When the Flyers have a chance to give back to our nation’s service men and women, they come skating faster than a last-minute breakaway.
That was the case once again on Monday as Wayne Simmonds and Brian Elliott hosted 12 members of the U.S. Air Force for a special on-ice clinic at the Skate Zone.
The clinch was held in advance of the Flyers’ Military Appreciation Night on Saturday.
Based out of joint base McGuire/Ft. Dix in Lakehurst, N.J., these servicemen and women will also be attending the Flyers game on Saturday evening as special guests of Simmonds, who regularly hosts military members in his personal suite as a part of his “Wayne’s Warriors” initiative.
Rookie Taylor Leier said he was pleased to contribute to the effort on Monday.
“There were smiles on their faces and they definitely brightened up our day,’’ Leier said after the session. “It was cool for both of us. A few of us were lucky enough to stick around after practice and play a little shinny.’’
Leier said he appreciates what the military personnel provides for the nation.
“They’re the heroes of this country,’’ Leier said. “The respect that they have is phenomenal. They deserve all they get. It’s cool on days like today – we get to share experiences with them. They get to see how we live our lives day to day.’’
Simmonds also understands what it means to give something back to the community, which includes the armed forces.
“Obviously it’s an honor,’’ Simmonds said. “I was talking to some of the guys. They were going off to North Carolina to train and then up to Penn State.
“It’s a nice break for them. They get to take their mind off what they’re doing. Come out and enjoy a little bit of hockey.’’
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