Since my most current season of Beer League Hockey has ended, let’s discuss one of the most important things for this sport…the beer.
My team’s name is the Iceoholics, which kind of tells you my guys like to drink some beers before games, definitely after games, and sometimes even during the games. Here is the breakdown:
THE PREGAME BEERS: The majority of my team loves craft beers just like myself. I usually bring a few IPAs or DIPAs or anything else new and exciting to pregame in the parking lot with a pile of plastic sample cups and we all get a taste. We find this is the best way before a game because you don’t want to slug down a couple 8.5% ABV beers and try to skate. We’ve seen it in the past. Guys end up on the ice a lot or leaning over the trash can at the end of the bench.
THE POSTGAME BEERS: Step one is keeping a tight rotation and making sure everyone contributes and brings once a season. Step two is definitely lots of ICE. Those beers should be ice cold for sure. What is brought it always interesting. Some guys just empty their beer fridge and you get a mix-match of several beers…total surprise every time you reach into the cooler. Usually the beers, as they should be, are on the lighter side as well. Session IPAs, pale ales, lagers, etc. I like to stay consistent: Molson Canadian and Moosehead cans…..every time.
THE BENCH BEER: these can be enjoyed mostly when we have a fuller bench. If you are out on the ice every other shift, there really isn’t much time to drink in between. Now if you wanna throw a beer on the bench for a sip between periods….I’m not going to judge you.
Any other beer league folks out there? What do you bring?
