SAN DIEGO -- Almost 1,000 fans came to the San Diego Ice Arena to watch service members with the United States Military All-Stars play hockey against the San Diego Gulls Alumni to raise funds for charities, Jan. 28.
The funds raised at the game were donated to the Warrior Foundation and San Diego youth hockey.
“I enjoy the fact that we get the chance to give back to the community,” said Daniel Raatz, a defenseman for the All-Stars and a West Allis, Wis., native.
Raatz said he also enjoyed getting the chance to help the youth who play the same game he played as a child.
Even though the goal of the game was to raise money for charity, both teams still played competitively to give the fans a good show.
“I mean if you lose, you lose,” said Raatz. “The major thing is the fans enjoy it, they have a good time, and we’re able to raise money for charity.”
The funds were split between youth hockey and the Warrior Foundation, an organization that works with active duty service members who are injured or suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“I think it was hugely successful,” said Judy Sexton, a volunteer with the Warrior Foundation and a San Diego native. “The stands looked like they were overflowing, people were standing around the rink, and I think people had a really good time.”
The final score of the game was 15-5, leaving the San Diego Gulls Alumni the victors. Although the United States Military All-Stars lost, both teams contributed to making the charity game a major win.