Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Army soldiers in Iraq playing hockey is an unlikely sight, but for some soldiers with the Stryker Brigade, it could be one of the ways to ease the stress of combat. And they'll be doing so wearing Alaska Aces jerseys.
At the Sullivan Arena, Aces general manager Terry Parks is rounding up the equipment, including hockey sticks and jerseys. Soon they will be sent to Iraq for the soldiers with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. It's the idea of John Miller, the father of Army Spc. Jon Miller.
“In talking with my son about what do you miss most about Alaska, he says ‘I miss skating, I miss hockey,’ and so kind of one thing led to another,” said John Miller.
The practice jerseys and sticks come from the Aces, while the Ben Boeke Ice Arena donated the nets. Parks says it's the least the Aces can do.
“The military are a big piece of our community and this is a tough time for those folks. It really is. And we want to support them any way we can,” said Parks [...]
Bringing hockey to war zone could boost morale
Link to Full Articleby Jason Moore, KTUU-TV, Fairbanks
Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Army soldiers in Iraq playing hockey is an unlikely sight, but for some soldiers with the Stryker Brigade, it could be one of the ways to ease the stress of combat. And they'll be doing so wearing Alaska Aces jerseys.
At the Sullivan Arena, Aces general manager Terry Parks is rounding up the equipment, including hockey sticks and jerseys. Soon they will be sent to Iraq for the soldiers with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. It's the idea of John Miller, the father of Army Spc. Jon Miller.
