McGuire AFB readies for annual hockey match against Dover AFB

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- --  The McGuire Air Force Base All-Stars are ready to battle it out on ice against the Dover Air Force Base All-Stars in an ice hockey game, at noon, Jan. 31, at the Wachovia Spectrum in Philadelphia.

The rivaling teams will meet for their second annual charity fundraiser match to support military families in need. Proceeds of the match are donated to the Combined Federal Campaign and Air Force Assistance Fund. To date both teams have sold more than 325 tickets for the upcoming game and combined with last year's amounts have raised more than $2,000 for the charity.

A new year brings new opportunities and Team McGuire hopes to come back from last year's 4-9 loss to Dover with a win. Both teams will face off with new players on their rosters and some old players gone. With players from the active duty, Guard and Reserve, the McGuire Team has been practicing for the match since October.

A couple of local players give their take on this year's event.

"McGuire has improved this year's team by adding six new players who have much needed playing experience," said Senior Airman Michael Ramos, team facilitator. "This year adds an even split of officer and enlisted players and ranges from a Division One Air Force Academy standout to recreational players," said Airman Ramos. "However, Dover also has revamped its already young core," he added.

"While we're all on the same side in the United States Air Force, there are bragging rights to be had in this friendly competition," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Savidge, a McGuire newcomer. "As this is the second annual event, it's clearly time to even the score," he said.

Contact Airman Ramos at (856) 404-8513 or e-mail mnramos25@aol.com to purchase tickets.
Tickets cost $15 per person and include admission to the Philadelphia Phantoms vs. the Albany River Rats game beginning at 7:05 p.m.
"Since there's about a five-hour difference from the end of the Air Force game and the beginning of the Phantoms game, spectators can see the sites of Philadelphia between games," said Airman Ramos.

Hockey fans can expect more changes next year during the third annual face-off of McGuire and Dover.

"Next year we're looking at the National Hockey League level for arena venues possibly in Philadelphia, New Jersey or New York," said Airman Ramos.

This year's game will be held at the Spectrum for the last time, as the complex is scheduled for demolition in the summer to make room for additional Philadelphia sports complex construction. Comcast-Spectator Chairman Ed Snider announced in July 2008 that the 42-year-old arena will permanently close its doors at the end of the 2008-09 Phantoms and Philadelphia Kixx season.

The McGuire All-Star players say they feel privileged to have had the opportunity to play on the ice where the Philadelphia Flyers won two Stanley Cup Championships and where many more memorable historical moments in sports took place.