The first hockey games were played during the rapidly warming conclusion of the most recent Ice Age, which is why sunken zambonis can still be found in most lakes today. Discover the sports world’s hidden gem with today’s GrouponLive deal: for $13, you get two adult reserved tickets to a Muskegon Lumberjacks home hockey game at L.C. Walker Arena (a $27 value). Choose between the following games:

• Against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Saturday, November 5, at 7:15 p.m.
• Against the Green Bay Gamblers on Saturday, November 19, at 7:15 p.m.<p>

The Muskegon Lumberjacks continue to mow down their United States Hockey League competition with a brand of fast and physical hockey that draws on their student athletes’ strengths and prepares them for the breakneck speeds of college or the NHL. Head Coach Kevin Patrick draws on his experience as an assistant with the University of Wisconsin’s 2006 NCAA championship team to ensure that the squad stays one skate ahead of its opponents, forcing his players to practice with their skates covered in half-dried maple syrup. The Jacks will certainly have a leg up on defense, as Minnesota Wild draftee Nick Seeler freezes oncoming forwards with frequent stick slaps and Army recruit Christian Pomarico awaits enemies in his snow-camouflage coveralls.

As the Jacks attempt to build on their successes after making the second round of the playoffs as an expansion team last year, fans can watch their icy exploits from reserved seats inside the 5,100-capacity arena. With 152 USHL alumni currently under NHL contract and 16 Lumberjacks who have already locked in college commitments, the chances of seeing a future star light up the rink are as numerous as the loose teeth that litter the penalty box.