Club Highlight - Detroit Bordercats
At Fraser Roller Hockey League, we are lucky to have many dedicated players and individuals that want to take their inline hockey experiences to the next level. With this in mind, we want to take time to highlight the numerous clubs that are calling the Fraser Roller Hockey League their home!
The Detroit Bordercats require no introduction, participating in vastly every aspect of inline hockey in both local events, regional event, national events, and even international play. Founded in 2002 by Little Caesars Roller Hockey's Director of Hockey Matt Koleski, the "BCATS" have set the standard for excellence and performance in both Metro Detroit and the United States.
Pictured: Matt Koleski, Founder of the Detroit Bordercat Organization & Director of Hockey Operations at Little Caesars Roller Hockey League/Joe Dumars Fieldhouse
While their achievements are vast and numerous, including many National Champions at State Wars Hockey, North American Roller Hockey Championships (NARCh), Tournament of Roller Hockey Series (TORHS), The National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) and so many more, it's no surprise that the legacy continues years and years later. While the Bordercat leadership is comprised of many individuals that make the organization, Drew Hite and Christine Hite have been instrumental in keeping the legacy going strong throughout the years.
Pictured: The 2008 Detroit Bordercats in their National championship picture for the State Wars 17 Event in St. Peters, Missouri. Head Coach Drew Hite would lead this team to defeat Carshield Blast (MO) 8-0.
In addition to their regional and national appearances, many of the Bordercat faithful were selected to represent Team USA in the Masters Inline Hockey World Association (MIHWA), including Matt Koleski (Captain), Jamie Smith, David Zarem, Mike Lalonde, Larry Botsford, and David Vance. Very few in the inline hockey world can lay claim to participating on the world stage, and the Bordercats show time and time again that players of all ages, from youth players all the way to veterans not only excel in their craft, but also demonstrate what hard work and determination can accomplish.
Pictured: Team USA which participated in the Masters Inline Hockey World Association (MIHWA) international event which took place in Italy!
You cannot discuss the Detroit Bordercats without also mentioning their numerous youth teams, that range from multiple A, AA, and AAA teams. The BCATS sent 8 teams to the 2021 State Wars National event, and 10 teams in 2022, in where many of them would not only earn Michigan medals, but also be National Champions. Since 2022, the Bordercats have traveled to many destinations in North America, including Florida, California, Ohio, New York, Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, Mississauga, Toronto, and many other locations in North America. Throughout the ranks of the youth teams also is a vast infrastructure of leadership and support for both the players and their families, which include many volunteers and coaches. Between the infamous Detroit Bordercat Golf Outing, along with football squares, tournaments, and many other opportunities for families to participate to help reduce costs, The Bordercats have proven time and time again that they can support the vast number of teams and players that participate in all levels of inline hockey.
Pictured: Detroit Bordercats 2008's in their NARCh National Championship picture, where they would take home both Top Goalie in the division, along with the 10 & Under Gold Championship!
Finally, there's the Detroit Bordercat PRO team that still to this day operates and plays at the highest levels of inline hockey, recently participating in the 2022 State Wars Pama Pro Invitational. This pro team with long time Bordercat Evil Covacha currently coaching the BCAT's star studded pro roster has a long history of playing in various elite level events and seasons within the world of Inline Hockey, to include back to back National Championships with the National Roller Hockey League in both 2015 and 2016. The PRO team is the heart and soul of the Bordercats, and shows what an organization of more than 20 years can produce and provide for the elite players along with the rest of the organization.
Pictured: Detroit Bordercats PRO with their Highlight Reel of a regular season game, along with a full game video of the 2017 State Wars Pama Pro Invitational Division against the Halton Coyotes.