Bullfrog News

RHI Down to Eight Teams

5/6/99 - The RHI website officially announced that the Florida and Detroit franchises will not field teams this year, confirming information obtained previously from the Minnesota Blue Ox website.

To even out the conferences (can we call them divisions now?), Minnesota has been moved to the East. Dallas and Chicago still appear to be alive, although their websites are just being built.

A special draft was held to disperse players from the two teams. The Bullfrogs picked up Joe Burton, Tony Szabo, former Frog and 1997 Finals MVP David Goverde, Jay Murphy, and John Brdarovic.

Jeff Crandall, a fan in Detroit who sends me email regularly, recently called the Detroit Racer's office and was told that everything was on target to start the season...

Player Tryouts May 19-20

ANAHEIM BULLFROGS TO HOLD PLAYER TRYOUTS MAY 19-20 IN TUSTIN

ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 28, 1999) -- The Anaheim Bullfrogs announced today the Roller Hockey International team will hold open tryouts May 19 and May 20 at the Inline Hockey and Sports Club of Tustin with a minimum of five players being invited to training camp the following week.

“We have received so many calls at our office from players interested in trying out for the team that we felt this was the best way to evaluate the local talent and give everyone a fair shot at making the team,” said Bullfrogs head coach Jim Thomson. “There is no question that the skill level of the local roller hockey players has improved dramatically over the last several years and we are hoping to find a few
diamonds in the rough who can make the squad.”

The cost to participate is $99 and includes a Bullfrogs jersey and insurance. Skaters must be at least 18 years of age and provide their own skates, sticks and hockey gear including helmets and full padding.

The two-hour tryout camps will be held from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Skaters will participate in a variety of drills with the coaching staff on hand to evaluate skating ability, skill level and knowledge of the game. Scrimmages will also be used in the selection process. In addition, each player will be furnished with a review of their performance.

Advance registration is required by May 14. Those interested in registering can contact the Anaheim Bullfrogs office toll free at (877) 939-7663. Checks and credit cards will be accepted.

The Inline Hockey and Sports Club of Tustin is located at 2681 Walnut Avenue (between Jamboree and Tustin Ranch Road and the 405 & 5 Fwys).

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Bullfrogs Sold to RHI

The Anaheim Bullfrogs were sold to Roller Hockey International by the Silver family, and will be operated by Pacific Sports Hockey Group of Irvine, California, according to articles in both local papers. A federal judge approved the sale, in which the RHI will pay $30,000 and PSHG $5,000, for the rights to the team name and logo.

The Bullfrogs will return to the RHI this summer and continue playing at the Pond. However, Major League Roller Hockey President Bill Raue has threatened to sue PSHG once they sign a lease to play there. Raue says he had a good fath agreement from PSHG to field a team in MLRH this season.

Bullfrogs Schedule Released

The Bullfrogs 1999 RHI schedule has been released. Each team plays a total of 26 games - 13 home and 13 away. The Bullfrogs season begins with 5 out of the first 6 games at home and ends with 8 of 12 home games. In between, however, is a grueling stretch of eight consecutive games on the road. To see the Bullfrogs and/or full RHI schedules, click here or on the Schedule link above.

Jim Thomson Named as Coach

Ex-NHL player Jim Thomson has been named as the new head coach of the Bullfrogs, replacing Todd Gordon. Thomson's NHL career includes stints with the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Thomson participated in the RHI draft on March 3rd on behalf of the team. Thomson appeared recently on OCN Sportstalk and discussed the teams draft choices, the new ownership, and the RHI.

Bob Elder Returns to Bullfrogs

The Anaheim Bullfrogs have brought back former Vice President and General Manager Bob Elder as President. Elder, formerly a radio personality, was with the Bullfrogs from 1993-1996, when he left for personal reasons. He brings experience and stability to the front office in the transition to new ownership.

Jack's (Unofficial) Anaheim Bullfrogs Website