On November 30th 2018 the UNC Bears played for more than just a better score on the scoreboard. The Bears honored past and present military members in their third annual Military Appreciation Night held at the Greeley Ice Haus. This event has become one of the most successful military events that the school puts on. Since it’s inaugural event in 2016, the event has grown tremendously. Each season the Bears pick an individual from each military branch to be honored at the game. This season the Bears honored one of their own, Jay Franceschini.
Junior Jay Franceschini a native of Brick Town, New Jersey served four years in the United States Coast Guard before coming to UNC in 2016. “Honoring Jay is something we knew we wanted to do,” said Erin Prueter UNC team Manager. “He has been a big part of our team and we wanted to thank him for his service.” Jay along with four other honorees received a plaque, team puck, and a jersey to thank them for their service.
Before the game military branch flags were skated out from the UNC figure skating team followed by the presentation of the colors from the UNC ROTC Color Guard. Following the flags the team honored five UNC students who are past and present military members. During the game the team had a silent auction, bake sale, and t-shirt and jersey sale to raise money for the UNC Veterans Services. Each year the Veterans Services Office has been a huge support in planning out the event. “Working with the Veterans Services Office has always been a great experience. The office is full of some really great people and we enjoy getting to plan this event with them.” Prueter says.
The Bears beat the Air Force Academy Falcons with a final score of 6-4. To view more photos from the event visit UNC’s Facebook page by clicking here
Photo taken by Maddie Robbins