LIHU‘E — The 16-and-under Team Kaua‘i inline hockey team will attempt to defend its state title for the ninth-straight year this weekend. Team Kaua‘i begins its ninth consecutive North American Roller Hockey regional championship on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. against
LIHU‘E — The 16-and-under Team Kaua‘i inline hockey team will attempt to defend its state title for the ninth-straight year this weekend.
Team Kaua‘i begins its ninth consecutive North American Roller Hockey regional championship on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. against the Kapolei Warriors at the Kapolei Inline Hockey Rink on O‘ahu.
John Masterson, a coach and volunteer for the Kaua‘i Inline Hockey Association, said Team Kaua‘i has a very good chance of returning to Kaua‘i with another title.
“The nucleus of this team is very strong,” Masterson said.
The biggest test that Team Kaua‘i will face, Masterson said, is due to its reputation. After winning the title eight years in a row, Masterson said other teams have recruited super-teams in order to knock off the Kauaian champs.
“The chances of repeating are pretty good, but it just depends” he said. “A lot of times other teams have pulled some of the best talent from other islands together to try and beat these kids.”
As the representing hometeam, the Warriors will give Team Kaua‘i a quick gauge of what it’s up against, Masterson said.
“They’re a pretty talented team,” he said. “They’re our biggest test right out of the gate.”
In addition to Team Kaua‘i, Masterson said Kaua‘i will send players to take part in the 12 and 14-and-under tournaments, as well as the 18-plus and 35-plus tournaments.
