IHA Season Opener

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

It's late (2 a.m.) and I just got back from Anaheim. I had some business after the games with two cheerleaders and a photographer... ah, well, more on that another time. [img]/wtimages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Anyway, here are the scores and some short summaries from last night's games; look for a full-length story on the Inline Hockey Association professional league games later today. There was some great inline hockey, with real rock 'em/sock 'em action -- including plenty of hits and several bare-knuckle fights. (Those who don't like fisticuffs with their hockey should probably stay home.)

Anaheim Bullfrogs 6, South County Bulls 2
Oliver David of the Anaheim Bullfrogs took the first shot in the history of the IHA pro league, and it was "game on." The Bullfrogs had a 5-1 lead midway through the third period; while the Bulls had enough snipers (Christian Skoryna, Torry DiRoberto, etc.) on their roster to score goals, their offense couldn't seem to get on track. Of course, goaltender Rob Laurie in the Anaheim net might have had a little to do with that...

Orange County Blazers 5, Corona Cowboys 1
In Game Two, the Orange County Blazers scored one goal in the first period, two in the second, and two in the final 15-minute period to defeat the Corona Cowboys, 5-1. The second period got a little chippy, and there were two fights back to back late in the stanza. Brin Morris was the offensive star for the Blazers, and netminder Justin Hoffman nearly got a shutout. Shayne Arsenault and Mishka Drury led the Cowboys attack.

California Rink Rats 7, San Diego Sharks 4
The third and final game of the night was the closest and perhaps best. Though the Rink Rats had a 3-2 lead after the first, the second period ended in a 4-4 tie, and it looked like anyone's game. Joe Cook and Gerry St. Cyr led the Rink Rats' attack. Though the Rink Rats scored on a power play one minute into the third to take a lead they would not relinquish, goalie Rick Plester kept the Sharks in the game with some great saves.

All in all, it was a credible start for the IHA. More to come soon.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[NLane]

So, that's a HAPPY tired I detect in your words?