EHL - Gears Beer

24/25 EHL Season Wrap

Solid Ground Concrete

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!

Dave 810-471-7767

EHL Playoffs

Next week marks the end of the regular EHL schedule. The top four teams will compete in the playoffs, starting March 2nd.

Here’s how it works:

March 2nd:

1st vs. 4th

2nd vs. 3rd

Last two teams face off

March 9th:

Winners of 1/4 and 2/3 clash

5/6 winner plays the highest-ranked loser

Remaining teams battle it out

A Decade of Sunday Morning Hockey

This season marks our 10th year!
Thanks for being part of our journey.
For stats, visit

Hockey.Gears.Beer

Important Notes About Recent Events:

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.

Stats

Drop-In Ice Schedule

Join us for drop-in sessions under the Gears Beer 40+ list on App.PerfectSkate.com:

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

Perfect Skate

Ice Hockey Update February

“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.

DOANS WINTER CLASSIC

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.

EHL STATS

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!

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

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!

Name

First Last

Phone

Email

Dish To Pass or Donation?

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fall Season Update

Six teams again for the 2024/25 season.

The EHL Board meets at 10:30 am in Skaters Bar on Sunday, September 15th. The EHL Board consists of the team managers from each team and Commissioner Dave.

There is a drop in skate on September 15th at 11:30 am until 12:45 pm. Book a spot on https://app.perfectskate.com with Gears Beer 40+ list.

The first games are on September 22nd. Times are 9 am, 10:15 and 11:30.

Three 12 min stop time.

Please register for the season with the form below. Your USA Hockey Number for the 24/25 season is required.

Name

First Last

Phone

Email

Dish To Pass or Donation?

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Rink & Ice Time Update

Crystal Fieldhouse

A Zamboni driver rammed into the NW corner of the South rink, pushing it out a couple of inches. The good news is that it is repaired and the corner now does not have the feature of deflecting the puck out the center ice when you rip it around:)

The North Rink ice will be taken out to make repairs in June. A bunch of sand needs moved out to make line repairs, then clean sand brought in and a thin layer of ice to be set in order to paint. This all will take a few weeks to accomplish, so we will be down a sheet over the summer.

Summer Ice Time

The Friday night skates are attempting to continue through the summer thanks to Ian Roulleau. Please join Ian’s Beers & Benders list on PerfectSkate.com – Beers & Benders of Davison.

Ian of Beers & Benders has a number of 1 hr 15 min. Friday nights at 7:30 pm setup.

Easy to join his Open list by clicking the Menu and then Skater Dashboard to click Skate Lists.

Scrolling down under Potential Lists hit the green symbol in corner to join the list.

Then go back to Skater Menu and hit Skates to find the available skates and Book.

Open Drop In Wednesdays

Wednesday afternoon at 3PM is an open drop in. Mostly older skaters, but no restrictions as we can always use a few more bodies! If you can work it out in your schedule it is a great workout. To give some perspective, I wear an Apple Watch only when I skate to monitor my heart and such. During a game I’ll skate .5 mile. One Wednesday I typically rack up .75 miles or more. Lots of ice time!

League Info

Monday night Flint Oldtimers Hockey League can be found on OldtimersHockeyClub.com.

EHL will start up in September. Looking to add teams. Fill out the interest form on Gears.beer/ehl

New 60+ Wednesday Night Iceland

Beginning October 2024 at Iceland. Twenty games and playoffs. Confirm teams by June 14th.
Contact Jay Lyon by email: jlyon@flinticeland.com