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    Old rivals battling entertains troops in Afghanistan

    PANJSHIR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

    03.23.2010

    Story by 1st Lt. Jason Smith 

    Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir

    PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In the early morning hours of March 23, a Detroit Red Wing fan showed up at the dining facility of Forward Operating Base Lion, Afghanistan, looking for revenge.

    U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Calnicean met his rival, U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith, at about 3:30 a.m. A 60-minute battle ensued.

    When the fighting was over, Calnicean walked away victorious.

    Both members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir turned to the Versus broadcast on the American Forces Network of the Pittsburgh Penguins playing the Detroit Red Wings in what amounted to nothing more than bragging rights.

    This particular rivalry is in its third year. The Wings knocked off the Pens in six games in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. The Penguins had their revenge in the final game of the series the following year.

    "The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the Stanley Cup, and Lord Stanley scratch their names on your fabled cup," said Mike Lange, Pittsburgh Penguin radio announcer, following the June 12, victory in Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.

    The Red Wings defeated the Penguins 3-1 on this particular morning in Afghanistan. That doesn't mean the Airmen aren't looking forward to a third Stanley Cup match in June.

    "I'd like to see it," said Calnicean. "I don't know if Pittsburgh can make it in the East, but Detroit is playing strong right now."

    Smith, a Pittsburgh native now stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, said the game really didn't prove anything, but he was disappointed that his team lost the grudge match. He was quick to point out that the Penguins are the current Stanley Cup Champions.

    "You guys are complete nudges," said Calnicean about Smith and the other Penguin fan at the FOB. "The win today doesn't give us closure. We need the cup."

    Calnicean, a Detroit-area native stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, said he had no idea last year at this time that he would be watching his team from Afghanistan. Both he and Smith said they are prepared to get up at 3:30 a.m. for each of the Stanley Cup games no matter what teams make it to the finals.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.23.2010
    Date Posted: 03.23.2010 02:27
    Story ID: 47052
    Location: PANJSHIR PROVINCE, AF

    Web Views: 399
    Downloads: 370

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