Column: In line skating is a growing sport in Carson Country

They toil in anonymity for the most part, but that doesn't mean Carson High's in line hockey players aren't as dedicated as any other athlete at the school.

In line hockey remains an unknown quantity for the most part and is still just a club sport and not sanctioned by the Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association. But the growth of the sport is unquestioned.

This season, up to 13 schools are expected to compete in the sport, also known as roller hockey, in Northern Nevada. Along with the Reno-Sparks area schools, Douglas and South Tahoe, Fallon and Elko are also set to compete when the season begins Dec. 2.

Carson High, the three-time defending champion in Northern Nevada, will then begin the quest to defend its title.

"These kids put in just as much time as any other sport," Carson Coach Steve Constantino said. "Hockey players are kind of a breed apart."

Constantino said it's hoped that in line hockey could become an NIAA sanctioned sport as soon as the 2001-2002 academic year. There are also schools in Southern Nevada that have in line hockey teams, including top programs Durango and El Dorado. "They have some very good teams in Vegas," Constantino said.

But it could be a while before a true state championship game is played in the sport, Constantino said. "That's probably years down the road, maybe," he said.

Constantino said the teams that could challenge Carson for Northern Nevada's title this season are Bishop Manogue and Reed, which lost to the Senators in last year's finals.

Games will be played at the Pony Express Pavilion and Reno's Hockey House. In line hockey teams field five players, with four in the field and a goalie. "It's a very, very fast growing sport," Constantino said.

He also said in line hockey is played at a faster pace than ice hockey. "A lot of breakaways, a lot of two-on-ones," Constantino said.

"You never see a 2-1 game, usually. It's very fast, it's very quick and very high scoring. Lots of skating."

Carson has 30 players in its program, which has junior varsity and varsity teams. Constantino will carry 13 players on this year's varsity team.

Among the top returning players is forward Martin Ellis, who was one of Northern Nevada's top players last year, Constantino said. There's also defenders Jon Myles and John Elder and goalie Buck Stettler, who started last year as a freshman.

The highlight for Stettler and Carson last season came when it finished fourth in a USA Hockey Tournament in Corona, Calif. against top teams from Southern California.

"We ended up knocking off some top teams and taking them by suprise," said Constantino.

Constantino also said he hopes to return to the tournament again when it's held in March.

Other key players for this year's team should include Justin Dowd and Bill Ghighlieri.

Up from the JVs are Ted Jost, Brady Miller, Bryce Burgess and Ryan Collins. "That's kind of the future of our team," Constantino said.

Constantino said a big reason why Carson has been successful has been the city's growing youth program. Many of Carson's players participate in the city league as well.

Carson's in line hockey team will hold a fundraising spaghetti feed from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Carson High cafeteria. Cost is $4 which includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and drink. Tickets for drawing prizes will also be sold at the event.