Any club representing a California high school or junior high school – public or private – is eligible to enter a team in this year’s California State Cup inline hockey championship tournament.

The event is scheduled for March 12-13 at The Rinks-Irvine Inline and not only provides a convenient central meeting place for scholastic teams from around the state, but an opportunity to compete for school pride.

The tournament is receiving support from the Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic League (ADISL). League coordinator John Paerels hopes that participation numbers continue to increase from outside the Orange County area.

The event already receives heavy support from ADISL teams.

“My goal is to try to keep building it back up and get more teams from all over the state,” Paerels said. “Last year we only had two high school teams from San Diego, so we’d definitely like to increase those numbers, along with possibly getting some teams from the Temecula scholastic league.”

The Central Coast High School Hockey League, based in Santa Maria, has sent three teams down on a regular basis the past few years. Paerels said he’d like to see participation from even farther northward.

“I’d also love to see a few teams from San Jose come down for the weekend,” Paerels said. “Last year was the first time since I got involved that we’ve had junior high teams, and I’d like to see those numbers increase as well.”

Paerels is also pushing for more high school ice hockey teams to register for the State Cup inline tournament.

“Most high school ice players have inline experience anyway, and those who don’t usually pick it up fairly quickly,” he said.

For more information on the California State Cup tournament, contact Paerels at (949) 559-9949 or JPaerels@the-rinks.com.

– Phillip Brents