Hockey: U.S. Army plays street hockey in Iraq
The game of hockey has become a popular sport around the world and it is played in every nook and cranny on the planet. It has different shapes and styles of play depending upon the available surfaces. In various parts of the world, this sport is practised on a field, ice or simply on the street.
Hockey is one of the best sports in America. The National Hockey League has been promoting this game for many decades. Technically, it is very easy to play the game in a familiar and comfortable environment but the credit goes to players who practice this game in extreme outdoor conditions.
In recent memory, street hockey played by American soldiers in Iraq is the hottest form of the sport. They have been keeping hockey alive in severely hot conditions where temperatures soar up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It is obviously very different from the nice flashy courts of Chicago and Philadelphia.
This year the U.S. Army celebrated their 235th anniversary. On this special occasion the National Hockey League in collaboration with University of Puget Sound and U.S. Army, generously donated street hockey equipment and uniforms to American soldiers in Iraq. They launched the first NHL Street Hockey League at Camp Victory in the capital city of Iraq. A special ceremony was arranged outside NHL in New York City. NHL, the U.S. Army and UPS were the featured representatives at the ceremony which was sponsored by Reebok. Some of the local area troops were also given a chance to play the game on a small portion of the street which was closed for traffic temporarily.
University of Puget Sound is responsible for the safe delivery of all the equipment provided by NHL to Camp Victory in Baghdad. The gear includes nets, pucks, sticks, helmets and other relevant tools.
The U.S. Army has always been keen to provide soldiers with some activity which gives them a break from the day-to-day hard work and keeps them physically fit. The junior director of U.S. Army staff, Lieutenant General David H. Huntoon expressed his views on NHL.com, saying it is a very healthy movement for the overseas American soldiers.
Moreover, he delivered a speech about the significance of recreation of the soldiers who are loaded with difficult tasks and assignments. He added that, the soldiers work under immense pressure and rough conditions, so they need a pause from the usual hectic and busy routine. This is how they can keep fit and perform their duties in a good manner. Hockey will provide them with a chance to show their sporting talents as well. Huntoon shared some of his past memories when he used to play street hockey in Baltimore and his son also followed his steps.
The ambassador for hockey, Sergeant Bowser, said that hockey is for everyone and the soldiers don’t pull back, they go right at it. Staff Sergeant William also considered it a very positive step as it will help to lift their morale.
The members of 5th Battalion “Dragonslayers” and 5th Defence Artillery Regiment are the main promoters and organisers of street hockey in Iraq. They also have the responsibility to systematize Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar missions. This plays an important role in protecting people from enemy fire. They are also called life-saviours.
The U.S. Army has always valued teamwork and team sports have an extreme importance in this regard. A street hockey match in Baghdad will be a total different kind of show in the presence of strange spectators. The sport is a sport after all and it has the unique quality of putting people in a joyful mood.
Tags: