The military appreciation game night hosted by the Jacksonville Icemen has completely sold out Saturday, according to a release by the sports team.
According to the Icemen's President, Bob Ohrablo, 6,000 to 7,000 veterans and current members of the military watched the game against the Orlando Solar Bears free of charge.
"We honor the military at every home game, but this is a way for them to come not spend any money and be able to get in and see the Icemen experience, and have our regular fans salute them," Ohrablo said, "and, again, for us there is nothing better than saluting our real heroes."
The game was hosted at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.
The players wore military-inspired jerseys as part of the night. Those jerseys, according to Ohrablo, were auctioned off after the 3-1 win against Orlando. Some of the money will be donated to groups in the area that support the military.
"Honestly, it makes us feel really good," Chief Petty Officer Ryan Parrish said.
"It makes us feel like what we're doing is the right thing," Parrish said. "Not everybody agrees with what we do, but they agree with us, that they need us, and that they support us, and that means a lot."
This game marks the third game of the season which has been completely sold out for the Icemen. Military families also got the chance to go down on the ice after the game and shoot one goal.
“I want to thank the greatest fans in hockey for their continued support of Jacksonville's hockey team,” Ohrablo said. “I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support by our presenting partners for our Military Appreciation game, Nimnicht and CSX.”
The next opportunity for fans to catch the Icemen at home will be Jan. 30 and 31 against the Fort Wayne Komets.