Alex Geer freely admits that he was forced into ‘an early retirement’ from his competitive hockey career at the midget level, topping out as a member of the house league Lambeth Lancers. But little did he know, he’d be hoisting a championship hockey trophy years later – albeit outdoors on another surface.
An assistant captain on the Clam Divers, a team that plays in Ball Hockey International, Geer helped lead his team to a division title last season. And he had a blast doing it.
“Our team’s strength is that we came together as a whole,” Geer said. “It probably started in our first year. After a big comeback win, we chanted “CLAMS! CLAMS! CLAMS!” so obnoxiously loud that it wasn’t even funny. It was the birth of our new tradition. Every goal, you can hear the clams a mile away.”
That tradition continued through the Clams’ championship run, as the team seemed to have more and more fun along the way, which Geer says seemed to work to their advantage.
“We even have a few friends that suit up and put lines together and ‘play coach,’” Geer said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m on an actual NHL team.”
The Clam Divers, Geer says, are what you might call a ‘re-birth’ team. After his original BHI team folded after one winless season (“After one terrible year without a single win, I fell in love with the place,” Geer says of BHI), the Londoner joined a new team that was formed by an old teammate, the ‘Clam Divers.’
“We made a name for ourselves during our first season,” Geer said.
Besides their Cup win, the Clams have also enjoyed their time in BHI as a whole, according to Geer, as the staff is very friendly and personable, and the league is competitive but yet friendly and fun.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing,” said Geer of his time playing BHI. “We have a team that takes things seriously, refs who just love being there, a great office lady, and an extremely awesome instagram account. Whether you’re looking to have fun, or to hoist a trophy over your head, BHI has what you’re looking for.”
Looking ahead to next season, Geer says he’ll sit down with fellow assistant captain, Tanner Turley, and draft up a list of potential friends, write out their strengths and weaknesses, and have some beers while they pick the roster. And as for goals?
“That’s an easy one,” Geer says. “To defend our title as Cup champions. And being in a higher division against the more talented teams will make that an even bigger accomplishment. And we also want to do our best to go above and beyond to try and publicize our team and the league. You can even follow us on Instagram @THECLAMDIVERS to see all the personality and keep up-to-date with the team!”
www.london.ballhockeyinternational.ca
Story Submitted by: Ball Hockey International
