Roller Hockey International (1994-1997)
Tombstone
Born: March 22, 1994 – RHI expansion franchise
Folded: 1997
First Game: June 10, 1994 (W 11-5 vs. Philadelphia Bulldogs)
Last Game: August 31, 1997 (L 9-5 vs. Anaheim Bullfrogs)
Murphy Cup Championships: None
Arena
Continental Airlines Arena (19,040)11995 Roller Hockey International Media Guide
Opened: 1981
Closed: 2015
Branding
Team Colors: Green, Black, White & Yellow21995 Roller Hockey International Media Guide
Ownership
Owner: E. Burke Ross, Jr.
Background
Professional Roller Hockey had a moment in the mid-1990’s, with Roller Hockey International (RHI) fielding dozens of franchises all across the U.S. and Canada. ESPN2 broadcast a number of the league’s games on nationwide cable. Despite the investment of several NBA and NHL ownership groups looking to fill summer dates in their arenas, the league had a fly-by-night feel with many mom-and-pop style clubs that folded up shop after just one or two seasons.
The New Jersey Rockin’ Rollers lasted longer than most of their peers, skating four seasons an the Brendan Byrne Arena/Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford. The Rollers played for the league’s Murphy Cup championship at the end of the 1997 season but fell to the Anaheim Bullfrogs in a two-game sweep.
Our Favorite Gear
Roller Hockey International Apparel
When it comes to high-quality replica jerseys, turn to Royal Retros, who put extraordinary detail into their fully customizable baseball jerseys, including those for Roller Hockey International. T-Shirts too!
Free Customization Included
Each jersey individually handmade
Any name and number
Sewn tackle twill crest, numbers & letters
100% polyester
Heavyweight fabric made to game standards
Remember RHI in great apparel from Royal Retros
The Rockin’ Rollers home loss before an announced crowd of 9,610 in Game 2 of the 1997 Murphy Cup finals against Anaheim proved to be the team’s last hurrah. Roller Hockey International ceased operations after the 1997 season. Although RHI later re-grouped to stage a comeback season in 1999, the Rockin’ Rollers did not return to play.
New Jersey Rockin’ Rollers Shop
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Downloads
August 31, 1997 – Rockin’ Rollers vs. Anaheim Bullfrogs Murphy Cup Finals Game Notes
1997 Murphy Cup Game Notes - 8-31
Links
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One Response
I hadn’t thought about this before, but I was at the 1st and last Rockin Rollers games. In the 1st game Dave Schultz, the Philadelphia coach kept yelling at the referees. Nick Fotiu, the Rockin Rollers coach stood on the bench and yelled at Schultz several times. It was quite a show. I still have a poster from Manon Rheaume night. It’s too bad they didn’t let her play the whole game.