Crested Butte South Beer League raises the cup

“Is the Dark side stronger?” – Luke Skywalker

“It is quicker, easier, and far more seductive.” – Yoda

By Kevin Van Horn

The ritual begins each fall. We gather as ice makers, watching the thermometer like hawks, waiting for that perfect cold snap. When it finally hits, you’ll find us in the dead of night at the rink, fire hoses in gloved hands, building our winter playground layer by layer. Without concrete underneath (maybe someday?), it’s a labor of love that takes weeks. But there’s something special about these nights. As we work in the biting cold, neighbors drive by, honking and cheering – they know skating season is just around the corner.

This year started strong. The ice was pristine – “best in years,” the players kept saying. Games were packed, the action was fierce, and everything was perfect until Mother Nature threw us a curveball. First came the deep freeze that put games on hold. Then, just as we were ready to resume, a bizarre week of 45-degree weather showed up and turned our beautiful rink into mush.

But hey, that’s hockey in the mountains for you.

There’s an old Chinese saying: “The journey is the reward.” And what a journey it was. When our local ice gave out, we simply shifted north. The games in CB kept our season alive – and for that, we’re grateful.

The season’s grand finale came last Saturday night at Big Mine Ice Arena: The legendary CB South Beer Cup. Light versus Dark, two and a half hours of fast paced hockey with barely any breaks. With just two subs per bench, it was beautiful and relentless.

In the goals, Collin Miller and last-minute hero Erik Berglund stood like walls. Up front, the offensive fireworks came courtesy of Carlee Drobnik, Mark Goldberg, Mike Wright, Martini, Dave Bright, KVH, James Brennan, and Grant Bremer – all playing like they had something to prove.  Meanwhile, Scott Reamer, Zach Vaughter, Sean Hartigan, Junior Silva, and Haley kept things honest on defense, sparking breakaways that had everyone on their feet.

The Dark team, breaking with tradition, grabbed an early lead and never looked back. As the clock wound down, both teams agreed: next goal takes it all. That’s when Torrey Carrol stole the show. Snagging the puck in neutral ice, he carved through the Light team’s defense like a master chef at Benihana, ignored a couple of passing options, and lifted the winning shot past Berglund’s glove side. Dark team victory!  

This year’s Beer Cup was well earned and awarded to Erik Berglund. Great job!

Special thanks to Colin and Dan Law for their tireless work, and to Derek Harwell for always having CB South Hockey’s back.  

See you all in six months – time to flood the rinks again!