quote:

Oh, I forgot, but was reminded by someone out west. Make sure your team all has matching socks.

Not matching = No play

Matt, the west coach in the state A game questioned me about that during warm-ups last season. I told the coach that it wasn't a big enough deal for me to say anything about. He was fine with my answer.

If anyone gets into that situation, cite rule 203(d) from the USA Hockey rulebook. It clearly states that it is not a requirement for uniforms to match provided they do not resemble the uniforms of their opponent.

Matt

The Pennsylvania State Playoff Rules provide NO specification of Uniforms SEE ATTACHED. The Tournament is played under USA Hockey Rules unless otherwise specified

http://www.pihlweb.com/media/07_08_Varsity_Playoff_Rules.pdf

You all may be interested to note that these rules were revised in November 2007. I asked several Flyers Cup committee members if they approved these rules changes and they knew nothing about it and furthermore it is also noted that the Rules specifically state that the last revision was the summer of 1998.
Hmmmmmmm...........better make sure you have matching socks !

OK, I'm laughing a bit at the whole trophy experience you guys are talking about. I can't believe the corrupt PIHL administration would really try to charge eastern teams for the trophy. I knew they were bad but that's almost laughable. Western Pa hockey is good but the administrators of the PIHL are a joke.

As far as the AAA state finals go, as a western Pa guy, I will tell you that if LaSalle is as good as it seems they are, then they we are in for a tremendous AAA final as I can't believe there is a high school team in Pennsylvania capable of competing with Pine Richland. Reading the PA Hockey preview, I was surprised to see our own Batman predict a LaSalle victory. Since he has seen both teams firsthand, LaSalle must be very very good to get his prediction. Should be a good game but don't discount the Rams - they have a very deep team led by a very productive and very talented number 1 line.

Latrobe keeps on surprising me - they just find a way to win. They're not particularly big, they're not overloaded with seniors, but they are very fast and have a goalie who's been playing in the "zone" all year.

Now, regarding the squirt tournament in Pittsburgh - you gotta be kidding? That happens in every city and has happened to us in Eastern Pa - don't paint with such a wide brush because you were hassled a bit at a tournament (I'm betting it was a tournament at the Ice Castle)...

btw - it's Pittsburgh with an "H" at the end!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: EddieShore,

quote:

Now, regarding the squirt tournament in Pittsburgh - you gotta be kidding? That happens in every city

Only time it ever happened in 8 yrs of travel hockey after the tourney started.

First off, I would like to congratulate West Chester East, Conestoga and LaSalle! I was extremely impressed by East's transformation the second half of the year and by 'Stoga's run through the Flyers' Cup. I wish all three teams the best of luck at States!

As far as my experience is concerned, the West will definitely check your paperwork and coaches cards, so be prepared. The banquet can't be as bad as it was 2 years ago. The food wasn't bad, but the speaker just went on and on about how great the West was and how they needed a casino to save the Penguins (I don't know if they got their casino, but the Pens' certainly have been saved). The refs will give you a 10 minute misconduct if you show them up, so be careful. Keep your mouth shut and let your play do the talking. Don't retaliate! Bananas and oranges are good things to have in the locker room in between the second and third periods. A Friday practice out there is also a good idea, if possible. Once again, good luck to all three teams!

As far as the West is concerned, I am still waiting for the games to return to Hershey, as the West promised to do. We had a 2 year agreement and they pulled out of it. They lied to us back in 2005, and that is a fact!

I agree wholeheartedly about the championship returning to Hershey. Was there with my son for the 2005 Championships and was very impressed. Nice facilities, kind of middle of the state (although still favors the east in terms of travel), and all the other PIAA championships are held there.

Now the banquet in 2005 was nothing memorable either so I'm not sure if that is ever really done right...

By the way, I also agree with your comments about the way the refs call the games here. You hit the nail on the head with the "don't retaliate" although they call ALL games that way here, they're not picking on the eastern teams.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: EddieShore,

In 1996 the Pennsylvania HIgh School Hockey Championships were in JOhnstown and the Johnstown Hockey Community raised alot of money and the banquet was first and very well attended. Because Bishop McCort was in the finals it had alot to do with it, but nonetheless was the best State Finals I have witnessed.

In 2003, when the State Finals were held at Ice Line, the banquet was held at a very nice place and Al Morganti spoke, it was very well attended and well recieved.

In 1999, the State Finals at Grundy was at the rink with homestyle food and ALL of the teams attended it was very well done with each of the teams practicing the day before.

ALready, I am getting vibes from the West that some of the teams are not even practicing at the War Memorial nor are they attending the banquet. I really thought Hershey was a great one-time venue, but I believe the Giant Center would be a better one. The idea is that the State Final should be special and moving it to Johnstown or Wilkes Barre or Erie or Hershey would give the community an opportunity to host the event, but is it worth it to the community to host the State Finals ? Not sure of the answer to that one

Central location would be awesome. Mixed or alternating officiating crews would be good too. Giant Center, Hersheypark Arena great choices. Penn State a possibility too. PCN broadcast like all other state championships would be a nice step as well. All teams should go to the banquet, it's part of the weekend and the experience.

To not practice at the War Memorial if given the opportunity is a mistake, especially for Pine Richland or Latrobe who never play there. Qauker Valley has played there several times this season. All of the East teams will practice I believe ?

I really don't care how many times you win it or play in the State Finals, you may not get back there. For Pine Richland, there is another streak on the line, which is to match Bishop McCort and Meadville, who have won four in a row. There are a select number of players in State History who have won four State Championships in their career and if Pine Richland wins they will have a great opportunity to do it in 2009.

I am learning the official assignments for the finals and can tell you that the guys assigned to these games are, in my opinion, the best in Western Pa meaning officials I would chose and have chosen to do games for the Pa Hockey Scholastic Showcase and National Invitational Scholastic Showcase, so all of the talk about referees should be a non issue.

But make sure you wear matching socks.

For all of those going to Johnstown your best bet is the Turnpike to Somerset and then 219 into Johnstown. Give yourself time to find parking.

Hopefully the War Memorial will be serving Fiesta Dogs at the concession. I know Matt will take two with relish and pickles. Or we will just have to go up the street to the Haven Saturday evening !

quote:

Originally posted by Pa Hockey:
For all of those going to Johnstown your best bet is the Turnpike to Somerset and then 219 into Johnstown. Give yourself time to find parking.

Hopefully the War Memorial will be serving Fiesta Dogs at the concession. I know Matt will take two with relish and pickles. Or we will just have to go up the street to the Haven Saturday evening !

Scotty's By Dam for Tacos!!!!

I've just been told by an "Un-reliable" source, that after USA hockey interveened, it was determined that a three-man reffing system would be used at States this year.

quote:

Originally posted by Pa Hockey:
SUMMARY OF PENNSYLVANIA CUP STATE CHAMPIONS
1975-Present
AAA AA A TOTAL
1 MEADVILLE 7 1 0 8
2 BISHOP MCCORT 0 0 5 5
3 BETHEL PARK 5 0 0 5
3 CANEVIN 0 3 0 3
3 CONWELL/ BISHOP EGAN 1 1 1 3
3 ERIE FAIRVIEW 0 3 0 3
3 GREENSBURG CC 0 2 1 3
3 SERRA CATHOLIC 0 0 3 3
3 PETERS TWP 0 3 0 3
9 BALDWIN 2 0 0 2
9 BEAVER 0 2 0 2
9 CATHEDRAL PREP 1 1 0 2
9 CHURCHILL 2 0 0 2
9 CONESTOGA 2 0 0 2
9 COUNCIL ROCK 1 1 0 2
9 FATHER JUDGE 0 2 0 2
9 SETON LASALLE 0 1 1 2
9 THOMAS JEFFERSON 0 3 0 3
9 UPPER ST. CLAIR 2 0 0 2
9 ARCHBISHOP CARROLL 1 1 0 2
9 MALVERN PREP 2 0 0 2
9 RADNOR 0 0 2 2
9 MT LEBANON 2 0 0 2
9 PINE RICHLAND 0 2 0 2
9 WEST CHESTER HENDERSON 1 0 1 2
ONE TIME WINNERS 4 5 6 15
TOTAL 33 31 20 84

Thats interesting. Out of the 25 teams that are multiple winners on the state level, around 60 percent are public schools. I guess stealing players doesnt always help.



Haha cant wait for responses.

So what you are saying in 11% of the schools(private) in Pa have won multiple titles 40% of the time and 89%(public)have won multiple titles 60% of the time. Proportionally the Private Schools have done very well.