January 26, 2004

USA Hockey InLine And NARCh Form New Alliance; All Participants In NARCh Tournaments And NARCh-Sanction Leagues To Become USA Hockey InLine Members

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Hockey InLine today announced the creation of an agreement with the North American Roller Hockey Championships (NARCh), which is based on a mutual effort to continue the growth and development of the sport of inline hockey.

The agreement, which is effective immediately, was announced by USA Hockey InLine Director Gary Del Vecchio (Colorado Springs, Colo.), NARCh President Daryn Goodwin (San Diego, Calif.) and Inline Hockey Section Chairperson for USA Hockey, Mike LeBarre (Palos Hills, Ill.).

As a result of this agreement, all participants in NARCh tournaments and NARCh-Sanction leagues will become members of USA Hockey InLine. The relationship is retroactive to the NARCh WINTERNATIONALS, which took place in Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 9-19.

"USA Hockey InLine is extremely excited about the creation of this relationship," said Del Vecchio. "The inline hockey industry has been looking for strong relationships such as this. By working together, USA Hockey InLine and NARCh are taking an important step to unify this sport."

USA Hockey InLine and NARCh, the two strongest inline hockey organizations in the industry, share a desire to see long-term success in the sport. As a result of this alliance, each respective organization will now be able to focus further on its core business, while continuing to place participants as its top priority. The strength of the two organizations working together is extremely important to the current and future success of inline hockey. The shared knowledge and resources will undoubtedly serve to unite and enhance the sport.

In the 2004 season, NARCh will host 29 tournaments, including the WINTERNATIONALS and FINALS. NARCh operates the largest and most widely recognized tournament series in North America. The organization will continue to run its events in the same manner as in the past. USA Hockey InLine will also continue to offer all of its programs, including tournaments such as the USA Hockey InLine Regional and National Championships, as well.

"Both organizations feel that the timing is right to join forces to give the sport of roller hockey proper direction," said Goodwin. "With a relationship in place, we can focus on our strengths and grow the sport together from every angle."

USA Hockey InLine's mission is to promote the growth of the sport of inline hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all participants.