ANNAPOLIS, Md – A week has passed since the Naval Academy hosted the Stadium Series game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The field is back to being used for turf sports like the lacrosse game that was held just one week later. While the rink may be gone, the memories remain for all those involved in the event. Members of the Navy men’s team were able to watch the Maple Leafs practice at their home rink, McMullen Arena.
The men’s and women’s ice hockey teams also were on ice for the pregame ceremonies and held the United States and Canadian flags. 500 midshipmen also processed into the stadium and “manned the rails”, while former Navy ice hockey player and current Navy Superintendent Walter E. “Ted” (Slapshot) Carter was on hand for the ceremonial puck drop. Coach Michael Yff, of the D2 men’s team, as well as D2 player Peter Huang were kind enough to share some thoughts this past week with Pro Hockey News via email. 
Coach Yff stated: I thought the Staduim game was very well done. I know sometimes when you try and do a salute to the military it doesn’t quite come off with the same effect as you were hoping but in this case the NHL absolutely knocked it out of the park. All the Mids I’ve talked to have told me that this was a once in a lifetime experience. We even have a Mid on the hockey team from Detroit that was rooting for the Maple Leafs because he got the opportunity to talk to a lot of the Leafs after their practice at McMullen.
Peter Huang had this to say: Along with my teammates I got to participate in unfurling the flag for the national anthem. The event itself was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Especially for us midshipman, who all feel a special connection to not only the stadium as a home-football field, but also as a monument to those who have gone before us in the fight for freedom. It was incredible to see the NHL honor it in such a way. Being there on the ice with the anthem playing and enormous spirit of the fans in the stadium was a memory I’ll never forget.
As a photographer and sometimes writer for Pro Hockey News, I also would like to say that this was an incredible event and was a wonderful tribute to our men and women who have served, to those currently serving, and to those who will continue to serve.
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