Warrior Hockey Gets U.S. Military Vets Back On The Ice (And Kate Chugs Pink Whitney In A Parking Lot)
In the military the term “skating” means you’re gliding smoothly away from a lame duty you want to avoid. Yes, you’re supposed to be mopping the HQ hallway for the 10th time today, but instead you’re hiding in a stairwell nearby, out of sight of higher-ups. You’re skating out of it….
But overall, military life isn’t always the smoothest of journeys. By the time your contract is up it may feel like you’re navigating a holiday ice rink after 3 hours with no zamboni breaks… A bit tore up and rough, and you’re on your own.
Thankfully for many vets, Warrior Hockey brings back the joy of skating (minus the hiding in the stairwell part) & gives them a unit they can rely on again…
Down in Philly with the Flyers Warriors, it was awesome meeting vets from every branch and rank and hearing their stories. Two guys from opposing teams had served together in Iraq, another said getting back into physical & social activity helped him sleep better at night, one woman with over 20 years in the Army didn’t let recent knee injuries keep her from suiting up & supporting her teammates on the bench, others said it was the support they got from teammates off the ice that has meant the most… Whatever the background, every week they get together & practice, and it’s created a whole new family for many.
If you’re a vet or know one who might be interested in checking this out, there’s the American Warriors Hockey Forum on Facebook. You can also Google ‘Warrior ice hockey’ in your city. Teams are open to men, women, players with experience, & people like me who don’t even know how to skate. The only requirement is that you have military service with a disability rating of 10% or more.
The vets help each other learn & improve both on and off the ice and, despite some fisticuffs on the ice during the game I saw, the feeling between both teams afterwards was nothing but some classic Brotherly Love.
The USA Hockey Warrior Classic will be next month in Vegas from Oct. 3 – 6th where games will be played at City National Arena, the practice facility of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, as well as The Las Vegas Ice Center.
From their site,
Warrior hockey is dedicated to injured and disabled U.S. Military Veterans who have served our country and play the sport of ice hockey. The tournament annually brings together teams from across the country to compete in one of USA Hockey’s fastest growing disabled disciplines.
This year’s event is expected to consist of 16 teams, doubling the record eight-team field from last year’s event, with upper and lower divisions. A year ago, the Buffalo Sabres Warriors won the Division A title by defeating the Dallas Warriors Upper, 7-3, while the Chicago Blackhawks Warriors came from behind to earn the Division B title with a 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Thanks to both teams for being so open to speak with me & show me what you guys are all about, and best of luck to all the teams competing in Vegas! Also, much love to the Flyers organization who works so closely for the Philly Warriors team. They use the same practice facility, have access to the trainers, and so much more. Amazing thing to see.