Longtime members of the Squirrels roller team remember the Hurricanes. In 2003, the Squirrels faced them in a best-of-3 championship match, split 1-1, but couldn’t play game three because Hurricane Isabel tore through the area. In 2005, the Hurricanes were a dominant team, but lost in the semifinals which paved the way for a Squirrels championship. After that, the Hurricanes were promoted to the B division, and the Squirrels haven’t seen them since.

The Hurricanes were set to drop back down to the C division this season, but after several members couldn’t return, they had to break up. Which left Eddie Owen, Steve Heger Jr. and Nathan Leber needing a new team. So they’ll be putting on the yellow jerseys and skating alongside their former foes.

Here is the 2011 Squirrels roller roster:

• Ben Sumner
• Jeff Ford
• Stu Miller (goalie)
• Juan Canchasto
• Chi Pham
• Mark Tessar
• Steve Heger
• Don Marks
• Rob Myers
• Brian Iciek
• Eric Smith
• Nathan Leber
• Ed Owen
• Wes Gassert
• Bob Sewell (backup goaltender)

The Screaming Squirrels inline team will have several familiar faces returning, but also some new ones. Wes Gassert, brother of former Squirrel ice and roller goon Kyle, will be joining the squad, as will Brian Iciek and Eric Smith, all of whom come from our Rockville connections.

Returning are the regulars Ben Sumner, Don Marks, Juan Canchasto, Jeff Ford, Mark Tessar, Chi Pham, Rob Myers, and Stu Miller in net.

The Bronze league won’t be easy though, as familiar teams return, including the Hurricanes, who haven’t played at this level for five years. Also returning are The 5 Holes, the Real C Team, Whale, Team Mylec, Silver Spring, High Rollers, and District 5, with the Jesters joining the league.

Games begin April 25.