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Global Online Hockey Association (GOHA) was established in 2006 inside the virtual reality game of Second Life. Second Life, owned by Linden Lab, is a world made by its residents, otherwise known as avatars. Second Life, SL, and inSL are trademarks of Linden Research, Inc. The Global Online Hockey Association is not affiliated with or sponsored by Linden Research.
Avatars are played by real people, from their home computers. It is virtual hockey like you've never imagined it could be! Incredibly realistic game scripting, animations, complete automated statistics, and more. We range in age from 18 to an undisclosed possible Medicare-eligible age! Some have real life hockey experience and some are big hockey fans.
The history of GOHA is not in its structures (we are in the virtual world only), or its logos or teams or locations...but in its people. The ever-changing environment of SL is fascinating. Looking back on many seasons of play, it occurs to us that the best memories we have are of the people we have known who have come in and out of our virtual lives. Many of the people from the first few seasons no longer log into Second Life, but many great new folks have since joined and stayed. Some are proud to report they continue their virtual lives solely for the pleasure of participating in GOHA.
Jack Belvedere initiated the formation of the league and built the first rink. Assisting in this intial endeavor were Weis Hickman and Marjan Tomba. Over the seasons, the development and maintenance of the league has been the work of many, many people.
GOHA (formerly SLHA) is the first to bring regular team hockey play into Second Life and the innovator of unique features such as:
--Professional automated statistics
--Player participation and contribution through roles as captains, managers, commentators, referees and more
--Unique and SL-specific hockey rules as well as standard NHL-style rules
People wishing to join the league are free to do so regardless of avatar financial status. The league takes donations from its members and has its own bank account inside the game.All equipment is free and there is no fee to play. Donations are used for development of scripting and equipment and other league-specific needs. The philosophy of the league is that it should be managed as much as feasible with the assistance and contributions of many hands.
The rink is located on Jericho Hill and TreeSong. These "sims" or virtual land are owned by the avatars Katia Ixtab, Micah Alexander, Jack Belvedere, and Anhayla Lycia.
The game itself is very realistic, with ever-developing scripting. We take a lot of pride in our development of the finest scripted team game inside the virtual world. Our own longtime league member Dyz Warburton of Dyzware manages the script with excellent updates and added realism.
The league started with two teams, the Whales and the Wolves, playing a complete modified season and playoffs with the Whales clinching the regular season victory and the Wolves snagging the first Cup.
In season 2, the league expanded to 4 teams. The Cobras and the Moose were formed. Scheduling and rules became more complicated and intense as the expansion took place. Team captains took over major roles in the league, arranging practices and organizing their teams. Weis Hickman assisted with the building of a new rink and the organization of many aspects of the league. The Moose dominated the season with a final Cup victory.
A European division was formed after Season 2. The Pandas and the Ravens were created for this division, with game play being scheduled for more European time-zone friendly times. The Pandas team is no longer in existence, but a second Euro team, Foxes, was initiatd in early seasons as well. A third European team was added in Season 7, the Storm.
For Season 4, growth continued to the point that two more teams were needed for the North American division. The Ice Lords and Rebels joined the Global Online Hockey Association family. The Rebels went on to take the Cup for the season.
In Season 9, two more expansion teams for the North American Divison, Mammoth and Polar Bears.
The league expects to continue to grow and change along with its members. The best reward has been the new friendships we've all made over the seasons through game play and outside social interactions. We hope you will stop by and get involved with the action! Everyone is welcome. |
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