NRHL Hockey
Professional roller hockey at its finest
The NRHL: Explanation
The
NRHL (National Roller Hockey League) is a fake pro roller hockey league
I created. The league's commissioner is Roy Horner, a made-up person of
mine. Everything below is the info on the league, all of which is my
creation. With the exception of Tony Adams, Josh Bunch, Rob Chico, Kyle Clark, Alex Hess, and
Kelly Zmijewski, everyone involved in this league is a totally fake
person I created myself. The season will be 36 games long, 4 division,
2 conference, and 1 non-conference game with each team in the other
conference (one division at home, one on the road). Two games will be
held on Wednesdays, and ten games on the weekend (five Saturday, five
Sunday). The regular season will begin in March. Playoffs will
begin the following weekend after the season, and the All-Star Game
will be held during the season after each team plays 18 games. Each
Wednesday there's two games, and everyone plays a game on the weekend.
Each team has 16 players on the roster (2 goalies, 7 defense, and 7
forwards), with one forward and one defender listed as reserves. There
will only be one season per year as well.
If you have any more questions on the league, feel free to ask me via e-mail or through the forums. Thanks for visiting and hope you become a quick fan!
If you have any more questions on the league, feel free to ask me via e-mail or through the forums. Thanks for visiting and hope you become a quick fan!
Updates
6-15-09
We're at the All-Star break in the season, so no games this week. Saturday will be the Rookie-Sophomore Game and Sunday will be the East vs. West match up. You can find the rosters for both on the Rosters page. There's also a new Spotlight Player article finally up as I found time to do it again. Check it out for yourself and don't forget to visit the forum to tell me what you think.
3-5-09
The 2009 NRHL season has begun and I got the results from Wednesday night posted up. Good luck to all the teams this year and hope you all enjoy tracking the league as it continues.
1-11-09
The franchise records have been moved to the League History page under team history, and a new addition has been added to the Playoffs page. It's the Hall of Champions, which will keep track of all the players, coach, and GM from each team the season/year they won the Cup. Think of it like keeping your name on the Cup after you win it, basically. It also helps keep track of how many times a player has won the Horner's Cup.
1-3-09
Free agency has finally begun, all offers will be listed on the NRHLPA page next to the free agent's name. Rosters are updated to reflect all changes to this point, so keep checking back all month to see the free agency unfold. And happy new year also.
11-24-08
It's my birthday, and here I am stuck updating the site. I'm 19 today and it feels great to say that. But that's not why I'm posting this (at least not the main reason). The playoffs are over, the site's fully updated with last year's stuff, and off-season has begun. Awards are listed on the rosters page, league history is updated, and the draft is coming up December 17th. Until then, it should be slow with nothing until December (middle of the month maybe) when re-signing free agents begins. Free agency begins in January, and I'll finish removing retired players sometime soon. 2009 schedule should be started in February or so and in March the season begins.
We're at the All-Star break in the season, so no games this week. Saturday will be the Rookie-Sophomore Game and Sunday will be the East vs. West match up. You can find the rosters for both on the Rosters page. There's also a new Spotlight Player article finally up as I found time to do it again. Check it out for yourself and don't forget to visit the forum to tell me what you think.
3-5-09
The 2009 NRHL season has begun and I got the results from Wednesday night posted up. Good luck to all the teams this year and hope you all enjoy tracking the league as it continues.
1-11-09
The franchise records have been moved to the League History page under team history, and a new addition has been added to the Playoffs page. It's the Hall of Champions, which will keep track of all the players, coach, and GM from each team the season/year they won the Cup. Think of it like keeping your name on the Cup after you win it, basically. It also helps keep track of how many times a player has won the Horner's Cup.
1-3-09
Free agency has finally begun, all offers will be listed on the NRHLPA page next to the free agent's name. Rosters are updated to reflect all changes to this point, so keep checking back all month to see the free agency unfold. And happy new year also.
11-24-08
It's my birthday, and here I am stuck updating the site. I'm 19 today and it feels great to say that. But that's not why I'm posting this (at least not the main reason). The playoffs are over, the site's fully updated with last year's stuff, and off-season has begun. Awards are listed on the rosters page, league history is updated, and the draft is coming up December 17th. Until then, it should be slow with nothing until December (middle of the month maybe) when re-signing free agents begins. Free agency begins in January, and I'll finish removing retired players sometime soon. 2009 schedule should be started in February or so and in March the season begins.
Spotlight Players
6/15/09- Kurt Rack, Los Angeles Lightning
This week we spotlight the underrated scoring sensation Kurt Rack of the Los Angeles Lightning. Rack is a native of Flagstaff, Arizona and is a 32-year old 7 year veteran. Drafted by Phoenix back in the unofficial 2003 seasons, he played for the Phantoms franchise until the off-season of the 2005 F/W season, when Los Angeles traded Mark Cryb to get Rack. Ever since then, he's played for the Lightning in the bright lights of Hollywood, quietly continuing a pretty good career. But with the transition from the MBHL to the NRHL, Rack flourished as he developed into a great goal scorer in 2007. In 2008, he really exploded to lead the team in scoring all year long and get them back to the playoffs for the first time since S/S 2006. Their playoff run was cut short in a 4-game series with Kansas City, where they lost the series 3 games to 1. Rack has taken it upon himself in 2009 to improve the team's fortunes, and has been the biggest threat out of LA this year as they've bolted to the top and have sat back for a while out of reach. He's closing in on Marcus Hedler for the goals lead at the All-Star break and putting up great numbers. If he continues this pace, it could be enough to make his Lightning not only the Pacific Division champs for the first time since F/W 2005, his first season in LA, but maybe even push them to a Western Conference championship, which the team has never won. Kurt Rack has proven through his recent seasons that age is never a factor in this league, as old players can score just as much as the young guns.
7/21/08- Neil Passman, Detroit Dolphins
This week's player is a very underrated young star in Neil Passman of Detroit. Native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Passman grew up a big fan of the Red Wings from the NHL and idolized captain Steve Yzerman. As a result, Passman has modeled himself to play like Yzerman for his hometown Dolphins. He's 23 years old, turning 24 in early August, is playing his 3rd year with Detroit, and is very good on face-offs as a result of being a natural center. He's been a great young leader in the Dolphins locker room and looks to be the choice for captain after Huey Ark or Jacob Back retire or leave. Fans love him, he's always a great team player, and has been one dynamic goal scorer for a team who constantly struggles each year. Despite the lack of attention his Dolphins get, Passman continues to turn heads with his amazing play and some wonder how Detroit can't make the playoffs with a guy like Passman. Look to see him continue to breakout and lead this team to the playoffs this year, or in the near future. He's a bright star that will only continue to get better in a tough Eastern Conference. It's advised fans all over the league continue watching out for this guy.
5/19/08- David Nalani, Vancouver Vikings
An all-around great young player, David Nalani continues to amaze with his great skill. At age 29, Nalani is a native of Glasgow, Scotland and has helped Team Scotland win two World Championships. He was drafted by Knoxville with high hopes, but grew highly disappointed and unhappy with how the team performed under former coach Mike Keats and GM Kelly Zmijewski, and requested a trade. Nalani got his wish, and was traded with Wayne Broth to Vancouver for fellow All-Star Christopher Shiney and Bryan Buzzbi. He had a huge impact on the team's performance during 2007, and has continued his great play in his first full season as a Viking. Among fans and teammates in Vancouver, he has become known as "The Dagger" as most of the goals he's scored this year have been game winners. So far, he's got 7 goals with 4 of them game winners, combined with 6 assists. The Scotsman is poised to take on the role as captain in the near future, with the rumors of captains Sam Rechi and Drake Jand about retiring soon. Either way, David "The Dagger" Nalani looks to continue his career with Vancouver and hopes to lead the team to its first Horner's Cup and return to the Finals for the 1st time since 2004 S/S. With his amazing goal scoring ability, look for him to score a lot this year.
4/14/08- Symon Kean, Toronto Thunder
This time around it's 21-year old Symon Kean, who has been an amazing star in Toronto. A product of Brampton, Ontario, Kean stands at 6'5" and weighs in at 180 pounds which combines speed and strength. He's played for Toronto since being drafted in F/W 2005, at just age 18. He's a natural goal scorer, winning Rookie of the Season honors for 2005 F/W, but lost Rookie of the Year to Reuben Emryld for 2005. This year Kean has exploded with an amazing 6 goals and 9 assists to lead the league with 15 points including a hat trick. He's also a member of Team Canada, and the Thunder have high hopes that he'll continue to grow and produce a major threat behind the Jun Twins. Away from the game, Kean has a great personality and always happy to see fans, signing autographs and taking pictures often. Fans of the Thunder love Symon and he loves the team and city, and hopes to have a nice long career in Toronto. He's a very disciplined player and has great sportsmanship, and is extremely mature for a player his age. He's well-respected and is a dangerous player much like Eric Charles, as he can score in multiple ways and is a constant threat to find some way to help his team win.
4/7/08- Eric Charles, Philadelphia Pirates
This week it's young forward Eric Charles, a great underrated star player for the Pirates. Age 26 out of Kingston, Massachusetts, Charles was drafted by Philadelphia 31st overall in the 2nd round of the 2006 S/S draft. His draft class featured such stars as Marcus Hedler, Alex Dallison, Cyrus Rousseaux, Viktor Kloustov, and Neil Passman. He came to Philly defining their offensive style- small, quick, and amazing ability with the wrist shot. Charles begin as a starter right away, and has not disappointed. Philadelphia has not had much success, however, despite his best efforts. The Pirates made the playoffs his rookie season, only to be beaten in Game 7 by Columbus in the opening round, then missing completely in the F/W season. They didn't fair any better in 2007, missing again as the lowest team in the Atlantic through a tiebreaker. But in 2008, Charles is flying high and is producing just as the team thought he would before and has the team sitting on top of the division. He's a great young player, fans are beginning to really grow to love him, and defenses are still stifled on how to stop him. Along with surprising rookies Tony Adams and Rob Chico, Charles is hoping his Pirates will make a triumphant return to the postseason and really make some noise in the East. Look to hear his name mentioned a lot during the 2008 campaign.
This week we spotlight the underrated scoring sensation Kurt Rack of the Los Angeles Lightning. Rack is a native of Flagstaff, Arizona and is a 32-year old 7 year veteran. Drafted by Phoenix back in the unofficial 2003 seasons, he played for the Phantoms franchise until the off-season of the 2005 F/W season, when Los Angeles traded Mark Cryb to get Rack. Ever since then, he's played for the Lightning in the bright lights of Hollywood, quietly continuing a pretty good career. But with the transition from the MBHL to the NRHL, Rack flourished as he developed into a great goal scorer in 2007. In 2008, he really exploded to lead the team in scoring all year long and get them back to the playoffs for the first time since S/S 2006. Their playoff run was cut short in a 4-game series with Kansas City, where they lost the series 3 games to 1. Rack has taken it upon himself in 2009 to improve the team's fortunes, and has been the biggest threat out of LA this year as they've bolted to the top and have sat back for a while out of reach. He's closing in on Marcus Hedler for the goals lead at the All-Star break and putting up great numbers. If he continues this pace, it could be enough to make his Lightning not only the Pacific Division champs for the first time since F/W 2005, his first season in LA, but maybe even push them to a Western Conference championship, which the team has never won. Kurt Rack has proven through his recent seasons that age is never a factor in this league, as old players can score just as much as the young guns.
7/21/08- Neil Passman, Detroit Dolphins
This week's player is a very underrated young star in Neil Passman of Detroit. Native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Passman grew up a big fan of the Red Wings from the NHL and idolized captain Steve Yzerman. As a result, Passman has modeled himself to play like Yzerman for his hometown Dolphins. He's 23 years old, turning 24 in early August, is playing his 3rd year with Detroit, and is very good on face-offs as a result of being a natural center. He's been a great young leader in the Dolphins locker room and looks to be the choice for captain after Huey Ark or Jacob Back retire or leave. Fans love him, he's always a great team player, and has been one dynamic goal scorer for a team who constantly struggles each year. Despite the lack of attention his Dolphins get, Passman continues to turn heads with his amazing play and some wonder how Detroit can't make the playoffs with a guy like Passman. Look to see him continue to breakout and lead this team to the playoffs this year, or in the near future. He's a bright star that will only continue to get better in a tough Eastern Conference. It's advised fans all over the league continue watching out for this guy.
5/19/08- David Nalani, Vancouver Vikings
An all-around great young player, David Nalani continues to amaze with his great skill. At age 29, Nalani is a native of Glasgow, Scotland and has helped Team Scotland win two World Championships. He was drafted by Knoxville with high hopes, but grew highly disappointed and unhappy with how the team performed under former coach Mike Keats and GM Kelly Zmijewski, and requested a trade. Nalani got his wish, and was traded with Wayne Broth to Vancouver for fellow All-Star Christopher Shiney and Bryan Buzzbi. He had a huge impact on the team's performance during 2007, and has continued his great play in his first full season as a Viking. Among fans and teammates in Vancouver, he has become known as "The Dagger" as most of the goals he's scored this year have been game winners. So far, he's got 7 goals with 4 of them game winners, combined with 6 assists. The Scotsman is poised to take on the role as captain in the near future, with the rumors of captains Sam Rechi and Drake Jand about retiring soon. Either way, David "The Dagger" Nalani looks to continue his career with Vancouver and hopes to lead the team to its first Horner's Cup and return to the Finals for the 1st time since 2004 S/S. With his amazing goal scoring ability, look for him to score a lot this year.
4/14/08- Symon Kean, Toronto Thunder
This time around it's 21-year old Symon Kean, who has been an amazing star in Toronto. A product of Brampton, Ontario, Kean stands at 6'5" and weighs in at 180 pounds which combines speed and strength. He's played for Toronto since being drafted in F/W 2005, at just age 18. He's a natural goal scorer, winning Rookie of the Season honors for 2005 F/W, but lost Rookie of the Year to Reuben Emryld for 2005. This year Kean has exploded with an amazing 6 goals and 9 assists to lead the league with 15 points including a hat trick. He's also a member of Team Canada, and the Thunder have high hopes that he'll continue to grow and produce a major threat behind the Jun Twins. Away from the game, Kean has a great personality and always happy to see fans, signing autographs and taking pictures often. Fans of the Thunder love Symon and he loves the team and city, and hopes to have a nice long career in Toronto. He's a very disciplined player and has great sportsmanship, and is extremely mature for a player his age. He's well-respected and is a dangerous player much like Eric Charles, as he can score in multiple ways and is a constant threat to find some way to help his team win.
4/7/08- Eric Charles, Philadelphia Pirates
This week it's young forward Eric Charles, a great underrated star player for the Pirates. Age 26 out of Kingston, Massachusetts, Charles was drafted by Philadelphia 31st overall in the 2nd round of the 2006 S/S draft. His draft class featured such stars as Marcus Hedler, Alex Dallison, Cyrus Rousseaux, Viktor Kloustov, and Neil Passman. He came to Philly defining their offensive style- small, quick, and amazing ability with the wrist shot. Charles begin as a starter right away, and has not disappointed. Philadelphia has not had much success, however, despite his best efforts. The Pirates made the playoffs his rookie season, only to be beaten in Game 7 by Columbus in the opening round, then missing completely in the F/W season. They didn't fair any better in 2007, missing again as the lowest team in the Atlantic through a tiebreaker. But in 2008, Charles is flying high and is producing just as the team thought he would before and has the team sitting on top of the division. He's a great young player, fans are beginning to really grow to love him, and defenses are still stifled on how to stop him. Along with surprising rookies Tony Adams and Rob Chico, Charles is hoping his Pirates will make a triumphant return to the postseason and really make some noise in the East. Look to hear his name mentioned a lot during the 2008 campaign.
NRHL Headlines
4/6/09- Lightning Strike Sighted
Los Angeles, CA- Whoever said lightning doesn't strike twice has never seen Radek Grosek and his Los Angeles teammates. Nevermind striking twice, they've struck 3 times. Or rather, Grosek has struck 3 times. The Lightning have won 5 straight since losing their season opening in Seattle 5-3, but most importantly have gotten 3 straight shutouts from Grosek and his defense. Grosek has been a great goalie in the past, always being tough to beat. He's had his fair share of struggles being on a team like Los Angeles, but his team is good this year and poised to knock the Superstars out to win the Pacific Division title back.
"I've gotten help from my defense, it's not all me," commented Grosek. "Hockey's a team game, it isn't all about what individuals do like myself." He's been hot lately, stopping everything in sight and giving his team a strong start to the season. They lead the Western Conference with 10 points and trail only the surprising upstart Miami Magnets for 1st in the league. It hasn't been all defense of course, as their offense has been impressive all over again. There might not be a lot of fanfare over their players, or shining stars, but they have underrated talent at forward. Kurt Rack is proving that his huge production last year wasn't a joke, scoring 5 goals in the opening 6 games this year to put himself in 2nd behind Marcus Hedler who has 6. Rack is also tied with Hedler for the points lead at 8 each, a sign that he's truly got talent.
"The man knows how to score goals, no doubt about it," noted coach Calvin Yam. "Not a lot of people see it, but he's a proven scorer and he's the key to our offense." Captain Louie Tank has helped out more this season, along with linemate Ivan Clyde. And the team is benefitting from the trade with Detroit before the season where they shipped Axel Valdemar to the Motor City for Jacob Back. Back and Rack are working to be quite a pair, along with rookie defenseman Jaakko Seppänen. Their line also features defender Kostya Khalinin, who is quick to defend his teammates when needed. Rack also has scored 2 game winners so far, proving how talented he can be. The Lightning have scored 22 goals, one behind the Chicago Comets who have 23, which puts them 2nd in scoring. Fans in LA are definitely excited and just hope their Lightning keep up the pace.
"Still early in the season, don't want to get ahead of yourself," commented Tank. "We've surely got a great team and if we keep playing this well all season, we could totally have a shot to win it all finally." It's a long season and you can never count out a proven contender like Seattle or Dallas, so we'll just see how it plays out. For now, the Lightning and Grosek will look to make it 4 straight shutouts and 6 consecutive wins when they host rival San Diego Sunday afternoon.
Los Angeles, CA- Whoever said lightning doesn't strike twice has never seen Radek Grosek and his Los Angeles teammates. Nevermind striking twice, they've struck 3 times. Or rather, Grosek has struck 3 times. The Lightning have won 5 straight since losing their season opening in Seattle 5-3, but most importantly have gotten 3 straight shutouts from Grosek and his defense. Grosek has been a great goalie in the past, always being tough to beat. He's had his fair share of struggles being on a team like Los Angeles, but his team is good this year and poised to knock the Superstars out to win the Pacific Division title back.
"I've gotten help from my defense, it's not all me," commented Grosek. "Hockey's a team game, it isn't all about what individuals do like myself." He's been hot lately, stopping everything in sight and giving his team a strong start to the season. They lead the Western Conference with 10 points and trail only the surprising upstart Miami Magnets for 1st in the league. It hasn't been all defense of course, as their offense has been impressive all over again. There might not be a lot of fanfare over their players, or shining stars, but they have underrated talent at forward. Kurt Rack is proving that his huge production last year wasn't a joke, scoring 5 goals in the opening 6 games this year to put himself in 2nd behind Marcus Hedler who has 6. Rack is also tied with Hedler for the points lead at 8 each, a sign that he's truly got talent.
"The man knows how to score goals, no doubt about it," noted coach Calvin Yam. "Not a lot of people see it, but he's a proven scorer and he's the key to our offense." Captain Louie Tank has helped out more this season, along with linemate Ivan Clyde. And the team is benefitting from the trade with Detroit before the season where they shipped Axel Valdemar to the Motor City for Jacob Back. Back and Rack are working to be quite a pair, along with rookie defenseman Jaakko Seppänen. Their line also features defender Kostya Khalinin, who is quick to defend his teammates when needed. Rack also has scored 2 game winners so far, proving how talented he can be. The Lightning have scored 22 goals, one behind the Chicago Comets who have 23, which puts them 2nd in scoring. Fans in LA are definitely excited and just hope their Lightning keep up the pace.
"Still early in the season, don't want to get ahead of yourself," commented Tank. "We've surely got a great team and if we keep playing this well all season, we could totally have a shot to win it all finally." It's a long season and you can never count out a proven contender like Seattle or Dallas, so we'll just see how it plays out. For now, the Lightning and Grosek will look to make it 4 straight shutouts and 6 consecutive wins when they host rival San Diego Sunday afternoon.
