Acadiana Veterans Hockey

What a great team practice tonight! Our veterans continue to put in the work, build chemistry, and support one another both on and off the ice.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our donors and sponsors. Even the smallest donations make the biggest impact. Thank you for believing in Acadiana Veterans Hockey and helping us continue our mission to help veterans heal through the sport of ice hockey.

We are truly grateful for everyone who continues to stand behind our team. Your support makes a difference! 🏒🇺🇸⚜️

If you would like to know how you can make a difference and support veterans hockey, please visit our website or email us directly!🫶

www.acadianaveteranshockey.com

[email protected]

This Saturday, September 12th, Acadiana Veterans Hockey is bringing the community together for an AVH Blue vs. AVH White matchup!

📅 Saturday, September 12th
⏰ Puck Drop: 9:15 AM
📍 Planet Ice Arena
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a fellow veteran, a hockey fan, or just looking for a fun morning with the family, we’d love to have you there!

Games like this are about more than hockey, they’re about camaraderie, community, and bringing people together. Come cheer on the players, meet some of our AVH family, and enjoy a morning at the rink with us!

⚜️Fresh Face Tuesday⚜️

Another great turnout tonight! It was awesome to see a few new faces hit the ice and experience what our organization is all about. We’re always excited to welcome new members into our hockey family and share the camaraderie, support, and love for the game that brings us all together. 🇺🇸⚜️💪🏒

⚜️Meet the Team⚜️

Determination is a key factor in all of our daily lives. This next veteran exemplifies that hard work and dedication to something you love will always pay off in the long run. We are very pleased for you to meet, Corey Buras(forward)7️⃣2️⃣…

“I grew up and went to school in Kaplan, LA. After graduation, I bounced around a bit without much direction until late in 1991 where I found myself sitting in the Air Force recruiter’s office here in Lafayette. I signed up as a 2A7X3, Aircraft Structural Maintenance Specialist and left for basic training in April 1992. After basic and two tech schools, I received orders for my permanent duty at Holloman Air Force Base, NM. My first few years were spent with the 49th Maintenance Squadron where I did sheet metal and composite work on F-117’s. In mid-1995, I transferred to the 7th Fighter Squadron where I worked the remainder of my time doing radar coating maintenance on the aircraft. I enjoyed my military time, and I was proud to serve. I got to work on some cool jets. And, I even got to ride in one. (You can’t see it in the picture, but my sick sack is in my lap if anyone was curious how that went).

After leaving the Air Force in 1996, I went to work for the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Maurice Police department. While working in law enforcement, I enrolled in school to get my Airframe and Powerplant license. I earned my A&P in 2003 and got hired on at PHI where I was assigned to the field base in Houma, LA, working on S-92’s for the better part of 10 years. In 2013, I traded my wrenches for a computer and began working in flight data and aircraft health monitoring until I left PHI after 18 years. I continued my career with a new company, where I am still providing flight data monitoring services to some of the largest EMS aircraft operators in the U.S.

My first exposure to hockey was in the late 90’s with the Louisiana Ice Gators. One game is all it took for me to get hooked, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Sometime in February of this year, my wife and I were talking about a possible road trip to Dallas to catch a Stars game. She did some digging on Facebook and was surprised to see that there was a veterans hockey team here in Lafayette and suggested we try and catch a game. I remember looking at her and saying, “Watch? I want to play!” So, at 53 years old, I laced up a pair of skates and hit the ice for the first time. It’s been a whirlwind journey since, and I wouldn’t change a minute of it.

To say I’m proud of being a part of this organization is an understatement. We’re not only a team, but a family. My teammates are always there with an encouraging word, lending hands, and a whole lot of laughs. I’m excited to watch hockey grow in Louisiana and proud of the impact the team has in the Lafayette area.”

Q&A

1. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? - Neil Peart, the late drummer for Rush.
2. Favorite movie? -Star Wars a New Hope
3. If you weren’t playing hockey what else would you be doing? -Tinkering with something around the house no doubt.
4. Favorite place you’ve ever visited? -The area around Gatlinburg, the smoky mountains are incredible.
5. What is a fun fact most people don’t know about you? -I love music. My wife says I’m a walking jukebox. And I’ve been to hundreds of concerts.

Another great day on the ice as we faced off against BWHA Bayou Women’s Hockey Association! It’s always an honor to share the ice with such a great organization and be part of an amazing game.

A huge thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers who continue to show up and help make these events possible. We truly couldn’t do this without you! Your support means the world to us and to our organization.

Let’s give it up to our players of the game. Taking home “Smooth Operator” is Richard Heth for an amazing offensive game with his first ever hat-trick! The D-man helmet goes to Kaleb Giles for his constant hustle and never quite attitude on defense. ⚜️💪🏒

Very grateful to be a part of community service projects such as these. There are so many great non-profits in the Acadiana area, so being able to help The Confidence Campaign of Acadiana was a no brainer. Thank you all for your amazing work and we are proud to stand next to you!⚜️💪🫶

AVH vs. BWHA — Let’s drop the puck!

Be sure to come out and support as we take on the Bayou Women’s Hockey Association this Saturday, August 29th at 09:30! 🏒🔥

Come out and support both teams as we battle it out on the ice while continuing to build the hockey community right here in Acadiana.

📅 Saturday, August 29th
⏰ Puck Drop: 09:30

Bring your friends, bring the family, and come cheer us on! Let’s pack the rink and make it a great morning of hockey! 🇺🇸🏒

What a hard fought battle against the Chennault Aces! We’re proud to come away with the win, but even more grateful for the competition and camaraderie on the ice.

A huge THANK YOU to the Aces for making the long drive down to play us. We truly appreciate you making the trip and sharing the ice with us!

We also want to thank everyone who came out to support the team, cheer us on, and be part of another great game. And, of course, a special shoutout to our amazing volunteers who work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you!

Let’s give it up for our MVP’s of the game. Defensive hard hat goes to Joe Klapatch for his constant hustle breaking up plays in our zone. Smooth Operator goes to Kyle Martin for his play making, along with getting himself a hat trick. All of our veterans played a great game and we can’t wait to get back out on the ice soon!! 🇺🇸🏒⚜️

Today we’re proud to recognize two of our newest official members, Kaleb Giles and Matthew “JoJo” Allen, as they received their game sweaters!

Earning that sweater represents more than just getting a jersey, it represents the hard work, dedication, commitment, and teamwork they’ve shown to become part of the AVH family.

We’re excited to officially welcome both of you into the organization and look forward to seeing you on the ice! 💪🏒🇺🇸 ⚜️

Congratulations, gentlemen! You earned it!