Two leagues: For the better, the bad and the many questions to come!

[Tekkaman]

With now looks to be two top level Inline hockey leagues this coming year. One has to think of the good and the bad things that will come from having two leagues. The good, more exposure of our sport to others. The bad, splitting up the talent pool between two leagues. And lastly, but not least, the questions that will follow. Like for example, who would win between the two champion teams from each league, if they played each other? Just wanted to start a thread where everyone can share their thoughts and opinions on what you think will happen this coming year in our sport.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I think if the right people got together and talked then one league would exist!

[thepredictor]

I think if the right people got together and talked then one league would exist!

Typical post from you always sitting on the fence.

The AIHL will step up and crush what is left of the other league. All the teams that decided to stay PIHA will be begging for their organization to get in.

[Wingman]

The AIHL does look like it has most of the teams from last year... the only way for PIHA to compete is to actually start improving and listening to the team owners for a change.

IMO I think it's a good thing there's two leagues.

[DCbullets14]

I think if the AIHL does create a SoCAl or a Michigan division then the AIHL will have far more talent than PIHA. I guess we will just have to wait and see how things work out. It would be great to see a PIHA vs AIHL game to crown a final champ. Or maybe if it was even just an all star game.

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

I think if the AIHL does create a SoCAl or a Michigan division then the AIHL will have far more talent than PIHA. I guess we will just have to wait and see how things work out. It would be great to see a PIHA vs AIHL game to crown a final champ. Or maybe if it was even just an all star game.

AIHL is AAU and PIHA is USA Inline......I don't ever see that game happening.

[Tekkaman]

If the two organizations ever wanted to further our sport, they should atleast set up one game together. I mean, it's probably a very small percentage it will happen, but maybe someone can urge them on. It could be something like that of the MLB with AL and NL.

[Wingman]

Just out of curiosity...

Why should two leagues play each other? How is that going to help?

I don't really see any advantage to it, and it's probably not in the league's best interest either.

[Tekkaman]

So your saying after the two season's finished, you wouldn't want to know who would win if the two played each other? I mean, the two leagues could use this as bragging rights. I don't believe there would be too many people out there that wouldn't want it to happen. Maybe your that one guy lol

[Wingman]

Sure I'd like to know which league would win, but I just don't see both leagues working together to set it up.

AAU + USAHIL = no

[growl89]

It would actually be dumb for the leagues to do that, for a couple of reasons, one being insurance. Who's would you use? And would the other league then need to pay for a teams insurance for the games? I don't see that happening. Also, more importantly I think, niether league wants to take that chance to lose to the other league. Especially right now. Both leagues have too much to lose with that.

[Drexel63]

Completely agreed Bill, That would be nice to see on a comparison basis, but very dumb in the business interests of either league...

[Bfoster]

the fact of the matter is guys that it doesnt matter if a publicity game is played between PIHA and AIHL. what were looking at is finding a league that maintains its prestige and skill. the sport needs one elite/professional league that is run by exactly that, professionals. the league needs to be marketed correctly and the owners of teams need to be informed and then and only then can the sport of inline hockey move in the right direction. as someone posted on this the talent is going to be split into two leagues now...which is only gonna bring down the overall talent that's viewed at these games and sadly, but truly seems to lack as far as professional players. im not trying to talk down on everyone playing in these leagues, i do myself (and i know i dont have the skill of a professional)

simply put... compare the talent of professional ice leagues to that of inline hockey leagues. brian yingling is one of the top players in the sport of inline hockey, if im not mistaken he played d3 collegiate ice hockey, not even d1. (no disrespect to yingling, i wish i was half as good as him) but like i said the talent gap is tremendous and thus its going to be hard to attract that much attention of fans to a professional inline hockey league.

[BlackDiamond19]

AIHL is AAU and PIHA is USA Inline......I don't ever see that game happening.

Thats right, But wouldnt that be one awsome game. Even if talent is split up between the 2 leagues it would still be a hell of a game.

[NLane]

When the AAU held tournaments in our area I remember them not really wanting to deal with the adult teams. At one event they let the team that they figured would get 2nd place leave early WITH their medals. Never had that happen before or since. What has changed? Are they just setting up a "new" age level of play to get more kids/parents money at the earlier ages? Just never got a warm fuzzy feeling when dealing with AAU & adults.