Daylong event brought a celebrity hockey game, youth skills competition, outdoor ball hockey tournament,
and free BIGGBY® COFFEE sampling to kick off the 2026-27 season
BRIGHTON, MI— Local youth hockey players, coaches, and families gathered this past Saturday, August 8, for the 2nd Annual BIGGBY® COFFEE Hockey Club Season Kickoff Extravaganza at BIGGBY® COFFEE Ice Cube in Brighton.
The daylong celebration kicked off the 2026-27 hockey season with an outdoor ball hockey tournament played by 10 teams, a coaches clinic and skills competition that 87 young players participated in, and an afternoon celebrity game featuring 17 stars, including Olympic Gold Medalist Kirsten Simms and Winnipeg Jets player Vlad Namestnikov.
“Days like this are exactly why we got into youth hockey. Seeing this rink packed with kids, families, and coaches, all excited for the season ahead reminds us about what matters: connecting with our hockey community and growing the game,” said Mike McFall, Co-Founder and CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE. “Getting to share it with athletes like Kirsten and Vlad made it even more special, and we’re proud to keep investing in moments like this for Michigan.”
Families in attendance also took part in drink sampling from BIGGBY® COFFEE, hands-on craft stations, and merchandise sales throughout the event at the rink, with door prizes announced at halftime of the celebrity game.
Now in its second year, the Season Kickoff Extravaganza has grown into a signature community event for The BIGGBY® COFFEE Ice Cube Hockey Club, bringing together new and returning hockey families ahead of the upcoming season. The event reflects BIGGBY® COFFEE’s ongoing commitment and collaboration with Black Bear Sports Group to support youth hockey and keep the sport accessible for players and families across Michigan.
Special thanks to the following partners and individuals for making this event possible: Michigan Elite Sports Academy, BIGGBY COFFEE STORE of Brighton, BIGGBY COFFEE STORE of South Lyon and New Hudson, Kensington, our volunteers, Black Bear Sports Group, the celebrities who participated in our game, youth hockey coaches, parents of the participants, and of course, all of our participants.