Bus trips from H-E-double hockey sticks

Nothing like a December road game in Northern Michigan to create some team bonding, especially when the bus breaks down. Both GR Christian and GR Catholic Central had long rides home from games last evening, thanks to motor-coach malfunctions.

The Cougars, fresh off a 3-1 win against Alpena in the Huron Shores Challenge, were delayed when its bus wouldn't shift out of first gear about halfway through the trip. Fortunately, the Cougars were only about two-and-a-half miles from the bus company's corporate garage in Gladwin. So they backed down a hill, turned around in the only available parking lot and drove 15 mph to the garage, then switched buses. The Cougars ended up returning home at about 4 a.m.

Christian High's team was returning from an away game against the Bay Reps of Traverse City -- a 7-1 loss. Their bus broke down in Cadillac and the Eagles players and coaches were stuck for three hours until a new coach arrived. "Nothing like wandering around the Cadillac Meijer for three hours in the middle of the night," said assistant coach Jeff Huizenga. The Eagles arrived home about 6 a.m.

Both teams are, no doubt, happy to be playing games close to home next weekend.