No chills, just thrills

By Leila Wai
Special to The Advertiser

Kailua's Tony Garcia blocks a shot by Andrew Uyehara during a game against the Hawks at Kamiloiki Community Park. Photos by Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Andrew Uyehara, left, gets his stick in front of a streaking Carson McCarty during a recent game.

HOCKEY FACTS For more information, visit www.OIHL.org, or contact league director Merl Yoshimoto at 735-8756. Area coordinators East Honolulu (Hawai'i Kai) Kevin Carney 395-7830 Honolulu (Kahala-Central O'ahu) Clayton Sugimoto 595-2231 Windward Laurie Apiki 239-4793 Military Les Kelly 254-9067

"You play under the sun and there's a nice breeze," 8-year-old Jarod Abney said.

Competition is open to boys and girls 6 to 18 years old.

The league competes in two seasons: spring (February through May) and fall (September through December).

Although the spring season has started, new players can still join.

The game moves fast and is easy to learn.

"If they can skate and get around, it is pretty easy for them to pick up," league president Clayton Sugimoto said.

"If you've skated before, you might want to try it," said 10-year-old Darla Woods. "If you haven't, you might want to try skating to see if you like skating. "

League director Merl Yoshimoto said coaches will assist players in getting their skating skills up to speed for competition.

And he said its a sport for both sexes because size isn't that important.

"Girls are very competitive with the boys," Yoshimoto said.

Yoshimoto said that the USA Hockey League, the league that governs the OIHL, allows girls to play one age division below at their request.

Each team has five players, including a goalie, on the rink.

The league uses most of the same rules as the National Hockey League, although offsides and icing aren't enforced and body-checking isn't allowed.

"It is a lot safer than ice hockey," Sugimoto said. "Although, there is contact."

There are five age divisions in the league: Mites (8-under), Squirts (9-10), Pee Wee (11-12), Bantams (13-14), and Midgets (15-17). Players can be 18 years old as long as they are still in high school.

League participation has risen to about 300 children since a new park opened last year in Hawai'i Kai on Lunalilo Home Road.

Players used to games on the bumpy surface of basketball courts now enjoy a smooth concrete surface in a rink with a border.

Equipment costs about $200 for skates, chin pads, elbow pads, a helmet, face guard, mouthpiece and hockey sticks.

Some players use pads for their hips, but they are not required. Boys are required to wear cups, and it is recommended that girls wear pelvic protection.

The USA Hockey Inline League charges $25 per year, while the OIHL charges $40 per season, or $70 for a one-year registration.

Sugimoto said the league is always looking for knowledgeable coaches and volunteers to help out.