SWH: Why is State Wars so special to you?
MK: I have been a part of every one of the State Wars Events so it has been nice to see everyone year after year and watch the tournament grow. The people and the players is what make it special. It basically is a great way to end the National tournament roller hockey season and serves as a last chance to work with all the kids for the season.
COACH Z: Most important thing is it helps kids work on their social skills, which I believe they so desperately need. Hockey is “clicky” and SW provides them to work on it with the unbiased selection guidelines. Also it lets players get away from the everyday hockey stress.

SWH: Why do you keep coming back to State Wars?
MK: I love being able to work with, and watch, all the dedicated Michigan "roller hockey" players participating against new and different competition.  We have a great time at the Fieldhouse in Detroit but State Wars just gives everyone a new environment to showcase their skills and compete. COACH Z: For the reasons above. I really think this sport needs to get better at"RESPECT THE SPORT" as Wayne Gretzky said a long time ago. SW enforces this with all they do.

SWH: What are your feelings on Mid West Wars? What is the talk around the rinks like?
MK: Well hopefully this tournament will expose even more Michigan hockey players to State Wars in general.  The tournament itself should be a huge success as it is something totally new to this area.  People are just now starting to get excited about the 2012 tournament season and we are looking forward to hosting this event.
COACH Z: Think it will bring in the non-SW customers that want to form their own team. This will ultimately get them on board for the summer nationals. Lot’s of talk on the street. Using 3 sheets is the way to go. Late games are just unacceptable with the youth teams. 

SWH: Who in your mind, would you say is your biggest rival? What State/Province(s)?
MK: A lot of states have come a long way and are really putting some solid teams out there now but I guess I have to see our biggest rivals are Missouri (especially with the battles of the 92's over the years) and Pennsylvania.  British Columbia always has great teams and they are always good games as well.
COACH Z: I have never really had rivals in my career as a player or coach. I believe in again, having my players and teammates "RESPECT THE SPORT" and play at a high level who ever you’re playing.

SWH: What was your most memorable victory?
MK: I think it would have to be a tie between the first Gold medal the 1992 AAA team won in 2006 (beating Pennsylvania in finals and Missouri in semis) and then maybe even more so when the 1992 AAA team took home Gold again in 2010 by beating Missouri. This has been a great rivalry with MO but we have some great friends now that play on those Missouri teams because of it. A couple of their players have played with our Bordercat teams over the years.  I coach these teams along with Al Kish which helps keep things memorable for sure...lol
COACH Z: Winning 98A last year as our team had 4-5 programs mixed in our roster and they all got along. Again this is important to respecting other players and programs. When kids from other programs see me and call me coach it means alot.

 SWH: What was your favorite Michigan State Wars jersey?
MK: My favorite jersey is always the one that we will be wearing the next year. I think I am like one of the little kids and cannot wait to see the new design and new colors.
COACH Z: "GO LIONS"

SWH: How was your experience last year in Cincinnati, OH?
MK: State Wars ran another great tournament last year! Our Michigan teams all enjoyed themselves. On the first day I enjoyed a nice hamburger at the facility with a cold beer,,,,,but then they ran out of both items for the rest of the tourney. LOL...but State Wars still pulled it off...This is why St. Louis should be AWESOME!!!
COACH Z: The same as it’s been since SW started. Attention to detail is great.

SWH: You have seen loads of games at State Wars Hockey, who are some of the top players you have seen?
MK: Just way too many to name. Some of the pro players are obviously good but I enjoy watching the little 03’s too. Somoza I think is an 03 from Cali and is ridiculous. A whole lot more in between those age groups and that Thompson dude from the New York pro team is pretty good too.
COACH Z: Gotta tell you. I have been doing this for so long I just like to watch games and take it all in without asking "who is that player". Have really enjoyed watching our top players in our State grow. 

SWH: Matt, Thompson who? How would you describe the players in Michigan?
MK: Tough question; could go so many directions with that answer. We have some sick talent here in Michigan. The players themselves LOVE the game and just need to remember why they are playing sometimes. I think outside factors sometimes cause Michigan players to get confused as to why they actually play. State Wars helps these players remember.  One thing that upsets me is when our Michigan players play for teams out of other states in other events. This doesn’t happen with State Wars.
COACH Z: Some of the top in the country. Most importantly I am proud to say for the most part, that they play hard and leave the battle on the floor when it’s done.

SWH: Both of you have been playing at State Wars for quite sometime now. How is the 35 and over competition and how have you guys done in the past?
MK:As I get further and further away from the age of 35 the competition becomes better. We had our run of five straight Gold medals snapped last year. Those “outside factors” I spoke of earlier led us to not assemble the team we have always had….very unfortunate!!!!
COACH Z: We have been very successful winning 5 straight years and after losing for the first time last year. I am proud to say everyone still enjoyed the experience. Just makes you hungry to get back on top. 

SWH: What do you like about the sport of roller hockey?
MK: I run one of, if not the biggest, roller hockey programs in the country out of Joe Dumars’ Fieldhouse. There are a lot of different jobs that encompasses this as you know. But I also head up the Tour Bordercats organization, which allows me to coach all the kids at all age levels. Coaching the beginner age groups, the Mini Mites, the Learn to Play kids, and the Bordercats gives me the most enjoyment out of this sport.  (I just wish the average house league player would realize the importance of practicing more….then I could do more of this)  The administrative side is not so much fun, let me tell you!!!
COACH Z: It’s a controlled game. 4 on 4 and no off sides makes for more room

SWH: When did you get involved with the sport?
MK:I moved back to Michigan from Alaska in 1999 after living there for 11 years. I had played with UAF for four years and then the Alaska Gold Kings.  I gave up “the dream” at 30 and my buddy Mike LaLonde dragged me up to the Fieldhouse to play roller derby for Team Easton in our Platinum division. It was quite the Gong Show I put on. You know, the typical face plant on my first slapper and then backchecked a guy all the way back and got to the goal line and said now what….stopping was not an option! Soon after I started reffing and then got into management.
COACH Z: 1994. Skated on sport court outside under a covered roof. As soon as I stepped on the floor with my plastic outdoor "Rollerblade" brand skates I knew it was cool. It exploded after that and I am proud to say I have enjoyed the ride. Great times without a lot of the ice hockey stress that we had going on during our ice years. 

SWH: State Wars has been in existence since 2005 and our numbers have grown tremendously over the years. What do you like about the State Wars concept?
MK: State Wars has changed with the times. They have added new and improved rules or policies to make their event better pretty much every year.   While I am not a fan of the individual awards given at all the roller events, State Wars does this the best and puts on the best award show. I like the 90 second power play now too.
COACH Z: All the above. Hold people accountable with everything from payment to tryouts and the final competition.

SWH: How can someone sign up for your league? Can individuals sign up or is just teams?
MK: The Fieldhouse is home to the Little Caesars Roller Hockey Association and has three seasons and a shortened fourth season.  Our Fall season starts in September. Our Winter season starts in January. Our Spring season starts in April. We have house leagues from 6U all the way up to 40 & Over where individuals can sign up. We have youth select divisions and open team divisions. Our Adult leagues range from an Iron level all the way up to Gold and are offered on different days.  Anyone looking to play can go to our website at www.LCRH.infoor can email Matt at mattk@LCRH.info.
COACH Z: We have just started our house leagues and am proud to say that 95% of our players are new to not only to Roller Hockey but to the SPORT. We take individual registrations and do the old school concept of coming out and having evaluations, then assign them to a team. Anyone can contact us at www.thenewrink.com 

SWH: How do you compare the skill level in Michigan to the other states/provinces around North America?
MK: We are right on par if not further along than in some other states where hockey isn’t as prevalent. Again, the skill level will rise even higher when the dedication to practice rises.
COACH Z: Think we are one of the top programs as far as talent and our medal count over the years but I have stuck to our Mission Statement by not judging our success in Michigan by our medal count. If a player doesn’t have a memorable experience then we have failed.
Matt Koleski and I take great pride and spend lots of time making sure we are set up for success in this area with our coaches and managers along with our parents reinforcing what this event is all about.

SWH: One word that describes State Wars?
MK: As a Director I will say time-consuming…wait that might be two words….as a player and coach I will say CAMARADERIE!!
COACH Z: "HUGE"

SWH: How do you feel about State Wars going to St. Louis? How do you think the Missouri teams will be?
MK: Missouri teams will be loaded with talent no doubt. I am looking forward to a new location. It will be a huge challenge to take home any type of medal this year and I am looking forward to the challenge.  Mostly I just want to make sure as many kids want to play on Team Michigan in 2012 as possible so they can gain a great experience.
COACH Z: Anytime we go to a full ice hockey facility it’s a good thing. Missouri is always tough and they will enjoy the advantage of having it at home. My thinking is you better be prepared with your own program because they will be strong. It’s a great challenge for us. 

SWH: Thanks for all that you do and we will see you in St.Louis!
COACH Z: No, thank you, for staying true to your rules and beliefs.