Despite the unusually warm weather, we are getting deep into the 2017/18 hockey season for most leagues. A lot going on at both Polar Palace and Crystal Fieldhouse. Here is a quick snapshot of the standings in the leagues with my select editorial comments for those interested.
Eclectic Hockey League
Our fourth week of games, so we faced a previous foe in each conference this week. Bullfrogs 40 edged out Gooners Dogs in a 4-3 Stout Division (40+) game. A couple of new players were added to the Gears Beer team roster and they held their own against undefeated Old Fokkers in a 3-2 loss. Gary Richards of Bullfrogs 40 scored a hat trick Sunday to put him in a tie with Don Lambert of Old Fokkers with 9 points each.
In the Lager Division (25+) Team TLC edged out Hartwig Tree Service in a 4-3 game. The Gutter Guys had a few guys on the bench for a change and out worked a short bench for Bullfrogs 25 in an 8-3 win. Gutter Guy’s goal scorer, Brian Savard is dominating the stats with seven goals and seven assists so far this season. Gutter Guys team manager Trever Funseth is second with five and five.
Crystal Fieldhouse Leagues
Jeff Rouse and company of team Craftwerk edged out Lemieux in a close 4- 3 win to take over first place.
Polar Palace Leagues
18+ Silver
Ray C’s handed Lonesome Mt Outfitters their very first defeat in a 3 – 1 game.
18+ Bronze
K & S Tree Service maintains first place with a crushing win over The Money Box 7-1. Sorry there Mike Cherry! Nice job with four goals in four games though!!
18+ Tin
Dirty Work Fabrication continues their undefeated streak. Only 8 goals scored on Nick Gawlas so far this season! Nice job Nick! Highwood edged out Prestige Worldwide to keep the points spread tight in the middle of the pack.
35+ A Division
Three games played on Wednesday last week. All one sided games according to the score sheets.
35+ B Division
Greg Winegarden and Steve Regge edged out a win with Lake Michigan Credit Union last week in a tight 2-1 game against CMS Marathon.
35+ C Division
Play It Again Sarnia maintained their undefeated record.
50+
Another week into the hockey season as hundreds of skaters converge at rinks to connect with friends, work off some stress and get exercise. With adult league age ranges from 18 years old well into 60’s, we get to enjoy the best game ever – ice hockey. Within this group of men and women we have individuals from all walks of life. Talent on the ice is what the game is about. Good sportsmanship and respect for your fellow player as we all have lives outside of hockey to go back to. A big thank you to those who play hard each week and exhibit good sportsmanship. Together we can grow this great sport and encourage future generations to follow our traditions.
With that said, here are snapshots of the standings for the leagues at Crystal and Polar taken Monday at around 10 am. They might not all be updated.
First up is my league at Crystal that skates from around 11 am till 3 pm., the Eclectic Hockey League. Two conferences, eight teams. A more complete wrap up will be emailed out to the EHL Updates list you can join at Gears.beer/ehl with the interest form.
Eclectic Hockey League
The Lager Conference is 25+ and the play has been close. Of note is the incredible performances put on by the Gutter Guys. Last week they had a huge win with only six skaters, this week they lost 3-4 with only five skaters. Wow, they are not going to know what to do if they field two lines!
Old Fokkers is the team to beat so far in the Stout conference with an undefeated record. They move the puck really well. Gear Beer got its first win this week, good guys!
Crystal Fieldhouse 18+ League Standings
Crystal Fieldhouse 40A
Polar Palace 18+
Polar Palace 35+
Polar Palace 50+
My go to bike ride is about 20 minutes from my home.
It starts in Island Lake State Park, which offers free access with the Michigan Passport.
Here are some quick stats:
- Enter the park off Kensington Road and park at the Island Lake Picnic Grounds. (option to add a couple miles by parking at Trail Head)
- Ride your bike north, under I-96 and enter Kensington Metro Park
- Turn left when you come up out of the tunnel to ride down the biggest hill or just stay right to ride around and up the biggest hill. We go right first, then left on second time around.
- The trip from parking, around Kent Lake and back is 10.8 miles according to Strava app on my phone.
- Bathrooms are available a few times along the ride, very clean.
Enjoy to ride!
