Summer Roller Hockey Tournament Series: A Deep Dive into TORHS, NARCh, and State Wars

As the sun climbs higher and the ice rinks of winter give way to the warm days of summer, a vibrant and unique subculture of hockey emerges: roller hockey. Unlike its ice-based counterpart, roller hockey thrives in the off-season, drawing players from across the country—and even the world—to compete in a series of high-energy, week-long tournaments. At the heart of this movement are the "Big Three": TORHS, NARCh, and State Wars. These tournaments are more than just competitions; they’re the lifeblood of roller hockey culture, fostering community, showcasing talent, and offering a distinct experience that sets them apart from ice hockey tournaments. Let’s explore what makes these events special, how they shape roller hockey culture, and why they’re a perfect complement to an ice hockey player’s fall schedule.

The Big Three: TORHS, NARCh, and State Wars

The summer roller hockey season revolves around three marquee tournament series: TORHS (Tournament of Roller Hockey Series), NARCh (North American Roller Hockey Championships), and State Wars. Each brings its own flavor to the table, but they share a common thread: massive participation, country-wide (and sometimes global) appeal, and an extended duration that spans a week or more.

• TORHS: Often kicking off the summer circuit in late June or early July, TORHS Nationals is a sprawling 8-10 day event that attracts teams from across the United States. Known for its competitive divisions—ranging from 6U to adult pro—and its emphasis on qualification through regional events, TORHS is a proving ground for both grassroots and elite players. It’s a high-energy start to the summer, often held in rotating venues like St. Louis or Tampa, offering a festive atmosphere alongside fierce competition.
• NARCh: The NARCh Finals, typically held in July, are a cornerstone of roller hockey prestige. Spanning 10 days, this tournament draws top-tier talent from North America and beyond, featuring youth, adult, and pro divisions—including a robust Women’s Pro category. With locations like Irvine, California, Estero, Florida, or St. Louis, Missouri, NARCh is famous for its large pro division (sometimes boasting 15 teams) and a prize pool that ups the stakes, making it a magnet for serious roller players.
• State Wars: The granddaddy of them all, State Wars stretches nearly two weeks—often from late July into early August—and is the largest and most geographically diverse of the trio. Held in Midwest hubs like St. Peters Rec-Plex, it features teams representing states, provinces, and even countries from South America, Europe, and Africa. With games running from morning to midnight, State Wars offers a unique twist: players must represent their home region, complete with custom jerseys that spark pride and identity. Its massive scale and $25,000 pro prize pool make it a global celebration of roller hockey.

Roller Hockey Culture: Built Around the Tournament Circuit

Roller hockey culture is deeply intertwined with these summer tournaments. Unlike ice hockey, where local leagues and regional tournaments dominate the youth landscape year-round, roller hockey consolidates its energy into these sprawling, national events. The Big Three aren’t just competitions—they’re pilgrimages. Players, families, and fans travel hundreds or thousands of miles, turning rinks into temporary hubs of camaraderie, rivalry, and shared passion. This nomadic, festival-like vibe is a hallmark of roller hockey’s identity.

The scale of participation sets roller hockey apart. While ice hockey tournaments at the youth level are often regional—think weekend-long events in a single state or province—the Big Three pull in teams from coast to coast and beyond. A 12U team from California might face off against one from New York, while a pro squad from Canada battles a crew from Argentina. This national (and international) melting pot creates a sense of unity and diversity that’s rare in ice hockey’s more fragmented tournament scene. Age divisions, from mites (6U) to masters (over 40), ensure that everyone has a place to compete, making these events true celebrations of the sport’s lifespan.

The week-plus duration of these tournaments further cements their cultural significance. Unlike the typical 3-day ice hockey tournament, TORHS, NARCh, and State Wars are marathons, not sprints. State Wars, in particular, with its near-two-week run, feels like a summer camp for hockey diehards. Players live and breathe the game, bonding with teammates and opponents alike over late-night games, off-rink hangouts, and the shared exhaustion of a packed schedule. It’s a rite of passage—attending one of the Big Three is a badge of honor in the roller hockey community.

Unique vs. Ice Hockey Tournaments

What makes roller hockey tournaments stand out against their ice hockey counterparts? Beyond the obvious (wheels instead of blades), it’s the structure, scale, and purpose. Ice hockey enjoys a wealth of tournaments year-round, especially at the youth level, thanks to the sport’s broader infrastructure—thousands of rinks, countless leagues, and a packed fall-to-spring season. Roller hockey, with fewer dedicated facilities and a smaller overall footprint, concentrates its competitive energy into these summer spectacles. This scarcity breeds intensity; the Big Three aren’t just another weekend on the calendar—they’re the events of the year.

The national scope is another differentiator. Ice hockey tournaments often cater to regional talent pools due to travel costs and the sheer number of options available. A team from Minnesota might never play a team from Florida in a typical youth event. In contrast, roller hockey’s Big Three thrive on cross-country matchups, enabled by their centralized locations and extended timelines. This creates a broader competitive landscape and a chance to test skills against unfamiliar foes.

Then there’s the duration. A week or more of non-stop hockey—sometimes 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily—demands endurance and adaptability, traits that resonate with roller hockey’s scrappy, resourceful ethos. Ice tournaments, constrained by rink availability and scheduling, rarely stretch beyond a long weekend. The Big Three’s length allows for deeper storytelling: rivalries form, underdogs rise, and champions are forged over days, not hours.