SCSHA provides rare opportunity

FLORENCE — Kevin Long became a hockey fan because of his son.

Entering his second year as the president of the South Carolina Scholastic Hockey Association, he’s hoping that more of the state’s youth will learn to love the game as well.

Long coaches the Florence Predators, one of 11 SCSHA teams that have been in operation for more than seven years.

The organization provides high school-aged youths with a rare opportunity — to learn and play hockey in the South.

“It kind of all started in the Charleston area because they had a really good hockey fan base,” Long said. “And as the (East Coast Hockey League) and other organizations started to pop up, the fan base
grew.”

With the Pee Dee Pride and then the Cyclones based at the Florence Civic Center, Florence was one of the growth areas. Florence has fielded a team in all but one year, and had a roster of 20 players last season.

Long is hoping for a similar turnout this year. An interest meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the civic center for any interested high schoolers — boys or girls — from Florence or Darlington counties. Practices begin Oct. 18, and games begin in November.

“It’s for anyone interested in playing hockey, regardless of skill level,” Long said. “Being able to skate is a plus, but it’s not a requirement. We’re just looking for kids who want to learn to play fast-paced, competitive hockey.”

The Predators will play three games at the civic center (Dec. 11, Dec. 18 and Jan. 8), and the rest will be split between Irmo and Charleston.

Some practices also will be in Columbia and Charleston, Long said.

“Obviously getting ice time can often be a problem, but transportation arraignments can be made,” Long said. “Hockey is an expensive sport, and I know things can be tough in this economy, but we want
everyone with desire to play hockey to be able to.”

Anyone seeking more information about playing can call Long at (843) 858-0049 or visit the SCSHA Web site at http://www.leaguelineup.com/hshockey or the Predators Web site at http://www.leaguelineup.com/predatorshockeyteam.