Mississauga Roller Hockey League

Hi, I'm George Araujo and I wanted to bring you some stories and anecdotes from the years gone by.  In addition to the proud traditions of the MRHL and Rattlers I spent a lot of time working with other league organizers and associations so I hope to make this another fun part of this terrific web site. 

Here's a little remembered fact.  During our first season we operated under the name "Blades of Steel Roller Hockey League".  Joe Dunphy, my co-founder had started Blades of Steel Hockey School years prior and we were never sure about how popular this sport might be.  During the first seasons, we spent most of our time trying to explain to people what Roller Hockey was! 

The early years were fun, but they didn't come without their challenges.  Equipment turned out to be a real problem at times.  Most Inline skates or "roller blades" that where manufactured at that time were pretty clunky.  They were designed for street skating so when we brought them to the rinks they didn't last too long.  Every night we had to sweep off broken parts and blown bearings.

The warmer summer tempuratures also made us rethink equipment.  We had never even seen Inline Hockey Pants  so all of our players used the regular hockey sweaters, socks and pants.  Some of the older kids even wore their long underwear.  We quickly made it mandatory that no game start without a good supply of water on the bench and that remains today. 

As the years moved along,   so did the equipment and materials.  Today it's a safer and cooler game than ever before with spaceage gear that keeps you rolling from start to finish!

Stories...I've got a million of them.  See you on opening night!

Take a look below at the 1997 Mississauga Rattler National Jr Champions!