The 50+ Summer League is seeking to grow to eight teams. Pass the word around as we have a short window to get the season draft and schedule set for the June 2nd start.
I recommend registering and paying at the rink to avoid potential loss of data by registering online, but here is the link if your brave:)
As communicated at the end of last season, I’m turning the Sunday morning league over to the rink. Look for details closer to the season start in September.
There is talk of a new 50+ league during the week at Dort Event Center. The hope is to have games on Wednesdays and Thursdays with up to six teams. This will be a draft league. Contact David Gregg if interested at 810-252-7538 or Dgregg@vet-con.us
Drop In Hockey
Wednesday at 3 pm at Crystal Fieldhouse is a great skate and we could use more skaters. Show up with $20 cash. A few guys are on rotation for collecting and paying the rink, I’m not in charge:)
If anyone wants to build a hockey list and run some ice, consider using PerfectSkate.com to shave hours off organizing the skate. For pennies a player the system reminds skaters and provides an easy way to contact your list. The players can manage their ice time from their phone.
Still only $89 per stick!
Since its inception in 2011, Larry has offered single piece, carbon fiber, lightweight hockey sticks for only $89. What else has stayed the same in price for that time? Now shipping is $25 from USPS due to their surcharge for the length, but you can skip that!
Looking for the latest and greatest? Check out the Ultra-Lightweight 18K version of his stick! Or customize a stick of your own with only a three stick minimum.
Contact Larry with your stick selection and he will meet you at 96 and Spencer Rd in Brighton for handoff! Larry also pulls a trailer around to rinks as he attends tournaments and events. See his “On The Road” schedule on the website. You can also request a visit for your location. Call Larry at 831-687-8425 or email info@allblackhockeysticks.com
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!
Congratulations to Jeff Rouse and Solid Ground Concrete for their fourth Championship in a row.
Pictured is Tom Hall, Billy Killbreath, Brian Byarski, Dalton Collins, Jeff Rouse, Rory Sayers, Rich Clark, Dwight Hicks, Mike “Eddie” Edwards, Chris Christianson, John Hall, Jake Schloegl, Tim Johnson
Gooners dogs
Gooners Dogs made it to the finals this season but weren’t able to get past Dalton in net.
Pictured is Jeff McKenna, Mike Davis, Mike Williams, John Raymond, Matt Dube, Keven Coombe, Jeff Weiler, Tom Bruton, Josh French, Nick Calugaru, Denny Langworthy, Kyle WIlson and Steve Malenich
Eclectic Hockey League Update & Personal Announcement
A Decade of Eclectic Hockey: Looking Back & Forward
Another great season of ice hockey is in the books, marking the tenth anniversary since the Eclectic Hockey League was born. What began in 2015 as a response to poor scheduling and lack of championship recognition in the Tin League has evolved into something truly special. When Bobby Kurtz, Mike Hartwig, Darren Newton, and I partnered with Crystal Fieldhouse to create a four-team Sunday morning league, little did we know how it would grow and thrive over the next decade.
2024/25 Season Highlights
This year featured six competitive teams, continuing our tradition of balanced competition:
Gooners Dogs (league veterans since 2017) advanced to the championship by defeating Frozen Wings (with us since 2018), led by Ty Burt and his elite squad
Solid Ground Concrete, under Jeff Rouse’s leadership, continued their dominance since joining us in 2019
Marauders, capably managed by Eric Schauwecker, fell to Solid Ground in a hard-fought playoff game
Misfits, our newest assembled team under Josh Peters, brought enthusiasm despite facing challenges
Budtenders, now run by Gerald Edwards after I stepped back from team management, added several talented Kersley players from the former 40A league and is showing promise. They especially excel in Skaters Bar after the game.
The championship showdown between Gooners and Solid Ground perfectly capped our tenth season, showcasing just how far we’ve come in competitive balance and skill level.
League Evolution & Future Direction
The level of play continues to improve each season, particularly as we’ve welcomed more skilled players from the former 40A league. This talent influx ensures next season will be even more competitive and exciting.
While we have had up to twelve teams in our league in the past. Ice time is at a premium going forward and we will likely stay at six teams of 40 plus.
Over these ten years, the hockey community has been my foundation. The friendships formed through our shared love of the game are important.
Personal Announcement
After careful consideration, I’ve decided it’s time for me to step back from running the league. Rising operational costs have already required eliminating the additional help I once employed, and as my other business priorities increase, I need to reallocate my time.
What’s Next: I’m meeting with the rink management and Darryl this Wednesday to discuss transition plans. My goal is to ensure the league continues to thrive under new leadership while maintaining the competitive spirit and camaraderie we’ve built over the past decade.
While I won’t be handling league operations, you’ll still see me at the rink 2-3 times weekly, enjoying the game we all love. I look forward to focusing on playing rather than organizing. I’m organizing a 60+ Tournament team and look forward to enjoying some “old school” travel hockey.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has made these ten seasons so memorable. Your passion, sportsmanship, and friendship have made every early morning and late night worth it.
Keep your head up and stick on the ice!
Dave Crabill
Commissioner
Opportunities To Skate
Keep Those Legs Moving! Pre-Tournament Conditioning Sessions
Don’t let your skills get rusty before the Alumni and Oldtimers Tournaments! I’ve secured prime ice time throughout March for some high-quality 40+ drop-in sessions that will keep your legs fresh and your hands sharp.
MARCH SCHEDULE:
FRIDAYS (EVENING)
SUNDAYS (MORNING)
March 14th – 8:30 PM
March 16th – 10:30 AM
March 21st – 7:30 PM
March 23rd – 10:45 AM
March 28th – 7:30 PM
March 30th – 10:30 AM
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Competitive but friendly 40+ play
Balanced teams using Perfect Skate system
Full ice with goalies
Post-skate refreshments available (it’s called “Gears BEER” for a reason!)
Limited spots to ensure quality ice time
HOW TO REGISTER:
OPTION 1: PERFECT SKATE APP (PREFERRED)
Visit app.perfectskate.com
Join the “40+ Gears Beer Private List”
Text Dave to let him know you’ve registered
Once approved you Book and Unbook your ice time.
OPTION 2: Concierge Service
If the app seems challenging, simply click here to join our hockey list with your specifics, and I’ll personally help get you set up.
QUESTIONS?
Text me directly with any questions about these sessions or the upcoming tournaments. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the ice! Remember: These sessions fill up quickly, so register early to guarantee your spot!
The Flint Lapeer Oldtimers Hockey League is always a close race. The 24/25 season wasn’t different. Of eleven teams only eight make the playoffs. This Monday (Feb. 24, 2025) night the state was set for battles on both ends of the standings as teams fought to get the eight slot and first place was up for grabs.
Goyette held first place by one point over a slumping Gears Beer, which held the lead in January. Mike Petty on Goyette wanted the win over Gears Beer’s Dave Crabill. There was a little trash-talking, and the game commenced.
It was a back-and-forth battle that included a few surprises. John Garrish of Gears Beer, in a typical zest to clear the zone with his high and hard wrist shot, nailed referee Tony right in the visor. Tony (Klink) was not happy, which is understandable. John later demonstrated the accuracy of his wrist shot by beating goaltender Corey’s high top corner – from past the red line!
John Fiacca scored three for Goyette, but it wasn’t enough as Gears Beer hit their quota of four goals to win the game!
We have always had a strict “no asshole” rule and focused on fun. Recently the competition has seemed more important than the fun.
Suspensions: Players suspended for on-ice actions must serve their suspensions with the team and league where the infraction occurred. They are barred from participating in any USA Hockey events until the suspension is served, which has caused some confusion.
New Rule: As of the January meeting, teams cannot bring in substitute players if they already have 10 players available. This rule aims to maintain fairness and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage by bringing in strong subs.
League Atmosphere: The current behavior of some players and the use of subs is detracting from the fun and enjoyment of the league. With more players from the former 40A league joining, there are complaints about parity and fairness.
Future of the League: To continue the league successfully, there’s a need to restore the fun and enjoyment that the league was intended to provide.
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:) Mike “Eddie” 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.
Team Porter
Doans High Life
Stout Bros
Lagermen
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.
