Cross Conference Play

[HockeyFan1989]

First off I'd like to say that the NCRHA did a really amazing job this year, and Nationals were run unbelievably well in my opinion. But, now the season is over, and it's already time to start talking about next season. In my opinion I would really like to see some cross conference play during the regular season. With the travel distances some teams make to play in there conferences as it is (ex. Maine playing an event in Feasterville) I don't think it would be too difficult to draw some teams together to play a cross conference event. Im not sure of the travel distances in some parts of the country out west, but I think the ECRHA and the SECRHL could draw atleast 3 teams from each division, in each conference to meet up in a sort of neutral location to play an event. Just my idea's as I think it would be cool to see something like that next season or in the near future.

[NCRHA]

Great topic. Let me tell you that this is already being talked about at a National level. Stay tuned over the summer as we work it out.

In the past it has been regions having an open invitation for teams to come out and play exhibition games, but typically these games were in addition to the teams' regular schedule.

Several teams have done this in the past. For example Colorado State came out to the WCRHL events for a few years straight, a couple years ago. Lindenwood traveled to ECRHA and SECRHL events, as well as some ECRHA/SECRHL teams travelling down/up.

[JChaubard13]

I think we should have some type of showcase tournys like the ice hockey clubs have. take top teams from around the country and meet somewhere. i do understand the distance and money problems there but there should be something. it will make college roller hockey better hands down.

[William Bourque]

From my conversations at the national tournament and conversations at the ECRHA ACC meetings, its fairly obvious that everyone wants to have this happen.

Remember, its up to the teams to make things like this happen. Please don't just post on the message board saying you would like to see this happen. Go to your regional directors and make them understand that this is some that HAS to happen for next year and beyond.

[ssuhockey]

We play in the MCRHL and it's an 8 hour drive for us to play in Palatine, IL and such when we could just as easily drive 5 and play at some events in Virginia.

Good Idea, it would mix things up and just create more competitiveness and teams would be really wanting to represent their conference/league well.

Hope to see this idea move forward.

[GoRangrHky]

Hofstra is in talks (amongst ourselves, at the moment) about making a trip out to Cali some time in January. Biggest problem is trying to get the incoming freshmen on board, since having to drop $500+ right as you're starting college may be a little rough.

[MBurke]

This was heavily discussed at our NCRHA Board meeting this past weekend in Colorado.

Expect 3-5 interregional events to be scheduled this year.

Likely locations:
- Virginia (ECRHA and SECRHL)
- Pittsburgh/Cincinnati (ECRHA and MCRHL)
- Tennessee (GPCIHL, SECRHL)

Other possibilities exist, but those seem to be the most locked in since the regions are relatively close to one another and the travel is reasonable without needing to fly.

[ssuhockey]

Thats GREAT! I think this is evidence of growth in the sport and will be great to build rivalries between conferences.

Is it next season YET?

[WCRHL]

Hofstra is in talks (amongst ourselves, at the moment) about making a trip out to Cali some time in January. Biggest problem is trying to get the incoming freshmen on board, since having to drop $500+ right as you're starting college may be a little rough.

Shoot me an email at [email protected] as soon as you come to a consensus. We were trying to see if WCRHL could hold an event and entice some CO or TX teams to come out, but they may have to fly as well. Late Jan or early Feb would probably be the best time for this. We typically only have 1 event in Jan, and it may be the wrong division for you...

Keep in touch!

Brennan

[WCRHL]

Is it next season YET?

Exactly!

We (the NCRHA BOD and Staff) sat all weekend and discussed the future of our sport. One of the best things was being included in USAHIL's Annual Congress, which is a 4-5 day event in Colorado Springs. We were able to attend the USAHIL Awards Banquet on Saturday where we saw several deserving individuals receive awards from USAHIL for their sportsmanship, service, internships, etc. Very cool.

Chad, the WCRHL's Rep on the NCRHA BOD, said this as we walked by the hotel restaurant Saturday morning (I'm paraphrasing). "Look at this, all of these people sitting around talking hockey. We never see something like this." It was amazing, the amount of hockey brass that was in attendance.

Thanks goes out to USAHIL for inclusion in this event. It was appreciated by all.

Once we all get some rest, we will get the news up from this meeting. Burke alluded to some of it in the SECRHL Site Not Working post, if you haven't seen it check it out.

Brennan

[RichardGraham]

Hi Brennan,

Good job.

I wonder if and when IHC will ever be invited to this event...

[WCRHL]

Hi Brennan,

Good job.

I wonder if and when IHC will ever be invited to this event...

Maybe we can petition to get you a seat next year!

[RichardGraham]

Hey Brennan,

Cool! I'll be your valet.