Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Michigan Upper Peninsula Veterans Hockey Club, Minnesota Warriors Veterans Hockey Team and Keweenaw Equipment Loan After Saturday's Northern Lights Hockey Night at Dee Stadium members take a group photo on the ice.
HOUGHTON — In front of an enthusiastic crowd and the booming sounds of the Huskies Pep Band, Upper Peninsula and Minnesota veterans took to the ice at Dee Stadium on Saturday. The match raised money for the cause and also helped strengthen the military. Connecting veterans to their communities.
Northern Lights Hockey Night pitted the Michigan Upper Peninsula Veterans Hockey Club against the Minnesota Warriors Veterans Hockey team. The UP veteran won 8-5. (You can read the full match summary in the Today's Sports section.)
Saturday's game will be held four years after the UP team's first home game. “Battle of the Bridge” The game raised money for DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, a local junior hockey organization and local veteran who was undergoing cancer treatment.
Dee's lobby also had an information booth for veterans, directing them to local resources that can help them buy groceries and pay their utility bills.
“They have the talent, they have the connections, they have the veteran military, they have the VA, and we're all here.” UP club assistant captain John French said. “We come from all over UP. It's all about connection, healing and networking.”
Proceeds from Saturday's game went to the Keweenaw equipment loan. The organization is a medical equipment rental closet serving children in Houghton, Keweenaw and Baraga counties. We also offer sports and recreational equipment that is adaptable for people of all ages, such as sled hockey.
The group gave a sledding demonstration on the ice between classes on Saturday. It is equipped with blades similar to ice skates.
“It’s very uplifting to see someone who can’t use their legs go out and play hockey and have fun and enjoy life, and it’s very uplifting for us.” said the Frenchman. “… It's inspiring to see them and we want to help them and we want to be a part of it. We want to be part of the community.”
French and other players see the game as another way to serve. Another recent game was played at Iron Mountain to raise money for the Dickinson Amateur Hockey Association, which helped purchase nets and other items. In past years, they have also won national tournaments in Denver and Detroit.
Team manager Sean Toutant joined the team on the road trip. Although he is not a veteran, he said it makes sense to help the team.
It's an honor to be able to help what they've given us,” He said. “So if I can help even just a little bit, it means a lot to me. ”
The team has more than 47 players from Marquette, Iron River or Copper Harbor. French said some players drive from Scandia to practices and games.
Part of that is sharing the love of hockey within a community that embraces it. There is also a brotherly love between the players. They continue an old rivalry between the militaries and clash violently with each other. But they also step up to help each other when it counts.
“I got to drive the biggest beater car I could find. I got to drive it from one end of the UP to the other.” said the Frenchman. “If I break down 15 times, I know there are 15 people on my way there and I can always pick up the phone and call them. I know if I call you, I'll be fine.”
It also provides an outlet and motivational tool for players. French said some players cut out alcohol completely because they want to feel better for a match. And instead of sitting around at home, some players are active and enjoying the camaraderie.
“When you see these veteran players come out and see the little kids cheering in the stands and the pep band getting excited, it just feels like their souls are rejuvenated.” said the Frenchman.
Andrew Herriman of Gwinn joined the UP team a year ago after seeing French's Facebook post.
“I am a veteran and a disabled veterinarian myself.” I wanted to continue my playing career, but I also wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Herriman, an active member of the Michigan National Guard 46th MP Command from Lansing.
“I want to have each and every one of them's backs, and they'll have my backs, too.” He said. “We help each other get through it, like certain things and mental health, just to be able to go out there and fight and let our frustrations go on the ice. is a very big deal.”
The camaraderie extends beyond their own roster, both before and after the game.
Keweenaw Waters Resort hosted the Minnesota Warriors in their cabins. French and other Northern Lights players also led the Minnesota team on a tour of Keweenaw's notable spots, including the Ambassador, Italian Hall grounds, and Luigi's Secret Passage.
“We try to give them a feel for our community, what hockey means to us, what our veterans mean to us, and the support and love within our community. I tried.” said the Frenchman.
Chris Ewald, a forward on the Minnesota team, was an active duty member of the Navy from 2007 to 2011, then spent two years in the Navy Reserve.
He served six years in prison. Knowing the struggles he went through for it, a friend of his who is in the Duluth hockey program contacted him and told him it might be a good fit.
He forged new friendships through the team, especially Army veterans Travis Bennett and Kirsten Backlund. Bennett has become one of Ewald's best friends since they met a year ago, and he and Bucklund developed a friendship over similar experiences.
“If you need someone to talk to, they will call you so you can connect with each other.” He said.
Saturday's game and the events surrounding it made the Keweenaw trip one of Ewald's favorite moments as a Warrior.
“Just hearing the band play from the locker room feels like going to a college game.” He said. “It's a really top-notch experience. The adrenaline was pumping during the warm-up. I don't know how I can go up from there.”
