What is locker room beer?
Hockey is a sport ingrained in our Canadian culture, most of us play or have played at some point in our lives. But one of the little caveats of hockey that we take for granted is after the game, or the post-game. It is the time-honored tradition when your come of drinking age to have an ice-cold beer to celebrate your win, or lament your loss with the team. This is a market that largely remains untargeted by the major beer companies. They may market their beer for after game at a local bar or pub, but few truly look to target the locker room. This is where most beer league teams get their post-game beer, and it’s where you’ll find the true comradery of the team.
Locker room beer is that communal moment every player experience when they step off the ice, into the locker room to celebrate a victory or share in the sadness of defeat. It is a defining moment of friendship and comradery between teammates where you take solace in the fact that you won or lost as a team.
Why is a cold post-game beer important?
This is a way to share with your friends and teammates and build a lasting friendship with this group of people. It’s about the team, you win and lose with these people. But that goes beyond just the rink, these are friendships that if built properly can last a lifetime. I have been playing with the same group of guys for 7 years now, and I try to never miss a game. Why you ask? Because these guys are like brother to me now, and it was all built around having an ice-cold beer after the game. Everyone needs a group to belong too, no matter how introverted you may be, and for some this is a perfect way to get out and enjoy other people’s company. It allows you to relax and for at least a little bit forget the troubles of the world and enjoy time with friends.
How do teams usually enjoy their locker room beers?
Every team has its on list of rules when it comes to beers in the locker room. For example, my team has a list that includes: no discount beers, no light beer and if you can’t make it that’s fine, but the beer had better make it still. While we all agree on that, some other teams might now. That’s the beauty of this, every team can custom tailor their rules and list for how they enjoy their beer. Some teams choose to employ a light beer only rule. Some set hard limits on how much beer can be brought any given week. But it all comes back to the same basic premise, there had better be beer in the locker room.
So, to sum it all up, I guess what I am saying is you can form friendships that last a lifetime over the simple act of cracking a beer in the locker room. I know it sounds odd and funny, but I can not say it enough how easy it is. I implore you, next time you play if your team doesn’t already, bring a few beers for the team and pass them out after the game. It may be a life changer!
If your looking for a good beer to start off with, might I suggest something from the great people over at Postgame Brewing? Their main product is an excellent, all-natural beer called Locker Room Lager (look it’s right in the name!). It tastes great, isn’t to expensive, and comes with a roll of hockey tape in every twenty-four pack! Everyone needs a roll of hockey tape…
