UC-Irvine defeated Stony Brook at the NCRHA Nationals in one of the greatest comeback stories in recent history. I could do this story no justice, so please check out Richard Graham's article about this game on Inline Hockey Central.
-------------
In local news, the Iceoplex at Southpointe kicked off their Spring Adult Inline League this weekend with 4 games on one of Pittsburgh's best rinks.
The action began Saturday at 6:30 PM with the Saints easily handling Boondocks with a mercy rule finish. Boondocks played hard, but with a short bench (actually, no bench), they weren't able to overcome the non-stop attack of the Saints.
Next up: the debut of the much-hyped Bridgeville Hockey Club. BHC came out firing on all cylinders against an overmatched opponent, The Ghosts, who were without their leading scorer, Brian Nelson. Dave Bayens, Alan Faulknier, and Goalie Chris Smida made a valiant effort, but the result was another mercy finish win for BHC. Anyone see a trend here? Hopefully league management can find a way to separate the teams and make the games more competitive.
On to Sunday...
Bridgeville Hockey Club, coming off a big win over the Ghosts, came into Sunday ready to face Jay's, led by Jeremy Durckas, Doug Stanton, Chris Tracey, and Josh Tohey. BHC hit the floor running again, and dominated the game with another mercy finish. Chris Tressler and Jeff Martincic stole the show for BHC, with help coming from everywhere. Derek James' defensive skills and experience, Brandon Kurta & Nick Peterson's speed attack, and no weak spots usually adds up to a pretty good team. Team co-captain Jeff Martincic offered the following statement:
"We played well, considering we had half our team for both games. I'm never one to toot my team's own horn - but *beep beep* - South Hills Misfits beware."
Sounds like we'll have a fun game on our hands when the South Hills Misfits square off against BHC in April! (Editor's note: Jeff's math was slightly off, as BHC was only missing 2 or 3 players, therefore they had about 70-80% of their team.)
The 5:00 game featured another powerhouse, Bigg Nife, facing off with a new team, the Cobras. The Cobras told me they've never played anywhere before, just rec/pick-up games. After learning that, I knew they were in for a long 45 minutes when stacked up against Dave Thomas, JD Almonte, Justin Baker, Tim Weissman, and crew. In following the mercy rule trend, Bigg Nife made my prediction a reality. It took 4 games with mercy rule finishes for some hostility to finally show its head, but the Spring's first fight took place during this game. Both players were ejected and suspended.
The weekend's final game was a homecoming of sorts for the South Hills Misfits, taking on Team USA. The Misfits, led by Captain Mike "Old Man" Rinsem, cruised to an 8-2 victory in their first game back at the Iceoplex, where the team was formed by Iceoplex league management after seeing that there was a large interest from individual players wanting to sign up and get on a team.
The team struggled through their first few games, but eventually meshed into a quality mid-level team, even taking a few top teams to the limit. The Misfits stayed together and played at Bridgeville during the Iceoplex soccer season, and have grown to now have 2 teams - the Jr. Misfits play in the A league at Bridgeville, with the "Senior" (no offense, Mike) Misfits playing at Iceoplex.
The Misfits bring a balanced attack, led by Justin Behanna, John Desimone, Matt Heirendt, Mike Rinsem, and the Bram siblings, Eric and Lauren. Yes, a lot of you have been beaten one-on-one by a girl. While opponents are busy thinking "Wow - that girl's hot" - she's busy smoking them with an inside-out deke and hitting her brother, Eric, with a tape-to-tape pass for an easy goal.
All in all, a fun weekend of inline hockey at the Iceoplex. We'll update every week.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Today's News and Notes (4/7/08)
The North American Ball Hockey Championships were held at the Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA (near Philadelphia) March 28-30. The event draws over 50 teams annually and is regarded as one of the top tournaments that ball hockey has to offer.
Division Champions are as follows:
Men's A: Toronto Leafs (Toronto)
Men's B: Strictly Business (New Jersey)
Men's C: EHT Phantoms (Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey)
Women's A: RoadBlast
Women's B: Stick Tease
Coed: Circus (Boston, MA)
------------------------------------------
Registration is really picking up for the 2008 Summer Classic tournaments - get in before it's too late!
Contact Bill Hecklick:
bhecklick@gmail.com
724-825-5438
Division Champions are as follows:
Men's A: Toronto Leafs (Toronto)
Men's B: Strictly Business (New Jersey)
Men's C: EHT Phantoms (Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey)
Women's A: RoadBlast
Women's B: Stick Tease
Coed: Circus (Boston, MA)
------------------------------------------
Registration is really picking up for the 2008 Summer Classic tournaments - get in before it's too late!
Contact Bill Hecklick:
bhecklick@gmail.com
724-825-5438
Monday, March 31, 2008
Today's News and Notes (3/31/08)
News & Notes for 3/31/08:
The Spring season of adult inline hockey is about to begin at Bridgeville Rollerplex (http://www.bridgevillerollerplex.com/) - with this season bringing the highest turnout yet at 54 teams spread across 3 tiers of skill levels for puck teams, and 2 tiers of skill levels for ball teams.
The facility's owner, Greg Horan, has done a great job in remodeling the facility by adding 5 locker rooms, replacing the old worn-out boards & glass, resurfacing the rink, and adding a full-service pro shop.
BRP will also serve as the host rink for spill-over games at the PGH Hockey 2008 Summer Classic tournament.
For more info on the PGH Hockey 2008 Summer Classic, please visit:
http://pghhockey.blogspot.com/2008/03/2008-summer-classic-inline.html
For more info on Bridgeville Rollerplex programs, please visit:
http://www.bridgevillerollerplex.com/
--------------
Looks like I missed the mark on 2 of my Frozen Four predictions. Michigan and Boston College came through, but Denver and New Hampshire fell short in their efforts to become NCAA champions this year.
The semifinal matchups look like this:
Boston College vs. North Dakota (April 10, 6:00 PM EST, ESPN 2)
Michigan vs. Notre Dame (April 10, 9:00 PM EST, ESPN 2)
I'm picking a Boston College - Michigan Final, with Michigan taking the championship.
--------------
USA Hockey Inline and One Goal have made a big step toward the goal of getting more youth involved with inline hockey by partnering to offer an affordable equipment option for learn-to-play classes and clinics.
For the full story, head to:
http://inlinehockeycentral.com/article.php?article_id=52481
The Spring season of adult inline hockey is about to begin at Bridgeville Rollerplex (http://www.bridgevillerollerplex.com/) - with this season bringing the highest turnout yet at 54 teams spread across 3 tiers of skill levels for puck teams, and 2 tiers of skill levels for ball teams.
The facility's owner, Greg Horan, has done a great job in remodeling the facility by adding 5 locker rooms, replacing the old worn-out boards & glass, resurfacing the rink, and adding a full-service pro shop.
BRP will also serve as the host rink for spill-over games at the PGH Hockey 2008 Summer Classic tournament.
For more info on the PGH Hockey 2008 Summer Classic, please visit:
http://pghhockey.blogspot.com/2008/03/2008-summer-classic-inline.html
For more info on Bridgeville Rollerplex programs, please visit:
http://www.bridgevillerollerplex.com/
--------------
Looks like I missed the mark on 2 of my Frozen Four predictions. Michigan and Boston College came through, but Denver and New Hampshire fell short in their efforts to become NCAA champions this year.
The semifinal matchups look like this:
Boston College vs. North Dakota (April 10, 6:00 PM EST, ESPN 2)
Michigan vs. Notre Dame (April 10, 9:00 PM EST, ESPN 2)
I'm picking a Boston College - Michigan Final, with Michigan taking the championship.
--------------
USA Hockey Inline and One Goal have made a big step toward the goal of getting more youth involved with inline hockey by partnering to offer an affordable equipment option for learn-to-play classes and clinics.
For the full story, head to:
http://inlinehockeycentral.com/article.php?article_id=52481
Thursday, March 27, 2008
NCAA D-1 Tournament Faces Off Friday
Your office/school is probably overloaded with those infamous 65-team brackets every March, but those of us that prefer our game on ice know that the REAL March Madness begins this weekend.
The 2008 NCAA D-1 Ice Hockey Tournament begins Friday, March 28. The East and West Regionals will play their first games Friday, with the Midwest and Northeast starting on Saturday.
This year's field of 16 will feature all of the regular faces - BC, Minnesota, Denver, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan St., etc.
You can catch some of the action on ESPNU and ESPN360, with the Frozen Four being shown on ESPNU and ESPN2.
Here are my picks for the Frozen Four:
Michigan
New Hampshire
Denver
Boston College
Finals:
Michigan
Denver
Champion:
Michigan
The 2008 NCAA D-1 Ice Hockey Tournament begins Friday, March 28. The East and West Regionals will play their first games Friday, with the Midwest and Northeast starting on Saturday.
This year's field of 16 will feature all of the regular faces - BC, Minnesota, Denver, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan St., etc.
You can catch some of the action on ESPNU and ESPN360, with the Frozen Four being shown on ESPNU and ESPN2.
Here are my picks for the Frozen Four:
Michigan
New Hampshire
Denver
Boston College
Finals:
Michigan
Denver
Champion:
Michigan
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
2008 Summer Classic (Ice)
The 2008 Summer Classic Adult Ice Hockey Tournament is coming soon - register now!
July 26/27
Iceoplex at Southpointe (Canonsburg, PA)
FAQ:
1. How much is the registration fee?
$595/team
2. What do we get if we win?
All division champions will receive a cash prize of up to $1,000! The prize pool will be determined by the number of teams entered. All division champions will also receive a tournament champion t-shirt, and FREE entry into our next event. All division runners-up will also receive individual prizes. Leading Scorer, MVF, MVD, MVG awards will also be presented at the Awards Party.
3. We'll be traveling in from another city to play, what kind of deal can you give us?
It's always wonderful to have out-of-town teams come in to have fun with us at our events, so we will give a $50 discount for teams traveling from more than 50 miles from Canonsburg, PA 15317, and we are currently working on getting a discounted rate for local hotels and attractions.
4. What's the rink like?
Full-size NHL rink with some of the best ice around. Locker rooms with showers will be provided.
5. What skill levels are you having?
We are considering this an "Open" tournament. Teams of all skill levels from Rec to Pro will have a chance to compete with similar-skill teams at this event.
5a. How are you going to do that?
All teams will be entered into an open pool for the round-robin (prelim) games. Teams will receive points according to their performance in their 2 round-robin games. (Win=10 points. Tie=5 points. Loss=0 points. 1 point each for goal differential. 1 point for shutout.) All teams will make the playoffs. For the playoffs, we will split into skill level divisions according to point totals, depending on the total number of teams entered. Teams will then compete for 1, 2, or 3 championships (again, depending on the total number of teams).
6. How many games will we get to play?
Minimum of 3 games, maximum of 6 games.
7. What else can we do while we're in town?
Jay's Sports Bar and Restaurant is connected to the rink for all of your dining (and drinking!) needs. We will have drink specials for all tournament players over the weekend. The rink and hotels are also very close to the Meadows Casino & Racetrack, and a short drive from Kennywood Amusement Park and Sandcastle Waterpark.
8. What are the roster requirements?
Team captains must submit their rosters 1 week before the tournament. 3 changes are allowed before the team's first game. Minimum roster = 8. Maximum roster = 17. All players must sign a waiver before getting on the ice.
9. What rules will we be using?
We will follow the USA Hockey rulebook, except for a few minor changes - all of which will be clearly explained to teams entering the tournament.
10. What equipment do you require?
All players MUST WEAR FULL EQUIPMENT (Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Elbow Pads, Gloves, Hockey Pants, Shinguards, Socks, Skates). All players under 18 must wear full face protection. Goalies must wear full equipment.
11. Where do I send my payment?
Please send a deposit of $100 by June 13 (check or money order) made out to:
Bill Hecklick
703 Shady Ave.
Charleroi, PA 15022
Full payment will be due on July 12.
12. I know a few other teams that might want to play, should I have them contact you?
We are actually paying a $20 "referral fee" for anyone who is able to bring other teams to the event. Get in touch with the teams you think may be interested, tell them to contact me, and make sure they tell me that you referred them. If they register and pay in full - you'll receive $20 per referred team at the tournament.
For more information, or to register, please contact Bill Hecklick:
bhecklick@gmail.com
724-825-5438
www.pghhockey.com
July 26/27
Iceoplex at Southpointe (Canonsburg, PA)
FAQ:
1. How much is the registration fee?
$595/team
2. What do we get if we win?
All division champions will receive a cash prize of up to $1,000! The prize pool will be determined by the number of teams entered. All division champions will also receive a tournament champion t-shirt, and FREE entry into our next event. All division runners-up will also receive individual prizes. Leading Scorer, MVF, MVD, MVG awards will also be presented at the Awards Party.
3. We'll be traveling in from another city to play, what kind of deal can you give us?
It's always wonderful to have out-of-town teams come in to have fun with us at our events, so we will give a $50 discount for teams traveling from more than 50 miles from Canonsburg, PA 15317, and we are currently working on getting a discounted rate for local hotels and attractions.
4. What's the rink like?
Full-size NHL rink with some of the best ice around. Locker rooms with showers will be provided.
5. What skill levels are you having?
We are considering this an "Open" tournament. Teams of all skill levels from Rec to Pro will have a chance to compete with similar-skill teams at this event.
5a. How are you going to do that?
All teams will be entered into an open pool for the round-robin (prelim) games. Teams will receive points according to their performance in their 2 round-robin games. (Win=10 points. Tie=5 points. Loss=0 points. 1 point each for goal differential. 1 point for shutout.) All teams will make the playoffs. For the playoffs, we will split into skill level divisions according to point totals, depending on the total number of teams entered. Teams will then compete for 1, 2, or 3 championships (again, depending on the total number of teams).
6. How many games will we get to play?
Minimum of 3 games, maximum of 6 games.
7. What else can we do while we're in town?
Jay's Sports Bar and Restaurant is connected to the rink for all of your dining (and drinking!) needs. We will have drink specials for all tournament players over the weekend. The rink and hotels are also very close to the Meadows Casino & Racetrack, and a short drive from Kennywood Amusement Park and Sandcastle Waterpark.
8. What are the roster requirements?
Team captains must submit their rosters 1 week before the tournament. 3 changes are allowed before the team's first game. Minimum roster = 8. Maximum roster = 17. All players must sign a waiver before getting on the ice.
9. What rules will we be using?
We will follow the USA Hockey rulebook, except for a few minor changes - all of which will be clearly explained to teams entering the tournament.
10. What equipment do you require?
All players MUST WEAR FULL EQUIPMENT (Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Elbow Pads, Gloves, Hockey Pants, Shinguards, Socks, Skates). All players under 18 must wear full face protection. Goalies must wear full equipment.
11. Where do I send my payment?
Please send a deposit of $100 by June 13 (check or money order) made out to:
Bill Hecklick
703 Shady Ave.
Charleroi, PA 15022
Full payment will be due on July 12.
12. I know a few other teams that might want to play, should I have them contact you?
We are actually paying a $20 "referral fee" for anyone who is able to bring other teams to the event. Get in touch with the teams you think may be interested, tell them to contact me, and make sure they tell me that you referred them. If they register and pay in full - you'll receive $20 per referred team at the tournament.
For more information, or to register, please contact Bill Hecklick:
bhecklick@gmail.com
724-825-5438
www.pghhockey.com
2008 Summer Classic (Inline)
The 2008 Summer Classic Inline Hockey Tournament is coming soon - register now!
July 12/13
Iceoplex at Southpointe (Canonsburg, PA)
FAQ:
1. How much is the registration fee?
$450/team
2. Puck or Ball tournament?
We will be having both a Puck and a Ball division.
3. What do we get if we win?
All division champions will receive a cash prize of up to $1,000! The prize pool will be determined by the number of teams entered. All division champions will also receive a tournament champion t-shirt, and FREE entry into our next event. All division runners-up will also receive individual prizes. Leading Scorer, MVF, MVD, MVG awards will also be presented at the Awards Party.
4. We'll be traveling in from another city to play, what kind of deal can you give us?
It's always wonderful to have out-of-town teams come in to have fun with us at our events, so we will give a $50 discount for teams traveling from more than 50 miles from Canonsburg, PA 15317, and we are currently working on getting a discounted rate for local hotels and attractions.
5. What's the rink like?
Full-size NHL rink with blue sportcourt surface. Climate-controlled, fully indoor facility.
6. What skill levels are you having?
We are considering this an "Open" tournament. Teams of all skill levels from Rec to Pro will have a chance to compete with similar-skill teams at this event.
6a. How are you going to do that?
All teams will be entered into an open pool for the round-robin (prelim) games. Teams will receive points according to their performance in their 2 round-robin games. (Win=10 points. Tie=5 points. Loss=0 points. 1 point each for goal differential. 1 point for shutout.) All teams will make the playoffs. For the playoffs, we will split into skill level divisions according to point totals, depending on the total number of teams entered. Teams will then compete for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 championships (again, depending on the total number of teams).
7. How many games will we get to play?
Minimum of 3 games, maximum of 6 games.
8. What else can we do while we're in town?
Jay's Sports Bar and Restaurant is connected to the rink for all of your dining (and drinking!) needs. We will have drink specials for all tournament players over the weekend. The rink and hotels are also very close to the Meadows Casino & Racetrack, and a short drive from Kennywood Amusement Park and Sandcastle Waterpark.
9. What are the roster requirements?
Team captains must submit their rosters 1 week before the tournament. 3 changes are allowed before the team's first game. Minimum roster = 6. Maximum roster = 14. All players must sign a waiver before getting on the floor.
10. What rules will we be using?
We will follow the AAU/USARS rulebook, except for a few minor changes - all of which will be clearly explained to teams entering the tournament.
11. What equipment do you require?
All players must wear a helmet, elbow pads, hockey shinguards, skates (with all the wheels in place!), and hockey gloves. All players under 18 must wear full face protection. Goalies must wear full equipment, except in the Ball division, in which goalies are not required to wear skates.
12. Where do I send my payment?
Please send a deposit of $100 by June 13 (check or money order) made out to:
Bill Hecklick
703 Shady Ave.
Charleroi, PA 15022
Full payment will be due on June 27.
13. I know a few other teams that might want to play, should I have them contact you?
We are actually paying a $20 "referral fee" for anyone who is able to bring other teams to the event. Get in touch with the teams you think may be interested, tell them to contact me, and make sure they tell me that you referred them. If they register and pay in full - you'll receive $20 per referred team at the tournament.
For more information, or to register, please contact Bill Hecklick:
bhecklick@gmail.com
724-825-5438
www.pghhockey.com
July 12/13
Iceoplex at Southpointe (Canonsburg, PA)
FAQ:
1. How much is the registration fee?
$450/team
2. Puck or Ball tournament?
We will be having both a Puck and a Ball division.
3. What do we get if we win?
All division champions will receive a cash prize of up to $1,000! The prize pool will be determined by the number of teams entered. All division champions will also receive a tournament champion t-shirt, and FREE entry into our next event. All division runners-up will also receive individual prizes. Leading Scorer, MVF, MVD, MVG awards will also be presented at the Awards Party.
4. We'll be traveling in from another city to play, what kind of deal can you give us?
It's always wonderful to have out-of-town teams come in to have fun with us at our events, so we will give a $50 discount for teams traveling from more than 50 miles from Canonsburg, PA 15317, and we are currently working on getting a discounted rate for local hotels and attractions.
5. What's the rink like?
Full-size NHL rink with blue sportcourt surface. Climate-controlled, fully indoor facility.
6. What skill levels are you having?
We are considering this an "Open" tournament. Teams of all skill levels from Rec to Pro will have a chance to compete with similar-skill teams at this event.
6a. How are you going to do that?
All teams will be entered into an open pool for the round-robin (prelim) games. Teams will receive points according to their performance in their 2 round-robin games. (Win=10 points. Tie=5 points. Loss=0 points. 1 point each for goal differential. 1 point for shutout.) All teams will make the playoffs. For the playoffs, we will split into skill level divisions according to point totals, depending on the total number of teams entered. Teams will then compete for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 championships (again, depending on the total number of teams).
7. How many games will we get to play?
Minimum of 3 games, maximum of 6 games.
8. What else can we do while we're in town?
Jay's Sports Bar and Restaurant is connected to the rink for all of your dining (and drinking!) needs. We will have drink specials for all tournament players over the weekend. The rink and hotels are also very close to the Meadows Casino & Racetrack, and a short drive from Kennywood Amusement Park and Sandcastle Waterpark.
9. What are the roster requirements?
Team captains must submit their rosters 1 week before the tournament. 3 changes are allowed before the team's first game. Minimum roster = 6. Maximum roster = 14. All players must sign a waiver before getting on the floor.
10. What rules will we be using?
We will follow the AAU/USARS rulebook, except for a few minor changes - all of which will be clearly explained to teams entering the tournament.
11. What equipment do you require?
All players must wear a helmet, elbow pads, hockey shinguards, skates (with all the wheels in place!), and hockey gloves. All players under 18 must wear full face protection. Goalies must wear full equipment, except in the Ball division, in which goalies are not required to wear skates.
12. Where do I send my payment?
Please send a deposit of $100 by June 13 (check or money order) made out to:
Bill Hecklick
703 Shady Ave.
Charleroi, PA 15022
Full payment will be due on June 27.
13. I know a few other teams that might want to play, should I have them contact you?
We are actually paying a $20 "referral fee" for anyone who is able to bring other teams to the event. Get in touch with the teams you think may be interested, tell them to contact me, and make sure they tell me that you referred them. If they register and pay in full - you'll receive $20 per referred team at the tournament.
For more information, or to register, please contact Bill Hecklick:
bhecklick@gmail.com
724-825-5438
www.pghhockey.com
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