By: Spc. Audrey Glynn
2SCR Public Affairs
Vilseck, Germany – Playing hockey and having fun were the two themes at the United States Air Force Europe Ice Hockey Championship Tournament held in Garmisch, February 10 – 13. Eight teams from all over Europe joined together for four days of camaraderie and friendly competition. Among those teams was the underdog group, who represented the Grafenwoehr Garrison, known as the Bayern Rangers.
The Rangers’ team, coached by Bradley Huestis, is comprised of 16 players, eight of which belong to the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment. Huestis presented the opportunity to play hockey to a few people who he thought would be interested. Soon those connections grew into a whole team that was eager to get out on the ice. Though with only five practices and two games to prepare for the tournament it seemed that the Rangers were at a disadvantage. Major Mick Mineni, 2SCR’s Operations Officer, plays defense for the Rangers and is proud of his fellow teammates.
“The tournament officials pretty much wrote us off from the beginning because the team that played for Bayern last year was eliminated within the first day.”
This year the Rangers won their first two games of the tournament which meant they would play in the medal round. They fought hard for bronze, but in the end they lost by one goal to the Aviano team putting them in fourth place overall. Even though the team didn’t return home with the gold two of its players walked away with awards. Staff Sgt. Chris Sheehan of 2SCR made the tournament All Star Team and 2LT. Mark Osmack, also from 2SCR, received honors for best goalie.
Mineni feels that he and his teammates benefited from this experience.
“We represented the Regiment very well and we had a great time doing it. We made new friends and formed new partnerships that will last a very long time.”
Unfortunately this hockey team won’t be returning to Garmisch next year due to a deployment, but they are looking forward to reuniting with their hockey comrades and competing at the 2012 tournament. The Bayern Rangers will play their last game of the season on Monday, February 22 in Pegnitz against the Boheim Knights.
