Here's One to Count On

[Benny_Gulakiw]

With all the talk about these new "pro roller hockey" leagues flying around, Inline Hockey America will be announcing the teams that will be participating in the upcoming, inaugural season this summer. The deadline to join the league for this summer is Monday, June 2. The league will start with at least 4 teams, but we're shooting for up to 6 or 8. These teams will represent major markets throughout the Great Lakes region. The league will play during the summer months. This will be a semi-pro, elite league, NOT A PRO league, not at first. This is a traditional league: 4 skaters a side played on a full-size, INDOOR rink.

Teams are required to submit an application. Their application is reviewed and must be approved before they are accepted into the league. This includes their proposed home rink. As I'm trying to start this from the ground up, teams will be allowed to play in rinks with limited seating capacity. However, other criteria will need to be in place, such as locker room facilities w/showers, full-size rink with playing surface and a financial committment to fulfill the obligations of the league. The league has a long-term marketing strategy in place where teams must grow and develop. Each team's continued participation in the league is contingent on their efforts to grow and market themselves in an appropriate fashion. They will be constantly evaluated by the league. My goal is to make this the new, national PRO roller hockey league. I, like some other people in this industry, am taking a deliberate, cautious approach. Standards are in place and although there is some flexibility, these standards need to be met. I will be begin announcing teams over the next few days and weeks as the applications are received and approved. Although I have gotten very firm verbal committments from 6 teams and interest from many other teams from all over the country, I will only announce teams who have their application approved.

The league is willing, and the teams are willing, to start the season with only 4 teams, if necessary, to show everyone what kind of league IHA will be. Teams that play in IHA this year, even if it turns out to only be 4 teams, understand their role in this league and what I'm trying to do. This year will be a showcase season. I have talked to a number of potential sponsors, some big and some small, and understandably, they are taking a wait and see approach. That's fine. The league is set-up to keep the team's costs down. The league will be very active in helping their individual members obtain and maintain financial stability.

I have heard about some of the other new "pro inline hockey" leagues coming on the horizon. I know all about "Speed Hockey" and may be involved in that (please don't ask me anything about that because I'm not at liberty to talk about it in any detail). However, I truly believe that there is a need and demand, from fans, players and sponsors, for a viable, elite roller hockey league in a traditional sense. I hope IHA will meet that need starting this summer.

People might say, "Oh great, another league." Well, this is America and until someone proves they can do it right, do it they way everyone wants, people should be allowed to try. IHA really is not competing with anyone else. IHA is a full-check league that will operate in the summer months in the Great Lakes region. As far as I know, there is no other entity that operates under these parameters. And based on the reaction I have received, this is something that a lot of people in this area have been waiting for. I continue to talk to many people in the business. I am, and always will be, open to talk to anyone about joining forces at anytime in the future. I set-up IHA to be about the best. The best league, the best teams, the best products, etc. I willing to talk to anyone who has the same standards as I do. Right now, it seems like everyone wants to do their own thing and let the chips fall where the may. Like I said, this is America and the consumer will determine who survives and who doesn't.

If anyone wants more information on IHA, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or visit our web site at www.inlinehockeyamerica.com.

Benny Gulakiw
President
Inline Hockey America

[missionhockey21]

Sounds good Benny. Are there going to be any teams in Ohio?
Thanks

[Benny_Gulakiw]

There may be one this year, but I'm targeting a total of three of four eventually. I'm actually taking a trip through Ohio this weekend to visit rinks and talk to potential team owners.

Benny Gulakiw
President
Inline Hockey America

[missionhockey21]

Cool, thanks Benny.