PLYMOUTH, Mich. - USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program announced today that the first annual Military Appreciation Weekend will take place March 4-5 when its U.S. National Under-17 Team hosts the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in United States Hockey League action at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. Opening faceoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET both nights.

“We’re excited to partner with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System to help raise awareness and funds for veteran programs,” said Scott Monaghan, senior director of operations for the NTDP. “We look forward to welcoming veterans to our games this weekend and saluting their service to our country.”

On Friday (March 4), a pre-game “Welcome Home Celebration” event will kick off the weekend’s activities. Over 400 veterans and their families are expected to attend the reception with the support of Foundation of American Veterans and Labatt. The event will highlight the benefits and resources available through the VA. 

Both games will also feature special military guests, demonstrations and activities from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, United States Air Force, Plymouth Community United Way, American Red Cross, Michigan Army National Guard, United States Army and more. 

The U.S. National Under-17 Team will wear camouflage, military-themed jerseys for both contests and following the weekend, the game-worn jerseys will be available for fans to bid on through the USA Hockey-MeiGray Game-Worn Jersey Authentication Program on the NHL Auctions website. Proceeds will benefit the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Tickets to the game are available at the USA Hockey Arena box office (14900 Beck Road, Plymouth, Michigan) or by calling 734-453-8400. Fans can also purchase tickets online at usahockeyarena.com and when using the promotional code AAVA, a portion of the proceeds will go to support efforts of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. 

“We thank USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for its support of our efforts and look forward to a great weekend of hockey,” said Derek Atkinson, public affairs officer with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. “We’re all about caring for those that help protect our freedoms, and I can’t think of a more noble effort.”

For more information about the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and veteran services, contact Mignon Sizemore at 734-845-3429, mignon.sizemore@va.gov, or visit www.va.gov.