Rinks Closed by Gov
Games begin again on December 13th.
The schedule will be extended. Follow the schedule in Hockey Community.
Games Postponed A Week
The goalie for Scrap Dogs came down with COVID this week. He played in game against Frozen Wings on Sunday 10/25. We got looking and many players sub throughout the league. We are postponing this weeks games in caution. If you played in the Scrap Dogs vs Frozen Wings game, please get tested and report back.
It is understandably frustrating to have to skip hockey this Sunday, but please understand the reason for caution. We have already had a loss close to our hockey family from COVID.
Schedule & League Update
The Eclectic Hockey League was formed out of a need for better management of beer league hockey to keep the game fun and safe. We invest in technology through the Hockey Community to provide easy access to schedules and stats. The schedule is posted far in advance. My experience with rink run leagues had been total disinterest in anything but collecting fees.
Over the last few years we have dialed in the registration process and truly managed the rosters and collected most team fees on the agreed-upon schedule.
2020 is different.
We have little control over the rosters this year. Each team has to step up and help the scorekeeper to get new players rostered if you are unable to do it. Only by the team managers and the players paying attention and helping out will the rosters be managed.
We had an issue two weeks ago with a player who is known to have emotional issues enter a game and get into a fight. That player is suspended for eight weeks per the bylaws and I will put up for vote expulsion from the league to the full board. That will not be tolerated. Let’s all focus on keeping the problems out of our league and avoid any team expulsions.
The rink now has two sheets of ice in!
I’ve elected to run one sheet for the day. It is difficult to find anyone to work as a scorekeeper, so we can run the one sheet with one scorekeeper. Any game that was scheduled for Saturday is now starting at 3:15 pm on Sunday. We simply moved the Saturday games to Sunday at 3:15 pm. The other games times were moved forward by 15 minutes. The first game is now at 9 am.
COVID did reach it’s ugly hand into the rink and claimed our most loyal fan. Eric Schauwecker’s dad was a regular at the games and it is sad to report that he passed away in September. You will recognize his face – here is his obit https://www.sharpfuneralhomes.com/obituary/William-Schauwecker
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Schauwecker family.
The handful of COVID-infected players have recovered, yet we have to remain mindful that it is elderly and ill that we come in contact with who are at most risk.
Finance
If you want to pay by cash or check, find me at the rink during my game times (Budtenders) or Wed. or Fri night skates. Checks should be made out to Gears Beer and can be mailed to 9350 Bennett Lake Rd Fenton, MI 48430. Otherwise, the Hockey Community app has a Finance tab that you can find to the right when looking at your team page.
Most teams are on track. Thank you to Ty Burt of Frozen Wings for being paid in full early again this year. It makes my job much easier.
Another reminder that everything about the league is found on www.Gears.beer/ehl
If you need clear tape I have plenty for $2 per roll.
Looking for CBD products? I’m launching a full line including a roll on salve with serious relief, look for details in the future or grab me at the rink.
Keep your head up and stick on the ice!
Dave
Frequently Asked Questions…
Two weeks in. It is going well.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
How do I pay for my share of the league?
Each team has a player payment amount. Ask your team manager.
You pay Gears Beer – not the rink.
A payment path is available in the Hockey Community app. Click on your team name and swipe over to the Finance Tab.
Otherwise, write a check to Gears Beer and mail to 9350 Bennett Lake Rd Fenton, MI 48430
I will have a receipt book with me when at the rink for Budtenders games. As long as I don’t jump into another game, I will hang out in parking lot for a few after my game to catch later skaters who want to pay cash.
Do I need USA Hockey registration?
No
What is the insurance coverage?
None
By entering the rink you agree to this waiver.
Below is a screen shot of the Hockey Community app showing a swipe to the finance tab.
Schedule Set for 2020/21 Season
Eclectic Hockey League (EHL) will have twelve teams, six in each conference. Unfortunately, we only have one sheet to use so a game will be held Saturday 9 pm and then Sunday 9:15 am; 10:30; 11:45; 1 pm; 2:15 pm
Make sure you have a login to Hockey Community. There is a reste password link that expires in 30 min if you wish to reset your password. Team managers will be responsible for checking in players each game and confirming with scorekeepers.
I’m hiring both scorekeepers again to start the season. We will use tablets and enter the scores in HC during the game and cross check the stats. If concerned about stats, have your team manger communicate any updates to your scorekeeper after the game to make sure the calls were accurate.
The 2020 Champs Stanley Pints will be given out on Sunday, Sept. 12th to the Lager and Stout Champs. BC & Frozen.
All Black Hockey Sticks will have a trailer full of $89 Carbon Fiber sticks for sale on Sept. 12th in front of the rink. Please support our sponsor and grab a stick or two! I know many have been asking me for this opportunity. Let’s welcome Larry back to our rink. He also offers fully sublimated jerseys for as low as $35 each through www.JustHockeyJerseys.com Look for a new website in the coming weeks as my team is working on it.
COVID update. If you have any symtoms of a cold, do not enter the rink. IF you have come in contact with someone who has COVID, do not enter the rink. Let’s be smart and safe.
See you on the ice!
Dave
August 2020 EHL Board Meetings
August 16th Meeting
Present: Chris Green, Gooners Dogs; Dane Tucker, C & S; Darren Newton, Old Fokkers; Justin McHugh, Chicken Shack; Ray Markey, Kidd Co; Ty Burt, Frozen Wings; Mike Hartwig, Hartwig Tree Svc.; Dave Crabill, Budtenders
Teams not represented: Bigby Coffee, BC Heating, Prestige Worldwide, Scrap Dogs, Wolverine
1) Revised version of the COVID protocols from Punch Kick Hockey League in Macomb Co. will be in place.
2) Season Start Date is Sept. 13. Working with the rink on ice times.
3) Team Managers will use HC to check in players prior to game. Score keeper will verify. Work with your score keeper just prior to game to make sure all is set correctly. We have done a great job on the 8 game min. for playoffs so far.
4) Free case of beer for first game on EHL for any team who attended both meetings in person or virtual. Gooners, Chicken Shack, Old Fokkers, Kidd Co, Frozen Wings, Hartwig Tree
5) Still working on getting a quote on private insurance for the league.
6) Players who pay $50 towards season through Gears.beer will be eligible for a 50% discount on Sunday drop in hours. Teams looking to scrimmage should set that up soon. Contact Dave.
8/23 1:30 PM Frozen Wings
8/23 2:45 PM AVAILABLE
8/23 4 PM AVAILABLE
8/30 1:30 PM Gooners Dogs will scrimmage Budtenders
8/30 2:45 PM Frozen Wings
August 2nd Meeting Notes:
Darren Newton, Old Fokkers; Chris Green, Gooner’s Dogs; Eric Schauwecker, Scrap Dogs; Rico Philips, Chicken Shack; Mike Hartwig, Hartwig Tree; Ray Markey, new team 25+; Drew Lang, Wolverine Fire; Ty Burt, Frozen Wings; Jeff Dennings, EHL Dave Crabill, EHL & Budtenders
Teams not represented: Bigby Coffee, BC Heating, Prestige Worldwide, CS Motors
Topics:
Bylaws – no changes
Ice Time Costs increased for this season by $225 per team and will increase each of the next four years. The cost of hosting two more playoff games in August to finish season is close to the increase. We will forego the balance of the 19/20 season and there won’t be an increase in cost for teams entering the 20/21 season.
The 2020 Stanley Pint Champions are:
BC Heating for the Lager Conference
Frozen Wings for the Stout Conference
Send any team sponsor information to dave@gears.beer for placement on the website. A sponsor form is available to use as you wish. Happy to help you secure those sponsors!
Ice time starting in August will be available for teams to scrimmage or drop in games. Contact Dave or use the Gears Beer Hockey App to join Sunday drop ins.
We are meeting again on August 16th. In the meantime we will review an optional insurance policy and determine any health and safety protocols. A quote has been requested from K & K Insurance: https://www.kandkinsurance.com/sites/Sports/Pages/Home.aspx
