Story By Tamas Mondovics
Following its success at the recently held TORHS 2 Hot 4 Ice Regional tournament, Team FishHawk qualified for the 10U National Roller Hockey Championships scheduled for Sunday to Tuesday, July 9-11 at Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.
The 10-member team is drawn from the FishHawk Roller Hockey League, (FRHL) which after its small beginning last fall is now boasting of more than 30 players, divided into four teams in two age divisions; the Squirt teams (ages 5-9) as the Stars and the Panthers and two Pee Wee teams (ages 10-14), the Lightning and the Sharks.
FishHawk Roller Hockey League Director, Matt Scribner, spoke highly of the program and what it offers to its young dedicated players and the community.
“Our coaches, including Joe Serra, Tom Walkinshaw, Jim Precourt, Jim Daney, and James Walrath are just one of a number of reasons why our kids are enjoying such success so quickly,” Scribner said, adding that having access to the community’s very own inline hockey rink inside Hawk Park, 5702 Hawkpark Blvd. in Lithia is also a huge advantage.
Of course, qualifying for the upcoming tourney would not be possible without the young player’s commitment to the sport they love.
“We are proud of the players especially since the league has only been around for less than a year, and half of our players are under the age of eight,” said Serra, Team FishHawk head coach. “We began with most of the kids in the league never playing the game prior, and could barely skate. But through their hard work and dedication they are skating their way to the top.”
It is safe to say that the FishHawk Roller Hockey League offers children an alternative and opportunity to play the sport of hockey.
A free Clinic and Player Evaluation is scheduled for its fall season (October through mid-December) on Saturday, September 30, at 9 a.m. at Hawk Park.
A fundraiser at Cherry’s Bar and Grill in FishHawk was held last month, welcoming as its special guest former NHL All Star and Lightning player Brian Bradley. The event hosted a silent auction sponsored by Jag Sports Marketing. Other sponsors included Cherry’s Bar & Grill, FishHawk Sporting Goods, Publix FishHawk, CrossFit 31, Impact Wellness, Ciccio’s, Studio 19 Designs, HiTech Automotive.
Proud of one of his former players recently signing an NHL contract with the Edmonton Oilers, Serra said, “Perhaps one of these great kids on our current team will be next. Let’s help get them there.”
For more information, please visit fishhawkhockey.com. The THORS2HOT4ICE tourney runs from July 5-13, for all divisions.
