Canadian Troops Honoured At Air Canada Centre
Posted January 13, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
An arena of full of cheers was the thanks given to Canadian soldiers that have served in Afghanistan Saturday night.
“We were on patrol in a village in Kandahar and a suicide bomber came up on a bicycle and detonated himself,” recalled one such soldier, Mike McTeague.
That was last September while McTeague was serving in Afghanistan. The 20-year-old is confined to a wheelchair because of the attack.
But the roar of a record crowd at the Air Canada Centre during Saturday night’s NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks provided a brief escape from memories of a mission that’s claimed the lives of 41 Canadians.
It’s been a difficult test for the Canadian military to say the least, and for that reason several of those that served were special guests at the pre-game ceremony.
As part of the event soldiers dropped the ceremonial puck, a particular thrill for one troop.
“It’s really neat to be here … out of the hospital,” said McTeague.
As an additional sign of support, the Maple Leafs are also encouraging fans to sign a huge banner that will be sent to the troops in Afghanistan. In fact, it’s now two huge banners, since the first filled up so quickly a second’s already been started.
Al Frasier’s signature is just one of thousands, and his sentiments are probably shared by many.
“I may not support the conflict itself but I certainly support our troops that are there,” he said.
And the night was extra special for 500 lucky fans, which got a special Canadian Forces puck.
The Toronto Raptors are planning a similar appreciation night for Canadian Soldiers sometime before the season is over in April.
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