North Texas hockey tradition honors past and present veterans

  • Published
  • By TSgt Shawn David McCowan
  • 301 FW Public Affairs
NAS FORT WORTH JRB, TEXAS --  Area active and retired military members gathered May 30 for the 2010 Memorial Day

Hockey Classic at NYTEX Sports complex in North Richland Hills, Texas.
The annual event pits veterans from the Army and Air Force against the Navy and Marine Corps. Many of the players are current and former Air Force and Navy members once assigned here, including several still assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing.

Navy Captian T.D. Smyers, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base commander, and Colonel Richard Scobee, 301st Fighter Wing commander, kicked off the game with a ceremonial faceoff. In an additional treat for the attendees, the puck was dropped by WWII veteran Basil Gentry.

The relatively new tradition began a few years ago as a pick-up game between military members who played in local amateur hockey leagues at NYTEX. The arena hosts several amateur hockey leagues throughout the year. Eventually, more military members joined the local leagues. A few years ago, after coordination with players, NYTEX and the military, the official Memorial Day Classic was born.

Although admission to the game is free, many spectators generously donate each year to support veterans. This year, all money received was given to the Honor Flight of Dallas, a non-profit organization that flies World War II veterans to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

During the game, the Navy/Marine team opened a first period 5-1 lead, but the Army/Air Force team caught up by the end of the second period.
Despite the evenly-matched contest, the Navy/Marine team won decisively 10-5. At the end of the game, there was no sign of bitterness or pride from either side, as the two "rival" service teams lined up at center ice for the hockey tradition of team handshakes.

Future military-related games are in discussion between NYTEX and local military members.