By Corporal Cody Misner, 31 CBG Public Affairs

The second annual Army vs Navy hockey game saw the Royal Canadian Navy take home the win 9-5. The real action though, was happening in the stands where over 600 members of the community turned out to watch local soldiers and sailors take to the ice. Compared to the previous year’s 150 spectators at an outdoor rink, the event gained momentum this year and showed no sign of slowing down.

The idea for this battle on ice was envisioned by Captain Brad Krewench, Commanding Officer of 2918 Essex and Kent Scottish Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and founder of Adopt-A-Vet, the non-profit organization that organized the game.

“We used to compete in floor hockey games between the local reserve Army units, and the Navy was always invited. We decided to organize a game to celebrate Hockey Day in Canada and bring our comradery to the community. It’s Canada’s sport in my eyes, and what better way to show the community that we are right here in the city,” said Capt Krewench.

Support from local business was tremendous. Family and friends showed up with handmade signs, children played with mascots Juno the polar bear and Sonar the puppy, while the Military Family Resource Center ensured the crowd had warm drinks for the game, all at no cost to the community.

After the game, the crowd in the stands strapped on their skates and took to the ice with soldiers and sailors from their city. It was an afternoon that Capt Krewench thought would have a lasting impact.

“We showed folks that reservists from the area are a part of the Canadian Armed Forces and the community. It’s nice to get out and remind everyone that even though we are trained and ready to knock on doors during fires, floods and ice-storms to make sure everyone is safe, we can also skate,” concluded Capt Krewench.