Soldier Versus Sailor Skirmish: A Rivalry On Ice
On a mild November night, the Iceland Family Skating Center hosted a remarkable game of tradition and camaraderie: the 3rd Annual Soldier Versus Sailor Skirmish. This hockey game between the Army and Navy wasn’t just about competition—it was a tribute to the unbreakable bonds of those who serve in our nation’s elite Special Operations.
On one side of the rink, the Warrior for Life Fund (WFLF) a team of Naval Special Warfare members. The other is Glaciem Miles, a team of Army Special Operators from the Washington, D.C., area. From the puck drop to a last-second winning goal, this active-duty and veteran player showdown became the latest chapter in the storied Army-Navy rivalry, a game proving that even on the ice, the spirit of service unites these warriors.
A Stage for Community and Connection
“This game is more than just hockey—it’s about coming together as a family to honor the sacrifices of our service members,” said Ryan Croley, President of the Warrior for Life Fund. “Through events like this, we celebrate resilience, camaraderie, and the importance of supporting one another, showing that no one is ever alone in this journey.”
WFLF, a cornerstone of veteran support in the Virginia Beach community, has built its mission around providing service members and their families with the tools to enhance physical and mental health. Its community programs range from hockey to fitness and cognitive health initiatives as well as creating spaces for fellowship and recovery.
“Coaching the WFLF team is a tremendous honor,” said Frank Simonetti, WFLF Board Member and President of the Boston Bruins Alumni. “My time with Navy Special Operators has shown me their incredible dedication and resilience and the deep bonds of family and support that drive their success, both on and off the ice.”
Glaciem Miles: A Shared Vision for Healing
Glaciem Miles, founded in 2023, emerged from a shared vision of using hockey to support veterans and active duty service members. The team, supported by Vigilant Torch—a veteran-led organization providing mental health resources and financial assistance to Special Operations veterans—aims to bring together service members through sport, fostering connection and renewal.
“Working and playing alongside others with the same mission makes the game even more rewarding,” said Glaciem Miles team captain Mark B.
For Mark, the game was an opportunity to strengthen bonds that have long-defined military service. “The camaraderie we shared on the ice was impactful,” he said. “Learning the ins and outs of hockey wasn’t just about picking up a new skill—it was about renewing the bonds that make our community strong.”
More Than a Game
The post-game atmosphere was equally powerful. At the Warrior for Life Fund’s Human Performance Center, players and their families came together to celebrate as one. With every new connection came a stronger bond to the game and each other.
The Soldier Versus Sailor Skirmish was not just a battle on the scoreboard (2-3, WFLF won). It was a celebration of connection and community. One of the most touching moments came after the final whistle when a player shared how his son proudly told his classmates the week before, “My dad is a professional hockey player!”
“This rivalry may have been born on the football field, but here on the ice, it takes on new life,” said Croley. “It’s about building a legacy of support—one game at a time.”
With each passing year, the Soldier Versus Sailor Skirmish cements itself as more than an Army-Navy competition. It is a symbol of the enduring spirit of service, ensuring the bonds forged in sacrifice remain strong long after the final whistle.