Navy beats army in annual charity hockey game

Rival military reservists traded in their service uniforms for hockey jerseys Saturday to duke it out on ice for a good cause. Wielding sticks and firing pucks, members of the HMCS Hunter naval reserve faced off against the local Canadian Armed Forces in the WFCU Centre’s main bowl for the coveted Grapes Cup. The second annual free and public matchup raised money through donations for Adopt A Vet, a local non-profit that brings lonely veterans holiday gifts and companionship. “Over the years we’ve had the Navy come to the armouries and play ball hockey,” said Capt. Brad Krewench, captain of the army’s team. “We thought that we would bring it to the community level and have an ice hockey game.” Krewench, who started Adopt A Vet in 2014, said the event reaches beyond the military community. After the game, civilians were invited to an hour of free skating with local servicemen and women. “A lot of people in the area don’t even know we have a military community here in Windsor,” he said before hitting the dressing room. “We enjoy this game quite a bit.”

There’s always been a rivalry between the army and navy, he said, and it showed on the ice. The friendly contest became increasingly physical with each goal scored, but players on both sides kept their gloves on.

“It’s funny that Windsor’s not known for a military town, but there is a deep military history in this community with so many members that have participated in two world wars, Vietnam, Korea, and recently Afghanistan,” said Lt. (N) Ed Beaune, captain of the navy’s hockey team.

“We just want to make sure that Windsor knows there’s a navy, and we’re very proud to serve the community in Windsor, and the (Canadian Armed Forces).

“Of course we’re going to fight hard for the navy, but at the end of the day the big winner is the city of Windsor, and the men and women that serve in the Canadian forces here in Windsor,” Beaune said.

“We’re one force together.” Master Seaman Adam Mitchell had a more competitive mindset leading up to the puck drop. “I’m a member of the Canadian Navy, and I really don’t like the army,” Mitchell said with a big smile just after leaving the dressing room.

“I’m really excited to go out there and play hockey against them. I guarantee a navy victory.”

In front of a vocal audience of hundreds both in and out of uniform, the navy did win with nine goals to the army’s five.