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USAFA hockey tangles with Fighting Sioux

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jessica Tait
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  United States Air Force Academy graduate and current 319th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Tim Bush found himself in an interesting situation when University of North Dakota men's hockey team hosted Air Force in the first round of the 15th annual Icebreaker Classic at Ralph Engelstad Arena on Oct. 7.

It is almost expected for Grand Forks' wing commanders to be decked out in UND's green and black on game day. But Colonel Bush stayed true to his alma mater by proudly wearing his Air Force Academy jacket from his days as a cadet.

"I'm wearing a Sioux pin so there is a bit of divided allegiance," joked Colonel Bush. "I live in Grand Forks and I support the Fighting Sioux, but tonight I'm rooting for the Air Force Academy."

The community ties between Grand Forks Air Force Base and the university extend further when hockey season starts, and the matches provide a popular form of entertainment for the military members.

"To have our Air Force Falcons matching wits, matching talents and matching sticks on the ice with the Fighting Sioux is an honor for our Air Force," praised the colonel.

A hard-fought game saw North Dakota come out on top 4-3, but even with the loss the Air Force team gained another fan in the end.

John Marshall, community leader, long-time base supporter and Sioux fan to the core, flipped the script this night as he was invited to enter the Falcon's locker room wearing a Fighting Sioux jersey.

The team honored Mr. Marshall and replaced his Sioux gear with an embroidered #1 Falcon jersey with his last name across the back to recognize all the hard work and support he has provided to the United States Air Force. The visit provided Mr. Marshall the opportunity to address the team.

"It isn't the jersey you are wearing or the jersey I'm wearing, but it is what you people will be doing for our country," Mr. Marshall said. "We all fall under the same American flag and I'm honored to be standing with the future leaders of this country."

It was a night to remember, and for some - a night to reflect.

"I fell in love with hockey but I was born south of the Mason-Dixon Line and it just didn't work out for me," said Colonel Bush. "If I could do it all over again, I would be playing hockey for the Air Force Academy!"