Veterans Showcase Hockey Tournament unites military members on ice

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Zackary Daniel was feeling it Friday morning at the Polar Ice Center. So when the defenseman skated across the offensive blue line, he let go of a wrist shot that sailed over the goalie's shoulder. He celebrated with a stick twirl before holstering his twig.

"I haven't played in a month," Daniel said. "I'm usually the assist guy."

Daniel is a member of Patriots Hockey from San Diego. His team was taking part in the Navy Federal Credit Union Veterans Showcase Hockey Tournament, in conjuction with the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN360, TVAS2).

The event, partnered by the NHL, honors military veterans from across the United States. Each year, the Veterans Showcase celebrates four military veteran hockey teams. This year, 60 veterans took part at the Raleigh tournament.

"It's been absolutely amazing," Daniel said. "It's been such a blast."

Austin Holthaus founded the Central Florida Warriors last July. Some team members played Division I college hockey, others came straight from learn-to-skate programs. The team is part of the USA Warrior program, which requires players to be injured or disabled veterans or active service members.

"I spent 20 years in the Air Force, and things just add up over time," Holthaus said. "But in our programs across the country they have guys that have major back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, people who have learned to walk again. For some guys on our team, it's more the mental side of things."

Sean Harjala retired from the Army in January. Based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, since 2002, he took advantage of Cleland Ice Arena on the base, where Camp Patriot maintains 42 active players for tournaments and events. He celebrated his retirement by joining the veterans-only tournament. He said he recognizes all the players on these teams share the common bond of personal challenges.

"Everybody in their lives, there are certain demons and pits they find themselves in, especially separated veterans and service members," Harjala said. "They lose that team camaraderie (and) their friends because they have to leave that life behind. They try to re-integrate into their circles they envisioned from five, 10, 20 years ago. In civilian life, people evolve and continue to move forward and down their path of life."

Mike Stuki had a leg up on many of his peers. A former Division I player at the Air Force Academy, he quickly found himself neutralized by Friday's two-game schedule.

"I still have the stamina," said Stuki, the captain of the Texas Cyber Gladiators. The games were his first competitive contests in 15 years, prompting a laugh at what became of his youthful hockey skills. "My hands aren't there anymore."

A retired lieutenant colonel who now works for a supply logistics company, Stuki says most of the veterans view the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime event. Each player will also attend the Capitals-Hurricanes game.

"We're so grateful to Navy Federal Credit Union and the NHL for putting this together because the bond in the military, you live it and breathe it every day," Stuki said. "When you leave the military, it's not the same anywhere else on the planet. But it is very similar when you get on a rink and you get that feeling back. For any veteran who doesn't feel like he has a family, you just have to look at an event like this. The bonds and the friendship never die."

Most military hockey program feature veterans and active-duty players. That combination translates into meaningful moments when the players come together on the ice.

"Having the mix of veterans and the active duty kids, it's a beautiful mix," Daniel said. "It gives the veterans an opportunity to guide these young kids through their military career. I've seen guys come to the locker room with, 'I'm getting a divorce. How do I buy a house? How do I apply for a VA loan?' It gives the older guys the opportunity to lead again."

But for this weekend, the focus is on the uplifting joy of playing the game. The goals, assists and celebrations give all the veterans something to smile about, even if their games could use a little polish.

At 47, Holthaus has learned a valuable lesson about picking his sports. He started playing hockey in his 20s, a challenge that put his athletic career in perspective.

"It's hard as an adult to come to hockey. It can be frustrating," Holthaus said. "I don't play golf because I don't need another sport that I'm not very good at."