Szczecin has had a small community of ice hockey players for quite some time. There has been no official league within Szczecin; many players travel to play in other adult amateur leagues. Game play in Szczecin has consisted of a group of dedicated adult players that rent ice to meet and scrimmage. Seeing opportunity for growth and competition, Neil Walsky thought to create an adult amateur hockey league in town!
With the support of a few key players, Hockey Szczecin was officially born in 2019. It was decided that four teams would be created in an official draft party, players would volunteer as referees when available, and Neil Walsky appointed himself as League Commissioner.*
The Draft
It is recommended, but not mandatory, that each attendee of the Draft Party purchase a beer.** The Commissioner, Neil Walsky, announces the season’s official league positions after attendance is confirmed. There are various league positions, including but not limited to: Self-Appointed Head Referee, Chairman of the “Boards”, League Water Boy, and League Speed Control.
Captains are selected prior to the Draft Party. This season, the Captains will be decided on through a non-confidential poll, otherwise known as a popularity contest. In order to be fair, Captains compete in a game of “rock, paper, scissors” to make the first selection in the first round draft pick. Each Captain selects one player per round. On occasion, a player is considered a free agent or “wild card”. Teams must compete in a beer chugging contest to gain the “wild card” player.*
The Season
To develop the players, it was agreed that Monday evenings would be reserved for training. League Commissioner Neil Walsky, also serves as a Trainer for Hockey Szczecin. New players are welcome to join the league during the season.
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, there are scheduled matches between different teams. As with league policy, the atmosphere must remain lively! Expect music and lots of action!*
Although referees are present at all matches, calls can be unreliable or non-existent due to official education funding constraints.*
If you are interested in joining Hockey Szczecin or have any questions about the league contact them on Facebook.
The Drama
The rise to power may have been too quick for League Commissioner Neil Walsky. Hockey Szczecin began to suffer from a plague long before the current pandemic.* What was thought to be a well intentioned individual with a plan for long term development of ice hockey in Szczecin may have been less than benevolent.*
Investigations into the League Commissioner are ongoing.*
*Indicates exaggeration or claims that are entirely untrue. **Indicates that beer is mandatory.