The Eclectic Hockey League (EHL) is gearing up for its postseason showdown, with the regular season closing on March 10th. The playoffs, unfolding over the following two weeks, promise intense competition as four teams vie for the league championship. Here’s a detailed look at the playoff schedule, ensuring fans know what to expect at each turn.

Week 1: The Opening Round

• 9:30 AM Game: The playoff opener features the 6th seed against the 5th seed.
• 10:45 AM Game: Next up, the 3rd seed faces the 2nd seed.
• Noon Game: The day’s final matchup sees the 4th seed taking on the 1st seed.

Week 2: The Decisive Battles

• 9:30 AM Game: The action resumes with the loser of the Week 1 9:30 AM game playing against the lowest-seeded loser from the 10:45 AM or Noon games.
• 10:45 AM Game: This game features the winner of the Week 1 9:30 AM game against the highest-seeded loser from the 10:45 AM or Noon games.
• Noon Championship: The championship game is the apex of the EHL playoffs, with the winners of the Week 2 10:45 AM game and the Week 1 Noon game facing off. This is where the season’s champion will be crowned, in a match that promises to be a memorable climax to the tournament.

The Run For Stanley Pints

This playoff format is designed to maximize competition and suspense, ensuring that every match is pivotal. Each team will enjoy a case of beer on Commissioner Dave.

Key Dates

The playoffs start on March 17th and conclude on March 24th, allowing the EHL to crown its champion before the Easter holidays and the start of various tournaments.

Wrapping Up

As the EHL playoffs approach, we look back at a season with a few surprises. Teams that were at the bottom of the rankings last season are now contenders. The team managers are greatly appreciated as they help make the league work. Big thanks to Ty Burt, Jeff Rouse, Jeff Weiler, Eric Schauwecker, Gerald Edwards, and Tony Endicott.

This season we asked a bit more of our team managers with the task of player check-in. The rosters and game check-in are a big part of keeping this league fairly organized. A few teams did great with the task, but it was less than perfect. Next season we will go back to having a check-in person and I’ll run the scoring and provide a “more colorful” player experience. This will help with our stats, and a little rock n roll will liven up the games.

The draft concept was floated, but the response was not overwhelming for the adoption. We will stay with bringing teams and the plan is to petition for one more sheet to expand to eight teams if possible.

Thanks for being a part of the league, it is an honor to skate with you.

Commissioner Dave

A brief update on the week in local hockey.

Sad News

Monday night there was a ceremony at center ice for Eric Schroeder who passed recently. Eric’s long battle with cancer is over. Our condolences to his brother Devin and the family.

I tried to attend the ceremony, but a deer had other ideas for me. Have a good cheap car for sale:)

Greg Parker showed up Monday night with a huge card for Jimmy Desantis. Yeah, cancer took Jimmy on Wednesday. Jimmy was the inspiration for my goalie award I call the Tall Boy. He will be missed.

The week isn’t over yet. On Thursday, Gary Nehring passed away at 58. A brain aneurysm took him out.

I’m a firm believer that we increase our odds of longevity by staying active. According to John Bishop, ice hockey is the type of exercise to reduce your chance of neurological issues. John is my idol at what.. 78 and still playing!

Keep your head up and stick on the ice!

 

EHL News

2024 CCWHA (Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association) playoff tournament runs through Sunday. Our league is running while they play a game and there may be a shower issue.

The showers between 4/5 and 9/10 could be our teams and 1/2 and 6/7 could be the ladies, but that would put opposing teams and coaches in a shared shower area with close proximity to competitor locker rooms.

I’ve been told that it would be a bad idea by some. Be prepared for drama on Sunday.

Draft League

I’ll decide on whether to convert to a draft league or stay the same by the end of the season. What I need is your feedback.

Tell me if you like or don’t like this idea and if you would consider running a team and helping with the ranking and drafting of players. If there is enough interest and support I’ll proceed, otherwise we will drop the idea.

Click the button to send over your name and opinion. Thank you.

Oldtimers Hockey Club

Playoffs

Only 8 of the 11 teams make the playoffs. 

1 plays 8; 2 plays 7 and so on.

Two games, Total goals.

Goalies swapped.

Shootout if tied.

Tie breakers are the same as the tournament rules.

 

Friday Night Hockey

Beer

22 Skaters

2 Goalies

Balanced teams

Join the fun!
Fridays in March are available to book.

 

Quick update from Gears Beer Hockey on January 25, 2024.

EHL:

We modified the home page of our league website to show recent games and upcoming games on top of the page instead of having to scroll way down.

Converting EHL to a draft league has been talked about. If this sounds like a good idea, let me know. If you would be willing to help with the draft rankings and or be a team manager, let me know. This is under consideration for the 24/25 season, but not possible without a lot of help.

Outdoor Hockey

Doan’s Winter Classic is tentative for Feb 17th. Registration is open, get on the list.

In the video above you can see a bit of the game action including a funny clip of Jim going over the boards:) Watch the outdoor action posted by Cooper Goalie here: https://www.youtube.com/@CooperGoalie

Oldtimers Hockey

Team Gears Beer has not been scored on since November 27, 2023. On Jan. 29th they face Fastinol, which has not lost a game – yet. Lower-ranked goalies are in the net and it is going to be an epic game!

Standings, stats and rosters can be found at OldtimersHockeyClub.com.

Drop-In Hockey

Save time with the useful tool, PerfectSkate.com. Gears Beer hosts a Friday night skate at 7:30 pm. Register at App.PerfectSkate.com and join the Gears Beer list and notify Dave. Once approved you can Book Skates under the Skater Dashboard.

Tournaments

Flint Lapeer Oldtimers Tournament is April 5-6. Register soon as it is filling up.

All Black Hockey Sticks is recommending a tournament in Chicago. The Denny Pratt Memorial on May 24-26.

 

 

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