News

Dover AFB beats McGuire AFB in first-ever ice hockey challenge

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 512th Public Affairs
Dover Air Force Base, Del. --  The Dover Air Force Base All-Stars sent McGuire's All-Stars packing 9-4 in a hard-boiled ice hockey game in Philadelphia, Jan.13.

Dover's hockey team consists of players from both the active-duty and Reserve wings, the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings as well as a civilian contractor.

Taking the ice in the same arena, which is home to the Philadelphia Phantoms, the 'Pros from Dover' didn't come for the city's famous cheese steaks. Instead, they chomped a victory against New Jersey's best of the best.

The stage was set when the scoreboard displayed Team Dover with a five-point lead over McGuire, who did take a stab at the Delaware team with their one and only goal during the first period.

Dover All-Stars goalie, Jeffrey Kach, let his guard down during McGuire's sneak attack against the team as they fired in two goals during the second period. But, the onslaught didn't stop Dover. The elite mixture of offensive and defensive skill gave Team Dover an additional three points at the end of the period, making the score 8-3.

Midway through the third and final period, the McGuire AFB All-Stars attempted to tighten the gap with their last goal of the game. However, Dover too was able to squeeze in a quick goal, finishing out the final score.

Michael Ramos, one of the offensive wings for McGuire, worked hand-in-hand with Dover's Nicholas Koskivacirca in many aspects of organizing the inaugural wing challenge.

"The money we raised surpassed what we thought we'd end up with," said Ramos. "We're happy with the outcome."

Both teams worked to sell about 300 tickets, raising $1,500 for the Combined Federal Campaign, a government-sponsored charitable program.

"This hockey game is really all about helping someone else, the camaradarie and having fun doing it all," said Koskivacirca.

As both teams made their trek back to their respective bases, the event organizer expressed how he hoped this historic exhibition wouldn't be their last.

"We have plans to make this an annual competition," said Koskivacirca, who pointed out the trophy has multiple spots for the names of future victors.

For now, the trophy lies in the hands of Team Dover, waiting for another face-off against McGuire.