Army West Point Athletics
Panthers Wrap Up Preseason at West Point
October 07, 2014 | Hockey
Oct. 7, 2014
WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League spent two days on the ice at Tate Rink, but did more than just skate. They went through training at Camp Buckner and visited with the men's hockey team on Monday night. The visit started on Sunday afternoon at Camp Buckner with a host of training and team-bonding exercises.
The Panthers worked on pilot rescue, minefield escapes and movement under fire with paintballs. The minefield escape was to work on critical thinking and leadership reaction.
"We didn't know what to expect going into it," forward Nick Bjustad said. "It was a great challenge for us. We had an idea on what we had to do, but didn't execute it well, but that is part of learning how to be a team. That stuff got us thinking a lot more and to think outside the box. It opened up our eyes to what these guys go through in the field."
On Monday, they woke up and had a practice session at 8:30 a.m. and also had a visit from Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen. The team was very impressed and honored to hear from Caslen and listen to his stories.
"It is an honor to be here," forward Shawn Thornton said. "What the military does for us on a daily basis is above and beyond and the guys are getting an appreciation for it. It was very inspirational to hear the things that he has done and seen. We are lucky that we won't have to witness it because he has does those things for us."
Following practice, the Panthers took a bus to Torne Mountain for a team hike and then returned for a tour of West Point. The Panthers were also in attendance for the Thayer Awards Parade in the late afternoon. The team was able to take pictures with cadets prior to the parade as well. The Army hockey team got their chance to meet the Panthers following the parade as both squads returned to Kimsey for dinner and a social meet-and-greet.
"I thought we took a lot away from this trip," head coach Gerard Gallant said. "I think all of the experiences were very good. The one that knocked me out was climbing the mountains. That was really tough, but I think the guys enjoyed every minute of the experience. It was tough work but, like I said, it brings the team together."
The second day of practice was much like the first with drills on ice. The coaching staff, many of whom were donning cameo Army hats, led the team in a group of drills, focusing on bringing the puck into the zone and dumping and chasing. The session ended with groups of two playing the puck off of the back boards and attempting to sneak it past goalies Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya.
"We think this experience is going to impact our team," Gallant said. "We think it's going to bring our team together and we're hoping to have a great start from this. We did it late in training camp, and we're playing in our first regular season game, so we're hoping it's a good jumpstart for our club."
The Panthers open the season on Thursday night at Tampa Bay.
Army hockey opens its season on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. against Sacred Heart and is also hosting the Pioneers on Oct. 13 for a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee at Tate Rink. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.goARMYsports.com/tickets, over the phone at 1-877-TIX-ARMY or in-person at the Army Ticket Office located at Gate 3 of Michie Stadium.