Since 2001, my friends and I have been making a yearly trip to see baseball in other cities. For the last several years, I have been trying to organize the same group for a hockey trip. Last weekend, the hockey trip finally happened.

We decided on going to Detroit to see the Red Wings. As luck would have it, we ended up choosing a game against our hometown Chicago Blackhawks. This is a great rivalry, featuring two Original Six teams.  It doesn’t get much better than this.

Our stay started with lunch at Bagger Dave’s in Novi. Using their unique “create-a-burger” system, I had a double turkey burger with sautéed mushrooms and blue cheese. It is so flavorful. I always hate taking the last bite. Adding to the fun at Bagger Dave’s is that they now make their own sodas. Their cola was unbelievably good (high praise coming from this Coca-Cola connoisseur).

Joe Louis Arena was built in 1979; and although it lacks some of the features of the more modern stadiums, it is still quite impressive. All 20,066 seats seem to have a great view, and even the seats in the highest level had cushioned backs and bottoms. The hockey game itself was a thrilling 2-1 win for the Blackhawks.

After the game we enjoyed a wonderful victory meal at the New Parthenon Restaurant in the Greektown section of Detroit, followed by a little casino action at the Greektown Casino. A few winning rounds of Pai Gow capped off the day nicely.

I hope the hockey trip becomes a yearly tradition, but it will be hard to top this one. Two historic teams, a surprise Hawks victory, great food and dear friends make for a pretty unbeatable combination.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist