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25 Doan’s Winter Classic Results

25 Doan’s Winter Classic Results

Doan's Tournament Scoring

There’s nothing quite like outdoor hockey. The fresh air, the sounds of skates cutting into the ice, and the simple joy of playing the game the way it was meant to be played—outside, surrounded by friends, family, and a shared love for the sport.

This year’s Doan’s Winter Classic delivered all that and more, thanks to some incredible competition, an unmatched rink setup, and, of course, a well-timed transition to food and beer when Mother Nature decided to step in.

The Rink: Built with Passion, Maintained with Dedication

Before a single puck dropped, countless hours of work went into making this tournament possible.

At the heart of it all is Jim Doan, the man behind the rink, who has poured time, effort, and money into creating a top-notch outdoor hockey experience for everyone. From regular maintenance to investing in a new tarp two years ago for over $2,000, Jim’s dedication is the foundation of the Classic.

But no great rink is built alone. Dave Crabill has been a fixture at nearly every work detail, and is our chief nag to recruit skaters:) MikeEddie” Edwards and Scott Polisky have also been key in building the rink, shoveling, resurfacing, and ensuring everything is game-ready.

And let’s not forget the extra hands that bring the experience to life:

  • Charles Partridge has been a consistent helper, always there when work needs to be done.
  • Cooper Goalie on YouTube not only lends a hand but also captures the action with his GoPro, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

With so many contributing their time, effort, and even food and donations to the rink fund, this wasn’t just a tournament—it was a true community event.

The Ultimate Backyard Hockey Setup

The Doan’s Winter Classic isn’t just about the on-ice action—it’s the entire experience.

  • The heated barn provides a warm retreat between games, featuring a bathroom, a popcorn machine, and even a Pepsi machine that conveniently dispenses beer (arguably its most important function).
  • The rink itself was in fantastic shape for the start of the day, thanks to all the prep work. The conditions held strong until the later games, when a wet snow rolled in—but even that couldn’t dampen the mood.

When you’ve got great ice, great people, and plenty of cold drinks, you know you’re in for a fantastic day.

The Teams & Family Ties

This year’s tournament saw four teams hit the ice, each stacked with talent and plenty of on-ice chemistry. What really stood out, though, was the family connections—three father-son duos laced up together, adding an extra layer of friendly competition to the day.

  • Doan’s High Life – Led by the legendary Doan himself, this squad featured Eddie, Crabill, Hall, Polisky, and Doan, looking to dominate with skill and experience.
  • Lagermen – Featuring a strong lineup of Pat, Garrettson, Justin, and Topoliski, these guys brought speed, grit, and a no-quit attitude to every shift.
  • Porter – With Mike Kavlakian, Dom & Doug Druin, and Gerald Edwards, this team came to play and ultimately took home the title—but more on that later.
  • Stout – A team name that got mysteriously changed to DDD in the final results (inside joke, last-minute sponsorship, or a glitch in the hockey matrix?), this squad featured Ian & Mark Rouleau, Maxton & Steve Ragge – and was home to two father-son duos.

The family connections made the games even more intense:

  • Doug and Dom battled side by side for Porter.
  • Ian and Mark teamed up on Stout.
  • Raggs and Maxton also played for Stout, making it the only team with two father-son pairings.

 

 

Our “official” photographer for the day, Annabel Ward!
Thanks Annabel!

In the background are Helena Robbins and Jessica Druin. They braved the cold to watch the action.

Game Results: A Tight Battle for the Top

The day started with strong matchups and some great back-and-forth play. The scores tell the story:

Doan’s 4 – Stout 1 – Doan’s High Life came out flying, setting the tone early.

Porter 6 – Lagermen 3 – A high-scoring affair saw Porter take control.

Doan’s 3 – Porter 5 – A crucial win for Porter as they inched closer to the title.

Stout 3 – Lagermen 1 – Stout (or DDD?) bounced back with a solid win.

Doan’s 5 – Lagermen 1 – Another strong showing for Doan’s squad.

Stout 1 – Porter 1 – A defensive battle, ending in a hard-fought tie.

With the snow starting to fall and conditions getting a little less than ideal, the group made the ultimate veteran hockey decision:

“Let’s call it and focus on the food and beer.”

And just like that, the tournament wrapped up in the most perfect way possible—a mix of great competition, good laughs, and a well-timed transition to the real reason we all love these events: the post-game celebration.

With Porter finishing with the best record, they were officially crowned the Doan’s Winter Classic Champions. No trophy was necessary—just the satisfaction of a job well done and maybe an extra round of beers in their honor.

A Perfect Ending to a Classic Tournament

At the end of the day, it wasn’t just about the scores. It was about the shared moments—the battles on the ice, the father-son duos making memories, and the realization that sometimes, the best way to end a tournament is to enjoy the company around you.

A huge thank you to everyone who:
✅ Helped build and maintain the rink.
✅ Played, cheered, and made this event what it was.
✅ Brought food or donated to keep the rink going.

This tournament wouldn’t happen without the dedication and generosity of the players and community. The Doan’s Winter Classic isn’t just a tournament—it’s a tradition, and one that keeps getting better every year.

Until next time—keep your edges sharp, your passes crisp, and always know when it’s time to call it for a beer.

🏒 🍻 See you all next time! 🍻🏒

Ice Hockey Update February

Ice Hockey Update February

January Outdoor Hockey

“Every day is a great day for ice hockey,” Mario Lemeiux.

Some days are better.

Playing outside shinny with your friends is top notch. Big thanks to Jim Doan for investing the time and money to build a rink each season. This will be a record year. The last two years we only played two games outside. This year will exceed that by far. 

There is room for a few more old guys for the 2025 Doan’s Winter Classic outdoor tournament. Limited to 24 skaters and 4 goalies, capacity of the warm barn:)

We form four teams by a ranked draft and play a round robin.

Then we hang out, eat, drink, smoke and then play more hockey until our legs stop working. Big fun. 

Check the list to make sure your registration worked, we had some technical difficulties which have been fixed. The list of skaters and goalies is posted along with what food might be there. We will be buying pizza, byob.

If interested, get on the Doan’s text list at the bottom of the event page. A registration link is also on that page for Saturday’s tournament. We skate on the rink as much as possible as long as possible. The game times vary and can change quickly, but texts to the Doan’s interest list keep you updated. Typically we skate Wednesday at 7 pm and either Friday or Staturday depending on schedules. Expect a Wed / Sat for next week. On weeknights, just show up. Saturday night can be busy, so double check with Jim or Dave.

ehl updates

Only three games left in the regular seson. Frozen has a lead on Solid Ground Concrete for first place. The playoffs will be the top four teams with 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3 for the first week. The last two teams will scrimage and the winner will play the highest seed loser of the first round to mix things up.

During playoffs, we will hold a five-minute sudden death 4-on-4 overtime period and then the three-player shootout if still tied. If still tied then the shootout will continue with the balance of the players until a  inner is determined. No repeat shooters  until the entire bench shoots.

Winter Ice Hockey Fun

Winter Ice Hockey Fun

2025 Doan’s Winter Classic

The outdoor rink at Jim Doan’s house is a lot of work. Mostly for Jim, but a handful of us help as possible.

The core group of helpers is Scott Poliskey, Mike “Eddie” Edwards, Jeff Rouse, Charles Partrige, Tom Hall, Tom Murray, Steve Ragge, Paul Abernathy, Gerald Edwards Kevin O’Brien and a bunch more chip in from time to time. Sorry if I’m missing anyone. Scott, Eddie and Gerald were key helpers this year to get it going. I put in about ten hours with a few shovels of the rink.

The ice is looking great! We do have an expansion crack across the center, so no fancy turns mid ice. We will put up cones.

Our goal is to skate two or three times a week on the rink as allowed by Mother Nature. This week is Thursday, tonight at 7 pm and Saturday at 5 pm.

The most games we have had on the rink in a season is eight. We may exceed that this season!

The Doan’s Winter Classic Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th. Arrive around 9 am to be one of the luck 24 skaters and 4 goalies to be selected for the round robin tournament. Four teams of 6 skaters. Two 10 minute periods of play. We have filled the tournament the last few years, so register and arrive on time. Many bring food, others chip in to help fund the activities with a donation to the Jim’s rink fund. We are done by 1 pm or so.

Mature skaters only. Looking for 40 and over who just want to play and have fun, no super stars:)

Sign up for text notifications of game times. We have just a few weeks then it all goes away for another year.

 

cooper goalie hamilton tigers kit
dave with post game beer watching outdoor game
dave jim and kevin working on rink
flint inner city youth hockey program skater photo

Flint Inner City Youth Hockey Program

Rico Phillips runs a hockey program out of Dort Event Center for inner city youth. This is an important program to introduce ice hockey to those who otherwise would not have that opportunity.

Rico is looking for help. He has an opening for an Equipment Manager volunteer with the Flint Inner City Youth Hockey Program.

The program introduces and teaches ice skating and hockey to kids in Flint between the ages of 7-12. This season starts on Saturday, January 25, and runs for eight sessions through March 23 at the Dort Event Center.

Each week, participants will check their gear in and out of our equipment storage room.

The Equipment Manager will be responsible for distributing and collecting the gear bags. Additionally, the manager will need to make minor equipment repairs or adjustments, so some knowledge and skill in this area are necessary.

Here is this season’s schedule:

Sat, Jan 25, 2025: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
Sun, Jan 26, 2025: 1:00 PM-3:20 PM

Sat, Feb 01, 2025: 10:30 AM – 12:45 PM

Sat, Feb 15, 2025: 12:00 PM – 2:20 PM

Sat, Feb 22, 2025: 12:00 PM – 2:20 PM

Sat, Mar 08, 2025: 12:00 PM – 2:20 PM

Sat, Mar 15, 2025: 12:00 PM – 2:20 PM

Sat, Mar 22, 2025: 12:00 PM – 2:20 PM

Sun, Mar 23, 2025 (Big Game & Banquet): 11:45 AM – 3:30 PM

Any interested person can call Rico at (810) 513-0189 or email rico.phillips616@gmail.com

Jan 25 Hockey News

Jan 25 Hockey News

Sault St Marie Tournament News

Five teams from Flint partied in the Soo for the weekend. The hockey was good, but the fellowship was better—big fun for most.
During the Flint Oldtimers’ last game, pictured here with the Gears Beer Hockey jerseys, Paul Martel became extremely dizzy. Paramedic, Mike Galajda, was on hand and took action. Local paramedics delivered Paul to a local hospital for testing and was cleared to head home Monday afternoon. Paul is one of five of our players over 70 years old. 

BTW: Larry Ollearis from All Black Hockey Sticks joined our team and brought his trailer of sticks to the tournament. Look for updates on when we will have Larry bring the trailer to Flint where you can save on shipping and grab a nice twig!

Sault St Marie FOT Tournament

Eclectic Hockey League

Sunday morning hockey has gotten even more competitive. We have a lot of the players from the former Sunday evening A league joining the fun. Find schedules, stats and more at hockey.gears.beer

hockey gears beer ehl

Doan’s Winter Classic

Skating under the lights outside is special. We generally skate Wed & Fri nights if the conditions are right. Get on the list if you want to be in the know. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th. Register using the form below. Limited to 24 skaters and four goalies. No visitors or plus one’s allowed in barn due to space. We need to decide if chipping in for food to be ordered or all bring a dish to pass. Always nice to contribute a bit more to help support Jim’s efforts which are much appreciated!

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Hockey Party & Fundraiser by Jay Zach

Hockey Party & Fundraiser by Jay Zach

Fundraiser for Seledonio (SAM) Martinez III

Help us support Sam in his fight against brain cancer!

Date: September 14, 2024

Time: 4pm-9pm

Location: 3560 Casey rd. Metamora, Mi. 48455

Event Highlights:

  • Live music by Paresthesia: (Earl Mayhew’s band)

Enjoy a night of incredible music from the local band Paresthesia!

  • Food:

Hamburgers and Hot dogs will be available starting at 5pm. Please bring your own drinks.

  • Raffle:

Take a chance at winning some great raffle prizes or participate in the 50/50 raffle-all for a great cause.

  • Games & More:

There will be yard games and other fun things to do. Do not forget to bring your chairs!

  • Tickets-$25 donation:

Purchase ahead of time on Venmo @Claudine-Zach or contact Claudine for alternative ticket purchase options 989 598-4396

  • Support Sam:

Every dollar raised will go directly towards Sam’s expenses since he is unable to work during his treatments to support his family. Your support can make a dramatic difference in his fight against grade 4 Glioblastoma.

  • Can’t attend?

Consider donating on Venmo to @Claudine-Zach to help Sam in his battle.

Join us for a fun-filled evening and show your support for Sam. Together we can make a difference for Sam and his family!

Summer Hockey Update

Summer Hockey Update

Summer Hockey Opportunities @ CFH

Wednesday Drop-In Skates

  • When: Wednesdays at 3 PM
  • Cost: $20
  • Details: Just show up! There’s always room for more skaters.

Friday Nights with Beers and Benders


Stanley Cup Finals Excitement: Edmonton vs. Florida

The Stanley Cup Finals have been a rollercoaster! Edmonton is poised to force an incredible Game 7 against Florida, defying the odds and keeping cardiologists in business! The Oilers have shown incredible resilience, coming back from a 3-0 series deficit with plans to tie it up on Friday.

Review of the Series:

  • Games 1-3: Florida dominated, taking a commanding 3-0 lead.
  • Game 4: Edmonton turned the tide with a crucial win.
  • Games 5: The Oilers continued their comeback, dragging FLA back to Edmonton.

Odds and History:

  • Current Odds: Slight edge to Edmonton at 125.
  • Historical Context: The last team to come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Finals was the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942. Can Edmonton make history repeat itself?

Get ready for an epic Game 7, as the Oilers aim to complete their stunning comeback and clinch the Stanley Cup!