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Players from Fairchild Falcons, blue, stop a puck from being hit into the goal by Joint Base Lewis-McChord players during the Veterans Hockey Game Aug. 27, 2016 at Eastern Washington University Recreational Center in Cheney, Wash. “The game was entertaining and educational for our team,” said Master Sgt. Richard Ortega, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Inspector General wing inspection team manager, and Falcons coach. “We learned some of our shortfalls and strengths.” (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton)

Hockey

Hockey players from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. stand with their hands over their hearts while the National Anthem is being sung before the start of the Veterans Hockey Game Aug. 27, 2016 at Eastern Washington University Recreational Center in Cheney, Wash. The purpose of the game was to build relationships with other varsity hockey teams in the Pacific North West Region. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton)

Hockey

Players from the Fairchild Falcons hockey team, blue, play against the Joint Base Lewis-McChord team, black, during the Veterans Hockey Game Aug. 27, 2016 at Eastern Washington University Recreational Center in Cheney, Wash. “This game helped get our team ready to compete at the Armed Services Hockey Tournament against the caliber of teams we will be facing when there,” said Master Sgt. Rory McKinnon, 92nd Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor and Falcons player. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton)

Fairchild Falcons battle JBLM

Published Aug. 29, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

CHENEY, Wash. -- Fairchild Air Force Base’s hockey team, The Falcons, played in their first Veteran’s Hockey Game against Joint Base Lewis-McChord Aug. 27, at the Eastern Washington University Recreational Center in Cheney, Wash.

The purpose of the game was to build relationships with other varsity hockey teams in the Pacific Northwest region.

JBLM dominated the first and second periods leading 4-0, but the Falcon’s rallied in the last part of the game.

“The game was entertaining and educational for our team,” said Master Sgt. Richard Ortega, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Inspector General wing inspection team manager, and Falcons coach. “We learned some of our shortfalls and strengths.”

This game was not only a way to test players' skills, but also prepared them for future challenges.

“This game helped get our team ready to compete at the Armed Services Hockey Tournament against the caliber of teams we will be facing when there,” said Master Sgt. Rory McKinnon, 92nd Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor and Falcon’s player.

The Armed Services Hockey Tournament will be held Nov. 10-13, in Las Vegas. The tournament consists of 30 teams, with each team playing at least four games competing to advance to the final championship game.

The final score of Saturday’s game was 7-5 with JBLM winning the game.

“All in all, both teams had fun playing the sport we love and it was a great opportunity to meet some new players,” said Ortega.