The exhilarating world of professional roller hockey, as you’ve just seen in the video, is a testament to innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and the sheer passion for the game. Far from being a mere shadow of ice hockey, this fast-paced sport carved out its own unique identity and, surprisingly, left a significant mark on its icy counterpart. This article delves deeper into the origins, challenges, and lasting legacy of professional roller hockey, spearheaded by the visionary Dennis Murphy.
From Quads to Inlines: The Evolution of Roller Hockey
For many decades, dating back to the late 1800s, roller hockey was played on traditional quad-wheeled roller skates. This version of the sport remained relatively niche, often overshadowed by the well-established popularity of ice hockey. The game was enjoyable but perhaps lacked the speed and fluidity that would later define its professional evolution.
However, a crucial design innovation changed everything. When companies began manufacturing skates with three to five wheels arranged in a straight line, inline roller skates were born. This shift transformed the sport, making it significantly faster and more dynamic, paving the way for a whole new level of competition and fan engagement.
The Visionary: Dennis Murphy and the Birth of a League
Despite the growing worldwide popularity of roller hockey at an amateur level, a truly organized professional league remained elusive. That is, until the legendary sports promoter, Dennis Murphy, entered the scene. Murphy was not just an entrepreneur; he was a hustler with an unparalleled ability to create and sell concepts that seemed impossible to others.
Murphy had an impressive track record, having already formed three major professional sports leagues that reshaped the landscape of sports in the U.S. He was the architect behind the American Basketball Association (ABA), the World Hockey Association (WHA), and World Team Tennis. His prior leagues were not only successful but also introduced groundbreaking rule changes, such as the NBA’s adoption of the three-point shot from the ABA and the NHL’s sudden-death overtime, a concept pioneered in the WHA. These innovations continue to impact professional athletes and sports fans to this day.
Building the Foundation: Key Partnerships and Credibility
1. **The Idea Takes Hold:** Murphy’s inspiration for professional roller hockey struck him unexpectedly. He noticed kids playing hockey on the street with makeshift nets, igniting the spark for a new venture. He quickly brought in trusted partners like Larry King and Alex Bellehumeur to help build the league from the ground up.
2. **Finding the Right Commissioner:** To give his new league instant credibility, Murphy knew he needed a respected figure in the hockey world. His ideal choice was Ralph Backstrom, an icon in both the National Hockey League and the World Hockey Association. Backstrom, a former NHL Rookie of the Year and a six-time Stanley Cup winner with the Montreal Canadiens, was an innovator himself. He had even been involved in the creation of inline skates in the 1970s, using them as an off-season training tool, and was waiting for just such a call from Murphy.
3. **Securing Franchise Owners:** Murphy’s reputation and charisma were instrumental in attracting owners. Many, like Dr. Jerry Buss and Howard Baldwin, had previously worked with Murphy in his other ventures, developing a deep trust in his vision. Dr. Buss, despite being busy with the Lakers, entrusted his then 19-year-old daughter, Jeanie Buss, to run an RHI franchise, highlighting the faith people had in Murphy’s ventures.
Innovating the Game: Rules, Players, and the Puck
With a commissioner and owners on board, the next step was to define the game itself. Murphy, learning from his past experiences with the ABA and WHA, wanted professional roller hockey to have its own distinct rules, setting it apart from ice hockey and enhancing its appeal.
1. **Crafting New Rules:** Ralph Backstrom was the genius behind many of the Roller Hockey International (RHI) rules. Unlike ice hockey, RHI games were primarily played four-on-four, which created more open space and opportunities for offense. The league also embraced the shootout, a thrilling individual skill competition, to decide tied games. These changes were designed to maximize excitement and make the game highly dynamic.
2. **The Inline Hockey Puck:** A critical challenge was the puck. The traditional rubber ice hockey puck, weighing 5.5 ounces, simply wouldn’t work on polished concrete or plastic surfaces. It wouldn’t slide effectively. This led to the creation of a specialized puck. Early prototypes included a hockey puck with five thumbtacks on each side to reduce friction. This evolved into a lightweight, 3.5-ounce puck with five pins on each side and a space for air to flow through, which eventually became the Jofa Speed Puck. This innovation was essential for the game’s playability.
3. **Recruiting Talent:** The league faced a unique recruitment dilemma: should they teach roller skaters to play hockey, or teach ice hockey players to inline skate? Through trial and error, it was determined that converting skilled ice hockey players was easier. Players came from various minor leagues, including the Colonial Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League, American Hockey League, and International Hockey League. Many were just one or two steps away from the NHL, looking for an opportunity to play professionally, even if it was a summer gig. Berkley Hoagland notably made history as the first Black player in the RHI.
Reaching for the Stars: Marketing and Impact
The fledgling professional roller hockey league quickly gained traction. Dennis Murphy and Dr. Jerry Buss even orchestrated an international tour, pitting an all-star Team USA against Canada’s best in championship series across various cities. This strategy helped generate buzz and showcased the sport’s competitive potential.
The league’s momentum was undeniable when ESPN, a major sports TV channel, signed a lucrative television contract with RHI. This was remarkable, as networks typically wait one or two years to assess a new league’s popularity. ESPN, however, recognized the immense public interest, especially given the large number of people already involved in roller skating. The initial crowds were impressive, with teams like the Bullfrogs drawing between 9,000 and 10,000 people, demonstrating the sport’s undeniable appeal.
A Lasting Legacy: RHI’s Influence on the NHL
Though Roller Hockey International eventually ceased operations, its impact on professional ice hockey is profound and undeniable. The innovations pioneered by RHI were carefully observed by the National Hockey League, which wisely adapted several of them to enhance its own game.
The NHL’s overtime rule, which changed to a four-on-four format, was directly influenced by RHI. The RHI’s games were entirely played four-on-four, demonstrating how this format created more open ice, generated increased offensive chances, and made the game more exciting for fans. Similarly, the NHL’s adoption of the shootout to decide tied games was a direct result of RHI’s success with the format, which fans loved and embraced. These rule changes, driven by Ralph Backstrom’s insight and Dennis Murphy’s vision, made the NHL of today a much different, more dynamic league than it was twenty years prior.
The Undoing: A Dispute Over the Puck
Despite all its promise and innovation, the very puck that helped build professional roller hockey ultimately became a fatal blow to Dennis Murphy’s dream. A dispute arose over the manufacturing rights and profits of the specialized puck. Alex Bellehumeur, one of the co-founders, was integral to the puck’s development, with RHI reportedly covering all research and development costs.
However, the profits from the Jofa Speed Puck, which grossed over $1 million in less than three years and generated an annual net income of $200,000 to $250,000, never made it into the coffers of Roller Hockey International or the pockets of the team owners. This breakdown in financial transparency and trust eroded the foundation of the league. Owners, who had invested millions, were expecting returns from league operations and licensing that never materialized, ultimately leading to the league’s collapse. This incident highlighted how even the most brilliant concepts can falter without strong legal and financial oversight.
Beyond the Boards: Your Roller Hockey Q&A
What is professional roller hockey?
Professional roller hockey is a fast-paced sport that developed its own unique style, separate from ice hockey, primarily thanks to visionary promoter Dennis Murphy.
How did roller hockey change over time?
Initially played on traditional quad skates, roller hockey became much faster and more dynamic with the invention and adoption of inline skates.
Who started the professional roller hockey league?
The professional roller hockey league, called Roller Hockey International (RHI), was founded by Dennis Murphy, a well-known sports promoter.
What kind of puck was used in professional roller hockey?
A specialized, lightweight puck called the Jofa Speed Puck was created because a traditional ice hockey puck wouldn’t slide properly on the roller hockey surfaces.
Did professional roller hockey influence ice hockey?
Yes, the NHL adopted several rule changes, like the 4-on-4 overtime format and the shootout, directly from professional roller hockey.