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Welcome to Volume 1 Issue 7
3/26/08

NHL



The Avalanche losers of 4 of their last 5, are in jeopardy of not making the playoffs. Adding Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg have not helped the team improve their playoff standing. Moving in the wrong direction this week, where did the former top 10 team finish out the week? The previously slumping Flyers have found a way to win their last 4 games. Moving up three spots in the NHL BS Rankings the Flyers are only one point out of the 6th spot in the East. Also in the East the Montreal Canadians, led by young goaltender Carey Price, moved up 2 spots to number 3.

NBA



After a franchise record 22 wins in a row the Houston Rockets have lost 4 straight. Matching their losing streak the Rockets have moved down 4 spots in this week's NBA BS Rankings. With the injury to superstar Dirk Nowitzki the Dallas Mavericks have been on the lighter side of the scoreboard for the last three games. Even though they have lost 3 of their last 4 the Mavericks are still in the top 10.

PIHA-Pro



With a short schedule this Easter weekend, teams were able to make big moves in this week's PIHA-Pro BS Rankings. The Raleigh Assault had a big weekend against the winless Stingers from Williamsburg. Outscoring the Stingers 19-4 the Assault was able to move up 7 spots into the top 15. Having lost one game the last two weekends the Colorado Springs Thunder have moved out of the second spot. How far did thy fall? Taking the place of the vacant number 2 spot is the Connecticut Blaze. Still the only undefeated team (in regulation) the Blaze has a huge match up this weekend with the 18-2-0 Philadelphia Growl. This rivalry has been brewing for years. Will the Growl be able to walk into Connecticut and take two games from the Eastern Conference's best team?
Welcome to Volume 1 Issue 6
3/18/08

NHL



As the playoff push continues the East Conference 8th spot is up for grabs. With the Flyers currently holding the final spot, the Washington Capitals two points behind both teams struggle to gain any ground for the playoffs. 8-2-0 in their last 10 games the Hurricanes continue to dominate the weakest division in all of hockey. Still struggling for respect in the game, even after winning a Stanley Cup, the team from Carolina will have to prove their young leaders can carry them deep into the playoffs.

In the West the Dallas Stars finding themselves struggling at the wrong time of the season. With the addition of points machine Brad Richards from Tampa Bay, the Stars have lost 5 of their last 6. With games against the Ducks and Sharks before the end of the season the Stars to find themselves before their great regular season record turns into a first round playoff lose.

NBA



22 wins in a row have the Houston Rockets atop the Western Conference and in the top five of the BS NBA Rankings. Led by Tracy McGrady and former AND1 Mix Tape Star Rafer Alston the Rockets have only lost 5 games this calendar year. Will the lose of Yao Ming prove deadly against the other powerhouses of the Western Conference?

The Western Conference has one of the best playoff pushes in recent sports history. With only 2.5 games separating the top 7 teams no position in the standings today will be safe. A small streak, positive or negative, could mean playing basketball or playing golf in April. Losers of 4 straight the defending champions Spurs have no time to rest the aging stars for the playoffs run. If the Spurs are able to win their first playoff series I can't see them making it out of the second round.

PIHA - Pro



At 13-11-0 on the season the Chicago Untouchables have been that lately. In one of the toughest division in PIHA the Untouchables have only lost 3 games in their last 20. Led by Peter Messina and Dan Costanza the Untouchables will be a force that will have to be dealt with in the Western Conference playoffs. My prediction is the Tornados will see the Untouchables in the division finals. How high was the team from Chicago able to climb in this week's PIHA - Pro BS Rankings? A hint: They are not to far from the top 10.

Winning all four of their games this past weekend the Westminster Blizzard outscored the Fire and Prowlers 21-7. Matt Olson leads the Blizzard into the playoffs and into the top 10 of this week's rankings.

Losing 6 of their last 10 the talented roster of the 495ers need to find their grove against this week's opponent, the Revolution. The end of their regular season is filled with tough opponents. Will the first year team from the island be able to follow their leadership into the playoffs or will they sink out of the second season?

PIHA - Minor



Following the lead of their pro team the Chicago Untouchable Minor team, led by Chris Ancona and Nick Winkler, winning 9 out of their last 10 games and have the Southside Snipers in their sights. With the 4th most points (35) in the Western Conference the Untouchables will be in the finals. Moving up 4 spots this week in the PIHA - Minor BS Rankings, the Feasterville Fury and their 7 game winning streak are threatening the leaders of the Atlantic Division. In the toughest division in all of PIHA - Minor Captain Jeff Moore and his 4 game winning goals will need to continue the streak. Playing the Grizzlies this week the division top spot is in reach.

For the first 5 issues please visit: inlinehockeycentral.com/forums.php
2008 ECRHA Regional Championships
3/6/08

On the weekend of March 1st it was cold enough to play on ice but it was roller hockey that dominated the rinks in Feasterville, PA. The University of Rhode Island and West Chester University, underdogs of the ECRHA 2008 regional tournament, came within mere points of their respective season long goals. Full of talent at every position both teams played in some on the most emotional and controversial games of the weekend but failed to win their divisional championships. The WCU Rams, missing two key players, came into this weekend with confidence knowing that Neumann was the team to beat. While the URI squad, coming off their 2nd place finish at nationals in 2007 had more to prove.

With the patient style of play "Slowbel Hockey" instilled by Coach Brian Sobel, Captain Tim Saraceni feels "Coach Sobel gives us the confidence and calmness we need to win games". One of the keys to West Chester's season long success is first team all American selection Dan Hogan. Playing in all sixteen of his team's games Dan only allowed 35 goals past him while recording 4 shout outs.

Easily winning their first two round robin games against Cornell and Binghamton, West Chester faced a tougher challenge against Shippensburg. Out scoring their round robin opponents 28-8 West Chester headed into their quarterfinal game vs. Millersville. With the game much closer than most fans thought the game came down to the final few minutes. Tim Saraceni, from his normal power play position, blasted the game clinching goal with 28 seconds left on the clock. The semifinal match up with SUNY Albany was set. West Chester played sloppy and undisciplined hockey. With both teams fighting through questionable officiating Albany's penalty killing unit played absolutely flawlessly. Coach Brian Sobel, of West Chester, gave a nod to Albany after the game saying, "any team that scores four short-handed goals deserves to win the game."

URI's path to their goal would be a difficult one, being in the toughest bracket in the tournament. In URI's first game Rutgers University controlled the middle of the floor forcing URI to creep in from the outside while Rutger's goaltender Ryan McCoyd protected his six feet of pipe allowing only a handle full of rebounds throughout the game. With the game tied 2-2 at the start of the third period, the pace of the game quickened. A minute and thirty eight seconds later URI's go to guy Justin Lundh scored from the top of the crease but was matched by Robbie Fulton's goal for Rutgers tying the game 3-3.

URI went on to face Pittsburgh University who was unable to re-create their earlier win against Stony Brook. URI fell back to their ice hockey roots playing a cutting style of hockey and easily winning the game 7-2.

A struggling Stony Brook University met URI for their final round robin game. Playing some of the most uninspired hockey in the tournament Stony Brook was overwhelmed by URI's constant attack, losing 2-7. The hardest thing to do in sports is beat the same team twice in a row; this was the task now facing URI. Stony Brook played the second game as if their entire season was on the line. Rough play defined the first period and gave way to Stony Brook scoring first, an act that was later matched when Captain Bryan Eriksen delivered two goals, the later going up with 33 seconds left in the period, winning the game for URI and bringing them to Towson's door in the semifinal rink. The celebration didn't last long. Towson's attacks on the URI defense usually resulted in odd man rushes that overwhelmed URI breaking everything but their desire to win. Tired from their struggle against Stony Brook URI clung to their sense of team unity but were unable to match the intensity of Towson. Winning 5-2 Towson left URI burning with disappointment and pride; a combination that made them both interesting to watch and dangerous to play.

WCU and URI played incredible games beneath the radar of most regional fans. Their unique styles of play, utilizing dogging patience and team unity respectively, didn't go unnoticed by the national selection committee. Both teams earned bids to Colorado to compete in nationals yielding them another chance to surprise fans and teams alike.
All American Team
3/5/08

DI

First Team
Forward Charlie Middleton UC Irvine
Forward Ryan Burrows Long Beah State
Defense Robbie Fullton Rutgers Univ.
Defense Matt Luttrell Pittsburgh Univ.
Goalie Matthew Smith Ohio State University

Second Team
Forward Mike Tasch UC Irvine
Forward Ryan Cowdell Towson
Defense Jim Tamburino Stony Brook
Defense Fabian Mueller UC Irvine
Goalie Kevin Leopard UC Irvine

DII

First Team
Forward Christian Bernad CSU
Forward Kenny McCubbins UC San Diego
Defense Ryan Weekes Elon
Defense Paul Fritz College of Charleston
Goalie Dan Hogan West Chester Univ.

Second Team
Forward Nick Longnecker Univ. of Miami
Forward Stephen Lockwood UC San Diego
Defense Tom Cavanaugh Shippensburg Univ.
Defense Lafe Ball UC San Diego
Goalie Brandon Chew UC San Diego

DIII

First Team
Forward Craig Cow Red Rocks CC
Forward Gus Maloney St. Charles CC
Defense Miles Cook Red Rocks CC
Defense Andrew James Oakland CC
Goalie Amber Bonne Arapahoe CC

Second Team
Forward Jason Yokubison Oakland CC
Forward Max Stern Suffolk CCC
Defense Colin Sipperley Oakland CC
Defense Mark Lebbins Suffolk CCC
Goalie Robbie Ritcher Broward CCC

B

First Team
Forward Brian Costello Cal Poly San Luis
Forward Jeff Elias Univ. of Buffalo
Defense Alex Nebrig UM - St Louis
Defense Scott Wilson Cal Poly San Luis
Goalie Chris Territo Univ. of Buffalo

Second Team
Forward Patrick Fuist Lindenwood Black
Forward Tim Mewbold Univ. of Buffalo
Defense John Meyer Lindenwood Gold
Defense Jason Crook Univ. of Central Florida
Goalie Megan Gault Lindenwood Gold
Bids for Nationals
3/4/08

Courtesy of ncrha.org



The following teams have been issued bids to the College Roller Hockey National Championships, to be held in Colorado Springs and Monument, CO on April 9th to 14th, 2008.

Division I - FINAL


University of California - Irvine
California State University - Long Beach
University of Central Florida
Colorado State University
Eastern Michigan University
University of Florida
Florida International University
Lindenwood University
Michigan University
Michigan State University
University of Missouri - Columbia
University of Missouri - St. Louis
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of North Texas
The Ohio State University
University of Rhode Island
Rutgers University
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Stony Brook
Towson University
ALTERNATE 1 - Pennsylvania State University
ALTERNATE 2 - University of Colorado
ALTERNATE 3 - United States Military Academy - West Point (Army)
ALTERNATE 4 - University of Missouri - Rolla

Division II - FINAL


University of California - Riverside
University of California - San Diego
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
California State University - San Bernardino
Elon University
Grand Valley State University
University of Louisiana - Lafayette
University of Maine
Missouri State University
Neumann College
Saint Louis University
Sam Houston State University
Shippensburg University
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
SUNY Albany
Truman State University
University of Tampa
Washington University (St. Louis)
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Western Carolina University
ALTERNATE 1 - Temple University
ALTERNATE 2 - University of Vermont
ALTERNATE 3 - Drexel University
ALTERNATE 4 - Emory UniversityÝ


Ý

Division III - FINAL


Arapahoe Comunity CollegeÝ(CO)
Broward County Communty College (FL)
Macomb Community College (MI)
Meramec Community College (MO)
Nassau Community College (NY)
Oakland Community CollegeÝ(MI)
Red Rocks Community College (CO)
St. Charles Community College (MO)
SuffolkÝCommunity College (NY)


B Division - FINAL


University of California - Santa Barbara (Gold)
California State Polytechnic University - San Luis Osbispo (Gold)
University of Central Florida
Colorado State University
Eastern Michigan University
Lindenwood University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
University of Missouri - St. Louis
University of North Texas
Pennsylvania State University
SUNY Buffalo
ALTERNATE 1 - University of Missouri - Columbia
ALTERNATE 2 - Towson University
ALTERNATE 3 - The Ohio State University
ALTERNATE 4 - University of Texas at Arlington
Interview with Richard Graham of InlineHockeyCentral.com
2/25/08

YouSuckRef.com: What is your official title in association with IHC?

Richard Graham: I'm the co-founder, owner and editor. Jon Niola was IHC's webmaster in 1998, but he left after the first year. Right now, Mike Burke of PowerPlayStats.com graciously does the heavy lifting on the technical, webmaster-guru side.

YSR.com: Who introduced you to the sport of hockey, and at what age did you start playing?

Richard: It was either my father or osmosis. I was born in Canada, and playing hockey as a kid is as natural as breathing. I probably started skating around five, though you wouldn't know it to see me. I was never a very good ice hockey player - I somehow learned to skate without learning how to stop. When I played in ice hockey leagues as a youngster, I received a lot of cross-checking penalties; that was how I stopped.

YSR.com: When did you come up with the idea for IHC and what were your initial hopes for its impact?

Richard: When the print publication I edited - InLine Hockey News - went out of business in December of 1997, I figured that the time was right for me to try and start my own business. At the time, I assumed that since there would be no printing or distribution costs, making a living with Inline Hockey Central would be as easy as scoring an empty-net goal from the slot. I was wrong. It's been a real challenge. However, I've learned a lot from the process, and it's been a lot of fun along the way.

YSR.com: Why did you choose roller hockey to focus on?

Richard: It was the sport I'd been playing and covering for several years. I was interested in the topic, and I thought that the sky was the limit for the sport. I was blindsided by the Internet crash of 2000 and the inline hockey decline that went with it. Before inline hockey, I was an editor at Triathlete magazine. I'm very happy to see that triathlon, an even smaller niche sport, has an extremely vibrant and informative print publication. Inline hockey deserves to have a similar publication. Last year, Daryn Goodwin of NARCh and Tim McManus of State Wars recently tried to create one with Roller Hockey Today, but the publication went on hiatus after two issues for lack of industry support. It was an excellent publication, and I hope that they are successful in their attempt to bring it back.

YSR.com: What do you think your biggest accomplishment is in the first decade of IHC?

Richard: Simply keeping the site alive. I've felt a sense of duty and an obligation to the sport that had given me so much fulfillment and fun. If there's any other accomplishment, you would have to ask IHC's readers. They'd have a better idea, and would be less biased.

YSR.com: How have your mission and the direction of IHC changed since the inception of the site?

Richard: IHC's mission and direction have changed along with the sport. When IHC first began, in 1998, Major League Roller Hockey and Roller Hockey International were battling to make pro inline hockey viable. The North American Roller Hockey Championships (NARCh) and the American Inline Roller Hockey Series (AIRHS) were going head to head. There were also some high-quality international inline hockey world championships going on at the time. There was a lot to cover, it was an exciting time, and I remember being proud about posting a news story every day for at least six months straight. Now, with the sport as fragmented as it is, I just try to emphasize positive news from every area possible.

YSR.com: Where did the idea for the commemorative jersey come from?

Richard: I wanted to do something to note the milestone of IHC's first decade. A lot of web sites don't last for nearly that long. When Brandon Morton offered to do the design in trade for a banner ad, and Ace Jerseys offered to produce the jerseys, I realized it was a great way to mark the occasion of IHC's 10-year anniversary.

YSR.com: Do you consider roller hockey one of your passions in life?

Richard: Sure. But like all passions, it waxes and wanes. I loved it more when I was playing all the time outside at the beach in Santa Monica, and when I was covering Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey in the late 1990s. I'll love it more again, I'm sure, when the sport makes the comeback it so richly deserves. Unfortunately, right now, a very small percentage of people make money in the sport - the rest of us do it for other reasons.

YSR.com: If so, what rivals your passion for roller hockey and IHC?

Richard: My other passions are music, playing the guitar, photography and travel. The key, I think, is that if you make your passion your job, you'd better make a decent living, or you're likely to be unhappy.

YSR.com: In the Internet world, with an exploding number of message boards and blogs, how has IHC retained its status as the leader in the roller hockey news and discussions?

Richard: Luck and plain stubbornness. I refused to quit, and along the way, some would-be competitors came and went. Although other competitors will continue to come and go, IHC will continue to change with the times.

YSR.com: Where do you see IHC and its role in the sport on your 20th anniversary?

Richard: I'd love Inline Hockey Central to be around 10 years from now - I need a whiz kid like Dave Garland of PIHA's Midwest Division to buy the site and keep me on as editor emeritus. Wink. Seriously, I can't see 10 years ahead -- I'll be 59 years old in 2018. I don't think the sport will need that old of a guy running its most popular web site.

YSR.com: If you weren't running IHC, what profession would you want to attempt?

Richard: I've always loved working for print magazines, but the Internet is changing the industry dramatically. I'm sure that I'll always be a writer and a photographer, but I'm considering becoming accredited to teach freelance writing and journalism at the community college level. If anyone reading this is interested, they can see some of my freelance writings and photography at my personal blog: http://RichardNGraham.blogpspot.com.

YSR.com: If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be?

Richard: John Lennon. I'd tell him how much I like the line in Hey Jude: "For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder." I've always subscribed to that philosophy. I like friendly people more than people who put on a pose.

YSR.com: Who are three people you have met through roller hockey that are impossible to forget?

Richard: There are so many interesting and creative people who've been involved in our sport since its creation, but I have to give my regards to IHC's readership as a whole. Their passion for the sport and their contributions to the site's message board - now called Forums - really helps keep IHC going. It's madness at times, but all in all, it's a lot of fun. It was also really exciting to meet Walter Gretzky, Wayne's father. However, I think the most unforgettable person I've met is Dennis Murphy. Not only was he the creative force behind Roller Hockey International, but he also helped found the World Hockey Association, the National Basketball Association and World Team Tennis. I think that inline hockey owes Dennis a huge debt, because RHI helped expose the sport to so many people. His heart, determination and creativity are three attributes that I try to emulate.
Whispers From The North
2/21/08

With all the recent trades in the NBA all the power house teams seem to be in the Western Conference. Is the same true in PIHA? All the talk this year is in the Gateway and Rocky Mountain divisions and rightfully so. The Midwest Tornadoes (21-1-0) are having one of the best seasons in PIHA history. The Colorado Springs Thunder (15-1-0), led by all world player CJ Yoder, is also thought of as a leading contender in the West's battle for a national championship. With so much focus placed on the West are we missing the East's bid for a title?

There is a team up in Connecticut that needs to be viewed as a major player for a national championship. The Connecticut Blaze are 10-0-2. That's right they are PIHA's only undefeated team. If defense wins championships, Roger Lee (8-1-0 and 3.09 GAA, 2 SO) is a veteran goaltender who will be a steady force between the pipes for the rest of the season. For those of you who are new to PIHA Roger was a goaltender for last season PIHA Champions Boston Swamp Rats. And Roger isn't the only power house on the Blaze. Captain John Pinheiro is one of the game's absolute best, on and off the floor. If you have never seen Pinheiro play you need to find out when he is coming to a town near you. Can someone tell me why he doesn't have a highlight reel on YouTube?

I was lucky enough to be standing next to him on the floor after he made a rink length pass to a teammate who was completely covered. The pass had eyes allowing it to go through the defender's legs to his teammate's blade. From there the pass found the back of the net. The goal won the first round playoff series against the Philadelphia Growl last year, in overtime.

The Blaze have 6 games in hand on the North East Division and 12 games in hand on the rest of the Eastern Conference. If John Pinheiro and Roger Lee can stay healthy, and if secondary scoring from Jeff Goulet, Tony Silvestri and Jay McGeown continues, the Connecticut Blaze might be the team to beat in the East.



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