WESTERN INLINE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ALLIANCE
Expands Inline Hockey in California

December 12, 2007

Southern California Inline Hockey Program
(Huntington Beach, CA) – Local Southern California rinks, today announced the formation of the Western Inline Hockey Association (WIHA), an alliance of six roller hockey rinks in Southern California from Anaheim to Escondido. The creation of the non-profit WIHA whose events will be sanctioned by the AAU (www.aausports.org) will provide greater opportunities for kids and adults in Southern California to participate in the highest quality roller hockey program in the United States.

New Opportunities for Competitive Inline Hockey
“The Western Inline Hockey Association, for the first time, will bring the inter-rink play to thousands of roller hockey players in Southern California,” Noris said. Joe Noris is the owner and operator of Skate San Diego and ex NHL player. “The Western Inline Hockey Association brings an exciting new dimension to competitive inline hockey. Members will play different teams from different rinks giving roller hockey players the ability to play travel hockey for the first time,” Noris said.

Six Rinks Form Alliance
WIHA is a newly formed alliance between the following six rinks: Coast 2 Coast www.C2Chockey.com; Anaheim Hockey Club www.anaheimhockey.com; 949 Irvine www.949rollerhockey.com; West Covina www.calstreethockey.com; Skate San Diego www.skatesandiego.net and Escondido www.ci.escondido.ca.us/sportscenter/hockey/index.html.

Future Expansion and Unification
Members of WIHA will play travel games and tournaments at these rinks. The rinks can now take the proceeds from these events and leagues and help grow the sport of roller hockey in Southern California, with expansion first throughout the West and hopefully spreading around the country. Future plans include unifying coaching and referee education under AAU and USARS the National Governing Body inline hockey.

Strengthening Growth & Finances
AAU National Hockey Chair, Keith Noll states, “The trend of rinks coming together to operate leagues and events will continue to help strengthen the growth and financial security of the sport and facilities. WIHA has arguably the largest area base of inline athletes in the USA.”

The WIHA web site can be found at www.westerninline.com.

Additional AAU Hockey Regional, AAU National and AAU Junior Olympic Games information can be found at www.aauhockey.org.

Program from the AAU!
Part 1 assists parents with finding a place for their child to play AAU.		Part 2 gives AAU member clubs access to a list of parents in their area wishing to be contacted regarding their child's participation in AAU.