Joe Gissy, roller hockey

Joe Gissy is used to winning, and he's been doing it since his sophomore year at DeSmet High School when the school won the first of back-to-back state ice hockey championships.

His senior year brought him a twist: Joe replaced the blades on his skates with wheels.

But one thing didn't change.

After competing in winter and summer nationals events and finishing second in the national competition, Gissy kept winning.

"I was burned out on ice," Gissy said. "I was playing ice and roller hockey while I was a sophomore and junior, and roller hockey was a little different. I liked it so I stuck with it."

That love for the sport didn't change when Gissy came to Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a degree in marketing. Gissy, 22 and now a junior, oversees the club team he helped start at the university.

"When I came down, there was an interest that a couple of guys had," Gissy said. "So I found out how to join leagues, filled out papers and put these guys together. We went from there."

They've done well since. With regional competition this month, Southeast will try to finish among the top two and earn a spot in the national competition in Pittsburgh.

The university also has pledged more help and is working with the team to set up a game later this year at the Show Me Center.

"That will be a big event for us," Gissy said. "We want to show that there really is hockey in the area. Most people around here aren't used to seeing a live game like that."

The club team practices twice a week at Cape Skate. It plays 18 regular-season games at his home arena in St. Louis.

For many of the team members, the season won't end with the club schedule.

"Some of the guys will go and play on their select team," Gissy said. "I'm going to Nashville this summer to play, so there's no break for me. I just love to play."

-- David Unterreiner