Roller Hockey International
Encyclopedia
Roller Hockey International was a professional inline hockey
league that operated in North America
from 1993
to 1999
. It was the first major professional league for inline hockey.
RHI hoped to capitalize on the inline skating boom of the early 1990s, but lost steam as the fad died down. Key parts of its success were its stance on no guaranteed contracts, instead teams would all split prize money. Teams were generally made up of minor league ice hockey
players playing on inline skates
during the summer months between ice seasons. RHI was also known for its unstable franchises and instability in the league's front office itself.
Ultimately, after five seasons of play, RHI folded in 1998 with two of its franchises joining Major League Roller Hockey
: the Buffalo Wings
and its premier club the Anaheim Bullfrogs
. After folding there was a movement to revamp and come back the following year as Major League Hockey
, but it never came to fruition. RHI was revived in 1999
, but cancelled the 2000 season and the league finally folded operations in 2001 when their sites were limited to arenas in California
.
. The RHI had four players and a goalie at a time on the playing surface opposed to the NHL's five and a goalie. Minor penalties were only a minute and a half as opposed to two minutes and major penalties were four minutes instead of five. There were no blue lines therefore no two line passes however there was still illegal clearing and a different version of off-sides. A player could skate over the red line before the puck however the player couldn't receive a pass over the line. The puck
itself was lighter, at 3 oz. and made of red plastic as opposed to a 5 oz. black rubber ice hockey puck . There were four 12 minute quarters opposed to the NHL's three 20 minute periods. A tie score at the end of regulation time in the regular season would go straight to a shootout
instead of a five minute overtime. The playoffs followed a best of three series format however the third game was not a full 48 minute game. Instead it was just a regular 12 minute quarter called "the mini game". If the teams were tied at the end of the quarter a sudden death period would follow. Also the average number of goals scored per game was 16.7 compared to the NHL's 7.
Note: The Palm Desert Silver-Cats (1995) of Palm Springs, California
and later in Ontario, California
(1997) were a semi-pro team that played exhibition games with the Blades and Bullfrogs of the RHI league.
's RHI Roller Hockey '95, although the game was never released.
There was also a call-in style stats, scores and interview hotline where fans could call in following games. The phone number was 1-800-741-4RHI. This line was updated nightly following each game.
. In addition, several teams had their own radio or TV contracts. For example, a number of Blades home games were seen on Prime Sports and the Bullfrogs had radio broadcasts from 1994 to '96.
Inline hockey
Inline hockey, often referred to as roller hockey in the United States, is a sport similar to ice hockey but played with inline skates. Like its parent sport, skaters on two teams use hockey sticks to direct a disk-shaped puck into the opponent's goal; however, various details of the game, such as...
league that operated in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
from 1993
1993 RHI season
The 1993 RHI season was the 1st season of operation of Roller Hockey International . The season started on July 1, 1993. The Anaheim Bullfrogs defeated the Oakland Skates in the 1993 Murphy Cup Final 2–0 to win the first Murphy Cup.-Teams and divisions:...
to 1999
1999 RHI season
The 1999 RHI season was the 6th season of Roller Hockey International. This was the season after the non-existent 1998 season which was canceled. The 1999 Murphy Cup playoffs concluded with the St...
. It was the first major professional league for inline hockey.
RHI hoped to capitalize on the inline skating boom of the early 1990s, but lost steam as the fad died down. Key parts of its success were its stance on no guaranteed contracts, instead teams would all split prize money. Teams were generally made up of minor league ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
players playing on inline skates
Inline skates
In-line skates are a type of roller skate used for inline skating. Unlike quad skates, which have two front and two rear wheels, inline skates have two, three, four, or five wheels arranged in a single line...
during the summer months between ice seasons. RHI was also known for its unstable franchises and instability in the league's front office itself.
Ultimately, after five seasons of play, RHI folded in 1998 with two of its franchises joining Major League Roller Hockey
Major League Roller Hockey
Major League Roller Hockey is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a professional inline hockey league of 15 franchised member clubs, all of which are located in the United States. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, MLRH is the only full contact professional inline...
: the Buffalo Wings
Buffalo Wings (roller hockey)
The Buffalo Wings are a professional inline hockey team, playing in Major League Roller Hockey, that is based in Buffalo, NY.- History :The Buffalo Wings franchise was originally the Phoenix Cobras from 1994 to 1995, and the Empire State Cobras in 1996....
and its premier club the Anaheim Bullfrogs
Anaheim Bullfrogs
The Anaheim Bullfrogs were a professional inline hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Bullfrogs played in Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey before returning to Roller Hockey international . The Bullfrogs played their home games in the Arrowhead Pond of...
. After folding there was a movement to revamp and come back the following year as Major League Hockey
Major League Hockey
Allan Cup Hockey is the top tier Canadian Senior ice hockey league in the province of Ontario. As a member of the Ontario Hockey Association and Hockey Canada, the league contends for the famed Allan Cup. The league came to its latest incarnation when it lost several teams leaving it with two...
, but it never came to fruition. RHI was revived in 1999
1999 RHI season
The 1999 RHI season was the 6th season of Roller Hockey International. This was the season after the non-existent 1998 season which was canceled. The 1999 Murphy Cup playoffs concluded with the St...
, but cancelled the 2000 season and the league finally folded operations in 2001 when their sites were limited to arenas in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
| Team | Titles |
|---|---|
| Anaheim Bullfrogs Anaheim Bullfrogs The Anaheim Bullfrogs were a professional inline hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Bullfrogs played in Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey before returning to Roller Hockey international . The Bullfrogs played their home games in the Arrowhead Pond of... |
2 |
| St. Louis Vipers St. Louis Vipers The St. Louis Vipers were a team of professional roller hockey players based in St. Louis, Missouri. The team was a part of the now-defunct Roller Hockey International League. They played their home games in the former St. Louis Arena but then moved to the Kiel Center in 1995... |
1 |
| Orlando Jackals Orlando Jackals The Orlando Jackals were a professional roller hockey team based in Orlando, Florida, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.- History :... |
1 |
| San Jose Rhinos San Jose Rhinos The San Jose Rhinos were an inline hockey team in Roller Hockey International from 1994-97. In its second year, the team won the Murphy Cup with a victory over the Montreal Roadrunners in the championship game. The team played its home games at the San Jose Arena.... |
1 |
| Buffalo Stampede | 1 |
| Roller Hockey International Progression | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Teams | Games Played |
| 1993 | 12 teams | 14 games |
| 1994 | 24 teams | 22 games |
| 1995 | 19 teams | 24 games |
| 1996 | 18 teams | 28 games |
| 1997 | 10 teams | 24 games |
| 1998 | No season | |
| 1999 | 8 teams | 26 games |
Rules
The rules in the RHI were similar to but not identical to those of the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. The RHI had four players and a goalie at a time on the playing surface opposed to the NHL's five and a goalie. Minor penalties were only a minute and a half as opposed to two minutes and major penalties were four minutes instead of five. There were no blue lines therefore no two line passes however there was still illegal clearing and a different version of off-sides. A player could skate over the red line before the puck however the player couldn't receive a pass over the line. The puck
Puck (sports)
A puck is a disk used in various games serving the same functions as a ball does in ball games. The best-known use of pucks is in ice hockey, a major international sport.- Etymology :The origin of the word "puck" is obscure...
itself was lighter, at 3 oz. and made of red plastic as opposed to a 5 oz. black rubber ice hockey puck . There were four 12 minute quarters opposed to the NHL's three 20 minute periods. A tie score at the end of regulation time in the regular season would go straight to a shootout
Shootout
A shootout is a gun battle between armed groups. A shootout often, but not necessarily, pits law enforcement against criminal elements; it could also involve two groups outside of law enforcement, such as rival gangs. A shootout in a military context A shootout is a gun battle between armed groups....
instead of a five minute overtime. The playoffs followed a best of three series format however the third game was not a full 48 minute game. Instead it was just a regular 12 minute quarter called "the mini game". If the teams were tied at the end of the quarter a sudden death period would follow. Also the average number of goals scored per game was 16.7 compared to the NHL's 7.
Teams
Note: RHI 1993-97, revived RHI 1999- Anaheim BullfrogsAnaheim BullfrogsThe Anaheim Bullfrogs were a professional inline hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Bullfrogs played in Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey before returning to Roller Hockey international . The Bullfrogs played their home games in the Arrowhead Pond of...
(1993–1997; 1999) - Calgary Rad'zCalgary Rad'zThe Calgary Rad'z were a professional inline hockey team that played two seasons in the Roller Hockey International in 1993 and 1994. The Rad'z were a founding member of the RHI. The Rad'z began play in the Olympic Saddledome, but moved to the much smaller Max Bell Arena midway through their...
(1993–1994) - Connecticut CoastersConnecticut CoastersThe Connecticut Coasters were a Roller Hockey International franchise based in New Haven, Connecticut, that played only in the 1993 season.Their team colors were teal, purple, and silver. They played at New Haven Memorial Coliseum. The Coasters finished 3rd in their division and finished 7th in...
(1993) / Sacramento River Rats (1994–1997) - Florida Hammerheads (1993–1994)
- Los Angeles BladesLos Angeles BladesThe Los Angeles Blades were a professional inline hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. The Blades played in Roller Hockey International from 1993-1997 and played their home games at the Great Western Forum....
(1993–1997; 1999) - Oakland SkatesOakland SkatesThe Oakland Skates were a professional roller hockey team and were a member team in Roller Hockey International from 1993 through 1996. In 1993 the Skates were a finalist for the RHI league championship, named the Murphy Cup, for one of the league founders, Dennis Murphy, losing to the Anaheim...
(1993–1996; 1999) - Portland Rage (1993–1994)
- San Diego BarracudasSan Diego BarracudasThe San Diego Barracudas were a southern Californian professional inline hockey team which existed from 1993 through 1996. The Barracudas were a part of Roller Hockey International. The team's home games were played at the San Diego Sports Arena...
(1993–1996) / Ontario Barracudas (1998–99) - St. Louis VipersSt. Louis VipersThe St. Louis Vipers were a team of professional roller hockey players based in St. Louis, Missouri. The team was a part of the now-defunct Roller Hockey International League. They played their home games in the former St. Louis Arena but then moved to the Kiel Center in 1995...
(1993–1997; 1999) - Toronto PlanetsToronto PlanetsThe Toronto Planets were a team in the Roller Hockey International league. The Planets played their home games at Varsity Arena during the league's first season in 1993, but folded at the conclusion of the season....
(1993) - Utah Rollerbees (1993) / Las Vegas FlashLas Vegas FlashThe Las Vegas Flash were an inline hockey team which existed for one season in 1994. The Flash were a part of Roller Hockey International. The team's home games were played at the Thomas & Mack Center.The franchise was previously known as:...
(1994) - Vancouver VoodooVancouver VoodooThe Vancouver Voodoo were a roller hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada which played in the RHI league. The Voodoo were one of the original twelve teams to join the league in 1993. They played in the PNE Agrodome in 1993 and 1994, the Pacific Coliseum in 1994 and 1995, and in...
(1993–1996) - Atlanta Fire Ants (1994) / Oklahoma Coyotes (1995–1996) / Las Vegas CoyotesLas Vegas CoyotesThe Las Vegas Coyotes were an inline hockey team which competed in Roller Hockey International. The team was originally founded as the Atlanta Fire Ants in 1994 and had a two season stint in Oklahoma City before the team relocated to Las Vegas...
(1999) - Buffalo Stampede (1994–1995)
- Chicago CheetahsChicago CheetahsThe Chicago Cheetahs were a professional roller hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. The Cheetahs joined the league in 1994. The Cheetahs were part-owned by basketball legend George Mikan...
(1994–1995) - Edmonton Sled Dogs (1994) / Orlando Rollergators (1995, renamed Orlando JackalsOrlando JackalsThe Orlando Jackals were a professional roller hockey team based in Orlando, Florida, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.- History :...
1996–1997) - Minnesota Arctic BlastMinnesota Arctic BlastThe Minnesota Arctic Blast were a professional roller hockey team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States that played in Roller Hockey International....
(1994; 1996) - Montreal RoadrunnersMontreal RoadrunnersThe Montreal Roadrunners played from 1994 to 1997 in the Roller Hockey International. Their home games were at the Montreal Forum and the Molson Centre...
(1994–1997) - New England StingersNew England StingersThe New England Stingers were a professional roller hockey team based in Portland, Maine, United States that played in Roller Hockey International....
(1994) / Ottawa Loggers (1995–1996, renamed Ottawa WheelsOttawa WheelsThe Ottawa Loggers were a roller hockey team in the Roller Hockey International league. They played as the Loggers from 1995 to 1996, until they changed their name to the Ottawa Wheels.-History:...
in 1997) - New Jersey Rockin RollersNew Jersey Rockin RollersThe New Jersey Rockin Rollers were a professional roller hockey team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. In 1997 they were coached by legendary roller hockey guru Bob Antolos....
(1994–1997) - Philadelphia BulldogsPhiladelphia BulldogsThe Philadelphia Bulldogs were an inline hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of Roller Hockey International . They were part of the 1994 RHI Expansion.-See also:...
(1994–1996) - Phoenix CobrasPhoenix CobrasThe Phoenix Cobras were a professional roller hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona, United States that played in Roller Hockey International....
(1994–1995) / Empire State CobrasEmpire State CobrasThe Empire State Cobras were a professional roller hockey team based in Glens Falls, New York, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.Player History*Julian Swagger - Winger*Eddie Garrison - Goaltender*Nick Vitucci - Goaltender...
(1996) / Buffalo WingsBuffalo Wings (roller hockey)The Buffalo Wings are a professional inline hockey team, playing in Major League Roller Hockey, that is based in Buffalo, NY.- History :The Buffalo Wings franchise was originally the Phoenix Cobras from 1994 to 1995, and the Empire State Cobras in 1996....
(1997; 1999) - Pittsburgh Phantoms (1994)
- San Jose RhinosSan Jose RhinosThe San Jose Rhinos were an inline hockey team in Roller Hockey International from 1994-97. In its second year, the team won the Murphy Cup with a victory over the Montreal Roadrunners in the championship game. The team played its home games at the San Jose Arena....
(1994–1997; 1999) - Tampa Bay TritonsTampa Bay TritonsThe Tampa Bay Tritons were a professional roller hockey team based in Tampa, Florida, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. Mark Messier was a part owner in the club during its short existence....
(1994) - Minnesota Blue OxMinnesota Blue OxThe Minnesota Blue Ox were a professional roller hockey team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States that played in Roller Hockey International....
(1995; 1999) - Detroit Motor City MustangsDetroit Motor City MustangsThe Detroit Motor City Mustangs were a professional roller hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. Their only season was in 1995, first game played against the Buffalo Stampede at The Aud in Buffalo, NY on June 12. First home game was...
(1995) - Denver DaredevilsDenver DaredevilsThe Denver Daredevils were a professional roller hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States that played in Roller Hockey International....
(1996–1997) - Long Island JawzLong Island JawzThe Long Island Jawz were a professional roller hockey team based in Uniondale, New York, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. They played only one year until a dispute with the New York Islanders caused the team to cease operations. The team was coached by Phil DeGaetano who...
(1996–1997) - Chicago BluesmenChicago BluesmenThe Chicago Bluesmen were a professional roller hockey team based in Geneva, Illinois, United States that played in Roller Hockey International....
(1999) - Dallas StallionsDallas StallionsThe Dallas Stallions were a professional roller hockey team based in Dallas, Texas, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.-Year-by-year:- History :...
(1999)
Note: The Palm Desert Silver-Cats (1995) of Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert city in Riverside County, California, within the Coachella Valley. It is located approximately 37 miles east of San Bernardino, 111 miles east of Los Angeles and 136 miles northeast of San Diego...
and later in Ontario, California
Ontario, California
Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States, 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the western part of the Inland Empire region, it lies just east of the Los Angeles county line and is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area...
(1997) were a semi-pro team that played exhibition games with the Blades and Bullfrogs of the RHI league.
Expansion
| Year | Teams | Expansion | Defunct | Suspended | Return from Hiatus | Relocated | Name Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 12 | Anaheim Bullfrogs Anaheim Bullfrogs The Anaheim Bullfrogs were a professional inline hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Bullfrogs played in Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey before returning to Roller Hockey international . The Bullfrogs played their home games in the Arrowhead Pond of... Calgary Rad'z Calgary Rad'z The Calgary Rad'z were a professional inline hockey team that played two seasons in the Roller Hockey International in 1993 and 1994. The Rad'z were a founding member of the RHI. The Rad'z began play in the Olympic Saddledome, but moved to the much smaller Max Bell Arena midway through their... Connecticut Coasters Connecticut Coasters The Connecticut Coasters were a Roller Hockey International franchise based in New Haven, Connecticut, that played only in the 1993 season.Their team colors were teal, purple, and silver. They played at New Haven Memorial Coliseum. The Coasters finished 3rd in their division and finished 7th in... Florida Hammerheads Los Angeles Blades Los Angeles Blades The Los Angeles Blades were a professional inline hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. The Blades played in Roller Hockey International from 1993-1997 and played their home games at the Great Western Forum.... Oakland Skates Oakland Skates The Oakland Skates were a professional roller hockey team and were a member team in Roller Hockey International from 1993 through 1996. In 1993 the Skates were a finalist for the RHI league championship, named the Murphy Cup, for one of the league founders, Dennis Murphy, losing to the Anaheim... Portland Rage St. Louis Vipers St. Louis Vipers The St. Louis Vipers were a team of professional roller hockey players based in St. Louis, Missouri. The team was a part of the now-defunct Roller Hockey International League. They played their home games in the former St. Louis Arena but then moved to the Kiel Center in 1995... San Diego Barracudas San Diego Barracudas The San Diego Barracudas were a southern Californian professional inline hockey team which existed from 1993 through 1996. The Barracudas were a part of Roller Hockey International. The team's home games were played at the San Diego Sports Arena... Toronto Planets Toronto Planets The Toronto Planets were a team in the Roller Hockey International league. The Planets played their home games at Varsity Arena during the league's first season in 1993, but folded at the conclusion of the season.... Utah Rollerbees Vancouver Voodoo Vancouver Voodoo The Vancouver Voodoo were a roller hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada which played in the RHI league. The Voodoo were one of the original twelve teams to join the league in 1993. They played in the PNE Agrodome in 1993 and 1994, the Pacific Coliseum in 1994 and 1995, and in... |
|||||
| 1994 | 24 | Atlanta Fire Ants Buffalo Stampede Chicago Cheetahs Chicago Cheetahs The Chicago Cheetahs were a professional roller hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. The Cheetahs joined the league in 1994. The Cheetahs were part-owned by basketball legend George Mikan... Edmonton Sled Dogs Minnesota Arctic Blast Minnesota Arctic Blast The Minnesota Arctic Blast were a professional roller hockey team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.... Montreal Roadrunners Montreal Roadrunners The Montreal Roadrunners played from 1994 to 1997 in the Roller Hockey International. Their home games were at the Montreal Forum and the Molson Centre... New England Stingers New England Stingers The New England Stingers were a professional roller hockey team based in Portland, Maine, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.... New Jersey Rockin Rollers New Jersey Rockin Rollers The New Jersey Rockin Rollers were a professional roller hockey team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. In 1997 they were coached by legendary roller hockey guru Bob Antolos.... Philadelphia Bulldogs Philadelphia Bulldogs The Philadelphia Bulldogs were an inline hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of Roller Hockey International . They were part of the 1994 RHI Expansion.-See also:... Phoenix Cobras Phoenix Cobras The Phoenix Cobras were a professional roller hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.... Pittsburgh Phantoms San Jose Rhinos San Jose Rhinos The San Jose Rhinos were an inline hockey team in Roller Hockey International from 1994-97. In its second year, the team won the Murphy Cup with a victory over the Montreal Roadrunners in the championship game. The team played its home games at the San Jose Arena.... Tampa Bay Tritons Tampa Bay Tritons The Tampa Bay Tritons were a professional roller hockey team based in Tampa, Florida, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. Mark Messier was a part owner in the club during its short existence.... |
Toronto Planets | Connecticut → Sacramento River Rats Utah → Las Vegas Flash Las Vegas Flash The Las Vegas Flash were an inline hockey team which existed for one season in 1994. The Flash were a part of Roller Hockey International. The team's home games were played at the Thomas & Mack Center.The franchise was previously known as:... |
|||
| 1995 | 19 | Detroit Motor City Mustangs Detroit Motor City Mustangs The Detroit Motor City Mustangs were a professional roller hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. Their only season was in 1995, first game played against the Buffalo Stampede at The Aud in Buffalo, NY on June 12. First home game was... Minnesota Blue Ox Minnesota Blue Ox The Minnesota Blue Ox were a professional roller hockey team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.... |
Calgary Rad'z Florida Hammerheads Las Vegas Flash Pittsburgh Phantoms Portland Rage Tampa Bay Tritons |
Minnesota Arctic Blast | New England → Ottawa Loggers Atlanta → Oklahoma Coyotes Edmonton → Orlando Rollergators |
||
| 1996 | 18 | Denver Daredevils Denver Daredevils The Denver Daredevils were a professional roller hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.... Long Island Jawz Long Island Jawz The Long Island Jawz were a professional roller hockey team based in Uniondale, New York, United States that played in Roller Hockey International. They played only one year until a dispute with the New York Islanders caused the team to cease operations. The team was coached by Phil DeGaetano who... |
Buffalo Stampede Chicago Cheetahs Detroit Motor City Mustangs |
Minnesota Blue Ox Oklahoma Coyotes |
Minnesota Arctic Blast | Phoenix → Empire State Cobras Empire State Cobras The Empire State Cobras were a professional roller hockey team based in Glens Falls, New York, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.Player History*Julian Swagger - Winger*Eddie Garrison - Goaltender*Nick Vitucci - Goaltender... |
Orlando Jackals (Rollergators) |
| 1997 | 10 | Minnesota Arctic Blast Philadelphia Bulldogs San Diego Barracudas Vancouver Voodoo |
Oakland Skates Oklahoma Coyotes |
Empire State → Buffalo Wings Buffalo wings A Buffalo wing, hot wing or wing is a chicken wing section that is traditionally fried unbreaded and then coated in sauce... |
Ottawa Wheels (Loggers) | ||
| 1998 | 0 | Denver Daredevils Long Island Jawz Oakland Skates Orlando Jackals Ottawa Wheels Sacramento River Rats |
|||||
| 1999 | 8 | Chicago Bluesmen Chicago Bluesmen The Chicago Bluesmen were a professional roller hockey team based in Geneva, Illinois, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.... Dallas Stallions Dallas Stallions The Dallas Stallions were a professional roller hockey team based in Dallas, Texas, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.-Year-by-year:- History :... |
Minnesota Blue Ox | Oklahoma Coyotes → Las Vegas Coyotes Las Vegas Coyotes The Las Vegas Coyotes were an inline hockey team which competed in Roller Hockey International. The team was originally founded as the Atlanta Fire Ants in 1994 and had a two season stint in Oklahoma City before the team relocated to Las Vegas... |
|||
Murphy Cup Championship Winners
- 1993 Anaheim BullfrogsAnaheim BullfrogsThe Anaheim Bullfrogs were a professional inline hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Bullfrogs played in Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey before returning to Roller Hockey international . The Bullfrogs played their home games in the Arrowhead Pond of...
def. Oakland Skates - 1994 Buffalo Stampede def. Portland Rage
- 1995 San Jose RhinosSan Jose RhinosThe San Jose Rhinos were an inline hockey team in Roller Hockey International from 1994-97. In its second year, the team won the Murphy Cup with a victory over the Montreal Roadrunners in the championship game. The team played its home games at the San Jose Arena....
def. Montreal Roadrunners - 1996 Orlando JackalsOrlando JackalsThe Orlando Jackals were a professional roller hockey team based in Orlando, Florida, United States that played in Roller Hockey International.- History :...
def. Anaheim Bullfrogs - 1997 Anaheim BullfrogsAnaheim BullfrogsThe Anaheim Bullfrogs were a professional inline hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Bullfrogs played in Roller Hockey International and Major League Roller Hockey before returning to Roller Hockey international . The Bullfrogs played their home games in the Arrowhead Pond of...
def. New Jersey Rockin' Rollers - 1998 No season (MLRH Champion: Anaheim Bullfrogs)
- 1999 St. Louis VipersSt. Louis VipersThe St. Louis Vipers were a team of professional roller hockey players based in St. Louis, Missouri. The team was a part of the now-defunct Roller Hockey International League. They played their home games in the former St. Louis Arena but then moved to the Kiel Center in 1995...
def. Anaheim Bullfrogs
Licensing
The league inspired at least one video game, Super NintendoSuper Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
's RHI Roller Hockey '95, although the game was never released.
There was also a call-in style stats, scores and interview hotline where fans could call in following games. The phone number was 1-800-741-4RHI. This line was updated nightly following each game.
Media coverage
In the 1994 and '95 seasons, there was a regular schedule of games on ESPN2ESPN2
ESPN2 is an American sports cable television network owned by ESPN. The channel debuted on October 1, 1993.Originally nicknamed "the deuce," ESPN2 was initially branded as a network for a younger generation of sports fans featuring edgier graphics as well as extreme sports like motocross,...
. In addition, several teams had their own radio or TV contracts. For example, a number of Blades home games were seen on Prime Sports and the Bullfrogs had radio broadcasts from 1994 to '96.
NHL Alumni
- Pēteris SkudraPeteris SkudraPēteris "Peter" Skudra is a retired Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the National Hockey League for six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Vancouver Canucks....
- Manny LegaceManny LegacéEmmanuel Legace, is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League. He most recently played in the National Hockey League for the Carolina Hurricanes. He has also played in the National Hockey League for the Los...
- Tyler MossTyler MossTyler Moss is a professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently playing for the Hannover Scorpions in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga...
- Bryan TrottierBryan TrottierBryan John Trottier is a retired Canadian-American professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders, two with the Penguins and one as an assistant coach with the...
- Francis BouillonFrancis BouillonFrancis Bouillon is an American professional hockey defenseman for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League. Nicknames in English for Francis include "Cube" or "Soupy" , "Frank the Tank", and "Franky B"...
- Dave "Tiger" Williams
- Nick Fotiu
- Daniel BerthiaumeDaniel BerthiaumeDaniel J. Berthiaume is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played six seasons in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
- Al SecordAl SecordAlan William Secord is a retired professional ice hockey left wing who played in the National Hockey League for twelve seasons from 1978–79 until 1989–90.-Playing career:...
- Steve PoapstSteve PoapstSteve Ray Poapst is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman who completed his playing career with the St. Louis Blues of the NHL after four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and one with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Advancing to management after his playing career was over, he was named head...
- Walt PoddubnyWalt PoddubnyWalter Michael Poddubny was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and coach who played eleven seasons in the National Hockey League from 1981–1982 until 1991–1992....
- Harry YorkHarry YorkHarold York is a retired professional ice hockey centre who spent four seasons in the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
- Sasha LakovicSasha LakovicSasha "The Basha, Pitbull" Lakovic is a retired professional ice hockey player who played for 17 different professional teams during his career...
- Frank CapriceFrank CapriceFrancis "Frank" Caprice is a retired former professional ice hockey goaltender who spents parts of six seasons in the National Hockey League in the 1980s.-Playing career:...
- Jose CharbonneauJosé CharbonneauJose Charbonneau is a retired professional ice hockey player who spent parts of 4 seasons in the National Hockey League between 1987 and 1995.-Playing career:...
- Mike KennedyMike KennedyMichael Kennedy is a former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League from 1994–95 to 1998–99 for the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders....
- Glen MetropolitGlen MetropolitGlen Metropolit is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for EV Zug in the Swiss National League A.-Early years:...
- Darren LangdonDarren LangdonDarren Langdon is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger. He was undrafted but signed his first pro contract in 1993 with the New York Rangers...
- Darren BanksDarren BanksDarren Alexander Banks is a retired Canadian ice hockey player. He played in 20 NHL games with the Boston Bruins.-Career statistics:-External links:...
- Radik Hamr
- Victor Gerves
- Bob Woods
- Paul SkidmorePaul SkidmorePaul Skidmore is a retired professional ice hockey player who played two games in the National Hockey League. He played for the St. Louis Blues.- External links :...
- Perry Turnbull
- Rik Wilson
External links
- RHI statistics
- List of RHI rules
- RHI at The Internet Hockey Database
- http://www.shellycastellano.com/ Roller Hockey photo archive by Shelly Castellano