In the Triangle....

So things are underway here at Dreamsports Center, and I am certainly glad we are here!  There was a time over the last couple weeks where this event was in serious jeopardy.  We have been coming to this market for years, and this weekend is the first time I have ever been worried about the event actually happening.  Fortunately for us and everyone playing this weekend, the Pittsburgh Tour Bandits(PA), the Richmond Tour Rattlers(VA), the Alkali Rampage(GA), and the Alkali Illusion(PA) have all travelled in from out of town to play this weekend.  These teams comprise of just about half of the teams in the tournament.  We are very grateful for the likes of Dave Thomas, Darryl Talman, Rob Carter, and JD Gazella for getting their teams committed.

It always nice to see the locals who I have known for years.  Bob Robinson and John Rodgers from the Carolina Force have become veterans in this market.  Johhny Powell is back with the Puck Dynasty Pirates.  Doug Rex has an impressive group with his 2000 Dragons. Andrew Barron has his Trooper kids ready to rock!  Jay Kromenhoek and Kelly Textor are here with the Carolina Express and NC 98/98 respectively and Julie Malone is managing the SPEED teams who are competing this weekend. Speaking of Kromenhoek and Textor, they were both in attendance in Philadelphia for our National Championships last year, and we were thrilled to see them make the trip.  I know that in talking with Jay specifically that his teams had a blast and his team is planning on making the trip to Detroit this summer.  We are hoping many of these teams follow suit.  Detroit, otherwise known as 'HockeyTown' is just that, a great hockey town, and a great place to play hockey.  Taylor Sportsplex, where the event will be held, is a premier facility, and one that suits our sport perfectly.  For those who are not aware, this years event will take place June 26 - July 5.  All of the block information can be found here, http://www.torhs2hot4ice.com/national-games/.  An added bonus to this years event, we will be hosting the Mens IIHF Team USA tryout and training camp.

Back to our event here at DSC, as it turns out, the divisions filled out nicely and we have had some good contests thus far, including the Bandits peewee team winning a thriller in shootout over the Carolina Express.  The Adults have started to roll in, including my old roadie Jesse Nifong.  While Jesse was working at Combat Hockey, we spent a lot of time together traveling from event to event.  He is now working for True Hockey and Anti 3 Protect Series, and its always great to catch up.

Downtown Brown and Dmac are here with me this weekend, while Beilsten, Gelement, and Bell are holding things down in Detroit.  Merch booth has been buzzing all morning so if you are planning on picking something up, better get it quick before its gone!

We'll check in with y'all a bit later...