The exhilarating journey of professional roller hockey, a sport that captured the imaginations of many, is largely attributed to a blend of innovative technology and pioneering vision. As seen in the accompanying video, the emergence of inline skates fundamentally transformed the landscape of roller hockey, moving it from a humble pastime to a globally recognized athletic pursuit. This shift was profoundly influenced by the strategic genius of legendary sports promoter Dennis Murphy, whose efforts laid the foundation for the sport we know today, creating the Roller Hockey International (RHI) league.
The sport’s evolution from the older quad-wheeled roller skates, prevalent since the late 1800s, into the modern inline skate format represented a significant technological leap. These new skates, featuring three to five wheels in a straight line, offered enhanced speed and maneuverability, which were critically important for developing a faster, more dynamic game. Inline skates made the dream of a professional roller hockey league a tangible reality, allowing the game to shed its amateur shadow and truly shine.
The Visionary Behind Professional Roller Hockey
Dennis Murphy, a name synonymous with innovation in professional sports, was the driving force behind the formal creation of professional roller hockey. His unparalleled experience in launching major leagues, such as the American Basketball Association (ABA), the World Hockey Association (WHA), and World Team Tennis, had already reshaped the professional sports landscape. Imagine if the core elements of basketball and ice hockey had never been challenged; the leagues of today would be dramatically different.
Indeed, it was Murphy’s ABA that initially championed the three-point shot, a rule change which was later adopted by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and irrevocably altered basketball strategy. Moreover, the concept of sudden-death overtime, a thrilling format now a staple in the National Hockey League (NHL), was first proven effective in Murphy’s WHA. These rule innovations, along with new structures for player contracts, show the profound and lasting impact of his entrepreneurial spirit on the broader world of professional sports, extending far beyond Roller Hockey International.
Building a League: From Idea to Reality
The journey to establishing a professional roller hockey league began with an observation by Dennis Murphy: kids were passionately playing street hockey. This spark of an idea, coupled with the improved inline skate technology, set the stage for a new venture. Partners like Larry King and Alex Bellehumeur were brought into the fold as the league concept began to materialize. A critical step involved securing a commissioner, a figure with substantial credibility in the hockey world, to lend immediate legitimacy to this nascent league.
Ralph Backstrom, a respected icon in both the NHL and the WHA, was identified as the perfect candidate. His response, “Dennis, I’d been waiting for your call,” indicates a deep personal connection to inline skating. It is interesting to note that Backstrom was among the first players in the National Hockey League to use inline skates as an off-season training tool back in the 1970s. This early adoption demonstrates his foresight and understanding of the inline skate’s potential, making him an ideal leader for the new professional roller hockey organization.
Securing Franchise Owners and Overcoming Skepticism
With Ralph Backstrom on board, the next challenge involved convincing potential owners to invest in a sport many had never even considered playing professionally. Dennis Murphy’s legendary salesmanship was often described as being able to “sell ice to Eskimos,” a testament to his persuasive abilities. People who had worked with Murphy previously, such as Jerry and Jeanie Buss, alongside Howard Baldwin, readily supported his new venture, even if professional roller hockey was an unfamiliar concept to them.
Dr. Jerry Buss, for instance, a renowned sports executive, recalled being introduced to Dennis Murphy in the early 1970s and quickly recognizing his exceptional sales skills. Jeanie Buss, who at just 19 years old was tasked with running a World Team Tennis franchise by her father, initially viewed professional roller hockey as just another one of Murphy’s “crazy things.” However, the trust and belief in Dennis Murphy’s vision by these seasoned sports figures were instrumental in the successful launch and initial growth of the professional roller hockey league. The collective faith of these early investors ensured that the RHI would be given a chance to thrive.
Innovations in Rules and Equipment for Roller Hockey
To truly differentiate professional roller hockey from its ice-bound counterpart, several key rule modifications were introduced by Commissioner Ralph Backstrom. One significant change was the decision to play 4-on-4, rather than the traditional 5-on-5 seen in ice hockey. This alteration was made because the playing surface in roller hockey is generally smaller than an ice rink, which is typically 200 by 85 feet. The reduced number of players on the floor was intended to create more open space and foster a faster, more exciting game, promoting offensive plays and skilled maneuvers.
Another thrilling innovation was the introduction of a shootout to decide tied games, ensuring that every contest had a definitive winner. Beyond rules, the equipment itself underwent a transformation. A critical component was the development of a new puck, as the standard 5.5-ounce rubber ice hockey puck was found to be unsuitable for polished concrete or plastic roller hockey surfaces; it simply would not slide effectively. A dedicated team of 50 individuals was tasked with creating this new “biscuit.”
Early prototypes of the puck were rigorously tested. For example, one initial concept involved a roll of tape with thumbtacks. Later, plastic designs with metal runners were explored. The goal was to create a lighter puck, weighing approximately 3.5 ounces, which would glide smoothly across the non-ice surface. This was achieved through a design that incorporated five pins on each side and air spaces to reduce friction, resulting in the eventual creation of the efficient Jofa Speed Puck. These thoughtful adaptations in both rules and equipment were essential for the sport’s unique identity and dynamic gameplay.
Assembling the Talent: Roller Hockey Players
The recruitment of players for professional roller hockey presented a unique challenge: should they focus on professional roller skaters and teach them hockey skills, or recruit ice hockey players and train them to use inline skates? Through extensive trial and error, it was determined that converting ice hockey players was the more effective strategy. These athletes already possessed the fundamental hockey instincts, stickhandling abilities, and strategic understanding needed for the game. Learning to skate on inline wheels, while a skill in itself, was considered more manageable than teaching an entirely new sport.
The player pool for the RHI was impressive, attracting talent from various established hockey leagues. Many players came from the Colonial Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), the American Hockey League (AHL), and the International Hockey League (IHL). In fact, a significant number of these individuals were just one or two steps away from the National Hockey League, with some even being former NHL players looking for a path back to the highest level. These talented hockey players were often seeking a summer gig, allowing them to hone their skills and earn a living during the ice hockey off-season. Imagine the skill level on display when such high-caliber athletes took to the rink.
One notable example is Berkley Hoagland, who, out of 300 hopefuls at a Yale University tryout, was selected to represent a team and became the first black player in the RHI. His experience underscores the competitive environment and the exciting opportunity that professional roller hockey provided for many athletes.
The ambition of the Roller Hockey International league extended beyond national borders, with plans for an All-Star Team U.S.A. to compete against Canada’s best in a championship series held in various international cities. Such a bold move was aimed at injecting further excitement and showcasing the sport on a global stage. The story of professional roller hockey and the RHI continues to influence how new sports ventures are approached, and the impact of visionary promoters like Dennis Murphy is still felt across professional sports today.
Face-Off: Your Wild Pro Roller Hockey Q&A
What is professional roller hockey?
Professional roller hockey is a sport played on inline skates on non-ice surfaces, like polished concrete. The Roller Hockey International (RHI) league was a key professional league in its history.
Who was Dennis Murphy, and what was his role in professional roller hockey?
Dennis Murphy was a visionary sports promoter known for creating major leagues, including the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the World Hockey Association (WHA). He was the driving force behind establishing the professional Roller Hockey International (RHI) league.
How did inline skates impact roller hockey?
Inline skates, with wheels in a straight line, offered much greater speed and maneuverability compared to older quad skates. This technological advancement was crucial for developing a faster, more dynamic professional roller hockey game.
What are some key differences between professional roller hockey and ice hockey?
Professional roller hockey typically uses a lighter puck designed for non-ice surfaces, features 4-on-4 gameplay for more open space, and uses a shootout to decide tied games.
What kind of athletes played in the professional roller hockey league?
The league mainly recruited ice hockey players, as they already had fundamental hockey skills and instincts. Many were talented players from other leagues who sought to train and earn money during the ice hockey off-season.