HUNTSVILLE — Veterans and ice hockey – Two things that have a long association with Huntsville.
And, they are coming together next weekend for an afternoon of camaraderie, competition, and giving back.
The Battle of the Brave, a benefit hockey game featuring teams made up entirely of former service members, returns to the Huntsville Ice Sports Center.
The special event brings together veterans, hockey fans, and the Huntsville community to benefit Still Serving Veterans, helping empower veterans and their families through career and transition support. Faceoff is 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8.
For tickets and information, click here: https://ssv.org/…/battle-of-the-brave-veteran-hockey-game
“Huntsville has a very large veteran community and a very large hockey community,” said Heath Ware. “When those two groups combine and there are veteran hockey players on the ice, it’s pretty cool.”
A veteran and owner of Ware Welding, he has been playing hockey since he was 15 and is creating a custom art piece for the event’s benefit auction.
According to organizer Steve Dermer, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5, this year’s event features 34 veteran players, representing 550 combined years of service on the ice. Even with added roster spots, there’s already a waitlist of veterans eager to participate.
Last year’s near sellout crowd of 375 fans helped raise $10,000 for Still Serving Veterans —making it one of the organization’s largest third-party donations. This year, the goal is $20,000.
Steve Smith, president and CEO of Vali, joined as a sponsor and now as a player after learning to skate for last year’s event.
“It brings veterans together who have a love for hockey and again – Still Serving Veterans,” Smith said.
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