Veterans Get in Free This Friday - Thank You For Your Service!

Nov 07, 2016

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Springfield, MA - The Springfield Thunderbirds are pleased to announce that Eric Rosa (pictured, photo courtesy Chris Marion/MassLive), a Springfield resident and U.S. Army veteran, will be dropping the ceremonial first puck at the Thunderbirds game on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:05 p.m. ET at the MassMutual Center against St. John's. Eric rosa.jpg

Rosa was chosen as the 2016 Springfield Veteran of the Year, an award given to a Springfield resident who is a veteran and continuously volunteers their time to better our community and never seeks recognition.

Rosa served two tours of duty in Iraq before he moved to Springfield with his wife and two daughters. He now works as a firefighter in Springfield while also owning Virtue Martial Arts and Fitness, where he teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to children. According to MassLive.com, Rosa says martial arts helped him cope after coming home from the war.

In addition to Rosa's ceremonial puck drop, the Thunderbirds will also celebrate Veterans Day by offering a free ticket to every military member, both active and veteran, for Friday's game.

"The Thunderbirds are proud to honor our veterans and are thankful for their service to our country," said Thunderbirds Executive Vice President Nathan Costa. "Our team name pays tribute to the vital role the military plays in our community, and we hope this night can serve as a small token of our gratitude."

Also in leading up to the Veterans Day game, Thunderbirds players paid a visit to the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, a Western Massachusetts military community that has housed veterans dating back to World War II since 1952.

The Thunderbirds will also host a larger Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, Dec. 3 as they host the Providence Bruins at the MassMutual Center at 7:05 p.m ET.

On top of the Veterans Day celebration on Friday, the night also marks another $1 Night and Pregame Concert Series presented by MGM Springfield with a performance from Eagle Eyes. Tickets are available online at www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625).

To celebrate our military men and women, veterans and active serving military personnel will receive 1 free ticket to Friday's game. Please note this special offer is available exclusively at the MassMutual Center box office on Bruce Landon Way.

The Thunderbirds would like to extend their support and appreciation for all military personnel; we thank you for your service to our country!