Penguins at NARCh

Posted on 23/07/2012 by NZIHA

Capital Penguins compete at USA Inline Hockey Championships

The Capital Penguins Inline Hockey Club Premier team are in San Jose, California competing at NARCh (North American Roller Hockey Championships) for the first time.  They entered the Senior Men’s Gold and Platinum Divisions. Permission was given for the team to enter two different divisions, these events play over the last two weekends in July. The event provides competition and skills events from July 13 – 29 for many divisions from 6 & Under through to High School, Senior  Men, Pro Division and Masters – a total of 851 games over the entire event.

The Penguins Premier team have made a huge impact at NARCh, putting New Zealand inline hockey on the map! 

“The players from New Zealand stole the show, with some unbelievable goals by the shooters and saves by the goalies.  It’s their first time to the NARCh FINALS and it took a ton of time fundraising and saving to get here, so it’s great to see them having so much fun.  Also should give a shout out to Pat Lee who coached them and really stressed to them how cool NARCh Hockey is and convinced them to put in the effort to make this happen” Daryn Goodwin – NARCh President

“The division opened up yesterday (Friday July 20) and culminated with the division’s Skills Competition (Saturday).  We had a great turnout with over 30 participants.  The Capitals from New Zealand were well represented and when the dust settled, the kiwis would hold the title of Top Goaltender and Top Sniper.  With moves that will be talked about for a while, Lewis Taiapa went to his arsenal of puck carrying antics to separate himself from the competition.  Breaking all gender barriers in a NARCh first, female goaltender Kendra Manning was game for almost anything the men could throw at her.  In the fastest skater, Missassauga Rattler Alex Derlis slithered his way to the title with times that improved each round.” Jeremy Ellis – NARCh Press

The Senior Gold division game results were:

Penguins 4 – 3 win vs Snoberries, California

Penguins 4 – 4 draw vs Bodangles, California

Penguins 8 – 1 win vs Herbalife, California

Penguins  2 – 6 loss to Red Army, California ( NARCh 2011 Divison winner)

 Playoff

Penguins 4 OT – 3 win vs Red Army

Semi Final

Penguins 5 – 7 loss to THC, California ( #1 Seed in division)

NARCh Skills Competition saw Kendra Manning take out the top goaltender place with Warwick Kendrick finishing in second place. Both Wellington based goalies made amazing saves. Kendra is the first woman goaltender allowed to compete in the senior men gold and silver division. In the Sniper Skills competition the Capital Penguins entered brothers Lewis and Jensen Taiapa. Lewis put on an “awesome” skills show at the rink to the amazement of the American audience. He never missed a goal and displayed three trick shots including his special “Tai-Papah” (a one handed pick up and twist shooting the puck into the top left hand corner). Jensen finished second. There were 30 players and 11 goaltenders competing in the skills competition. Ryan Ruddle was presented with the trophy for the overal best goal scorer in the Senior Men Gold Competition.

The Capital Penguins team now take a break for a few days in preparation for their entry into the Platinum Division starting Friday July 27. NARCh completes on Sunday July 29.