ANNAPOLIS, Maryland: The weekend of October 4, 5 and 6 brings the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy to the United States Naval Academy for hockey’s version of the Commander in Chiefs trophy known for the military academies football trophy. Friday will see Navy’s D2 team play Air Force, Saturday will have Army play Air Force, and Sunday will have the Army Navy game. Saturday night will also see the Navy women’s team vs the Air Force women’s club. To round out the weekend, the Navy D1 men’s team will play University of Pittsburgh on Friday and Saturday night.
The tournament is possible due to the Air Force Academy’s football game at Navy Marine Corps Stadium. The following is a question and answer forum with Pro Hockey News asking questions, and Mike Yff of Navy and Tim Hartje of Air Force answering questions about the preparation for, and about the weekend.
PHN: When did planning for the CIC tournament start?
Navy: Well, we have had the idea for some years now. It was just a matter of trying to get everyone together. Army has always told us if USAF can make it to Annapolis, they would make the trip down from West Point. When USAF informed us a couple months ago that they could make the trip this season, that really got the ball rolling.
USAF: Planning began late spring 2019 when service academy football schedules were finalized.
PHN: When and how did the idea come about?
Navy: Ever since we (Navy) traveled to Air Force we wanted a CIC tournament to be possible. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of money available for club hockey with the USAF being out in Colorado, it can make travel a bit of a challenge.
USAF: Navy club hockey traveled to Air Force three years ago during Navy-AF football game. Our cadets enjoyed hosting and playing two competitive games against our sister service academy at the USAFA Cadet Ice Arena.
PHN: Were there obstacles to scheduling?
Navy: With now three hockey teams at the Naval Academy (club Men’s D1, Men’s D2 and Women’s D2) it can make finding game slots at McMullen Arena difficult, especially on weekends all three teams have to be in Annapolis. We were lucky that we could get three game slots for the weekend and very thankful we can make this tournament hamppen. It’s a big weekend at the Brigade Sports Comples as it plays host to six college hockey games, two or three college rugby games, and the Navy women’s tennis invitational.
USAF: Navy was very accomodating in finding ice times to play two games. They also reached out to Army, who in turn were quick to jump on the opportunity to play other service academy club teams. The only unknown was getting enough seats on MilAir lift for the Air Force team.
PHN: Will there be a trophy, like the Crab Pot Tournament?
Navy: We didn’t get a trophy made…It’s all about bragging rights, but if we can manage to pull this off again, that is something we will do.
USAF: Not sure about a trophy, but pride and experience of playing competitive hockey versus other highly respected serive academy teams will last a hockey lifetime. Stories get better with age.
PHN: Is this a one and done tournament, or do you hope to do this in future years?
Navy: We would loveto do this every year, it’s just a matter of funding for each team. In a perfect world, we would rotate who hosts the tournament.
USAF: May circle back around in the future. Air Force’s door is always open.
PHN: Were there any thoughts of having more than just the three senior military academies participate?
Navy: Navy and Army have participated in the Service Leaders of Tomorrow tournament in Bridgeport, CT with USCGA, USMMA and Mass Maritime, but never just us and Air Force, so we wanted a tournament for the teams that play for the CIC.
USAF: Not to my knowledge.
PHN: Will the tournament come in handy for preparation for the Team USA Military tour of Germany?
Navy: Yes. Coach Ed will be coming to watch for potential players for the team, and after the tournament, Team USA Military staff will get together and select the players.
USAF: Yes. Air Force has five interested players in the military tour opportunity. Playing in the tourney will give exposure to the players, coaches can get a feel for talent/skill level and players can get first-hand info on organizational aspects of the military tour.
PHN: How much communication has happened between the institutions before the tournament?
USAF: Quite a bit between AF and Navy. Navy has also done a nice job coordinating with Army.
PHN: Do you expect the teams, when not playing, to attend the other games?
Navy: I think if the players could, they will, but I don’t think the schedule will allow it. During Saturday’s Army v AF hockey game, our navy guys will have to miss, due to the march on at the football game. The Army v Navy game on Sunday, Air Force will miss due to the flight back to Colorado.
USAF: Highly likely. AF has a duty requirement to attend the football game as well, so we will see how the entire weekend schedule works out. Can always catch up on sleep on the flight home.
PHN: How much preparing and coaching will go on before and during the games?
Navy: We have to go into the games this weekend and prepare just like any other game, even if it is Army and Air Force.
USAF: We have had rink issues at the Cadet Ice Arena due to a major renovation project. On ice has been limited, but the team has conducted regular dry land training and chalk talks. We will have played one game before the tournament, on Saturday, September 26.
PHN: With the military having to always be prepared, what are some possible things that can go wrong, and what can be done to react?
USAF: MilAir could be canceled last minute or delayed take off. Friday night game is scheduled late so lots of buffer time to get there and play.
Some other things to note: This will be the first time the Air Force Academy club team will face off with West Point. Air Force and Navy played at USAFA a few years back and the cadets and grads still talk about the experience.