Offutt Marauders hockey team heads to first national tournament

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  As Nebraska slowly marches towards winter with its low temperatures and snow drifts, there are a few people who are ready for their time on the ice.

The Offutt Marauders hockey teams have practiced every Friday since April at the Motto McLean Ice Arena in Omaha. Twenty-two members of Team Offutt gather on the ice, preparing to take their skills to a tournament in a city usually left alone by winter.

The Armed Services Hockey Association will host their 10th Annual ASHA Classic Nov. 8-11 in Las Vegas. ASHA, which has been recognized as the unofficial hockey league of the international armed services, welcomes participation by any military, fire or police affiliated ice hockey teams. The Offutt Marauders will face off against 23 other teams from across the globe during this three-day event.

"We're going to go out and be competitive, and hopefully get some wins," said Maj. Robert Martin, interim Offutt Marauder Division 3 team captain. "We're definitely the new kids on the ice, though. There are some experienced teams out there."

Six months ago, Martin starting asking his colleagues and acquaintances for fellow military hockey players to join him at the ASHA tournament.

"The team was started because there were a bunch of guys who genuinely enjoy the sport and want to find someone to share the ice with," said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Therrien, the team's unofficial manager.

Martin met Staff Sgt. Joel Therrien, who became the Division 1 team captain, and 38 other players who wanted to spend their Friday nights coasting on skates, perfecting slap-shots, and scoring goals.

"Once I started asking around, it was easy to find people," said Martin.

Players in both of the Marauder's teams range from active-duty members, guardsmen, reservists, family members and retirees of officers and enlisted ranks from the Air Force, Army and Navy. Also playing on the tournament team is an Offutt firefighter. Ages range from 17 to 45 and include 20-year hockey veterans to three-year amateurs.

The team captains split the group into two teams to encourage players at different skill levels to join. However, both will play under the Offutt Marauders logo, and each will play at least four games during the tournament.

As the teams mature, the players will enroll in more local and national tournaments. They will also continue to practice and scrimmage whenever time allows.

"We're still looking for players," said Martin. "We've got plenty of space as long as someone wants to work hard."

For more information about ASHA, visit http://www.armedserviceshockey.com/. For more information about the Offutt Marauders, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Offutt-AFB-Hockey/271245379650669.