Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | The Carolina Hurricanes host their 12th Military Appreciation Game at PNC Arena in...... read more read more
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RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes held their 12th Military Appreciation Game at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, March 8, 2015. Special NCNG guests included the son of Sgt. 1st Class Mark Marey, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew and Raleigh native Iraq War veteran Staff Sgt. Michael Wood.
The team invited representatives from several military branches to give guests, fans, staff and players a chance to thank them for their service.
The day’s events started around 1 p.m. with families of fans posing for photos in front of the more-than-20-ton, 20-foot-long NCNG armored vehicle. Crew answered questions from fans of all ages about missions, the vehicle and deployments. Veterans compared their service and their weapons with the current issue.
Crowds filtered into the arena as the teams warmed up before the match on the rink. The pregame ceremony began with the "starter of the game," traditionally a young hockey player who stands with the team for the opening ceremony. This game, the honor fell to Marey’s son, an active youth hockey player in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The lights dimmed as players line up waiting for his entrance. The spotlight shined as the youth sprinted to center of the rink. Ice sprayed off his skates as he came to a stop next to Eric Stall, a 205 pound, 6-foot-4-inch professional - a man easily twice his size. They shared a quick fist bump and smile.
“I am so proud of him,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Wood.
The patriotic theme continued with a U.S. Army Color Guard presenting the American flag and choir singing the national anthem. During breaks in the game Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard members were recognized for their service.
Wood, representing the NCNG, was escorted to the edge of the rink in the third period. A hostess with the team’s storm squad, who lead cheers and help with promotions for fans, presented him with a hockey stick signed by the team. As Wood accepted his gift, the crowd rose for a standing ovation.
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2015 15:13 |
| Story ID: | 156971 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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