If someone asks you to go on a party bus - it doesn’t matter where, it doesn’t matter when - just say yes. Don’t think about it, don’t check your calendar, don’t worry if you can afford it- it’ll all work out. Just say yes. I said yes twice in the last two months and I regret neither decision.

The event was the Detroit Red Wings’ Open Skate. Open Skate is a collaboration between the Detroit Red Wings, Ann Arbor based Quack!Media and four area bars including the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti and The Arena in Ann Arbor. The Loving Touch (Ferndale) and The Majestic Café (Detroit) are also involved. For $25 you get a ticket to the game, drink specials before you leave and (you’re going to have to call ahead on this) a seat on a freakin’ party bus. Or party frickin’ bus, as I’ve heard you Americans say. About, aboot, it’s a party bus!

I’m Canadian. I’ve been to a ton of hockey games since I was little and I revere my hockey heritage and let me tell you, the party bus is the greatest innovation in hockey since the curved stick. It makes a game so much better. The contest becomes an event. If only Wayne Gretzky was alive to see this day!

Last Tuesday the Phoenix Coyotes came to town to face the Wings. I’m probably not going to drop $25 to watch Ed Jovanovski, Radem Vrbata and Ilya Bryzgalov skate at the Joe on a random Tuesday, but with a ride to the game, a pack of friends, some likeminded strangers and a whole section to ourselves, I’ll cheer every delayed icing.

The bus is the thing. When I pulled up to the Elbow Room it was idling out front in all its glory. It’s a beautiful and black with The Night Move stenciled on the side. Our driver had a motherly feel about her that made me want to hand her report cards with strong grades in science and gym. She clearly knew her way around the city and didn’t mind the loud 80s music. There was proper celebration in the bar before our departure and a lot of people packed drinks for the long journey. On my first trip in December, an older lady brought along a large bag of sandwiches that she offered to anyone who was hungry. It’s that spirit of camaraderie between strangers that makes the party bus experience so memorable.

You’re dropped off at the entrance to Joe Louis, head to your seats with your bus-mates and watch the Wings do their thing. Sure, beer is a little pricy and it’s tough to get the cotton candy guy’s attention, but Tuesday was dollar hot dog night. Hot dogs for a dollar! And some pizza guy owns the team so the pepperoni is DEFINITELY not made of pony.

After the game you walk into the cold night and “The Night Move” is idling at the curb waiting to give you a big hug. You board, return to your departure point and continue the night with your new best friends. You might even get some new Facebook friends out of the deal!

In closing, if someone asks you to go on a party bus, just say yes. It could be heading to an Oasis concert, Avatar in IMAX, a Toughman contest in Grand Rapids, church - it doesn’t matter. I’m signing up and you should too. The next event is February 11 when Detroit plays San Jose. I know - hockey in California. Now we’ve seen everything!

(A reminder, the party bus is not a guaranteed part of the Open Skate program so check participating bars beforehand. Richard Retyi writes a bi-weekly-ish column called Lie to Your Cats About Santa that deals exclusively with transportation to and from events. Okay, sometimes he writes about marriage proposals and the Wu-Tang Clan. Read more of his stuff here or email him at richretyi@gmail.com for comments, questions or story ideas.)