In honor of Veterans Day, the University of Pittsburgh Men’s Ice Hockey Program recognized veterans in attendance during the second intermission of their 12-2 win over New York University on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
New USA themed jerseys made their debut at the Alpha Ice Complex for Veterans Day weekend. Following the second period, members of the team had the opportunity to recognize veterans who hold a special place in their hearts and presented them with a game-worn USA themed Pitt Hockey jersey.
Forward, Luke Beatty was joined on the ice by his grandfather, Daryl Kelvington. A former Pitt Panther himself, Kelvington served in the army in Germany. He loves golfing, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Forward, Nate McNamara was joined by his grandfather Bill Schillig, who served as a pilot in the Air Force during Vietnam. Between active duty and reserves, Schillig had a combined 31 years of service before retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He never missed one of Nate’s games growing up and came to support Nate often in Raleigh and Virginia Beach throughout his time playing juniors.
Defenseman, Nick Bandi was joined by his girlfriend’s grandfather, Private First Class Albert Goldstrohm. During the fall following his graduation from Juniata College in 1964, Goldstrohm was sent to boot camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky where the USATC awarded him recognition for the highest ever end of cycle proficiency test recorded from 1959-1964. Goldstrohm joined the 82nd Airborne in the Dominican Republic before being sent to Vietnam to support the 1st Air Calvary. He was awarded a Purple Heart for being injured in combat and served out his full two year commitment before returning home in 1966.
Forward, Ian Keller presented a jersey to his grandfather James Gloeckner. After attending the University of Pittsburgh and studying chemistry for two and a half years, Gloeckner entered the Marine Corps on February 26, 1958. He was sent to boot camp at Camp LeJeune for six months of active duty where he became a sharpshooter with the 12th Infantry Division. He spent the next five and half years in the reserves until being honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal on July 15, 1962.
“It felt awesome to honor my grandpa with the jersey,” said goalie Joe Ambroffi who honored his grandfather, Robert Ambroffi, Sr. “He gave and continues to give so much that it felt great to see his face light up when he got the jersey. That alone made the day awesome!”
From jersey sales throughout the game and fan participation in chuck-a-puck during the first intermission, the Panthers raised over $1,500 for Operation Homefront, whose mission is to ensure military families have access to the support and resources they need to stay strong, stable, and secure in the face of adversity.
The University of Pittsburgh Men’s Ice Hockey Program thanks you for your service.
