Soldiers play hockey in Iraq thanks to the pros

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Summerall, Bayji, Iraq are swinging new hockey sticks and slapping a red ball into regulation nets due to the efforts of some of their hometown hockey heroes. By Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.  

BAYJI, IRAQ

10.12.2005

Courtesy Story

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SUMMERALL, Bayji, Iraq -- They don't have an ice rink or skates of any sorts, but Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Summerall, Bayji, Iraq are swinging new hockey sticks and slapping a red ball into regulation nets due to the efforts of some of their hometown hockey heroes.

Hockey has become a getaway for Soldiers at FOB Summerall and with the large amount of equipment being sent to them from the National Hockey League and various hockey organizations, the game will be able to continue for Soldiers in future deployments to Iraq.

After a long day of conducting combat patrols or pulling guard duty, Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Fay, personal security officer for the 42nd Division Artillery commander, and native of Roxbury, Mass., said it is nice for Soldiers to have an outlet and place to relax.

"It's made a lot of people happy," Fay said. "This is one of our things that we do when we have some down time, it's one of the few things we have."

Fay said the game provides the Soldiers with a piece of home that they have all grown up with.

"It makes you feel like you are at home," Fay said. "Everybody who plays here are basically from the New England states, there are a few people from New York, Massachusetts, a few are from Pennsylvania so we all play hockey in one form or another, and here we are getting back to home."

Everyone really enjoys playing and there are a few Soldiers who play each other a few times a week said Sgt. Thomas Lynch, a legal noncommissioned officer with the 42nd DIVARTY, Task Force Liberty.

"Everyone who comes has a blast," Lynch said. "A lot of times the guys come on Tuesday and Thursday, but the equipment is always available and all the guys appreciate it."

Fay said the equipment donated by the hockey organizations and shipped to them courtesy of UPS included nets, balls, sticks, gloves, helmets and other miscellaneous items that easy total up to more than $10,000, and is being put to good use.

"Look at everyone," Fay said. "Everyone is laughing, playing, having a real good time, there is no out there right now, only right here."

• Date Taken: 10.12.2005
• Date Posted: 10.12.2005 13:58
• Story ID: 3303
• Location: BAYJI, IQ