New Inline League Hits Some Snags

The Professional Inline Hockey League is on shaky ground after several teams backed out.

League founder Dennis Murphy of Fullerton said last Saturday’s scheduled league meetings were postponed, forcing him to delay the start of the season until at least July 1. But he said he still thinks he can get the league, which would include the Bullfrogs, rolling.

“I feel 80% confident we will play,” Murphy said. “The reason for the delay is to get everyone on the same page [to plan the season].”

The league is expected to include as many as nine teams. But according to Murphy, owners of a potential franchise in Las Vegas have pulled out, while the St. Louis Vipers of Roller Hockey International folded rather than jump to the new league.

A third RHI team, San Jose, is seeking a new financial backer and might not play in any league this year.

Vancouver, which sat out the RHI season in 1997, has committed to play in the PIHL, however, four prospective East Coast franchises say they will wait until 1999 at the earliest to begin operations.

“Nothing’s looking great,” said Bullfrog owner Maury Silver. “It’s a hard battle, but hopefully we can get five teams together. I’m still confident we will play.”

Silver said his son, Bullfrog CEO Stuart Silver, is exploring the possibility of putting a team in Riverside County.

Larry King, chief executive officer of Roller Hockey International, contends that the financially ailing league will begin its sixth season this year and he is considering legal action, according to Murphy, if RHI teams jump to the PIHL.