Canada Joins STATE WARS HOCKEY
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December 2008
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Yes it's true we will be singing two National anthems at State Wars V this summer. Possibly the most exciting news we have had since our inception in 2005 is that for the first time Canada and its provincial teams will be a part of State Wars. "This is definitely a huge thing for not only State Wars Hockey but for the growth of roller hockey. To include Canada, who as a nation is well known for producing terrific hockey players and coaches; who have such a self pride about where they are from is a dream come true." said National Director Tim McManus. Five Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec) have already committed to hosting tryouts in 2009 and to partake in State Wars V. "What makes STATE WARS so special is the pride and honor a player and coach has in representing their state and now with the addition of the provincial(state) teams more kids around North America will have this exciting opportunity. Growing up in Niagara Falls, New York (just five minutes from the Canadian/U.S. boarder) I always enjoyed having the chance to play against Ontario teams. Not only were the games competitive but I developed some great friendships along the way which made playing hockey that much more fun." said National Director Jason Domitrovic.
NIHA (National Inline Hockey Assoc.)-Canada the official governing body of roller hockey in Canada, recognized by Hockey Canada and USA Hockey; is fully supportive of State Wars Hockey and will oversee Canada's participation in State Wars, while promoting it throughout their country. "NIHA-Canada is proud to be affiliated with such an exciting
event such as State Wars. This will allow the top Provincially selected teams
the opportunity to play against the best skaters and teams from across North
America and experience what top level roller hockey feels, looks and smells
like." said NIHA-Canada President Kevin Sharp.
2009 State Wars V location and block dates will be released right after the new year!
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State & Provincial Population
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What many people do not realize is that even though Canadian provinces are very large, there actual population is very small compared to many states in the U.S. Check out this chart below. (who says State Wars Hockey isn't educational too!)
California 36,533,215 
Texas 23,904,380
New York 19,297,729
Florida 18,251,243
Ontario 12,891,787
Illinois 12,852,548
Pennsylvania 12,432,792
Ohio 11,466,917
Michigan 10,071,822
Georgia 9,544,750
North Carolina 9,061,032
New Jersey 8,685,920
Quebec 7,744,530
Virginia 7,712,091
Massachusetts 6,449,755
Indiana 6,345,289
Arizona 6,338,755
Tennessee 6,156,719
Missouri 5,878,415
Maryland 5,618,344
Wisconsin 5,601,640
Colorado 4,861,515
British Columbia 4,428,356
South Carolina 4,407,709
Louisiana 4,293,204
Kentucky 4,241,474
Alberta 3,512,368
Connecticut 3,502,309
Nebraska 1,774,571
Hawaii 1,283,388
Manitoba 1,196,571
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LOOK WHO'S TALKING NOW
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"NIHA-Canada is proud to be affiliated with such an exciting
event such as State Wars. This will allow the top Provincially selected teams
the opportunity to play against the best skaters and teams from across North
America and experience what top level inline hockey feels, looks and smells
like."
KEVIN SHARP (President, NIHA-Canada)
"Mission is extremely excited to see State Wars venture into
Canada. It is only natural that this first class organization goes across the
border to promote our great game of Roller Hockey. We are hopeful that Canadian
Roller Hockey players embrace this great festival of our sport with as much
vigor as the U.S. players have for their
state." JOE COOK (General Manager, Mission Hockey)"With
the addition of some new Canadian roller hockey teams to the State Wars event, the
level of play and overall excitement level will only grow and become better then
ever!! Having more regions play in State Wars, especially from ice hockey
backgrounds will bring a balance of speed and agility to the ever so quick game
of roller hockey. Mission Hockey values our relationship and sponsorship with
State Wars, and we look forward to SW V this summer!" DAVE RESKEY (Head of Promotions, Mission Hockey) "Canada becoming a part of State Wars is great
news. For the Canadian players that aren't up to speed on what State Wars is
all about, State Wars offers players an opportunity to represent their age
group at the highest level of play, unlike any other Roller Hockey format. This
is a major step forward in taking Roller Hockey to the next level in
Canada."
WALTER FRAZIER (President, Tour Hockey) "As a fan and
supporter of the State Wars tournament and their staff, Warrior is extremely
excited that numerous regions in Canada are now on board to be a fully
integrated part of the State Wars roller hockey family. This only means bigger
and better things for State Wars and their partners moving forward: more
participants, better competition, heated rivalries, and an expanded overall
outreach to all of the US and Canada. We truly believe that these factors will
enhance the sport of roller hockey and will be instrumental to the growth of the
game in the near future. Warrior is proud to offer their continued support to
one of the best hockey events of the entire year."CHRISTINE SZAREK (Brand Manager, Warrior Hockey)
"This was a necessary next step to continue the natural growth of our sport.
Canada has been a staple in competitive roller hockey for years and opening
State Wars to our northern neighbors has just raised the level of competition in
every division!"ROBERT CHORNOMUD (National Sales Manager, Labeda Wheels) "We are excited to hear that Canada will be participating
in StateWars 2009. This will continue the expansion and growth of the great
sport we all love, and it will add an even greater sense of pride and honor to
representing your state or province at State Wars." NABEEL GERGES (Brand Manager, Revision Hockey) "With regards to the addition of provinces
to State Wars, leave it to Tim and Jason to improve an already
outstanding event. Year after year, State Wars continues to push the envelope
regarding tournament size, talent, and overall experience. Opening up this
prestigious event to Canadian provinces will not only form new rivalries
but it will definitely increase the level of talent. ProJoy has always been a
huge supporter of State Wars; now with the addition of the Canadian provinces,
there is no question we will be affiliated with State Wars for years to
come".DAVE LAUGHLIN (Account Exectutive, Projoy Sportswear) "State Wars has been a leader in bringing together players, coaches, rinks and manufacturers...adding Canada to the mix will provide an international flare that is sure to sweeten the pot and further unite the sport!"
PETER DALE (Wisconsin State Director, Founder of USA Clinics & IamAHockeyPlayer.com)
"Being able to play in State Wars will be huge for the growth of roller hockey across
North America as players, coaches and parents will be able to create rivalries,
friendships and experiences that never would have existed without this
opportunity. State Wars in 2009 is going to be awesome!!"
DAVID (Alberta player)
"Incorporating Canada into State Wars is an awesome way to grow this great sport! Not only does it increase the numbers, it increases the level of competitiveness, as well as creates a "friendly" international rivalry between the U.S. and Canada that most players haven't experienced in roller hockey."PETE MESSINA (Illinois Co-State Director)"Having
Canada involved with State Wars will be HUGE for the Roller Hockey
World. State Wars just got even better!"GREG THOMPSON (Team New York and TEAM USA member) -pictured below 
"Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, State Wars adds a whole other
dimension that will push competition to the highest international level,
bravo!"DOUG JONES (South Carolina State Director)"For Canada to now be a part of State Wars gives me hope for a brighter future for more people to get involved in this
unreal growing sport. If I was representing British Columbia at State Wars, it would be a great opportunity to be seen and have fun competing against high
paced hockey players of my own age and skill."MATT (British Columbia player)"To play at State Wars and represent not just my Province but my country, would
add a whole new dimension to any other roller hockey tournament I've ever played in.
There isn't a roller hockey tournament that brings together the top selected players
from the USA and Canada to play for one piece of hardware, like State Wars will
be doing in 2009. This will be the ultimate roller hockey experience."JUSTIN (Manitoba player) |
The Force In Roller Hockey...STATE WARS
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STATE WARS HOCKEY
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