June 22, 2006

2006 USA Hockey InLine National Championships Set To Begin

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The 2006 USA Hockey InLine National Championships, presented by Easton, begin Friday, June 23, at the SportsCenter of Connecticut in Shelton, Conn.

The event will take place June 23-30, and will mark the first time the SportsCenter of Connecticut will host the country's premier youth inline hockey national championship tournament.

"USA Hockey InLine is excited about this year's tournament as we have a unique double-decker facility and plenty of activities planned," said Gary Del Vecchio (Colorado Springs, Colo.) director of USA Hockey InLine. "This event should be a great experience for all teams."

The USA Hockey InLine National Championships will offer competition in the Stars, Stripes and Patriot divisions in six age categories: 8-and-Under, 10-and-Under, 12-and-Under, 14-and-Under, 16-and-Under and 18-and-Under. In addition, USA Hockey InLine will operate a 16-and-Under All-Girls division and a high school division.

The 2006 USA Hockey InLine National Championships will also feature the annual Easton Hockey Days, including skills challenges for all divisions. The Easton Skills Challenge will provide a competitive environment, showcasing the individual skills of the nation's top inline hockey players. All winners will receive an array of Easton products, compliments of Easton Sports.

The 2006 USA Hockey InLine National Championships participant appreciation party and opening ceremony will be held Monday, June 26.

The USA Hockey InLine National Championships are part of a nation-wide playoff system intended to give additional high-level playing opportunities to USA Hockey InLine's grassroots membership.