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For the second year in a row, Rochester’s recreational hockey team for military veterans, the Flower City Warriors, will be part of the Rochester Americans’ Military Appreciation night at the Blue Cross Arena.
“We’re a veteran support organization using the sport of hockey to provide military veterans with both healing and a sense of community,” says Chas Belfield, Warriors president.
Belfield himself heard about the group on the radio in 2018. After learning about a hockey event that the Warriors took part in at Tim Hortons Iceplex, he joined and has helped grow the group ever since.
He says that his own readjustment to civilian life was aided by joining the group. This is a sentiment echoed by many in the Warriors who struggle with feeling directionless, alone, angry, and anxious due to struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. They say that the camaraderie, friendship, and support of fellow veterans helps tremendously.
A part of the national USA Warrior Hockey network, the team has participated in tournaments across the country and has many friendly rivalries with familiar foes, including their opponent on Military Appreciation night.
“This year, we’ve invited the Fort Drum Mountaineers to be our opponent,” Belfield says. “It’s the deciding game of a series tied at one apiece.”
In addition to the Warriors game, there will be a silent auction for a custom jersey donated by Scott Cullen in honor of his longtime friend, Scott Metcalfe. Metcalfe was a former Amerk and supporter of veteran hockey who passed away last year at age 58. Half of the auction proceeds will be donated to Metcalfe’s family.
Tickets to the 5:05 p.m. Amerks game against the Cleveland Monsters on Jan. 24 are available online and include admission to the Flower City Warriors game, with puck drop at 2 p.m.
Jacob Schermerhorn is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and data journalist.
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