CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — First responders and military veterans took to the ice Thursday at the Panthers IceDen to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, while coming together through their shared love of hockey.
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The fourth annual Always Remember Never Forget tournament brought together 16 teams of first responders and military veterans from across the Southeast.
For the players, the tournament is a chance to compete, build camaraderie and remember the events that changed the country 25 years ago.
“When they get on this ice for one hour, nothing else matters,” said John Allen, the tournament’s director.
Allen said the significance of the day remains strong for those who lived through it and those who served in its aftermath.
“Obviously 25 years ago today, America as a whole changed,” Allen said. “That day was traumatic for a lot of people.”
Allen said the tournament is focused on honoring those who served and those who were lost.
“Today is about remembering the people who have served people who we’ve lost on 9/11 people who we lost in the war in the events following after,” Allen said.
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Once the puck drops, the players focus on the game, creating a sense of unity among people who understand the experience of serving others.
“We may hate each other when we’re on the ice, but when we’re off it’s all hugs,” said Greg Ferrari of Panthers Warriors Team 1.
Ferrari served 16 years in the Army and was among the last soldiers to leave Afghanistan. He said playing hockey with fellow veterans brings back a familiar sense of camaraderie.
“A lot of the camaraderie of having guys that went through similar experiences as you, we all play a sport that we like together,” he said.
The Panthers Warriors hockey program also uses the tournament as an opportunity to support first responders and others who served.
“Doing what we can to support the people that were there to help us out,” said Ed Zito, president of Panthers Warriors Hockey.
Games will continue throughout the weekend, with the tournament running through Sunday. Read the full schedule below.
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