Photo By Staff Sgt. Bob Yarbrough | U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Bob Yarbrough clears an attacking player from the area in front...... read more read more
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It’s a common occurrence for veterans to feel like something is missing when they finish their service to their country. For a growing number of Michigan veterans, that void is being filled with a six ounce rubber disc. The Saginaw Spirit Warriors ice hockey team is made up of veterans living across mid-Michigan, coming from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
“It's more than a sport, it's a camaraderie that most veterans lost once they left the military. To some of the team this is their weekly therapy, their workouts, and where they can blow off steam.” Said Teresa Gomez, who currently manages much of the team’s operation strictly on a volunteer basis. “I feel this gives some players a sense of purpose, they belong again no matter their skill level is in the sport.”
It’s not pure coincidence that Gomez helps run the team. Her husband Jason, an Army veteran, is one of the founding members. It is uncommon, though. Most non-professional recreational hockey teams are run solely by the players.
“I volunteer to make sure the players can go out there and just play hockey, and not have to worry about all that is happening in the background before and after an event, no matter what that event is. This team has become my family and win or lose, I love them all,” she said. “I love what I do for the team and seeing them have that brotherhood makes it all worth every second I put into volunteering.”
The Spirit Warriors’ first tournament appearance took place over the weekend of October 18th through the 20th. The warriors posted an impressive six to nothing victory in their first game as a team. Air Force Veteran Nicholas Tobianski netted the first goal in Spirit Warriors history during the first period.
The Warriors ended the tournament in second place after a hard fought two to three loss. Spirit Warriors goaltending combination, Air Force veteran Rob Doty and Army Veteran Jim Johnston, were co-awarded the goaltender of the tournament award for allowing the least amount of goals combined throughout the weekend.
“Being a part of this team is more than just about Hockey. It’s a chance to support each other in ways that you wouldn’t see outside group of veterans like this. I only started playing goalie three years ago at the age of 52,” said Doty. “I never expected to receive something like this. I’m humbled and honored that I was chosen, along with Jim, to receive the award.”
“In 2008 I quit playing Hockey because I thought my body was falling apart and I could never recover after games fast enough.” Said Johnston. “I met these guys at a fundraiser, and Jason [Gomez] and [Air Force Veteran] Brent [Mason] invited me to come out and play again. It's good to be part of the team, and be around my military brothers and sisters. As far as winning the award, that is a big honor to share it with Rob.”
The Saginaw Spirit Warriors are part of an ever-growing group of wounded veteran hockey teams across the state of Michigan, and the rest of the United States. If you are interested in playing hockey, regardless of your skill level or service-connected disability, reach out to your local Warrior hockey team. For more information about Warrior hockey, visit https://www.usawarriorshockey.org/, and for local team information, email ryarbrough@spiritwarriorshockey.org.
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2019 08:47 |
| Story ID: | 349263 |
| Location: | BAY CITY, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 295 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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