Knowing Your Neighbor: Duluth Warriors Hockey

DULUTH, Minn. — In the ‘State of Hockey’, there are few better sounds than those of a game on the rink, and for this team of disabled military veterans, the game means more to them than what they produce on the ice.

“The team is great, being around the guys and being there, going out, playing hockey, being there for each other when needed,” said, Chris Simonson, Duluth Warriors Alternate Captain.

The Duluth Warriors are a hockey team consisting of disabled military veterans of various ages and branches.

The warriors are a part of the larger Minnesota Warriors program. An organization dedicated to assisting veterans back into civilian life.

The combination physical activity and a structured team setting, has a major impact on the veteran’s well-being.

“It’s relaxing you now, if you’re having a bad day or whatever, you just go out there and you get to just be around these bunch of goofballs,” said Simonson.

“Turn on the battle face, get to put the war-face on, it’s time to battle once we hit the ice,” said Chad Daniels, Duluth Warriors Goaltender.

Many of the skaters for Duluth grew up on the ice, such as goaltender Chad Daniels.

Daniels was a tank commander in the service, and now he also plays a big role for his fellow teammates, as his job is to stop the puck.

“The guy who was my gunner in the tank when I was a tank commander, he was a captain down here in Duluth, he was like hey, we’re starting a team on the iron range, you should come back and play, I kind of laughed at him. Now here I am a year and a half later loving it again,” said Daniels.

It can be hard to readjust to live after serving, and having a team around to support you is a strong therapeutic tool.

The demands of hockey allow for teams to become very close, mimicking the relationships veterans form with their fellow service members.

“That’s probably the best part is having guys to talk to honestly,” said Daniels.

While the Warriors goal is to take home a win, they also know how to fun.

“I mean, locker room’s just as fun as the ice can be. So, the game sometimes gets serious, sometimes don’t, as you can see these guys are back here squirting us with water,” said Simonson.

The warriors compete in scrimmages and tournaments and recently took home the championship win in the Adult Hockey Association Duluth Classic.