I was off to the Sobe Ice Arena this weekend, on the north west side of Las Vegas, to discuss the Las Vegas Aces new AIHL team with rink director Rob Pallin. Rob has played professional ice hockey over in Europe and played pro roller hockey in the RHI back in '94 and '99. Before I got there, an offcial was needed to work a game that evening at Sobe, and I accepted. Little did I know who was playing...It was the annual Vegas Cup tournament final, in which a number of major US cities put together teams to compete. This years final was Los Angeles and New York. Playing for LA were current LA Pama Cyclones Itan Chavira and Mike Najjar. I spoke with both of them before the game and spoke about old times, NARCh, and had the best seat in the house, once again, to watch what most call a "human you tube video". He didn't disappoint either, with three attempts of scooping the puck up mid slot and batting it down on goal, he was unsuccessful that way. His countless shake and bakes were freezing the New York defenders. Though only scoring one goal, it was a beauty. He received a pass on the right wing, entering the zone. He then skated cross ice and cut back into the slot, spliting the defenders. When the back checking forward caught up, it was a one on three mosh that sent Itan to the ice while faking backhand and Bobby Orr'd yet another unbeleiveable highlight! Mike had a couple of great face-off wins and passes that set up LA scores, together they were amazing. LA tied the game late and won in a shootout, sorry guys Itan did not have a chance to shoot...
Itan is planning on attending a CHL camp and is activly pursuing a minor league professional hockey career. Along with most on IHC, I wish him the best!!!
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