roller hockey, I think that it is such a fun and exciting game. It allows the skilled players to really show what they've got out there. The game is so fast and on the plastic tiles the pucks moves almost like ice, it really is amazing.
Q. Rick, there has been a constant controversy in our sport between ice and roller hockey. Do you think that playing roller hockey is bad for an ice hockey player?
A. Not at all. I think it is a great way to stay in shape and a perfect way for a player to work on his individual skills. If you look at most roller hockey players, they all have great hands and passing skills. With the 4 on 4 no offsides play it allows each player more time with the puck and more time to improve his or her game.
Q. So what would you say to all those stubborn ice hockey coaches out there who tell their players that they are not permitted to play roller?
A. I'd tell them that they are wrong and that the more hockey a kid plays, whether it be ice or roller, the better they are going to become. If a player takes it seriously and works hard, roller hockey can help them tremendously in their individual skills and game presence.
Q. Ok Rick, so we all know by now that you love roller hockey but what do you think about State Wars and its concepts?
A. I think the concepts of State Wars are great, playing for state pride is an amazing feeling. I remember playing Select 17's and Select 16's in ice hockey and it was such a great experience. Everyone was so nervous at tryouts but excited at the same time. But we all knew that making Team Massachusetts was a huge accomplishment and something to be proud of. Anytime you can represent your state and get a chance to play against all of the top players from around the country, it's special. If I were a kid playing roller hockey today, I'd be psyched to play at State Wars.
Q. Rick now that you've had a chance to look over the rules and tryout format of State Wars, what do you like most?
A. Well, for one thing, I like the fact that the selection process for each state team is being handled by an unbiased selection committee. I also love the idea of single birth year teams, this gives more players a chance to make their state team.
Q. Rick, our first tryout is scheduled for January 21-23 at Ten Acres Park in Hawaii and there are already lots of players registered for the Hawaii state tryout. Does that surprise you?
A. Well I'd first like to offer my services for that one (laughs). I never knew that roller hockey was popular in Hawaii but it's exciting to hear that
*
State Wars is reaching players literally all over the country. If the Hawaii State tryout registration is any inclination, we look forward to some very BIG and competitive state tryouts all around the country. Please don't wait to register!
State Wars Hockey thanks Rick DiPietro for his support and insight. We wish the hockey community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
www.statewars.com
***
Sincerely,
Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks