Hauppauge Roller Hockey Team to Compete in Semifinals

The Hauppauge roller hockey team is competing for a spot in its league finals, exceeding their competitors' expectations.

Hauppauge's roller hockey team had a 13-6-1 league record in the High School Roller Hockey League of Long Island, despite competing against established teams. The rookie team is now practicing hard for their semifinal match against the Smithtown Bulls on April 28.

Vinnie Francis, manager of the Hauppauge varsity roller hockey team, said she started pulling together a team when her son and friends wanted to play, but as there was no Hauppauge area team. Players in the general pool are not guaranteed a spot on a team, Francis said.

She enlisted the help of Hauppauge senior Frank Poma in finding players in Hauppauge area. Together, Francis and P0ma had four weeks to assemble a team.

"There were a lot of nights on the phone trying to sort out what was going on and who was on the team. It was coming down to the last week and we were still figuring out who was playing," Poma said.

John McGuckin, of East Northport, stepped forward to coach the team. League officials suggested the inexperienced squad compete at the junior varsity level, according to Francis.

"I said, 'No way. We have to play varsity'," Poma said. "I'd much rather a challenge than play JV."

Hauppauge won their first game against the Sachem Blackhawks, 7-3. But, the rookie team's real confidence boost came their second game, an overtime win against Smithtown.

"It just proved we can beat any team in the league," said player Joe Jacovino.

The team has faced several challenges in its first season, including monetary issues and finding practice space. Francis said there was a $4,000 registration fee to play in the league with average rate of $125 to $150 for an hour to practice at the local rinks.

Hauppauge held a practice session on Tuesday in preparation for the April 28 match. The team has lost their first game in the best-of-three matchup against Smithtown last week, 7-4.

"There's no telling what we're going to do, but we worked hard today. Whether we go out there and win or we got out there and lose, it doesn't make a difference," Poma said.