We are halfway through July, and the rink is a cool place to hang out and play with my “old” friends. 

Crystal Fieldhouse is repairing a glycol link in the South rink. Work is progressing, but for economic reasons, they are delaying the full completion until mid-August. Those compressors in the back take a beating in this hot weather.

Just to remind you, the rink will be hosting the Sunday morning league. I’m sure I’ll be subbing during the beginning of the season for Budtenders, but I plan to skate Mondays and Wednesdays primarily, with some Fridays mixed in. Contact Darrel or the rink with any questions about the early Sunday league.

Rory Sayers is working with Dort Event Center to start up a 50+ league on Tuesday nights. I’ve sent over the interest form submissions to Rory. He can be reached at 586-651-0000 for any questions about the upcoming league. They have enough skaters to run the four-team league. There won’t be more teams as the game times would be too late.

Gears Beer Hockey is continuing its dominance for the Summer League with a 5-1 record and only 9 goals against. (8 if you subtract the error where Murray swept the puck in the net on an attempted crease clear:) We are halfway through the short season. Summer nights at the rink are unique. While the locker rooms can be brutal, it is a relief to skate around. After the skate, it is generally a bit cooler outside, also. I’m considering a BBQ one night at the end of the season. Let me know if you are interested in a late-night burger after our games!

My Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein CBD Balls are available by request. $20 covers the cost to make up 20. They are 50 mg CBD and about 3 mg THC. Recipe is available on iHemp Michigan.

CBD Salve or Balm is available. I’m making up another batch, and the summer version has more beeswax to remain stable in the hot weather. A one-ounce deodorant-style tube is only $20 cash and has over 3,000 mg of CBD. The 2 oz tin is $50.
FYI: It will not get you high or cause you to fail a drug test.

Teamwork Triumphs in Thrilling Playoff Finale

In a heart-pounding playoff showdown Monday night, Gears Beer showcased the power of teamwork and depth, clinching victory in a dramatic shootout against Saber Electric. With solid defense, relentless back-checking, and contributions from every player, Gears Beer proved to be a formidable force all season.

The roster featured a rock-solid defensive core with Mike Hagerman, Brad Kraemer, Tim Doucette, and Jamie Galant. On offense, John Garrish, Bill Read, Steve Suffel, Dave Crabill, Ed McGrath, Brian Mullin, and the dynamic duo of Denise and JP Dumoulin brought skill and chemistry to the ice. John Finn, who was visiting the Gulf of America, was absent for the final game. In net, Mike Davis delivered a stellar performance throughout the playoffs, proving to be the backbone of the team.

This season marked the first time Denise and JP Dumoulin played on the same team, a decision made during the pre-season draft to simplify their carpooling to games. However, the married couple made it clear they didn’t want to be placed on the same line—a humorous agreement that added a lighthearted twist to their debut season together.

Depth Wins Championships

Throughout the playoffs, Gears Beer relied on every player on the roster, refusing to shorten the bench even in critical moments. This strategy paid off in the finals as Saber Electric leaned heavily on their top five players during the last ten minutes of regulation and overtime. By contrast, Gears Beer kept rolling lines, maintaining energy and pressure until the very end.

“Exactly, you played everyone and WON! Classy! Congrats! Well deserved!” said Greg Parker, one of the many fans in the “Peanut Gallery” who watched the game unfold.

Saber Electric faced adversity early in the playoffs when their starting goalie, Tom Gwillim, was injured in the first game. They brought in a higher-seeded young talent, Edwin Dean, who proved to be a formidable replacement. The goalie duel between Dean and Davis set the stage for an epic playoff battle.

A Defensive Chess Match

The game was a defensive chess match, with both teams battling for control at center ice and stifling offensive opportunities through relentless checking. Neither team managed to set up much offense until the 25:49 mark, when Steve Suffel fed the puck into the corner. John Garrish retrieved it and found Dave Crabill in front of the net, who tapped it past Dean to give Gears Beer a 1-0 lead.

The lead held until the 3:53 mark of the third period, when Saber Electric’s Steven Malenich sent a breakout pass to Joe Nesbit. Nesbit’s shot somehow squeezed past Davis, tying the game at 1-1 and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

During the five-minute overtime period, both teams played conservatively, avoiding mistakes and limiting offensive chances. With no change in the score, the game headed to a shootout.

Shootout Drama

As the home team, Gears Beer chose to shoot last. Mike Davis stood tall in net, stopping all three Saber Electric shooters. On the other end, Edwin Dean denied the first two Gears Beer attempts. It all came down to Jamie Galant, who skated in with confidence and flipped the puck past Dean for the game-winning goal.

The bench erupted as Gears Beer celebrated their hard-fought victory.

“I’m really proud of our team,” said Dave Crabill. “It was a great locker room, and everyone contributed on the ice.”

Bragging Rights Secured

Now, the bragging rights for Gears Beer are good for a year! Of course, Dave made a t-shirt to celebrate the win:)

On sale with discounted pricing for a limited time, grab yours today!