MLRH Finals

**INLINENut** · 05-25-2007, 01:12 AM

Who is going to win the MLRH? Looks like there squaring off 1st weekend in June. Games are going to be played in Maryland.... Who are the players to watch?

**zephyr** · 05-25-2007, 01:28 AM

I thought it was going to be the Wings vs. Chicago but both teams ended up not having a team when they played.
The Wings played with 6 guys when they lost against MD.

I think the Crush will probably win as the travelling teams have lost a lot this season.

**INLINENut** · 05-25-2007, 01:31 AM

You think any rough stuff is to come in the best of 3? I heard Michigan likes to throw its weight around?

**hockey4ba** · 05-25-2007, 11:01 AM

Let me clear things up. After Virginia beat DC they were supposed to travel to Chicago to play us, but of course somehow things got screwed up and they "couldn't make the trip." That was kind of the last straw for most of the players on Chicago as they figured the season was over so other plans were made. Somehow a few weeks later a new semi-finals was scheduled where we ended up playing Michigan and virginia played maryland.
At this point everything was so disorganized and most of our players had already made plans or couldnt get off work so we ended up playing Michigan last weekend at home with 6 players and a goalie. 2 of the players were just buddies that hadnt played one game yet all season. In the second period one of our players dislocated his collar bone, so we were left playing the 3 remaining quarters of full check hockey with one substitute against the 15 players that michicagn brought. We still managed to be up 3-0 after the first half and 3-2 going into the 4th, but we ran out of gas an couldnt hold on any longer. Not to mention another player got injured leaving us with four guys and with the game tied there were coincidental penalties and a michigan penalty giving us a powerplay, but we didnt even have enough guys to field a power play unit. It was a total joke just as most of the season was. I give credit to everyone who put their time and effort in to try and make this work.
I know we are looking forward to the possibility of a PIHA team here in Chicago next year, as I feel we can field a very competitive team.

**growl89** · 05-25-2007, 02:15 PM

another thrilled customer... did the semi-finals really happen like that?

**Capsfan74** · 05-25-2007, 03:01 PM

Wow, that does sound like a tough break for Chicago. I saw them play Crush a few months back and it was a pretty good game. I have not seen the Rebels, but I understand they do like to drop the gloves. It will be an interesting final because the Crush are more of a PIHA style of play. Although, I played against them in a practice game once and they CAN play physical! I think most of them are or were competative ice guys who crossed over for the fun of roller. Young team, great sportsmanship, extreme speed, and they move the puck with great skill. A couple of the players stand out on the team. Simpson (brothers I think) is one that comes to mind. I understand they moved here from the Northeast, so you really can't consider them as local talent I guess. Fighting, well, the Crush can hold their own, but tend to back out and play the game. From what I understand, the Rebels tend to "Crush" in that category. I understand that the Crush and Rebels both traveled (as did Chicago) with a full bench of at least 10 and a goalie all season. Should be an enjoyable game to finish the season. I wonder what their plans are for next season? Good luck to both teams!

**zephyr** · 05-25-2007, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by growl89

another thrilled customer... did the semi-finals really happen like that?

Yes. Chicago doesn't know it from the VA perspective though so I'll post this:

After VA beat DC they were told the game wouldn't be that weekend. Then a few days before the weekend they were told the semi-finals would be held that weekend in Chicago. Plane tickets are expensive the day before and the drive is hell from VA to IL most didn't want to drive 10 hours with a skeleton team that wasn't the top talent. It's not fair to have to lose like that.

Then the game was supposed to be scheduled the following weekend so there was time to arrange travel to Chicago. Instead VA played MD that weekend or the weekend after even though they were supposed to go to Michigan.

VA and Chicago were in the same boat with losing all their players because of stuff not being organized correctly at the end of the season. VA ended up losing against MD with only 3 of the Original Wings and with a 6 - 7 man roster.