PIHA Womens and Master Divisions

[minutemen]

Man PIHA has made some major changes the past few weeks. Not only have they formed alliances with USA Inline and State Wars but have added two new divisions. I think these two new divisions are great for the sport. Finally they will also have a Minor League Championship.

My hat goes off to the PIHA Front Office. They have received a lot of crap the past few months but they seem to be making some improvements. But a lot of teams have jumped ship and these actions seem to be a bit late.

Would like to hear what other people think. Please do not make any bad comments about PIHA or the AIHL or debate them, just comment on the two new divisions.

[Vengeance]

Two additional divisions is a little hard to take in. Whatever free cash flows they have in the bag currently, I just don't see how adding in more divisions will benefit the main product (Pro and Minor). Because most teams already jumped ship, is it really possible that the remainder can fulfill the need for women's teams? Are there even any women in these markets that can and are willing to travel to play these games? If there were to be a womens team in my area, where we feature an okay hockey market (good ice and inline college, former PIHA teams, several inline and ice rinks, established house leagues, well-known travel organizations), I can probably tell you that there are 3 decent females anywhere. Are they supposed to find plugs and fillers for the rest of the roster to make travel worthwhile? I just have a really bad feeling there is going to be a lot of talent swing on any team made.

Not being negative at all here, I think the word I want to describe this message is "cautious"

[seanth123]

I agree with Vengeance.

I believe one of the reasons for teams leaving PIHA was because of the leagues action of spending money paid by Pro and Minor teams for other venues. Again, making decisions without the consent of the investors seems to still be going on. Of course, I am an outsider, and the remaining teams may have disscussed this and agreed to the expansion. With the number of teams remaining on the roster, I highly doubt it though.

I think what PIHA needs to do is get back to the basics, and try and rebuild what has been broken. By providing competiative, honest hockey, they may still have a chance. By building other venues, it gives the apperance of attempting to fill the void (revenue) caused by the teams that have left.

But, a women's league is a good thing that needs some attention. Maybe I can get my wife to play so that I can justify my own need to play hockey 24/7!

[PGHhockey]

As sad as it is, women in sports just don't have drawing power unless sexuality is involved (pro beach volleyball, amanda beard, danica patrick, etc.). Unfortunate, but true. Sure, it's great that women have the opportunity to participate in sports...but show me the profits.

If PIHA team owners' investments are based on selling tickets - a women's division isn't going to bring them the earnings they're after. Unless owning a "pro" team is basically just a charitable activity without the tax breaks.

[jamiyoder]

We as a league are offering the Women's and Masters divisions at no additional cost to the owners. We would like for this to be a sport that is for everyone, man, women and child. PIHA will be offering the Minor, Masters, and Women's divisions the opportunity to travel and play other divisions at the PIHA 2009 Finals. And AGAIN, if you have any questions you can e-mail me at [email protected].

Thanks again for your support of our sport, Jami Yoder

[minutemen]

In defense to PIHA, it seems to me this would cut the cost for teams. If you have a Pro, Minor and Master (I think Womens will be tough in most areas), you now have 3 teams of players. Now if the cost is still $4,500 you know have 48 players to charge and cut the cost down. That would be less then $100 a player.

At the other end, your now adding more to the rink rental cost for teams. For most teams this could be costly. Teams are probably paying the average of $100 and hour for rink time. Now I do not know how many games they expect these 2 divisions to play. Jami can you give any info on that?

[PGHhockey]

No extra cost for Women & Masters teams? Very interesting...I applaud that decision.

[jamiyoder]

We as a league would like to answer any and all question on [email protected] instead of on IHC open forum. If anyone would like to talk on the phone e-mail us and we would be more than happy to give you a call.

Thanks again for everyones support of our sport, Jami Yoder

[CoachClipboard]

And no extra cost for a second minor team. For the Lunatics with two minor teams, this is great news! It will allow us some extra money we can allocate to the team itself. Having the women and the masters divisions, if the organizations can pull off these teams, it will greatly help business at your venues where you play. Believe me, wherever you play, whatever league you play in? The rinks love and want your business! If you can help to fill their time in with games and practices? That is less work for them, and instant rental. I think sometimes we all often forget about the economy these leagues provide to the rinks. So if you have a team and you operate a rink? Womens and Masters divisions at no extra charge is a Godsend! Plus its further promoting this sport to those niches in your region.

[Vengeance]

I think we are missing the point about the risk of expansion here. It really just simply comes right down to growth vs. risk. If PIHA has a vision that caters to "man, woman, and child," it is important to look at this business strategy beyond just its marketing ploy. There will be significant development needs to make women tuned to the game physically and mentally.

My advice, Yoder family - you're looking for two kinds of women: 1) the ones that do play, have a varying level of talent, and can make the game competitive, and 2) the ones that are hockey enthusiasts looking to get hands-on and really make a hobby of it. To fill a roster (and by fill I mean have at least 12-16 skaters plus 2 goalies that can afford to play), the most important step before implementation is raising awareness. By immediately announcing that there is a women's division THIS YEAR could (and I repeat could, because I'm not going to look almighty by forecasting) greatly disappoint the masses in the short-term perspective and alter long-term goals. Are you so sure having demos and exhibitions wouldn't have worked for the first year instead of going all out? Only time will tell.

[DCbullets14]

do you really need 12-16 skaters on a team? I think if you could simply get 8 skaters and a goalie on a couple of teams it would be a great success. Honestly in most markets it is unlikely

[HockeyFan1989]

In my opinion a womens division/masters division is great for the sport but not great for the "pro league" which piha is supposed to be. This is why their is NARCh, TORHS and AAU to support these divisions. While I definitly would like to see these divisions grow as it only makes the sport stronger, by the PIHA adding them it's doing nothing more than what NARCH is already doing

[Mlrhnorthfan]

A women's league is needed to be sure.

too bad the best womens inline player today, Lisa Giovanelli, is already playing with the Ants in the Aihl.