The idea came to Lincoln-Sudbury High School senior Jordan Dow this past summer, although it had been germinating since his sophomore year.
?Dow, an L-S varsity hockey captain, and his teammates, wanted to cap their years of L-S hockey by honoring Lt. Scott F. Milley, a young man whom they had never met, but who has had a great impact on them. The headline event would raise funds for organizations serving military families close to home and bring the community together.? The concept was almost as obvious as its eventual title:? Warriors 4 Warriors/ Patriots 4 Patriots.
???? The L-S boys hockey team will host the first annual Warriors 4 Warriors/ Patriots 4 Patriots Benefit Hockey game against rival Concord Carlisle High School at the New England Sports Center (NESC) in Marlborough on Dec. 15 at? 5:30 pm.? Proceeds from the game will go to the Lt. Scott Milley Ranger Foundation (www.ltscottfmilleymemorialfund.org) and the Military Friends Foundation (www.militaryfriends.org).? Both organizations provide invaluable support to military families in the Metrowest Boston area.
???? The beginning of the 2010-2011 L-S hockey season was marked by the loss of Milley, a 2005 L-S graduate and L-S hockey captain, who was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan.? The L-S hockey team players experienced how the loss deeply affected L-S head hockey coach Peter Elenbaas, and they were forever changed.?
???? While Elenbaas, in his wish to honor a beloved player, had not intended for this experience to be a ?teachable moment? it naturally became one.?
?Scott was the best teammate to have,? said Elenbaas, who began his first year coaching Milley?s JV team.? No matter what the circumstances, he would hit the ice with unbridled energy and joy. He was, Elenbaas remembers, ?larger than life and a true leader.?
?????? They began that season with a heavy heart and from that point on, the team was shaped by Scott?s memory and by his example of character, integrity, and service.
??While we did not have the honor of knowing him personally,? said Dow, ?his presence is always felt.????????? The boys sought to emulate Milley?s example both on and off the ice.
???? Community service has always been an integral part of the L-S hockey team, which participates in the ?First to Serve? program, raising funds to serve the local community in a meaningful way.? Elenbaas, who has been head hockey coach for seven years, believes teaching kids about community service through athletics is a ?natural fit? and has been embedded in the program for years.
????? For Dow and his teammates, the Warriors 4 Warriors event will be the culmination of a lifetime of memories on the ice.? Many of the boys from L-S and C-C have played hockey together from the age of 5, their ?brotherhood? forged by cold, early-morning practices, hitting the boards, and years of skating with and against each other.? There is a unique bond among these players who understand the level of commitment and dedication involved in playing a sometimes grueling sport.? Dow realizes how much hockey has given to him and to his fellow players:? phenomenal coaches, lifelong friendships, and a deep sense of community and commitment. Capping off his senior year with an iconic event that would ?give back? and leave a legacy for the future was his greatest wish.
????? The countdown to the game has heated up an already friendly rivalry between Elenbaas and C-C head coach Kevin Harrington, L-S co-captains Dow, Matt Hall and Owen Maron and CCHS co-captains Brendan Harrington and Patrick McCauley.? The captains and team players have been collaborating on raising funds, raising awareness about the event, and getting their fan bases energized.? All team members have been busy selling $5.00 wristbands, which also serve as admission to the game, and commemorative t-shirts in their respective school colors.?
???? From the youngest mites to older hockey alums, families and fans, Dow and his teammates hope to fill the stands with energy and enthusiasm.? SMS (Sudbury/Maynard/Stow) youth hockey players have worn patches on their jerseys in honor of Milley, and those displaying the patch will be admitted to the game free of charge.? Elenbaas feels this will be even more exciting for those young hockey players, who not only get to watch their older high school mentors, but who will potentially play in the Warriors 4Warriors/ Patriots 4 Patriots benefit game in the future.? Elenbaas, Harrington, and their teams hope this will be a lasting legacy for many years to come.? As the hope is expressed in its subtitle, ?A Tradition Begins.?
???? Elenbaas believes the measure of the success of this event will be if the bleachers are full and the energy level is high. ?The goal of this event is far greater than any amount of money raised,? notes Elenbaas.? He hopes the game will be one that Scott Milley would have been proud of, as the teams face off under Milley?s retired No. 8 L-S jersey on display at NESC.
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????????? Wristbands can be purchased for $5.00 in advance of the game.? They will also be sold on game day for the regular admission price of $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.? Raffle tickets will be sold on game day to win one of five raffle baskets featuring themes such as New England Sports, a Weekend Away, a Gourmet Basket, Movies and Entertainment, and Hockey, all of which will be on display at NESC during the game.? For more information please contact Evelyn Dow at 978-443-9192 or evdow@me.com or visit www.warriorshockey.com.
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