Rivalries to face off at military appreciation night

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Jan. 7, 2015) -- Hosted by the Columbus Cottonmouths, the yearly Military Appreciation Night hockey showdown featuring four hockey team rivalries will start at 5:45 p.m. followed by the second game at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Columbus Civic Center.

The four dueling teams are the Fort Benning hockey team vs. the club team Camp Patriots comprised of Soldiers and contractors from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and professional teams, the Cottonmouths vs. the Fayetteville, North Carolina, FireAntz.

Benning's team and Cottonmouths head coach Jerome Bechard said this night is a small token to say "thank you" for what the Soldiers do on the "daily basis for us."

Military ID holders including dependents can purchase a ticket for $5 that night, said Spencer Folds, Benning's team general manager.

"That ticket can get you into our game, (which plays first) and the Cottonmouths game," he said. "You can't beat this deal of $5 (a) ticket and watch two great hockey games."

Last year, Folds said the Cottonmouths dressed in life-like dress blue uniform jerseys and added Bechard is "passionate about not only the game, but about the Soldiers."

"He rolls out the red carpet for this (night)," Folds said.

Bechard said this year the Cottonmouths will wear cream-colored jerseys with the American flag on the shoulder sleeves, with the red, white and blue running through the players jersey numbers and will have the cottonmouths logo.

As they did last year, he said they will auction off their jerseys at the end of the night with the prices ranging from $200-$1000.

"(It will) depend on who is wearing them and if we win that night," Bechard said.

The Cottonmouths and FireAntz game is about vying for positions, he said.

"I think they are one point ahead of us in the standings right now and we're fighting for a playoffs spot," Bechard said.

Patriots co-captain AJ LaLonde said it's always great competition between Benning's team and themselves.

"It has become quite the rivalry," Matthew DePuydt, Benning's team co-captain said.

Folds said it's a brotherly kind of rivalry and not the kind seen in sports such as football.

Because it's the military, DePuydt said, there are a few players who have played with the Patriots who now play on Benning's team and vice versa, which makes the rivalry that much better.

"It's ... bragging rights," he said.

Folds said it's kind of like a reunion.

"But as soon as they get on that ice, it's a whole other story," he said.

LaLonde said that competitive drive is an added element to the game.

"Soldiers don't like to quit (or be) shown up," he said.

LaLonde, who is a contractor, said he looks forward to this night because it helps the Soldiers get away from work, go hard on the ice, have a good time and reminisce with their buddies.

"Being on the outside looking in, I am more than grateful to be apart of that," he said.

DePuydt said though skilled players are to be expected, the Patriots usually bring a little bit of a physical game, which Benning's team will counteract with the home crowd.

LaLonde said the teams feed off the crowd and in the past the trainees in the crowd drove everybody wild pushing the guys twice as hard.

"There's going to be some good hits ... (and) a lot of good hard play," he said.

Folds said there will be nearly 2,000 trainees in attendance.

The atmosphere the trainees bring with their chants, Bechard said, is intimidating.

"It's just something to see as a spectator," he said.

With it being Military Appreciation Night, DePuydt said, people should go to the games to celebrate the military.

"It's a great experience," he said.

LaLonde said support the troops.

"Support the guys serving the country (who) are being a little more proactive within the community, ..." he said.

Bechard said overall he enjoys watching the post team players work hard and play for the love of the sport.

"To see somebody motivated to play as hard as they do and give everything they have to win and not get paid is pretty cool," he said.

LaLonde said the Patriots love visiting Columbus.

"Benning and the Cottonmouths do a wonderful job of hosting us," LaLonde said.

Benning's hockey team will have their last tryouts and final cuts 7 p.m. Jan. 8. at the Civic Center.

For information, call DePuydt at 706-405-1879.

GAME NIGHT INFORMATION:

WHAT: Military Appreciation Hockey Night

WHEN: Jan. 10

•Benning's hockey team

vs. Camp Patriots, 5:45 p.m.

•Cottonmouths vs. FireAntz, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Columbus Civic Center

TICKETS: $5 with a Military ID, $10-$30 without a Military ID