Charleston, SC: Last year the Citadel planned a tour of the United Kingdom with players from the Citadel and the Naval Academy. The team whose mantra is “One Team, One Fight” played four teams in Scotland and England. This year, players from the United States Air Force Academy will join players from the Citadel and Naval Academy, playing three team in Germany, while also spending some time in Austria.
Karl Buchanan, class of ’86 of the Citadel, one of the key figures in planning the trip was kind enough to answer some questions regarding the planning of the tour.
PHN: Please provide some history for this event:
Team USA: This is the second year for Team USA Military and it seems to only be getting bigger and better. Last year featured the Citadel and Naval Academy only and was intended to test the waters, see how much support we could muster and then decide from there if we should continue the annual event. Well as we know, it was a huge success and an event of a lifetime for all those that participated. This year, as mentioned, it’s bigger and 2x the support. this year we will take the ice with the best players from three schools: The Citadel, The United States Naval Academy and The United States Air Force Academy. Our hope was to have all academies participating but logistics just made it a little tough this year. I feel confident that next year will host every Academy. Also a big change this year is we will be using a third party to coordinate all logistics to include travel, hotel, transportation, sightseeing, food entertainment, etc for both the team and 50+ family and friends attending.
PHN: When did the decision to tour Germany come about?
Team USA: Well, if you know Coach Ed and myself, then you know the decision was made over a beer, and where else can we go that has great beer….Germany it is! Actually, Darci (Karl’s wife) and I spent three years in Germany and love it; especially during this time of year It’s absolutely breathtaking. The goal is to provide a lifetime experience for the boys and what better place than Southern Germany? It’s great hockey, unbelievable picturesque views, tasty food, and yes, awesome beer.
PHN: When did planning begin?
Team USA: We started planning the month after returning from the UK. It literally takes 12 months from start to finish.
PHN: Who was involved in the planning?
Team USA: Initially just me Darci, Coach Ed and Laurie (coach Ed’s wife) and then once we got the framework we solicited others like Mike Yff (with the Naval Academy) and the third party travel specialiists.
PHN: How was it decidedwhat teams to play?
Team USA: Wow, that’s a great question. Unlike last year where we had an idea of the landscape, this was different. It’s unfamiliar ground and we could only go on video, word of mouth, and sifting through the teamsand their respective availability. It clearly was way more difficult this year vs last year. Mike Yff was key this year in securing contacts.
PHN: Are there any connections to any of the teams?
Team USA: Not like last year. Remember, Coach Ed played in the UK, but this year it’s new territory.
PHN: Who’s coaching?
Team USA: Coach Ed Courtenay will head up the staff of Mike Yff and Ed Yerage(Citadel).
PHN: What support staff is going?
Team USA: We have had to beef up the staff a little to support the vision and growth and expanded academy participation. I’ll have an Air Force TAC aiding me in communication and logistics and then Darci and Laurie will be working with the travel agency folks to make the event smooth for both team and guest. As always we welcome back Pro Hockey News to help document the trip via photos and articles. Last, we will be taking a prior NHL team trainer with us to ensure that the boys stay healthy.
PHN: How many players are going?
Team USA: 18 players.
PHN: How were players selected?
Team USA: Most players were selected during the tournament hosted at Navy this year. Our hope is to have that expanded and be able to see all teams play at that tournament.
PHN: How many guests are going?
Team USA: Over 50, so we are pushing 80.
PHN: How is the trip being funded? Donations, corporate sponsors, fund raising etc?
Team USA: This is 100% self funded. 90% of the funding came from the Citadel Alumni and for that we are thankful. We also had a larger corporate sponsor that requests to remain nameless.
PHN: Can donations still be made?
Team USA: Yes, please, please, please. It cost about 60-70k to get these boys over and back. We need about $5k more to hit budget.
PHN: What are some differences between this year and last years trip?
Team USA: The quality of players…night and day, and the use of the travel agent.
PHN: Will this event continue in future years? If so any ideas about next year?
Team USA: Yes, and it’s too early to tell where…it will be a surprise. Be prepared to be blown away.
PHN: What are your expectations for this trip?
Team USA: Have fun, be safe with no injuries, and represent with respect our families, schools, and Country. We are Cadets, Midshipmen and Airmen first and hockey players second.
PHN: Who designed the uniforms and who is the manufacturer?
Team USA: The jersey was designed by myself, Coach Ed, Laurie and Darci. We will have the traditional logo on blue material, red shells, clue socks and blue buckets. Jersey 53 is a corporate sponsor and the manufacturer.
Thanks again to Karl Buchanan for providing response to the PHN questions. Stay tuned for articles regarding the teams that Team USA will be facing, the travel plans and of course, the Meet the Team question and answer.
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