Lizards learn lessons in Las Vegas

By BRANT JAMES

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 18, 2000

SPRING HILL -- The Labeda Lizards' first roll in Las Vegas could have been better, but coach Paul Pelletier was happy to be in the game.

The St. Petersburg-based 8-and-under roller hockey club featuring four players from Hernando County, went 1-3 in the Tournament of Roller Hockey Series America 2000 national championship last weekend, finishing eighth in a 12-team field.

"The kids really stepped up their game," said Pelletier, who lives in Spring Hill. "But we were sized-out and shot-out."

The Lizards were seeded fourth after a first-round win, Pelletier said, but sunk to eighth with subsequent losses. One of those came to eventual national champion AKS Empire Swarm from California 8-0.

California teams ruled the tournament, Pelletier said.

"They've been doing it for years out there," he said. "They have the players and the facilities.

"The kids really played great, but the game was a lot rougher out there than they were used to. They weren't allowed to board you or use their sticks or anything, but the kids were a lot bigger and they let a lot of checking go, so California was pretty dominant."

Mike Pelletier had a hat trick in one game for the Lizards and Justin Jimenez scored once.

The Lizards qualified for the Las Vegas tournament by finishing second in a tournament in Fort Myers in May.

The club finished second in the Sunshine State Games last weekend.

Paul Pelletier's Suncoast Panthers 8-and-under team, comprised of players from Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties, will compete in the AAU Junior Olympic Games, July 29-Aug. 4 in Fort Myers.

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