National Brewers

The National Brewers added key newcomer Steve Bachman, for the 1972 season, who moved to the Baltimore area from Philadelphia. The overhead costs had begun to increase and a possible $350 deficit loomed by the end of the season. It was getting more difficult to operate with only the $500 provided by the National Brewing Company. Player dues would need to be increased. The remaining small 'chevron' red jerseys were re-crested with a large National Bohemian chevron. This differed slightly from the large National Beer chevron that was on the front of the remaining jerseys.

In the 72-73 season, the National Brewers were in a holding pattern finishing with almost exactly the same record as the previous season. At the end of December, the Brewers record stood at 2 wins and 7 losses. Due to only one Washington based team playing in the CHL East division, most of the clubs' games were scheduled at Orchard Ice Rink or the Baltimore Civic Center. The Brewers only traveled to the Washington Coliseum three times to play Diamond Reo. This was far different than the earlier years when at least half the games were scheduled there. Inconsistent defensive play helped to hike goalie Gerry Horak's goals allowed to a CHL high of 70. The team did play solid hockey over the second half of the season, but it was too late to salvage a winning record. However, the club was building a nucleus of experienced players that would help lead to the successful seasons that followed.

The Jr. Clippers dominated and finished on top of the East, followed by Diamond Reo, Navy, National Brewers and Orchard Mercurys. Scoring was a problem for the team and goals scored dropped from 81 to 61. Steve Bachman and Dave Mattingly tied for the team scoring lead with 24 points each, which placed them sixth in the CHL. Other top scoring Brewers included: John Cotter, Mike Reardon and Tim Strasdauskas. Gerry Horak played 15 games in the net and new goalie Ron Olenick started 5 games in his first season with the beer men. The team finished the season with a record of 7-11-2. After the season, Sam Mattingly retired from the Brewer's coaching position to concentrate on the establishment of the Maryland Aces, a junior team in Baltimore.