Thanks Rich

[calihockey]

I would like to thank Rich for all the effort he has put in. Rich you never seem to get enough credit for your efforts, but I want you to know they have not gone un-noticed. When a lot of other sites have gotten into trash talk, he has worked hard to keep some taste on this site and it allows a lot of good debate and information to spread. He has put years of effort, countless hours and a lot of money to try to help our sport. Through it all, you have stayed positive about everything. I have had the pleasure of knowing Rich for a long time now. I remember when Jon Niola was still working with Rich. Hopefully I won't be the only one who will thank you for your time and Merry Christmas to you our elder hockey player.haha

Matt

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by calihockey on 12/24/02 03:16 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

[RichardGraham]

Hi Matt,

Thanks very much for your support.

Like you, many people have let me know they appreciate what I've tried to accomplish with Inline Hockey Central. That's what keeps me going. This is a great sport, and it's full of great people. I think we'll see some great things ahead for inline hockey; even I have to remind myself that our sport is still in its formative stages. Divisiveness and trash talk won't further inline hockey, but hard work and a willingness to work with others will.

And Matt, as for your last crack, I'm not aging. "Like a fine wine, I'm not getting older... I'm getting better." [img]/wtimages/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[ClarkAddison]

I second Calihockey's sentiments exactly. This was one of the first sites I found when making a transition from Ice guy to Inline guy. I didn't know the Inline world at all and without this site I wouldn't even know where to begin to get my questions answered.

Since then, the program I started with 40 kids on a tennis court has quadrupled in size. I have an adult program which is IMHO second to none. I've had a new rink built by my city. I've travelled all over the country playing the sport and was named USARS 2002 house league coach of the year.

Rich, if you ever feel like its not worth doing, I hope you stop and reflect on the difference you've made in peoples lives. To bring this down to the bottom line level. I have a young man in my program who's had a rough life. He has had every reason to go bad. His anchor has been inline hockey. It is how he defines himself. Mind you, he's not the greatest player but he's at the rink any chance he gets. He has even started to ref the younger kids. You've made a difference.

That's the best gift you can give. Have a wonderful holiday! That goes out to everyone in the IHC family.







http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[missionhockey21]

I mean if it wasnt for Rich where could we all go to complain about MLRH and defend all on the same topic, just kidding. But even this message board helps the growth of the sport, gets people interested, keeps players like us involved in more ways than just playing, and has probably even made some people try out the game we love. So thanks Rich for this message board and the contributions that you have made for the game.

[NLane]

Here's to the best year yet and an even better next one where inline hockey is concerned. Your site has helped get information out that would take months any other way. Thanks again and have a safe and happy Holiday.

[columbus_RHstar]

Rich, Much respect and gratitude. Have a Happy Holidays. Thanks for EVERYTHING that you do for us.

Tommy

[MDE3]

I hesitate to call this one of the more mature boards I have seen, for fear of abuse . But really Rich congratulations for keeping the balance between heated discussions/and trash talk in line while still allowing people to voice an opinion. Your forum seems to force people to think before reacting - a somewhat unique stature in message board/forums - if they dont the first time - they do the second lol. Thanks for your work - I hope you recieve the rewards you richly deserve. Merry christmas - from someone who smiles - when they refer to you as an "elder"