It’s been a long thirteen months.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken away one of the most important things to us: beer league.

With one of our favourite past times being gone for over a year, we have been left to only look back on some of the best moments it provided. This time away from the rink definitely gave us a new appreciation for the things we were lucky enough to experience while playing.

Here are 7 things from beer league hockey that we took for granted the most:

MEETING NEW PEOPLE

One of the coolest things about beer league is that it brings the community together. It’s awesome meeting new people with the same interests! It’s crazy to think about how close we got in vicinity with strangers before the pandemic.

 

EXERCISE

Beer league is a good chunk of ice time. Roughly 60 minutes of skating is an easy and fun way to stay in shape! The majority of gyms became inaccessible during the pandemic and many people had to find new ways to stay in shape. We would much rather take a game of pick up hockey with our friends over a workout at home any day!

 

THE SMELL OF THE RINK

This one is a little hard to describe but if you have ever been inside a hockey arena you know what we’re talking about. Think of a small town old arena with little bleachers and tiny dressing rooms. This isn’t any regular ice that can be found at an ODR. Hockey arena ice has a very distinct, nostalgic smell! It’s been way too long since we’ve experienced it and it’s a little sad!

 

SHOWING OFF

No one likes to talk about how fun it is to go end to end with the puck. There’s something about dangling an entire line when no one is trying that is just so freeing!

 

THE STRESS RELIEF

Playing hockey was something we looked forward to every week. There’s nothing better than hitting the ice after a rough week of school or work. Once you step on the ice, all of your worries are put on hold!

 

LOCKER ROOM TALKS

Catching up with your buddies before and after the game will always be a good time. You can always expect a ton of laughs every single time.


POST GAME BEVERAGES

We saved the best for last. The reason why it has it’s name. Post game bevvies after the game might just be more important than scoring. Bonding with your team after a fun game of hockey with some food and drinks speaks for itself.